FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – MARCH 22: Manuel Locatelli of Italy looks on during a Italy training session on March 22, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
There are fears of another Italy withdrawal for the World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Moldova, as Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli is undergoing tests.
The Azzurri are set to open their 2026 World Cup campaign in Oslo on Friday June 6, then welcome Moldova on Monday June 9.
Coach Luciano Spalletti has already seen Napoli defender Alessandro Buongiorno pull out with injury, to be replaced by Fiorentina’s Luca Ranieri, while Inter centre-back Francesco Acerbi turned down the call for international duty.
Locatelli a new worry for Italy
Now Locatelli has been spotted visiting the medical centre for tests on his right leg, which already had some strapping on it.
The problem would appear to be the calf muscle or ankle, having sustained the problem during yesterday’s training session.
It is feared he will have to withdraw from the Italy squad, especially considering Juventus don’t want to take any unnecessary risks ahead of their Club World Cup opener against Al Ain on June 19.
If Locatelli is forced to go home, then Spalletti will have to call up a replacement for his midfield.
Image:Getty
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