In Florence, Italy finds itself grappling with defensive concerns ahead of their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Norway, scheduled for Friday. The Italian national team is facing a shortage in defense following the withdrawal of AC Milan’s center back Matteo Gabbia, who was sidelined with a right calf injury. Daniele Rugani has been summoned as Gabbia’s replacement.
The team was already confronting the absence of Francesco Acerbi, who declined his national team call-up, further compounded by Alessandro Buongiorno’s departure from the training camp due to a right thigh injury. Rugani, who spent the last season on loan at Ajax, is now poised to rejoin Juventus. Remarkably, this marks Rugani’s first call-up to the Italian national team since 2018.
As Italy prepares for its initial qualifier, the Azzurri currently trail Norway, the group leader. Norway has accumulated six points with a plus-seven goal differential after triumphant matches against Moldova and Israel, securing 5-0 and 4-2 wins, respectively. Looking ahead, Italy is set to host Moldova in Reggio Emilia on Monday.