Italy faces a setback ahead of their Nations League quarter-final against Germany as forward Mateo Retegui is ruled out due to a right thigh injury.
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Retegui has been ruled out of Italy’s crucial Nations League quarter-final clash against Germany due to a muscle injury in his right thigh.
The Italian national team confirmed his absence in an official statement, delivering a significant blow to coach Luciano Spalletti’s plans ahead of one of the team’s most important fixtures. The news comes as a disappointment for the Azzurri, who had been counting on Retegui’s presence in attack to help guide them past a strong German side.
The 24-year-old forward underwent medical examinations on Thursday morning, and the results confirmed that he would be unable to participate in the upcoming matches. The injury, described as a muscular strain in his right thigh, requires a period of rest and rehabilitation, meaning Retegui will have to miss not only this crucial Nations League encounter but potentially further club matches depending on his recovery timeline. While the full extent of his absence is yet to be determined, the Italian medical staff have made it clear that he will not be available for selection in the short term.
Retegui’s unavailability is a major setback for Italy, as the striker has proven to be a key figure in Spalletti’s tactical setup. Since making his debut for the Azzurri, the Argentine-born forward has impressed with his goal-scoring ability, movement, and physical presence in the final third. His performances have helped solidify his role as a reliable attacking option for Italy, and his injury forces the coaching staff to quickly rethink their plans for the decisive quarter-final clash.
Italy’s attack has been an area of concern in recent years, with the team struggling to find a consistent goal-scorer following the departure of veteran figures like Ciro Immobile. Retegui had emerged as one of the top solutions to this problem, scoring important goals in his early international appearances and showing the kind of instinct and finishing ability that Italy has lacked in recent tournaments. With his injury, Spalletti will now have to turn to alternative options, which could significantly impact the team’s approach against Germany.
The leading candidate to replace Retegui in the starting lineup is Moise Kean, the Juventus forward who has been pushing for more opportunities with the national team. Kean’s pace, strength, and ability to play both as a central striker and a wide attacker give Spalletti some flexibility in his tactical choices. While Kean has not been a regular starter for Italy in recent years, this could be his moment to step up and prove his worth on the international stage. His performances at club level have shown promise, and with Retegui sidelined, this could be a golden opportunity for him to establish himself as a more permanent fixture in the squad.
However, Kean is not the only option at Spalletti’s disposal. Gianluca Scamacca, who has been gaining confidence at Atalanta, offers a more traditional number nine presence with his height, aerial ability, and hold-up play. If Spalletti chooses to go with a physical battle against Germany’s defense, Scamacca could be the preferred choice. Another alternative is Giacomo Raspadori, a more mobile and technical forward who thrives in linking up play and making intelligent runs off the ball. His style could complement Italy’s midfielders and provide a different kind of attacking threat against the Germans.
Spalletti might also consider a tactical shift, potentially opting for a more fluid attack rather than a direct replacement for Retegui. Without a traditional striker, Italy could rely on a false nine system, using players like Federico Chiesa or Lorenzo Pellegrini in more advanced roles. This approach would focus on quick interchanges, movement, and positional flexibility rather than relying on a single focal point in attack.
The absence of Retegui also means that Italy’s midfielders will need to step up in terms of goal-scoring contributions. Players like Nicolò Barella, Jorginho, and Davide Frattesi will be expected to take on more responsibility in attack, making late runs into the box and capitalizing on any spaces left by Germany’s defensive setup.
For Germany, Retegui’s injury could be seen as a slight advantage, as Italy’s attacking plans have now been disrupted. The Germans, known for their disciplined and structured approach, will be looking to exploit any uncertainties in Italy’s attacking setup. With their defensive stability and strong midfield presence, they could pose a serious challenge to an Italian side that is now forced to make last-minute adjustments.
As the countdown to the quarter-final continues, all eyes will be on Spalletti’s tactical decisions. Will he trust Kean to step up as the primary striker? Will he opt for Scamacca’s physicality or Raspadori’s technical ability? Or will he surprise everyone with a tactical shift that removes the need for a direct number nine?
Despite the setback, Italy still has a strong squad capable of competing at the highest level. The Azzurri have built their success on resilience and adaptability, and this match against Germany will be a true test of their ability to overcome adversity. The road to the Nations League semi-finals just became more complicated, but with the right adjustments, Italy still has the potential to secure a crucial victory and continue their pursuit of the title.
Updated: 03:41, 19 Mar 2025
