The Azerbaijan national football team's squad for the upcoming November internationals has been announced.
As reported by İdman.Biz, citing the press service of the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA), head coach Aykhan Abbasov has called up 27 players for the UEFA Nations League away match against Liechtenstein and the friendly against Andorra.
One of the most notable selections is the first senior national team call-up for Lorenzo Mezzotero, an 18-year-old forward of Italian descent who previously represented Azerbaijan at U21 level.
The young striker recently attracted attention from the Italian media after scoring his first goal for Sampdoria in Serie B. Some Italian journalists even urged Italy national team head coach Roberto Mancini to take notice of the promising footballer.
Another significant development is the inclusion of Azerbaijan captain Emin Mahmudov, who has announced his decision to retire from international football. The 15-goal national team record holder is expected to make his final appearance against Andorra on November 16.
The full Azerbaijan squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Shahruddin Mahammadaliyev (Qarabag), Aydin Bayramov (Zira), Emil Balayev (Neftchi).
Defenders: Badavi Huseynov (Qarabag), Elvin Badalov (Neftchi), Anton Krivotsyuk (Daejeon Hana Citizen, South Korea), Rahil Mammadov (Turan Tovuz), Rahman Dashdamirov (Sabah), Rufat Abbasov (Neftchi), Toral Bayramov (Bursaspor, Turkey), Eshgin Ahmadov (Gabala), Tellur Mutallimov (Sabah), Gismat Aliyev (Zira), Oruj Mammadov (Shamakhi).
Midfielders: Farid Yusifli (Shafa), Rufat Abdullazade (Hapoel Kiryat Shmona, Israel), Namig Alasgarov (Kapaz), Murad Mammadov (Pafos), Abdulla Khaybullayev (Sabah), Aleksey Isayev (Sabah), Khayal Aliyev (Sabah), Emil Mustafayev (Sumgayit), Emin Mahmudov (Neftchi).
Forwards: Nihat Ahmadzade (Sumgayit), Mahir Emreli (Rakow, Poland), Musa Gurbanli (Qarabag), Lorenzo Mezzotero (Sampdoria, Italy).
Azerbaijan will face Liechtenstein away from home on November 13 in the UEFA Nations League before taking on Andorra in a friendly on November 16.
The upcoming matches will offer Abbasov an opportunity to assess both experienced internationals and emerging talents as the national team continues its preparations for future competitions.
