When Lionel Sebastián Scaloni, head coach of the Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (AFA), stepped up to the podium in Fort Lauderdale on October 14, 2025, he made it crystal clear that the young Roma forward would stay Albiceleste‑bound. "I don’t think it’s possible," he said, dismissing the swirl of rumors that Matías Ezequiel Soule might switch his international allegiance to Italy.

Background: A Dual‑Nationality Dilemma

The controversy erupted on October 7, when Martin Guastadisegno, a sports agent with Guastadisegno Sports Management, suggested that Soule – born March 15, 2004, in Olavarría, Buenos Aires Province – could entertain a call‑up from the Italy national football team if Argentina kept overlooking him.

Soule, who joined AS Roma in July 2024 for a €15 million fee, is eligible for Italy through his great‑grandfather Giuseppe Soule, who emigrated from Naples in 1910. The agent argued the player’s “ambition to play in a World Cup” could be satisfied by an Azzurri invitation. Fans and pundits immediately started debating the player’s future, especially as he had turned down Italy U‑21 call‑ups in March 2024.

Scaloni’s Press Conference: No Room for Doubt

At the team hotel located at 2200 SE Mizner Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale (Fort Lauderdale), Scaloni faced a room full of journalists and the ever‑watchful eyes of the football world. He reiterated that Soule “has been on our radar for quite a while” and that “we see him with a future in the national team.” The comments were later echoed in a tweet by Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano, who quoted the coach word‑for‑word at 10:30 AM UTC.

“Matías Soule is on our radar like many other young players. He’s one we’ve been tracking,” Scaloni said, before adding that the Argentine side would not “risk” losing a talent of his caliber.

Player Profile: From River Plate to Serie A

Before his move to Europe, Soule dazzled for Club Atlético River Plate, making his senior debut at 17. In the 2024‑2025 Serie A campaign he logged 28 appearances and netted seven goals – a respectable return for a 21‑year‑old adjusting to Italian football. His blend of technical skill, low centre of gravity, and an eye for goal has drawn comparisons to fellow Argentine winger Ángel Di María.

His agent’s claim that a switch to Italy could boost his World Cup odds now faces the reality of a coach who has already mapped a path for him within the Albiceleste setup. The AFA’s scouting department reportedly began monitoring Soule during River Plate’s run in the Copa Libertadores back in 2023.

Reactions from Italy, Agents, and Media

Italian Football Federation (FIGC) officials have remained tight‑lipped, but a source close to the federation hinted that “Italy will continue to keep an eye on Soule, but we respect Argentina’s decision.” Guastadisegno, meanwhile, posted a follow‑up on social media, emphasizing that the player’s ambition remains unchanged and that “if a senior call‑up doesn’t come soon, the door stays open.”

Across Twitter, fans of both nations split their loyalties. Some Argentine supporters cheered Scaloni’s firmness, recalling how Paulo Dybala chose Argentina over Italy in 2015. Italian fans, however, expressed disappointment, noting that Soule’s inclusion could add a dynamic edge to Italy’s attacking options for the upcoming Euro 2028 qualifiers.

Implications for Argentina’s 2026 World Cup Plan

The timing of the statement is crucial. Argentina has already secured a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is using the October 14 friendly against Puerto Rico at Chase Stadium as a tactical rehearsal. Scaloni’s message signals a broader strategy: integrating fresh talent like Soule alongside veterans such as Lionel Andrés Messi and Enzo Fernández (who is sidelined with a grade‑1 knee ligament injury).

With CONMEBOL friendlies against Mexico (Nov 15, Estadio Azteca) and the United States (Nov 19, NRG Stadium) on the horizon, it appears likely that AFA will hand Soule his first senior cap in the coming weeks. A debut would lock his FIFA eligibility permanently to Argentina, ending any speculation about a future Italy switch.

What’s Next: Upcoming Fixtures and Possible Call‑Ups

• Oct 14 – Argentina vs. Puerto Rico (Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale)
• Nov 15 – Argentina vs. Mexico (Estadio Azteca, Mexico City)
• Nov 19 – Argentina vs. United States (NRG Stadium, Houston)

If Soule appears in the Mexico or USA matches, it would be a clear statement of intent from Scaloni and the AFA. Conversely, if he remains on the bench, speculation may flare up again, but for now the Argentine camp seems committed to keeping the talent home.

Historical Context: Dual‑Nationality Players in South American Football

Argentina’s approach to dual‑nationality athletes has a long pedigree. In the early 2000s, the federation successfully retained players like Ángel Di María, who had Italian citizenship, by offering early senior caps. More recently, Paulo Dybala’s decision in 2015 to reject an Italy overture set a precedent that the AFA still holds dear. Soule’s case follows this tradition, highlighting how national teams jostle for emerging stars in an increasingly globalized sport.