Nicolo Tresoldi's International Future: Germany or Italy?

Nicolo Tresoldi is already a regular for Germany’s U21s, but his international future is still wide open.

The Club Brugge forward has 24 caps at that level, yet he has not committed to Germany for the senior stage, leaving the door ajar for Italy. At 22, with two major nations circling, he is in the middle of a decision that could shape the rest of his career.

Coach's Comments

Germany U21 coach Antonio Di Salvo laid out the situation plainly in comments reported by Kicker. “This is not a question that needs to be asked of me, but I have spoken to him and he said that he still can't make a decision,” Di Salvo said.

For now, though, Tresoldi has chosen continuity. He will keep pulling on the Germany U21 shirt.

“And that is a great sign for us,” Di Salvo added, relieved to have his centre-forward on board for a little longer.

Wider Reality

The debate around Tresoldi taps into a wider reality in modern football, and Di Salvo did not shy away from it.

“I think the world has changed. 20 or 30 years ago, players didn't have to make these decisions at all. But the world has become more global, and many players have the opportunity to play for a second or even a third country. If they need time, you have to give them that time,” he said.

Tresoldi's Background

Tresoldi’s story underlines that point. Born in Cagliari, he is the son of an Italian father and an Argentine mother of Italian descent. Football and identity were never going to be simple for him.

He left Italy at 13, moving with his family to Germany, where he joined Hannover 96 and came through their system. He later obtained German citizenship, climbed into the youth national teams and is now a key figure for Di Salvo’s U21 side.

Germany or Italy. The country where he grew up, or the one where he was born. For the moment, Tresoldi is still thinking. The decision, when it finally comes, will echo far beyond the U21 stage.