Cagliari midfielder Alessandro Romano has opted for Italian citizenship and could go on to represent Italy at international level.
The senior Switzerland side had also been pursuing Romano, but he chose Italy despite efforts by Switzerland manager Murat Yakin to persuade him otherwise. A personal visit from Yakin to Sardinia did not change the player’s decision.
Switzerland therefore lose one of the most promising players of his generation, while Italy gain a young midfielder already accustomed to the pace of Italian football and showing considerable promise at the start of the season.
Romano’s decision opens a new chapter after several years representing Switzerland at youth and under-21 level. His next objective is to establish himself in the Italy squad.