Lorenzo Pellegrini did not take part in the full training session for Italy today, which is perhaps why his Roma teammate Bryan Cristante was placed in the probable XI to face North Macedonia.
The EURO 2024 qualifier kicks off in Skopje on Saturday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
New coach Luciano Spalletti tested out his line-up in training today and it had Cristante in the centre of a three-man midfield, flanked by Nicolò Barella and Sandro Tonali.
It is now reported from the Coverciano camp that Pellegrini did not take part in training today, instead working alone in the gym.
The reason is not clear, but Pellegrini has been suffering from repeated muscular problems for Roma in recent months.
If he was passed fit, then he would likely be chosen rather than Cristante in that playmaker role for the Nazionale.
Pellegrini could potentially be reserved to regain full fitness for the second qualifier against Ukraine, to be played at San Siro on Tuesday evening.
Italy probable: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Bastoni (Romagnoli), Dimarco (Spinazzola); Barella, Cristante, Tonali; Politano, Immobile, Chiesa
I don’t think it’s Pellegrini or christante for that midfield , christante is a very important starter for me , my midfield 3 for now would be ,sensi fratessi christante. But that’s for now .