Thu Mar 20 18:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Italy’s Retegui Ruled Out of Germany Nations League Clash
**Milan, Italy** – Italy will be without in-form striker Mateo Retegui for their crucial UEFA Nations League quarter-final against Germany. The Azzurri announced the news on Wednesday, confirming that Retegui has been ruled out of both legs of the tie due to a thigh muscle strain.
Retegui, Serie A’s top scorer this season, was withdrawn from the squad after suffering the injury. Coach Luciano Spalletti confirmed the news at a press conference, stating that Retegui was sent home to recover. While acknowledging the setback, Spalletti expressed optimism regarding Retegui’s recovery, hoping he would be fit to resume playing for Atalanta soon.
The injury is a blow to Italy, but Spalletti remains unconcerned about replacing Retegui immediately. He indicated he would assess the situation following the first leg before potentially calling up a replacement. Roberto Piccoli (Cagliari) or Tommaso Baldanzi (AS Roma), both uncapped at senior level, are the leading candidates should a replacement be needed. The choice would depend on the fitness of other players, Mattia Zaccagni and Andrea Cambiaso, who are also nursing injuries.
Despite the absence of Retegui and potential injuries to other key players, Spalletti downplayed the significance, emphasizing that Italy’s squad depth and the strength of their remaining players are sufficient to counter the challenge posed by Germany.
He further dismissed the impact of Germany’s own injury concerns, highlighting the strength of their squad and its ability to adapt. Spalletti confirmed that Moise Kean will lead the line for Italy in the first leg, regardless of Retegui’s availability, given Kean’s more dynamic style of play which better suits the match-up, according to the Italian coach.
The first leg takes place at the San Siro in Milan on Thursday, with the return leg scheduled for Sunday in Dortmund. The winner will host the Nations League semi-finals and finals in June.
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