FIGC President Gabriele Gravina admits Italy are ‘a bit concerned’ about Nicolò Barella ahead of Euro 2024, while delegation chief Gigi Buffon says the Inter midfielder will undergo further medical tests soon.
Italy are sweating over Barella’s fitness ahead of Euro 2024, FIGC President Gravina confirmed on Friday.
The Nerazzurri star did not take part in an international friendly against Turkey on Tuesday due to a minor muscle problem, but Gravina’s words suggest Barella’s injury may be more serious than what was initially thought.
Italy ‘a bit concerned about Barella’ ahead of Euro 2024
“We are a bit concerned about Barella,” Gravina said during the event Il Sogno Azzurro – Festival della Serie A in Parma on Friday morning, as quoted by Gianluca Di Marzio.
The same event was attended by Buffon who also spoke about the Inter and Italy star.
“I hope he will be like Gattuso at the [2006] World Cup,” said the former keeper.
“He missed the first game, but then he became a protagonist, and in the beginning, they wanted to send him home!
“Nicolò will undergo further tests these days but he could be already available against Albania.”
The Azzurri will make their Euro 2024 debut next week against Albania at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund.
Barella scored two goals and provided seven assists in 48 appearances across all competitions with Inter in 2023-24.
He won the Euros with Italy three years ago and has nine goals in 53 appearances with the Azzurri.