Italy Squad Affected By COVID-19

ROM: Italy coach Roberto Mancini yesterday called for three more players as a replacement for his squad that was affected by COVID-19 ahead of the League of Nations, says the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

Hellas Verona midfielder Mattia Zaccagni has been called up for the first time and will be joined by defenders Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan) and Gian Marco Ferrari (Sassuolo).

They joined the squad as West Ham central defender Angelo Ogbonna, who suffered a groin injury; AC Milan defender Alessio Romagnoli; Genoa left-back Domenico Criscito and Sassuolo striker Francesco Caputo.

Some Italian clubs such as Lazio, Roma and Fiorentina, are currently undergoing exile and health authorities in their territories do not allow players to leave the club to join the national team.

“We are the only federation in Europe that has this problem,” said FIGC President Gabriele Gravina, criticizing the lack of cooperation between the various regions.

Three international players from Sassuolo, who are also in exile after a positive COVID-19 case at the club, should be able to join the squad late tonight according to the federation.

Of the 41 players called Mancini for the friendly match against Estonia early this Thursday morning Malaysian time and then the League of Nations against Poland and Bosnia-Herzegovina, only 18 were able to join the squad in Florence yesterday.