Exciting 28-goal striker, 22, at centre of international tug-of-war with major nations fighting for his first senior cap

CLUB BRUGGE striker Nicolo Tresoldi is at the heart of a tug-of-war between Germany and Italy. The 22-year-old has scored 28 club goals since the start of last season. Tresoldi plays for Club Brugge and has 28 goals since the start of last season Credit: BELGA/AFP via Getty Images The striker has so far represented Germany at youth level Credit: Shutterstock Editorial He is Italian by birth but grew up in Germany as a child and is therefore eligible to play for either nation. In his youth career so far he has represented Germany at the Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 levels. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! New Italy manager Roberto Mancini wants the striker in his squad but, according to Gazzetta, the young forward is asking for more time to decide. He reportedly wants to play in the U21 European Championship with Germany next summer before deciding which nation to represent at senior level. Italy are thought to be unhappy waiting that long, and there is no guarantee they will resume talks with him. The Azzurri have needed a top striker for a number of years. Mancini rejoined Italy as manager less than two months ago, five years after winning the Euros with the country. The 61-year-old wants Tresoldi in his squad, though it seems he will not be available for the Nations League games between September and October. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Mancini is being tasked with overseeing the return of Italy as one of the giants in international football. The four-time World Cup winners have incredibly not competed in a World Cup since 2014. Comment now