Forward Chiesa drops out of Italy's Euro Qualifiers

AFP , Friday 8 Sep 2023

Federico Chiesa has dropped out of Italy's Euro 2024 qualifiers against North Macedonia and Ukraine with injury alongside Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini, the country's football federation said on Friday.

Chiesa
FILE- Federico Chiesa of Juventus controls the ball during the Serie A soccer match between Udinese and Juventus at the Friuli stadium in Udine, Italy, on Sunday, June 4, 2023. Photo: AP

 

In a statement, the FIGC said that both players had suffered unspecified "muscle problems" and would be returning to their clubs.

Chiesa has had a long history of injuries but Italian media report that the Juventus forward has not sustained anything serious.

The 25-year-old has had a strong start to the Serie A season, scoring in two of Juve's three league matches.

Italy take on North Macedonia on Saturday for one of two Group C matches which could decide their fate for next summer's tournament in Germany, where they are aiming to defend their Euro crown.

Italy currently sit third on three points, nine behind England who have played two games more and more importantly three away from Ukraine.

North Macedonia knocked Italy out of the most recent World Cup in a stunning qualifying play-off defeat in March last year.

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