Casadei ‘can’t wait’ for senior Italy debut

Cesare Casadei 'can't wait' for his first experience with the senior Italy squad and explains why he chose Torino after Chelsea and those loan spells. 'I needed to get more regular playing time.'

The midfielder came up through the Inter youth academy, but was sold to Chelsea for just under €15m plus bonuses in 2022.

There were loan spells with Reading and Leicester City before the transfer to Torino on deadline day in February for €13m plus add-ons.

"It has been a wonderful month and a half, so I am trying to enjoy this moment as much as possible," said Casadei in a press conference.

"I am working to settle in well and do what Toro need to win as many games as we can."

He started this evening's 1-0 victory over Empoli and now has one goal and one assist in six Serie A appearances.

On top of the improved form for the Granata, Casadei has also earned his first senior Italy call-up for the Nations League quarter-finals against Germany.

"I am happy, it is something to be proud of and it's very exciting. I can't wait to have this experience."

His move to Italy had been in doubt, especially when there was a transfer market tug of war between Torino and Europa League contenders Lazio, so what prompted his final decision?

"The club showed more conviction in warning me, they had faith in me from the first minute and I knew that after the last few years, I needed to get more regular playing time," replied Casadei.

"I felt that Torino was the best place for me to play and show what I can do. I am trying to repay them for their trust and give my all for this jersey."

Italy squad:

Goalkeepers: Donnarumma (PSG), Meret (Napoli), Vicario (Tottenham).

Defenders: Bastoni (Inter) Buongiorno (Napoli), Calafiori (Arsenal), Cambiaso (Juventus), Comuzzo (Fiorentina), Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Gatti (Juventus), Ruggeri (Atalanta), Udogie (Tottenham).

Midfielders: Barella (Inter), Casadei (Torino), Frattesi (Inter), Ricci (Torino), Rovella (Lazio), Tonali (Newcastle).

Forwards: Kean (Fiorentina), Lucca (Udinese), Maldini (Atalanta), Politano (Napoli), Raspadori (Napoli), Retegui (Atalanta), Zaccagni (Lazio).