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Serie A starts long international break: more than 200 players
Teams 24 September 2026

Serie A starts long international break: more than 200 players

The Serie A is facing a historic stop: three weeks of no competitive football because around 200 players have been called up for their national teams. Clubs such as Atalanta, Inter and Milan see a large part of their selection leave for international matches.

Serie A starts long international break: more than 200 players

According to Tuttomercatoweb.

Background

Charles De Ketelaere, who currently plays for Atalanta, is one of the many players representing his national team during this international break. His development and performances on the international stage could influence not only his status in Serie A, but also his future at the club and possibly other Serie A clubs.

Why this matters

The long international break in Serie A highlights the international appeal of the competition, with more than 200 players temporarily leaving their club teams. This not only offers established stars such as Charles De Ketelaere the opportunity to prove themselves on the world stage, but also young talents get the opportunity to gain experience with their national teams. However, the absence of these players could also affect the performance of their clubs in the coming matches.

Key points

  • Serie A starts long international break: more than 200 players.
  • The Serie A faces a historic stop: three weeks of no competitive football because approximately 200 players have been called up for their national teams.
  • Inizia la lunga sosta, la Serie A perde 200 giocatori: tutti i convocati dalle nazionali.

With the kick-off of the longest international break of the season, club football in Serie A comes to a temporary standstill. For the first time this year, the interruption lasts almost three weeks, during which national teams in all corners of the world prepare for qualification for major tournaments, friendly matches and youth internationals. This means that Italian clubs will donate as many as 200 players to their national selections, a record number that underlines the strength and international character of Serie A.

The list of departing players is impressive and wide. For example, Atalanta, Inter, Milan, Napoli and Juventus provide a large share of the various national teams. Big names such as Charles De Ketelaere (Belgium, Atalanta), Lautaro Martinez (Argentina, Inter), Mike Maignan (France, Milan), and Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Italy, Napoli) temporarily leave their clubs to compete at the highest international level.

Not only established internationals are in action, but young talents are also given the opportunity in their country's youth selections. Players like Mattia Liberali (Como, Italy U21) and Emanuele Lulli (Roma, Italy U21) will gain important experience. We also see players with an Eredivisie and Oranje link, such as Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus, Netherlands) and Kenneth Taylor (Lazio, Netherlands), in their national selection.

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This international break is extra special because a large number of the players called up will participate in qualifications for the 2026 World Cup or the final phase of other major tournaments such as the 2024 European Championship. This means that international football will take center stage in the coming weeks and Serie A will make way for national ambitions. Clubs such as Inter and Milan will have theirwill have to adjust training allocations as the majority of their squads reside elsewhere.

The impact on the league standings and the rest of the season could be significant. Injuries during international matches and player fatigue are risks that clubs are concerned about. At the same time, this period offers opportunities for players who normally receive less attention to show themselves in a club context.

In short: Serie A provides ample opportunity for international football. The coming weeks will be decisive for many players and countries towards the 2026 World Cup and other international finals. Club coaches and fans will have to do without their star players, hoping that they will return fit and confident for the remainder of the competition.

What's happening now

During this international break, clubs such as Atalanta, Bologna and Cagliari will miss their players as they take part in important international matches. After the break, these teams will have to regain their focus and prepare for the resumption of the Serie A competition. It is expected that the performances of players returning from international duty, such as De Ketelaere, will be crucial to their clubs' ambitions in the second half of the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the reason for the long international break in Serie A?

The long international break in Serie A is intended to allow national teams to prepare for qualification for major tournaments, friendlies and youth international matches.

How many players are on the road with their national teams?

There are more than 200 players temporarily leaving their Serie A clubs to join their national squads.

Who are some of the famous players taking part in this international break?

Some well-known players participating are Charles De Ketelaere (Belgium, Atalanta), Lautaro Martinez (Argentina, Inter), and Mike Maignan (France, Milan).

Why is this international break special?

This international break is special because many called-up players participate in qualifications for the 2026 World Cup or other major tournaments such as the 2024 European Championship.

Which teams provide players for the national selections?

Teams such as Atalanta, Inter, Milan, Napoli and Juventus provide a large number of players for the various national teams.

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