Due to the significant Italian migration to Argentina in the early 20th century, there is a long history of Argentine-Italians returning to their ancestral homeland to play club football, while a select few have chosen to represent the Azzurri in international competitions. And if the comments from his agent, Martin Guastadisgno, are any indication, Roma’s young Argentine star Matías Soulé could be the next Oriundo to trade the sky blue and white stripes of the Argentina kit for the royal blue of Italy.
Soulé has represented Argentina at the U16, U20, and U23 levels. However, despite his success in Italy with Frosinone and Roma, Soulé has yet to debut with Argentina at the senior level, meaning he remains eligible to play for another national team. Even after a blazing hot start to the current campaign for the Giallorossi, Soulé did not receive a call-up from Lionel Scaloni during this international window.
That has prompted Guastadisegno to speak up on his client’s behalf.
“He’s working hard for a national team call-up — he’s the only one among Argentina’s young talents who still hasn’t had a single minute on the pitch. He’s becoming a leader in a major club like Roma and truly deserves a chance. Of course, Argentina has plenty of players in his position, but with the consistency he’s showing, Matías has earned that call-up. His dream is to play in a World Cup. He’s Italo-Argentine, and who knows what could happen if things don’t open up with the Albiceleste? Everything’s on the table right now — legally, he could also be eligible for an Italy call-up.”
Only time will tell if Guastadisegno’s posturing, combined with Soulé‘s strong play, will be enough to persuade Scaloni to call up the Roma player ahead of the 2026 World Cup. If not, Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso’s ears are sure to perk up at the news. Italy has a big need for attacking talent, and Soulé would likely receive serious consideration for an immediate role with the Azzurri if he commits his ancestral homeland.
A Brief History of Argentines for the Azzurri
According to various sources, as many as 25 Argentine players have represented Italy, the most recent being current Azzurri striker Mateo Retegui. Many more have been considered but have never become key members of the team, such as Cristian Ledesma, Franco Vasquez, and Gabriel Paletta, over the past decade or so. Others, like former Roma striker Pablo Osvaldo, have held minor roles in the squad. And, of course, others like Mauro Camoranesi have been essential players in Italy’s greatest successes, including their most recent triumph at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Interestingly, the six players mentioned earlier are the only Argentinians to have declared for the Azzurri in the modern era. Most of the 25 chose to represent Italy when their families still had strong ties to Italy. Camoranesi’s call-up marked the first for an Argentine-born player since Humberto Maschio in 1962. Camoranesi is also the most capped player for Italy with 55 appearances.
Could Soulé follow in his footsteps?
