Italy have been dealt a setback with Federico Chiesa ruled out of the 2026 World Cup qualifying play-offs due to injury.
The FIGC confirmed the Liverpool forward “was not considered available” for Thursday’s semifinal against Northern Ireland in Bergamo, or a potential final against Wales or Bosnia-Hercegovina.
Chiesa, 28, has struggled with repeated injuries since starring in Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph and hasn’t featured for the Azzurri since Euro 2024.
Nicolo Cambiaghi has been called up as his replacement, while Alessandro Bastoni and Gianluca Scamacca are battling knocks ahead of the crucial clash.
Italy are desperate to avoid missing a third consecutive World Cup.
