Giorgio Scalvini

Heartbreak for Giorgio Scalvini and Italy as Atalanta defender out with ACL injury

Arnav Kholkar

Italy defender Giorgio Scalvini suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury while playing for Atalanta against Fiorentina in their last Serie A game. He was visibly in pain late in the game and was replaced by Hans Hateboer in the 84th minute of the contest.

Giorgio Scalvini Injury: Extent & Return Date

In what comes as a major injury blow for Italy, defender Giorgio Scalvini has been ruled out of participating in Euro 2024 due to an ACL injury. He was involved in a get-together with an opponent late in the game against Fiorentina and tweaked his knee.

He was assessed in the aftermath of the match and the injury was much worse than expected. As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Scalvini suffered injury to his ACL. Such injuries usually take six to 10 months for full recovery, before the player can start training and gradually increase their workload.

Romano also reported that a January return is on the cards for the 20-year-old prodigy, who has been impressive for Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta this season. He has made 44 appearances across competitions, scoring two goals and providing three assists.

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Now a mainstay in his club’s team, one would have thought this was Giorgio Scalvini’s chance to cement his spot in the national team as well, considering Leonardo Bonucci has retired. However, he will have to wait longer to represent Italy in a major tournament.

Italy’s possible route to retaining their Euro crown

Italy have been handed a slightly tricky group in the upcoming Euro 2024 in Germany. They qualified for the main tournament having finished runners-up behind England in Group C with 14 points from their eight games.

Italy defeated Ecuador 2-0 in their last game.
Italy defeated Ecuador 2-0 in their last game. (Getty Images)

Now, they have been drawn alongside familiar foes Spain, whom they lost against emphatically in the Euro 2012 Final. They also have the 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia alongside them, along with surprise package Albania.

The Azzurri will kick off their campaign against Albania on June 15, before facing Spain on June 20, and will end the group stage with a game against Croatia on June 24. Manager Luciano Spalletti and his troops will hope they can retain their trophy with another spirited performance.

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