Wilfried Gnonto will be striving to get his hands on international silverware this month after being called up to represent Italy in the Nations League finals. The Leeds United forward has been included in Roberto Mancini’s 23-man squad for the tournament, which will be hosted by the Netherlands.
Gnonto’s call-up comes after a difficult couple of months at Elland Road as Leeds were unable to secure their place in the Premier League for another season. Despite establishing himself as one of the brightest young talents in the competition over the winter months, Gnonto struggled to secure a place in Leeds’ starting XI under both Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce as the end of the season neared.
As such, he found himself being unable to make the desired impact as Leeds slid towards the relegation zone. Nevertheless, Mancini has kept faith with the 19-year-old, who will be looking to add to the 10 caps he has already earned for the senior national side.
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Gnonto is eligible to represent Italy Under-21s at the UEFA European U21 Championships this summer, but Mancini has opted to keep the teenager with Italy’s first-team as they look to secure a second piece of silverware under his stewardship. Italy claimed the Euro 2020 crown a couple of years ago, of course, and they will have their eyes on winning the Nations League trophy for the first time.
The Azzurri have been drawn against Spain in the semi-finals of the competition, with the winner set to take on either hosts Netherlands or Croatia in the final at De Kuip in Rotterdam. There will be Leeds interest on both sides of Italy’s semi-final clash, with Rodrigo winning his place back in the Spain squad. That game will be played on June 15 in Enschede.
For Gnonto, though, the Nations League finals could be more than just an opportunity to win a trophy. The Italian might also be keen to put himself in the shop window by catching the eye in the tournament.
The Leeds man has already been strongly linked away from Elland Road this summer, with Arsenal, Manchester City and Juventus amongst those rumoured to be keeping tabs on him. With Leeds' search for a new head coach still ongoing, he also has an opportunity to impress whoever the new boss at Elland Road will be.
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