Ciro Immobile explained the nature of his recent withdrawal from the Italian national team after he suffered a muscle issue.
The 32-year-old Italian striker was called up by Roberto Mancini for the Azzurri’s two Nations League games against England and Hungary in this international break, but he didn’t feature in either after suffering a muscle edema. His withdrawal ahead of the second match created a lot of noise, with some reports suggesting that president Claudio Lotito personally intervened.
Speaking at the ‘Match for Peace’ press conference today, Immobile explained the situation and the background to his recent departure from the Azzurri.
“An unnecessary situation was created, unfortunately there was the situation of my picture being taken at the start. I was just waiting for Mancini to get off the plane, who had gone to vote. It was a coincidence.
“I was going to leave even though I couldn’t play. Then we agreed it was pointless to make the trip, better to go home and do all the tests. So everyone was happy with that, me a little less, I wanted to play.
“When an injury happens to you, it happens. It wasn’t serious, but risky, I must be honest, we were all on the same wavelength. I went back to Rome for treatment.”
The 32-year-old Immobile is now in doubt for Lazio’s upcoming match against Spezia on the weekend, forcing Maurizio Sarri to tinker with his attack. 20-year-old Italian forward Matteo Cancellieri has the opportunity to make his first start of the season, having trained as a false nine in the summer.
It’s OK, stay at home.