Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali was stretchered off during Italy’s international friendly game against Albania after landing awkwardly.
He was in the starting XI at the Air Albania Stadium in Tirana, but just before half-time he jumped and was nudged mid-air by Keidi Bare, landing heavily on his head and shoulder.
The player immediately seemed dazed and sore, so the medical staff had to stretcher him off the field.
It was the 22-year-old’s 12th senior cap in the Italy jersey, having made his debut in October 2019, and he was a key figure in Milan winning the Serie A title last season.
He was replaced by Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci on the stroke of half-time.
Italy were leading 2-1 at the time with goals from Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Vincenzo Grifo.
Albania had opened the scoring with a looping header from Empoli defender Ardian Ismajli, the first goal that his country had ever scored against Italy at the fourth official meeting.
A Milan worry to say the least. Man landed on his head and the neck is not something you wanna put pressure on. I think the whole football community including every interisti wish he is ok. This is how some people get paralysed (knock on wood) so God help Tonali.
He’s fine! everything is OK.