Ciro Immobile was one of the biggest scapegoats following Italy’s World Cup play-off disaster but it does seem like the right time for him to retire from international duty.

The 32-year-old Italian striker is a real figure of Janus, being an incredibly clinical and decisive goalscorer for Lazio but struggling to having a significant impact for the Azzurri. He has netted 21 goals in 25 Serie A appearances this season, but he hasn’t scored under Roberto Mancini in his last seven Italy outings.

Immobile has always been inconsistent for Italy, scoring only 15 goals in 55 caps, and it’s clear that the endless criticism and resulting pressure has taken it’s toll on the Lazio star, who almost looked scared to get involved in play during the loss to North Macedonia.

Considering his incredible performances at club level, now might be the time for Immobile to retire from international duty in order to allow him to divert all his attention to Lazio. This would remove a significant source of stress from his life and would also remove any extra physical exertion, reducing his injury risk.

Fans are extremely divided regarding the 32-year-old’s position in the Azzurri, with the majority of fans calling for his removal as Lazio fans bitterly push back, pointing to everything from tactics to pressure to explain his performances in an Italy shirt.

It’s still unclear whether Immobile will hang up his boots for the Azzurri or not, but it’s clear that something needs to change if Italy want any hope of defending their title as European champions come Euro 2024.

10 thought on “It’s time for Immobile to retire from international duty”
  1. This is moronic. This young man plays hard but has not acclimated well to International play.Is it his fault or a lack of cohesion with an entire team that finds it difficult to score within the box. Pointing out one man for the inability to score is riduculous as it the result of ineffective offensive execution.
    Futhermore where are the other team leaders who are just as resposile but never speak in his defence. It is a team game and Italy’s overall lack of leadership is apparent we wouldn’t be having this discussion if all of the players could simply finish at the net as expected. Ciro is a winner and always has been.

  2. Yes because the Azzurri fans do not deserve him, their loss! Name a striker who came in for him who scored or had any influence on the game! Name one midfielder in the Italian team who has some creativity to actually be on the same level with Immobile like Luis Alberto does for Lazio! Mancini might have stuck with Immobile as his striker, but he failed to provide him with the service, maybe the problem is playing 3 defensive midfielders.

  3. Immobile is the striker that doesn’t score (at international level). Why on earth would this player have a guaranteed spot in the lineup? 55 games is more than enough to validate himself, and he has fallen short at every opportunity. Definitely time to step out of the way and let other players have a go. It’s the strikers job to finish the chances created by the team, and Immobile is atrocious at this for Italy. Like bad, bad. So bad. I never wanna see this man wear Azzurri again. Honestly.

  4. In his defense on the National team, they all have little time to practice together. Agree he has missed some open nets. The team needs some fresh legs for the next generation.

  5. you need best big game performer. a paolo rossi. someone who is the most clinical and fired up in big games. jorginho should be benched too.

  6. it’s not just CI but also Insig and Jorgi, quite frankly I am growing concerned over Donna’s hot/cold factor as well.

  7. He reminds me of Inzaghi, but only when it comes to being offside a dozen times a match.

    He should leave along with Berardi and Belotti. A new attack needs to be formed.

  8. Easy to see who the Lazio fans are on this comment board. My question though, Immobile to retire from the national team? Did he even ever show up? Odd that he’s considering retiring when I can’t recall him ever doing anything positive on the team

  9. Immobile and his little brother Belotti can leave. Berardi can stay, he was the best player for Italy vs N. Macedonia, although he missed a sitter

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