Moise Kean leaves Italy squad injured ahead of Turkiye Nations League clash
Moise Kean has left the Italy camp after failing to recover from the fitness problem that kept him out of full training, with the forward returning to his club for further checks ahead of Monday night’s Nations League match against Turkiye.
Key takeaways
- Italy coach Roberto Mancini confirmed Kean is not fit enough to remain with the squad.
- Gianluca Scamacca could be brought in for Pio Esposito as Italy rotate after a demanding run of fixtures.
- Nicolo Barella and Alessandro Romano are in contention to return to the starting XI at the Stadio Dall’Ara.
- Giovanni Di Lorenzo is expected to challenge for the right-back role, with Michael Kayode set to make way.
- Italy are third in Group A on four points, behind France on seven and Belgium on six.
Italy reshuffle after Kean setback
Mancini said Kean had not regained full condition and would depart the camp on Sunday evening. The Italy boss now has another selection issue to manage after a congested Nations League schedule left several players carrying fatigue.
“Moise is not in good shape and has not recovered, so he will go home this evening,” Mancini said. “We are looking at different players because there have been many matches in a short period and that brings tiredness.”
Scamacca is among the options to replace Esposito in attack. Mancini said the striker has comparable attributes, while stressing that his squad gives him alternatives for the Bologna fixture.
Changes are also expected behind the forwards. Barella and Romano are leading candidates to come back into midfield, while Di Lorenzo could replace Kayode on the right side of defence.
Turkiye warning despite troubled group campaign
Italy opened their Group A campaign with a 2-0 home loss to Belgium, but responded with a 4-1 win in Bursa before earning a 1-1 draw away to France at the Stade de France.
Victory over Turkiye would strengthen the Azzurri’s position after three games, but Mancini has warned against treating the visitors lightly. Turkiye are bottom of the group after three straight defeats, scoring once and conceding eight times.
“Turkiye are a good side and this is not a match we can take for granted,” Mancini said. He believes Italy’s mentality will be as decisive as their tactical work on Monday.
The coach said his priority has been to give the group greater stability and restore belief after recent setbacks. Italy will target three points at the Stadio Dall’Ara, with Mancini insisting there is no danger of his players underestimating the opposition.
