MILAN — Italy’s national soccer team will have to navigate their upcoming Nations League quarterfinal matches against Germany without the Serie A top scorer, Mateo Retegui, who is sidelined by a right thigh injury. This news was confirmed by the Italian soccer federation on Wednesday.
The injury forced Retegui to leave the field during the second half of Atalanta’s recent 2-0 defeat to Inter Milan. Despite his Argentine roots, Retegui has been a vital player for Italy, tallying 22 goals for Atalanta this season and contributing six goals in 18 appearances for the national squad.
Italy is set to play Germany at the San Siro stadium in Milan on Thursday, followed by an away game in Dortmund on Sunday.
In Retegui’s absence, Coach Luciano Spalletti is expected to rely on Moise Kean to lead the attack as center forward. Kean is currently enjoying a prolific season at Fiorentina, sitting second in the Serie A scoring leaderboard with 15 goals.
