08/19/2024 12:50 PM. Updated on 08/19/2024 01:43 PM.
Lionel Scaloni presented the list of 28 players called up for Argentina’s upcoming matches against Chile and Colombia in September. And among several new developments, one that did not go unnoticed was the absence of Franco Armani from the list. It is that beyond the presence of Dibu Martínez as an undisputed starter since 2021, The Octopus was a regular in the coach’s summons. Is it surprising on the one hand? Yes, but not that much, taking into account what the goalkeeper himself had said a few months ago, just when he had renewed his contract with Millo until 2026.
There will be no official announcement, but it is an open secret that the River goalkeeper is already part of the National Team’s past. Unless there are any problems with the goalkeepers on some FIFA date, the coaching staff’s idea is to look to the future. Therefore, with Emiliano Martínez and Gerónimo Rulli as the two main goalkeepers, now will be the time to look for other alternatives, Since Armani will no longer be present at the events.
Armani was asked at a press conference if he was thinking of playing in another World Cup.. Honestly, because of age (he is 37, he will turn 38 in October), He had made it clear that he did not see it as very feasible. What’s more, he thought that after the Copa America there would be a renewal in the National Team to give it freshness and his absence was possible, although he had not excluded himself.“It’s a bit difficult to play another World Cup. I think that after the Copa America a new process has already started in the National Team and obviously if one thinks about it, arriving at 40 years old is a new process.. One understands that there are younger goalkeepers coming up behind, who have the possibility of being in the National Team and one understands that.Yes, I’m aiming to be in the Copa America, but I see it as difficult, but not impossible, for the World Cup. I will continue working as I have been doing until now and maintaining my level. If someone doesn’t have a good level in the club, they can’t be called up. “I have to maintain a good level here at River, working from now until the next World Cup and we’ll see if I have the opportunity. If I have the opportunity and I still feel physically and mentally good, why not think about it?”were his words at the time. Now, in addition, he competes in the Núñez arc with Jeremías Ledesma, A man of experience – and with calls to the National Team – who came to fight daily and raise the bar of demand.
Franco Armani, with the 2024 Copa América.
Franco, based on his good form at River, was called up by Jorge Sampaoli in 2018 and made his official debut at the World Cup in Russia (in the 2-1 vs. Nigeria).He continued with Scaloni (19 matches in total) and is remembered for the penalty he saved against Paraguay in the 2019 Copa América, maintaining the draw that allowed Argentina to continue in the group stage. Then, with the arrival of Dibu, the Octopus occupied a place among the substitutes. He was part of the four titles of the era: Copa América 2021, Finalísima 2022, Qatar World Cup and the recent Copa América.
River Plate’s goalkeeper Franco Armani fails to stop a penalty kick by Tigre’s midfielder Gonzalo Maroni (not pictured) during the Argentine Professional Football League Tournament 2024 ‘Cesar Luis Menotti’ match between River Plate and Tigre at Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on June 2, 2024. (Photo by ALEJANDRO PAGNI / AFP)
Who will fight for Armani’s position?
The post-Armani era begins in the Senior National Team and in this call-up the coach opted for two goalkeepers who already have experience working with the squad, but who lately did not end up being in the call-ups for the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa América. Juan Musso, Atalanta’s goalkeeper who was in the squad for the 2021 Copa América, returns, and Walter Benítez, the PSV goalkeeper who was left out of the 2024 Copa América in the last cut, will also have his chance.
PEZZELA YES, ACUÑA NO
Germán Pezzella, who has played two games since returning to River, was called up by Scaloni. Meanwhile, Huevo Acuña, who will join Millo in the next few days if nothing unforeseen happens, is not included in this call. Yes, he had been in the Copa América, just like Armani and the defender from Bahia Blanca.
Pezzella, a River man (Carroll).
See also
Without Messi and more news: the list of the National Team for the qualifying matches against Chile and Colombia
See also
Acuña, before River: practice, goal post and trip soon
See also
