Davide Frattesi was back in full training with Italy today, but while Nicolò Barella and Nicolò Fagioli only worked in the gym, they should be ready for the EURO 2024 opener with Albania.
That game kicks off on Saturday in Dortmund at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
Luciano Spalletti took his team out for their second day at the Casa Azzurri camp in Iserlohn this afternoon and, unlike yesterday, Inter midfielder Frattesi was fully involved.
Italy face midfield issues
Barella and Fagioli worked separately from the group in the gym, as they continue to nurse minor muscular issues and don’t want to unduly aggravate them so close to the opening game.
Nonetheless, both are expected to be available for that match against Albania, even if neither will probably start, as Barella is rested for the tougher group ties with Spain and Croatia, while Fagioli is an alternative to Bryan Cristante.
Juventus man Fagioli needs to be treated carefully, as he did not play for eight months due to a ban for illegal gambling, so inevitably is not quite match fit.
During yesterday’s session, with all three midfielders out of action, Spalletti used versatile Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori there.
🔛 2º allenamento ad Iserlohn 💪 #EURO2024#Nazionale #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/tI85O1XtP9
— Nazionale Italiana ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri) June 12, 2024
This very reason is why Locatelli should’ve been called over Folorunsho.
bring in ballotelli is probly late
Balotelli is rubbish, why are people still crying for him to be called up? He had so many chances and he blew it.