According to Italian media reports, Italy’s starting left-back Dimarco may miss the crucial group-stage match against Croatia due to a significant calf muscle injury. Italy’s coach, Spalletti, is now contemplating deploying central defender Calafiori as a left-back.
Italy needs only a point to secure qualification to the round of 16 as group runners-up, while Croatia, with one point, must win to advance. In the days following their 1-0 loss to Spain, Spalletti has been experimenting with his squad. However, with Dimarco absent from Saturday’s training due to a right calf muscle contusion, Spalletti is forced into a change.
The Italian Football Federation’s statement suggests that Dimarco’s injury is more complicated than initially thought, making it unlikely for him to start on Monday. This complicates Spalletti’s plan to use a back three, as Dimarco’s forward runs as a wing-back are a crucial part of the team’s attacking play. As a result, Italy is currently practicing with Calafiori at left-back, a position he played in the early stages of his career and has occasionally filled in at this season for Bologna.
In midfield, Jorginho could be replaced by the more defensively solid Cristante. Furthermore, given Scamacca’s recent form, Retegui might be included in the starting lineup in his place.
Italian Media: Dimarco Sidelined with Muscle Injury, Calafiori Set to Play Left-Back for Italy. Author：Sports UEFA.Please indicate the source when reproduced：https://www.sportsuefa.com/football-world/10875.html
