Italy worries for Mancini and Bastoni after fresh injury
There are more concerns for Italy ahead of the 2026 World Cup play-offs, as Roma substituted Gianluca Mancini today, while Alessandro Bastoni is already undergoing tests.
The Azzurri are set to battle with Northern Ireland in the semi-final of the play-offs, then hopefully face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina for a place in the tournament.
Coach Gennaro Gattuso is already forced to miss quite a few key players, so the last thing he wants is more injuries to be picked up during this weekend in Serie A.
Mancini and Bastoni awaiting Italy tests
It looks as if that might be the case, because Roma took defender Mancini off at half-time during their game against Lecce at the Stadio Olimpico.
Initial reports from Sky Sport Italia suggest there is a calf issue in the left leg for the centre-back, but it remains to be seen how serious it is.
Meanwhile, Bastoni was left out of the Inter squad travelling to Florence for tonight’s match against Fiorentina.
He remains a major doubt for Italy too, so has been spotted this evening already arriving at the Coverciano training ground.
This is where the Azzurri staff are based, so he can undergo tests there to decide if he should remain with the group, or if Gattuso ought to call in a replacement.