Juric Blasts Italy’s Handling of Kouadio: ‘A Waste of Time’

FolioPitch.com – 09 October 2026 | Ivan Juric, the head coach of Monza, has launched a scathing critique of Italy manager Roberto Mancini’s decision to call up 20-year-old Eddy Kouadio to the senior national team, only to leave him sidelined for all four of Italy’s Nations League matches during the recent international break. Juric frustrated by Italy call-up for 20-year-old Kouadio A waste of time, the coach expressed his dismay in a pre-match press conference on Friday, stating that the young defender would have been better off remaining with his club to continue his development.

Kouadio, who has made just eight Serie A appearances in his career and had not even represented Italy at the U21 level, was a surprise inclusion in Mancini’s 34-man squad for the extended international window. Italy faced Belgium, Turkiye, France, and Turkiye again in the new Nations League campaign, but Kouadio was not included in the matchday squad for any of those fixtures. The decision has left Juric questioning the logic behind the call-up, especially given the player’s limited experience at the top level.

Juric frustrated by Italy call-up for 20-year-old Kouadio A waste of time, the Monza boss did not mince words when addressing the media. “For me, it was a waste of time,” Juric declared. “Ok, he got the call-up, he was there with them, but it’s two and a half weeks of work where we could have used him better. It was obviously a great thing for him to be up close with the national team, but I would have preferred for him to stay with us if he wasn’t going to play.”

The frustration stems from the fact that Kouadio, who holds dual citizenship and remains eligible for the Ivory Coast, was reportedly called up with the intention of tying him to Italy for the future. There had been suggestions that Mancini wanted to hand him his first cap in a competitive fixture to secure his international allegiance, similar to what was done with Mohamed Ali Zoma, who made his debut off the bench against Belgium in September. However, unlike Zoma, Kouadio was not given any playing time, leaving his international future still uncertain and his club missing a key player for over two weeks.

Juric frustrated by Italy call-up for 20-year-old Kouadio A waste of time, the coach’s comments highlight a growing tension between club and country when it comes to young players. Monza, who are battling to establish themselves in Serie A, could have benefited from having Kouadio available for training and matches during the break. Instead, the youngster returned without any match action, potentially disrupting his rhythm and development. Juric’s remarks also raise questions about Mancini’s squad management, as the Italy boss included several inexperienced players but failed to give them opportunities to prove themselves.

This is not the first time a club coach has voiced displeasure over national team call-ups. In recent years, several Serie A managers have complained about losing players to international duty, especially when those players are not used. The situation is particularly frustrating for a club like Monza, which relies on its young talents to compete against larger clubs. Kouadio, a promising defender, is seen as a key part of Monza’s future, and Juric is keen to ensure his development is not hindered by unnecessary call-ups.

The Italian national team, under Mancini, has been in a transitional phase, with the coach experimenting with new players and formations. However, the lack of clarity regarding Kouadio’s role has left many scratching their heads. If the goal was to cap-tie him, why was he not given even a few minutes? If the goal was to evaluate him, why was he not included in any matchday squad? These are questions that Juric and Monza officials are likely asking themselves, and they may seek clarification from the Italian federation in the coming weeks.

Juric frustrated by Italy call-up for 20-year-old Kouadio A waste of time, the coach’s outspoken nature has endeared him to Monza fans, who appreciate his honesty and protectiveness over his players. However, his comments could also strain his relationship with Mancini and the national team setup. It remains to be seen whether this incident will affect future call-ups for Kouadio or other Monza players. For now, Juric’s focus is on the upcoming Serie A match against Lazio, where he will hope his team can bounce back from the disappointment of the international break.

In conclusion, Ivan Juric’s frustration over Eddy Kouadio’s wasted call-up is a stark reminder of the delicate balance between club and country. While representing the national team is a great honor for any player, it should not come at the expense of their club career, especially when they are not given the chance to play. Juric frustrated by Italy call-up for 20-year-old Kouadio A waste of time, and his sentiments are likely shared by many club coaches who have seen their players return from international duty without a single minute of action. As the debate over player welfare and international scheduling continues, it is clear that better communication and cooperation between clubs and national teams are needed to avoid such situations in the future.