Roberto Mancini’s Italy meet Spain in the Nations League semi-finals in June, but the Azzurri will be without Gianluca Scamacca, while Mateo Retegui should be fit despite a recent knee injury.
Scamacca’s season is already over as the ex-Sassuolo striker underwent knee surgery on Friday.
The Italy international has had highs and lows in London this season, struggling with knee issues from January.
His injury means he won’t be available for the Nations League Final Four at the end of the season. The semis against Spain are to be played on June 15, while the Final and the third-place play-off are scheduled three days later, on June 18.
Scamacca was called up for games against England and Malta in March but was introduced from the bench in both games, seeing newcomer Retegui starting.
The Argentina-born striker has also suffered an injury over the course of the week, with his club Tigre announcing a first-degree distortion in his left knee.
Retegui will remain out of action for at least two weeks but should be fit to face Spain in mid-June.
Mancini will surely rely on Lazio striker Ciro Immobile at the end of the season. The 33-year-old was not available against England and Malta due to a bicep injury but has recently returned to action, scoring from the spot in Lazio’s 3-0 win over Spezia on Friday.