October 07, (THEWILL) – Moise Kean has been recalled to the Italy squad by coach Luciano Spalletti for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and England. The 23-year-old Juventus striker, who last played for the Azzurri in October 2021, comes into the team due to the absence of the injured Lazio forward, Ciro Immobile.
Spalletti has also handed a first call-up to Tottenham Hotspur defender, Destiny Udogie. The 20-year-old has impressed for Spurs since joining them this summer. Uncapped goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham is also included.
Giacomo Bonaventura, who last played for Italy in October 2020, returns after a two-year absence. The Fiorentina midfielder’s strong start to the season has earned him a recall. However, Napoli winger Matteo Politano and Genoa striker Mateo Retegui have been dropped.
Veteran PSG midfielder, Marco Verratti, now playing in Qatar, is also omitted after missing Spalletti’s first squad announcement last month. Italy are currently second in Euro 2024 qualifying Group C after a mixed start under the new coach.
They trail leaders England by six points ahead of facing Malta on 14 October and travelling to Wembley three days later. Italy will be looking to bounce back from their opening home defeat to England in March.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
