When Matías Soulé, the 21‑year‑old Argentine‑Italian attacking midfielder who just completed a €28 million move to AS Roma in late July, was asked whether he might swap La Albiceleste for Azzurri, head coach Lionel Scaloni answered with a terse “I don’t think it’s possible.” The comment came during a pre‑match press conference ahead of Argentina’s friendly against Puerto Rico on September 7, 2024.
Background: Soulé’s rise and dual nationality
Born on April 15, 2003 in Río Gallegos, Santa Cruz, Matías Soulé grew up a fan of the Boca Juniors style, yet his family’s roots trace back to the small town of Veneto, Italy. That lineage granted him Italian citizenship through ius sanguinis, a legal quirk that now fuels a tug‑of‑war between two footballing powerhouses.
After shining for the Argentina U16 side in 2018, Soulé earned a senior call‑up on November 3, 2021 for the World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil – he never made the match‑day squad, but the experience put him on the radar of both national federations.
Club performance and transfer to Roma
His breakout season came with Frosinone, where he arrived on loan on August 28, 2023. The Argentine‑Italian tallied 11 goals and completed a Serie A‑leading 102 successful dribbles before the winter break, a stat that ranked him ahead of league stars like Lorenzo Insigne in that metric.
Those numbers convinced Roma’s sporting director to trigger a €28 million purchase clause, plus €4 million in performance bonuses, on July 30, 2024. He debuted for the Giallorossi on matchday 2 of the 2025‑26 season, netting the only goal in a 1‑0 win at Pisa – a moment that sparked another round of speculation about his international future.
- Transfer fee: €28 million + €4 million bonuses
- 2023‑24 Serie A: 11 goals, 102 dribbles
- First senior goal for Roma: September 2025 vs Pisa
The national team tug‑of‑war
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has quietly kept Soulé in its development pipeline, despite his lack of a senior cap. In May 2023, coach Javier Mascherano selected him for the U20 World Cup squad, reinforcing the idea that Argentina still sees him as a long‑term option.
Meanwhile, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has not issued an official statement, though head coach Luciano Spalletti hinted in a March 2023 interview that Soulé “could be an interesting asset for the Azzurri if he keeps developing at this rate.”
In a recent interview with LaRoma24.it, Soulé’s agent Martin Guastadisegno said, “His dream is to play in a World Cup. He is an Italo‑Argentine, I don’t know what might happen if the Argentina situation doesn’t change. Legally he has the option to play for Italy and he is available.”
Reactions from coaches and agents
When pressed, Lionel Scaloni responded, “I don’t think it’s possible, he’s been our sights for quite a while.” He added, “We see him as part of the future for Argentina, and he will have his chances soon. I’ve been following his performances; if he continues like this there will be no issues.”
Spalletti, asked about the same scenario in a press conference in Rome last month, answered, “We respect the player’s choice. If he feels Italy can give him a quicker path, we would welcome him, but we understand Argentina’s plans as well.”
Football analyst Gianluca Rossi of SkySport Italy noted, “Soulé is at a crossroads. Italy has a surplus of attacking midfielders, but Argentina’s midfield is also crowded. The decision will hinge on who gives him the senior debut first.”
What FIFA regulations say and what could happen
FIFA’s eligibility rules allow a player with multiple nationalities to switch allegiance provided he has not played a competitive senior match for one nation. The switch must be filed before the player turns 21, or within three years of his first senior appearance, whichever is later. Soulé, at 21, sits right on the deadline, meaning any senior cap for Argentina before his 22nd birthday would lock him in.
Given his recent form, a senior debut in the upcoming friendlies against Puerto Rico (September 7) or Bolivia (September 12) is plausible. If Scaloni sticks to his word, Soulé could earn his first La Albiceleste jersey before the end of the year, effectively ending the speculation.
Should the Argentine side hesitate, Italy could move quickly – they have already listed him as a potential “future‑ready” player in their 2024‑25 scouting dossier. Yet, the logistical hurdle of filing the one‑time switch before the March 2025 deadline adds pressure.
Key takeaways
- Scaloni’s eight‑word verdict signals Argentina’s intent to protect Soulé.
- Italy remains interested but respects the player’s personal choice.
- The next senior call‑up for Argentina could be decisive for Soulé’s international future.
- FIFA’s age‑related eligibility window closes soon, making every friendly crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Matías Soulé play for Italy instead of Argentina?
At the moment, Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni has insisted Soulé is part of the “future” and will receive a senior cap soon. If he debuts before his 22nd birthday, FIFA rules will lock him to Argentina, effectively ending any chance of an Italy switch.
What did Scaloni say about the possibility of a switch?
Scaloni answered the press with the eight‑word phrase, “I don’t think it’s possible, he’s been our sights for quite a while,” and added that Soulé will have his chances with Argentina shortly.
How does FIFA determine eligibility for dual‑nationality players?
A player may change association if he has not played a competitive senior match for another country. The switch must be filed before the player turns 21, or within three years of his first senior appearance, whichever comes later.
What impact could Soulé’s decision have on the teams involved?
If Soulé stays with Argentina, the national team gains a versatile attacker who could add depth to a midfield already packed with talent. Italy would miss a promising young option, but could still call on other dual‑nationals like Mateo Retegui.
When is the next likely opportunity for Soulé to debut for Argentina?
Argentina’s friendlies against Puerto Rico on September 7 and Bolivia on September 12, 2024, present the most immediate chance for Scaloni to hand Soulé his first senior cap.
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