Nicolò Fagioli

Written by Luca Bianchin for Gazzetta dello Sport:

One of the most unexpected selections in all the European Championship squads, Nicolo Fagioli has just returned from a seven-month ban for betting violations. “It is a technical decision,” Spalletti explained. “Nicolò has the quality, creativity and physique that you need in this competition. I think he deserves understanding. He couldn't resist temptation but he didn't bet on his team.” Fagioli has had other difficult moments in his life. In 2019 he was diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmia and had to stop playing football for a while. In April 2023 he cried on the bench after being substituted by Massimiliano Allegri for an error that led to a Sassuolo goal. Fagioli is a highly technical midfielder, a playmaker that has also been used further forward as a trequartista, slightly wider as a mezzala or as an out and out winger. A Juventus fan since childhood, he described his first game in white and black as “the best day of my life”.