Gaetano Castrovilli returned on the pitch in Wednesday’s friendly versus Lugano eight months after suffering multiple knee injuries.
FLORENCE, ITALY - JANUARY 13: Gaetano Castrovilli of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Coppa Italia match between ACF Fiorentina and FC Internazionale at Artemio Franchi on January 13, 2021 in Florence, Italy. Sporting stadiums around Italy remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Castrovilli to Miss Several Months with Knee Injury

Gaetano Castrovilli suffered a major left knee injury in the recent game versus Venezia. He dislocated it on the pitch and the ensuing test results were grim. They revealed that he tore two ligaments, the ACL and the MCL, and an external meniscus. He will soon undergo surgery.

After a slow start, the 25-year-old turned things around in 2022 and resumed performing at the same level as his breakout campaign. According to Goal, the Fiorentina midfielder will be on the mend for eight-to-ten months. Considering the peculiar schedule of the 2022-2023 season due to the Winter World Cup, he will likely be back on the pitch next year.

Vincenzo Italiano addressed Castrovilli and his injury in the presser before facing Juventus in Coppa Italia: “It is a tough blow. We lose one of our most in-form players. I talked to him, and these things happen to the best of them, so he is part of that group now. We are sorry because he was growing and he was in great shape. He will return with calm and will be as good as before because he is an extraordinary guy. I wish him good luck.”

Castrovilli posted a quote on Instagram: “Life is ten percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you react to it. I want to thank those that reached out and showed their support, the club, and my teammates. This display of affection energizes me and pushes me to come back as soon as possible. I look forward to resuming dancing on the pitch.”

Fiorentina will be able to partially offset the loss as Giacomo Bonaventura has been called up for the midweek game after a month on the shelf. According to Tuttomercatoweb, they are eyeing Bologna’s Mattias Svanberg and Jerdy Schouten for the summer.