A gem in the market, a talent who – after Joshua Zirkzee’s departure to Manchester United – has taken on the responsibility of Bologna’s attack and consistently outperformed Dallinga, becoming a key player for Vincenzo Italiano’s team. Santiago Castro is poised to be a major figure in the upcoming transfer window after an excellent season in Emilia-Romagna.
But even before the summer transfer window, there’s news that could delight Italian fans and has caught the attention of national team coach Luciano Spalletti: the 20-year-old, born in 2004, recently obtained an Italian passport.
Spalletti’s Interest – It might mean everything, or nothing, it’s true, but it’s undeniable that the national coach has targeted the Argentinian as a potential option for the national team’s attack in the future, as reported by TycSports. Spalletti appreciates Castro’s versatility both inside and outside the box, his striker’s instinct in the final third, and his quality in passing and possession, which the Bologna forward has demonstrated. He is essentially a prototype of a striker who would perfectly fit Spalletti’s style of play, who is ready to snatch him from Argentina (Castro has not yet played for the senior national team), even though they have pre-selected him for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil. Scaloni’s choice is driven by the Argentinian’s great form and excellent season at Bologna.
Castro’s Desire – “My dream? I am aware that the level of the national team is very high, and I know I will have to work hard to deserve a call-up. But my dream is to wear the Argentina jersey.” This could be a problem for Spalletti’s desires. Castro’s will is to play for Argentina. However, as demonstrated by the case of Mateo Retegui – who was selected by Roberto Mancini, a decision that proved successful – nothing is impossible, and everything could change at any moment.
Regulations – Let’s focus on whether Italy can call up Castro to the national team. It should be remembered that a player can choose to switch national teams only if they already possess the passport of the nation they want to represent. Furthermore, at the time of their last official match with the previous national team, they must not be older than 21 for a maximum of three international matches, whether in official or non-official competitions. Additionally, at least three years must have passed since the player in question played their last international match. Currently, Castro has played for Argentina’s Under-16, Under-20, and Under-23 (Olympic) national teams, and his desire is to play for Argentina. Spalletti is trying, Scaloni is playing proactively and pre-selecting him.