Insigne on Italy retirement: Too soon to say goodbye

Lorenzo Insigne of SSC Napoli warm up prior to the Serie A match between Torino FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on May 7, 2022 in Turin, Italy.



Italy winger Lorenzo Insigne has told coach Roberto Mancini he will remain available for the national side while playing at Toronto FC.

The former Napoli captain has left the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium and will begin a new adventure in Major League Soccer.

Speaking ahead of the Finalissima against Argentina, Roberto Mancini suggested the match represented the end of a cycle – with the suggestion it could be last appearance for several veterans.

But Insigne said he was not looking to leave the national side any time soon. He told a press conference: “I am not retiring from the national side. Even if I’m going to other side of the world, I have told Mancini I’m available.

“I’m very tied to this shirt.”

A match between Italy and Argentina evokes strong memories of Napoli legend Diego Maradona – and that name means more than to Insigne than most in the Azzurri squad.

He added: “I have him tattooed on my skin because I am a huge Napoli fan. I hope to win this trophy in a stadium where we made history.

“The match with Argentina will be important to start again and bring Italy back up.”

Insigne has 54 international caps going into the Finalissima and has scored 10 goals since making his senior debut in 2012. 

He was a key part of the successful Euro 2020 campaign, scoring against

Turkey in the group stage and Belgium in the quarter-finals. 

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