Politano pulls out of Italy squad through injury

Italy have suffered another injury blow, with Matteo Politano withdrawing from the squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Israel.

He has been replaced by Napoli team-mate Leonardo Spinazzola, Italy confirmed on Monday.

It follows the news that Mattia Zaccagni, who has scored twice for Lazio in Serie A this term, had also pulled out of the squad on Saturday, with Roberto Piccoli called up in his place.

Politano was forced off in the 50th minute of Napoli's 2-1 win over Genoa on Sunday.

Among Napoli players this season, only Kevin De Bruyne (13) has created more chances than Politano (12), while he is also second for shots (14) behind Scott McTominay (15), though the former Inter winger is yet to score.

Spinazzola has received his first call-up to the Italy squad since September 2023.

Gennaro Gattuso, who has won both of his matches in charge so far, named his squad on Friday, also giving recalls to Matteo Gabbia and Bryan Cristante.

Gabbia last played for the Azzurri in October 2024, while Cristante has been out of the fold since June last year.

Fiorentina's Hans Nicolussi Caviglia and Nicolo Cambiaghi of Bologna were also included in the senior squad for the first time.

Italy are second in Group I, six points behind leaders Norway. They travel to Estonia on Saturday before hosting Israel.