Roberto Mancini has confirmed Nicolò Zaniolo and Lorenzo Pellegrini won’t be available to face Switzerland on Friday: ‘They are going home and we will replace them.’
Both Roma midfielders had been included in the Azzurri squad for the last two World Cup qualifying matches against Switzerland and Northern Ireland.
However, Pellegrini has knee issues, while Zaniolo has a problem in his left calf.
“I think Pellegrini and Zaniolo will return home today, we will evaluate Nicolò Barella, but it doesn’t seem anything serious. We will replace them with two midfielders, we are deciding who,” Mancini said at a press conference attended by Football Italia.
“Zaniolo was a bit unlucky because he suffered two serious injuries, he is young and he has the qualities to get over it.
“It could have been an important game for him, but he has a problem and we can’t take any risk. I don’t think he needs my advice, he has the quality and he can improve in everything.
“We will surely replace them [Pellegrini and Zaniolo] because we also need to assess Barella. We didn’t call Pessina because he is not ready.”
However, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci seem fit to play despite missing Juventus‘ last Serie A match against Fiorentina.
“They feel well, we have a training session today. We’ll see how everyone feels,” Mancini said.
The former Manchester City tactician is dealing with an injury crisis in midfield as Marco Verratti won’t be available for games against Switzerland and Northern Ireland due to a hip injury he sustained during Olympique Marseille-PSG two weeks ago.
Forza Azzuri! A must win!
FORZA AZZURRI 🇮🇹👍👊💙🍀
We have many quality options in midfield. It’s when the injuries occur in defense and attack we should be concerned. Italy should get the 3 points at home from Switzerland, but I’m more worried about a tricky away game to Northern Ireland who would try to make life very difficult for us.
Not at all surprised about Zaniolo. Nobody comes within 8 Meters of him and he gets injured.
He’ll be out of the game by age 28.
Zaniolo has recently come back from two major surgeries. It will take many months for him to get back to his best and due to his high energy style of play it is unfortunate but he is highly likely to pick up a few niggles along the way.
A superb talent who has a long future ahead of him playing for club and country. He is a young player with a lot of work ahead of him but has the potential to be another icon for Roma like Totti. Why would anybody want to mock him?
shame, Zaniolo will never be 100% again. is cursed like Pep Rossi was. a great player who could add alot, or be a game changer but nagged by injuries, and misses every major tournament.
Mock? No way. I hope he earns 100 Caps and lifts trophy’s for us.
It’s just that he is like other players, from all sports, that seem to be injury prone.
These guys always injured pellegrini especially
Stefano Sensi is another.
It’s just that way with some athletes.
doesn’t it seem like a lot of italian players get injured often and even end careers prematurely and/or don’t ever reach their potential die to injuries?
Leonardo Spinazzola is another, sadly.
He’s been fighting injuries his entire career. A real shame.
I hope he comes back next month stronger than ever.