Italy's Giacomo Raspadori Withdraws from Nations League Ahead of France Clash

Giacomo Raspadori Out of Italy's Nations League Squad Due to Injury

Giacomo Raspadori, the versatile forward for Atalanta, will miss Italy’s upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against France and Turkiye after officially withdrawing from the squad with an injury.

Early Exit Following Medical Evaluations

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced Tuesday evening that Raspadori has been released from the national team camp after a series of medical checks. These assessments confirmed he was unfit to compete in the critical international fixtures scheduled this week, forcing him to return to his club prematurely.

Raspadori left the field at halftime during Italy's 4-1 victory over Turkiye in the Nations League due to this injury. His departure adds to the squad’s fitness concerns, especially after Nicolo Zaniolo had already exited the camp prior to that match.

FIGC Official Statement on Raspadori

The federation clarified the situation: "Giacomo Raspadori was given complete rest. After undergoing medical tests, it was confirmed that he will be unavailable for the upcoming matches and will return to his club." This means he will not feature in the big showdown against Zinedine Zidane's France at the Stade de France on Friday or the following home game versus Turkiye in Bologna on October 5.

Training Adjustments as Italy Prepares for France

Despite this setback, the atmosphere within the Italian camp remains optimistic after their strong performance in Bursa. The team immediately returned to Coverciano to start preparing for the French encounter.

Coach Roberto Mancini split training sessions, allowing starters from the previous game to focus on recovery while fringe players and those who stayed behind in Italy worked through intense tactical drills. Utilizing Fiorentina’s Viola Park facilities, the squad engaged in targeted attack-versus-defence exercises to keep most players fresh ahead of the trip to Saint-Denis.

Challenges in the Forward Line

Raspadori’s absence adds pressure on Italy’s attack, which has faced scrutiny despite the recent four-goal win over Turkiye. Known for his movement and technical skills, losing him is a blow to Mancini’s options upfront. Now, the coach must decide whether to summon a replacement or trust the current squad depth.

• Competition: UEFA Nations League A
• Next Matches: France vs Italy, October 2, 2026, 21:45; Italy vs Turkiye, October 5, 2026