Locatelli forced to leave Italy squad due to ankle injury, missing 2026 World Cup games

EMPOLI, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Manuel Locatelli of Juventus reacts during the Serie A match between Empoli and Juventus at Stadio Carlo Castellani on September 14, 2024 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli has been forced to withdraw from the Italy squad for World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Moldova after spraining his ankle.

The Azzurri begin their preparation for the 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico in Group I with a trip to Norway on Friday, then host Moldova next Monday.

Italy must do without Locatelli

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – MARCH 22: Manuel Locatelli of Italy looks on during a Italy training session on March 22, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Locatelli was spotted at the medical centre today with strapping around his right ankle and calf for tests and the results are now in.

He sprained his right ankle during yesterday’s training session and will not be fit enough to participate in those matches, so the midfielder has been returned to Juventus.

It will allow him to recover in time to begin the Club World Cup with Juve in mid-June.

epa11984392 Head coach Luciano Spalletti of Italy gesutres during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal, 2nd leg match between Germany and Italy in Dortmund, Germany, 23 March 2025. EPA-EFE/FRIEDEMANN VOGEL

Italy coach Luciano Spalletti is expected to call a replacement, having already been forced to do without Alessandro Buongiorno due to injury and Francesco Acerbi for withdrawing his availability.

Fiorentina defender Luca Ranieri was added to the squad.

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