After Zaccagni’s setback, the Azzurri could be without another key piece ahead of a must-win World Cup playoff against Northern Ireland
Italy’s preparation for its most important matches in years just took another worrying turn.
After already losing Mattia Zaccagni to injury, head coach Gennaro Gattuso is now anxiously awaiting updates on Sandro Tonali, who was forced off during Newcastle’s Champions League clash against FC Barcelona at Camp Nou.
The incident occurred just before the hour mark, when Tonali went down following a challenge and was unable to continue despite treatment from medical staff. The former AC Milan midfielder left the field limping, and the severity of the injury remains unclear. Further tests are expected in the coming days to determine whether he will be fit in time for Italy’s upcoming fixtures.
For Gattuso, the timing couldn’t be worse.
Italy is just days away from a decisive World Cup playoff semifinal against Northern Ireland national football team—a match that could define the immediate future of Italian soccer. Missing out on another World Cup would mark a third consecutive failure to qualify, a scenario almost unthinkable for a four-time champion and one that would signal a deep crisis for the entire system.
Tonali has become one of the pillars of this new-look Azzurri side, offering balance, intensity, and leadership in midfield. His potential absence would leave a significant gap in a team that can already ill afford further setbacks.
With the clock ticking toward kickoff, all eyes are now on the medical reports. For Italy, it’s not just about one player’s fitness—it’s about keeping alive the hope of returning to the world stage.
