Argentina set to start unexpected Serie A player in World Cup semi-final vs England
Quick summary
Argentina are reportedly planning to start an unexpected Serie A-based player in their World Cup semi-final clash against England, deviating from expected lineup choices.
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Attributed to original sourceThere are reports Argentina will start one Serie A player in the World Cup semi-final against England, but it is not going to be Lautaro Martinez of Inter or Como’s Nico Paz.
The big match kicks off in Atlanta on Wednesday at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).
The winners go onto the Final on July 19 against either France or Spain to decide who lifts the trophy.
Argentina hoping to defend World Cup title BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – OCTOBER 15: Lautaro Martinez of Argentina celebrates with teammate Lionel Messi after scoring the team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 South American Qualifier match between Argentina and Bolivia at Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on October 15, 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images) Argentina were pushed to the limit in the knockout rounds so far in the defence of the title they won in 2022.
They needed extra time to get the better of Cape Verde 3-2, fighting back from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2, then again requiring extra time to defeat 10-man Switzerland 3-1.
Inter striker Lautaro Martinez scored off the bench in the quarter-final , but he is again not expected to be in the starting XI tomorrow, with Julian Alvarez preferred as partner to Lionel Messi.
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 18: Nicolas Gonzalez of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Juventus and Udinese at Allianz Stadium on May 18, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images) A big surprise mentioned in TyC Sports is that former Udinese midfielder Rodrigo De Paul could be dropped in favour of a more attacking figure.
This could be Giuliano Simeone, brother of Torino forward Giovanni, but more likely is Juventus winger Nico Gonzalez.
He spent this season on loan with Atletico Madrid , but the club has not activated the option to make it permanent.
Although he contributed one assist and featured in five of Argentina’s six games in this World Cup, Nico Gonzalez is yet to start.
Another potential switch for Argentina is to see Nahuel Molina preferred to Gonzalo Montiel at right-back.
Molina is another former Serie A player for Udinese, who has been linked with a possible return for Inter.
Argentina probable line-up: E Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Tagliafico; Nico Gonzalez, Paredes, Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez; Messi, Julian Alvarez
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What happened
The Argentina national team is set to make a surprising selection by including a player based in Italy's Serie A in their starting XI for the World Cup semi-final against England. The decision, reported by Football Italia, marks a notable tactical choice ahead of one of the biggest matches in international football. The specific Serie A player's inclusion would suggest Argentina's coaching staff is prioritizing certain qualities for this high-stakes encounter. The match represents a major crossroads in the tournament, with a place in the final at stake.