Italy have been dealt a significant blow ahead of their opening matches in the World Cup qualifiers, as in-form striker Moise Kean will miss both games.
The four-time world champions, who failed to qualify for the last two World Cups, were hoping to rely on Kean’s fine form. However, the 25-year-old forward has been ruled out after feeling discomfort in his thigh during a training session with the national team. As the pain worsened, Kean left the camp on Thursday and returned to his club for further assessment.
Kean had a standout season in Serie A, scoring 19 goals for Fiorentina. He also impressed in March, starting both legs of the UEFA Nations League quarter-final against Germany and netting a brace in the return fixture.
With Kean unavailable, Italy may turn to Mateo Retegui, another standout performer in Serie A this season. The 26-year-old forward scored 25 goals in 36 league appearances for Atalanta, finishing as the league’s top scorer.
Italy are already missing midfielder Manuel Locatelli and defender Matteo Gabbia, both of whom withdrew from the squad earlier due to injuries.
In the European qualifiers, Italy will face Norway on Friday night, followed by a home clash against Moldova on Monday.
In Group I, all four teams except Italy have already played two matches. Norway currently sit at the top with six points from two wins.
