The young Juventus full-back, has recently hit the headlines not only for his performances on the pitch, but also for an unprecedented situation: his simultaneous call-up by two national teams for the same international window. This event has raised discussions about FIFA rules regarding dual citizenship and the eligibility of footballers to represent a country.
His Profile
Originally from Gressan, a small town in the Aosta Valley, Savona began his football career at Aygreville, a local amateur team. At the age of 8, he joined the Juventus youth sector, where he continued his football education. After a loan spell at SPAL, he returned to Juventus, signing his first professional contract in December 2021. His debut for the first team came on 19 August 2024 in a 3–0 win over Empoli, and a week later he scored his first Serie A goal against Verona.
The Double Call-Up
In November 2024, Savona was called up to the senior Italian national team for the first time by coach Luciano Spalletti, ahead of the UEFA Nations League matches against Belgium and France. However, at the same time, another national team also showed interest in calling up the young full-back, creating a situation of potential conflict.
FIFA National Team Eligibility Rules
FIFA has established specific rules regarding the eligibility of players to represent a national team. Under the current rules, a player can switch federations and represent a second national team if he or she meets certain conditions:
• Must not have played more than three matches for the first national team, including friendlies.
• Must not have played in final tournament matches such as World Cups or continental competitions with the first national team.
• Must not be over 21 years of age at the time of his or her last match for the first national team.
• At least three years must have passed since his or her last match for the first national team.
These changes, introduced in 2020, aim to provide greater flexibility for players with dual citizenship, allowing them to represent a nation with which they have significant ties, even if they have previously played for another national team.
Implications of the Savona Situation
Savona’s dual call-up has raised questions about the application of FIFA rules and the handling of situations where a player is eligible to represent more than one nation. It is essential that the associations involved work closely together and respect the deadlines and procedures set by FIFA to avoid conflicts and ensure that players’ rights are protected.
Conclusion
The case of Nicolò Savona highlights the complexity of national eligibility rules in modern football, especially in a global context where dual citizenship is increasingly common. It is essential that national associations and FIFA work together to ensure that the rules are applied fairly and transparently, protecting both the interests of players and the integrity of international competitions.