Romano's rapid rise has Roma counting the cost

A 20-year-old Cagliari midfielder is set for a senior Italy debut — and Roma may already regret letting him go so cheaply.

A. Romano

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What happened. Alessandro Romano is set to earn his senior Italy debut against Belgium in the Nations League on Friday, likely starting at the base of Roberto Mancini's midfield. The 20-year-old, who switched allegiance from Switzerland earlier this month, has been one of the early Serie A season's success stories at Cagliari.

• Italian media suggest Roma may regret the terms of his sale to Cagliari
• Roma will earn a maximum of €6.5m: €5m in fees plus €1.5m in bonuses
• No buy-back clause was negotiated before the sale

A strong Italy debut would only sharpen the sense that Cagliari landed a bargain this summer.

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