Spalletti Mulls Over Retegui’s Replacement as He Lauds Kean Before Quarter-Final Showdown

Italy will be missing striker Mateo Retegui for both encounters in their Nations League quarter-final against Germany. However, manager Luciano Spalletti has stated that he will delay any decision regarding a replacement, as he shared on Wednesday.

Spalletti’s team will face Germany at the San Siro in the first leg on Thursday, with Retegui, who is currently the top scorer in Serie A, pulling out late on Wednesday due to a thigh muscle strain.

Attacking midfielder Mattia Zaccagni and defender Andrea Cambiaso are also under a cloud regarding their availability for the opening leg.

“We sent Retegui home as he wouldn’t have been able to play, but we hope he recovers at Atalanta for the league,” Spalletti informed the media.

“He doesn’t have a specific injury; it’s more of a fatigue issue. At this moment, I won’t be calling anyone up because I want to see how we fare in the first match.”

“Depending on the recovery of Zaccagni and Cambiaso, we might need either a first or second striker. If I need to call up a first striker, I will choose (Roberto) Piccoli; if not, it will be (Tommaso) Baldanzi.”

Piccoli, currently on loan at Cagliari from Atalanta, has scored seven league goals this season, while Baldanzi has made a mark with AS Roma. Neither player has yet featured for the senior Italy team.

While Spalletti seemed unperturbed by his injury issues, he also downplayed Germany’s absences, which notably include players like Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz.

“A national team like Germany never really has absentees,” Spalletti commented.

“Who are the missing players? If one winger is out, they have four or five others of the highest standard ready to step in.”

“They aren’t missing anyone, just as we aren’t. It’s going to be a match filled with quality players, regardless of a couple of usual starters being absent.”

Spalletti was inclined to select Moise Kean to spearhead the attack, regardless of Retegui’s availability, stating that the Fiorentina striker is better suited to the fast-paced encounter he anticipates against Germany.

“Retegui is stronger in the penalty area based on what I’ve observed,” Spalletti noted.

“Kean, however, starts further from the goal, often retrieving the ball from midfield. He doesn’t rely on others, takes on defenders himself, and still manages to get his shots off.”

Italy will head to Dortmund for the second leg on Sunday, with the victorious side earning the right to host the Nations League semi-finals and finals in June.