Alessandro Romano spent years representing Switzerland. Now, at 20, he is beginning to make his mark for Italy, the country he chose to represent at senior international level.
Born in Winterthur to a family with Italian roots, Romano developed at FC Winterthur before joining Roma’s academy in 2022. His rise through Italian football has taken him from the youth ranks in Rome to senior opportunities with Spezia and Cagliari, where regular Serie A football is becoming central to his development.
His international future, however, required a different kind of decision. After progressing through Switzerland’s youth national teams, Romano committed to Italy in September. The choice attracted attention on both sides of the border, but the midfielder was clear about his reasoning. Representing the Azzurri reflected his connection to his Italian heritage, rather than any desire to distance himself from Switzerland.
The transition has brought its own scrutiny. Romano faced criticism following his early appearances under Roberto Mancini, with questions about whether his rapid promotion had come too soon. Against Türkiye in Bologna, he offered a more convincing answer. Starting in midfield, he played the full 90 minutes and provided the assist for Francesco Pio Esposito’s goal in Italy’s 3–1 Nations League victory.
It was an important performance, but not a final verdict on his international future. Romano is still establishing himself at Cagliari, and the challenge of producing consistently at Serie A level remains. What has changed is the responsibility already being placed on him by an Italy side looking to develop its next generation.
For a player who spent much of his international development wearing Switzerland’s colours, the opportunity to build a future with the Azzurri is significant. Romano has made his choice. His performances will now determine how far it takes him.
