News Focus
- Marco Palestra misses starting spot for Italy versus Luxembourg due to a muscle issue
- Interim coach Silvio Baldini leads the Azzurri following Gennaro Gattuso’s resignation
- The right-back attracts €50m transfer interest from Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Inter
- The Atalanta-owned defender may appear as a substitute, with a start against Greece targeted instead
Young full-back Marco Palestra will not begin in Italy’s starting line-up for the friendly against Luxembourg. Reports indicate the defender carries a slight muscle injury.
The match takes place at the Stade de Luxembourg on Wednesday evening. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:45 PM UK time.
Italy enter a new chapter following Gennaro Gattuso’s resignation. The former manager left after the team’s World Cup play-off failure. Under-21 coach Silvio Baldini now serves as interim boss for this fixture and Sunday’s meeting with Greece.
Baldini has selected many Under-21 players for the squad. Most lack senior caps but hope to impress. Palestra stands out among them after a strong loan spell at Cagliari from parent club Atalanta.
The right-back sits at the centre of a transfer battle worth €50 million. Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Inter all chase his signature.
However, Sky Sport Italia and FCInterNews claim the player cannot start against Luxembourg. He nurses a minor fitness problem. He might still appear from the bench. The medical team aims to have him ready for the Greece match on Sunday night.