Bologna winger Nicolò Cambiaghi insists his first Italy call-up is a ‘starting point’ and reveals he looks up to Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Chiesa.Cambiaghi, 24, has earned his first Italy call...
Bologna winger Nicolò Cambiaghi insists his first Italy call-up is a ‘starting point’ and reveals he looks up to Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Chiesa.
Cambiaghi, 24, has earned his first Italy call-up after scoring one goal and providing two assists in six Serie A games with Bologna this season.
Cambiaghi’s Italy press conference
BOLOGNA, ITALY – OCTOBER 05: Nicolo Cambiaghi of Bologna FC 1909 celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Pisa SC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on October 05, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“To be here is a great source of pride; it’s a dream come true, but also a starting point because it’s the first call-up. I’ll try to enjoy it as much as I can,” Cambiaghi said at a press conference on Wednesday as quoted by TMW.
Cambiaghi suffered a knee injury at the very beginning of the 2024-25 season, but made his return in the second part of the last campaign.
“Last season was affected by an important injury, but I’ve returned well since February-March. I focused on the recovery, and I’ve felt the support of the team,” he said.
“Everything went well afterwards, there were no complications, and I returned well. I made the pre-season, I’ve got playing time, but I’d say that I felt in good shape also when I made my return last season.”
Bologna boss Vincenzo Italiano has played a key role in the development of Cambiaghi at the Dall’Ara.
“I owe a lot to the coach. He strongly wanted me, and he was patient to wait for me,” said the winger.
“I’ve managed to put into practice my abilities thanks to his nice and innovative ideas. The coach relies a lot on wingers.”
Cambiaghi looks up to Chiesa
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Federico Chiesa of Liverpool during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Southampton at Anfield on September 23, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Cambiaghi is taking inspiration from some of the best players in his position over the last few years, including Euro 2020 Italy winners Lorenzo Insigne and Chiesa.
“I always analyse those playing in my same position when I watch games. Surely Insigne and Chiesa are those I look up to the most,” he said.
“I really like them, but there are many others I study and take inspiration from.”
Italy coach Gattuso has named three other debutants for October games against Estonia and Israel, giving Hans Nicolussi Caviglia, who joined Cambiaghi for today’s press conferences, and Roberto Piccoli their first senior call-ups.
Category: General Sports
