Italy are on fire at Euro 2020 but although they have secured their spot in the knockouts with a game to spare they do have one concern.
Captain Giorgio Chiellini limped off in the first half of the 3-0 win over Switzerland and there were fears he may have kicked his last ball for Italy.
Just minutes after the Juventus centre-back thought he had given Italy the lead in Rome on Wednesday night – his strike was ruled out for handball – Chiellini was substituted off after appearing to tweak his hamstring.
In the ITV studio at half-time, former Manchester United captain Roy Keane suggested Chiellini was wise to come off when a less experienced player may have done further damage by remaining on the pitch.
According to Sky in Italy, the injury to his left thigh may not be too serious as he remained on the bench with teammates until the half-time interval.
The same report also stated that he returned to the dressing room “with a brisk walk that bodes well”, so Chiellini could yet be in contention for their final group game against Wales on Sunday – a showdown which will see the winners finish top.
The Turkey match saw the 36-year-old become Italy’s most-capped outfield player at the European Championships, with the game his 14th across four editions of the tournament.
With 109 caps to his name the defensive stalwart, who made his debut in 2004, had suggested he could be playing in his final major tournament despite the fact the next World Cup is less than 18 months away.
“I am here with great enthusiasm to experience what will probably be my last event with the national team,” Chiellini told reporters before Euro 2020 began.
“The Azzurri unites, and our group is a proof of it. We come from numerous clubs, but there’s not the slightest sign of rivalry.
“We have what it takes to do well, the other teams are strong and we respect them, but it is normal to have ambitions for victory. All matches will be difficult.”
Italy have gone on to impress in their opening two Group A games, beating Turkey 3-0 in the opening Euros game before seeing off Switzerland by the same scoreline on Wednesday.
Roberto Mancini’s side are now on a 29-game unbeaten run, and in their last 10 games they have kept clean sheets in all of them – scoring 31 goals without reply.
The prospect of Chiellini being absent for the remainder of the tournament would certainly put a dent in their hopes of lifting a trophy they last won in 1968, but beyond the Wales game on Sunday the defender would have 10 days to recover before their last-16 game.
Both the Group A winners and runners-up play on 26 June, meaning Italy could become one of the first teams to seal a quarter-final place.
If Italy win the group ahead of Wales, they would face the runners-up of the group featuring Austria, Netherlands, North Macedonia and Ukraine.
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from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3vv9upH
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