A few months before the European Championship, Italy still haven’t found a surefire no.9 to rely on. The possible options have all had challenging seasons due to injury or lack of consistent game time. The most recent Serie A round was particularly negative in that respect. Mateo Retegui was the only starter, La Repubblica relays.
Lazio benched Ciro Immobile even though he was healthy. The veteran converted a PK off the bench. He hasn’t scored on open play in ages. Despite Ademola Lookman being away for AFCON, Gian Piero Gasperini prefers other attackers to Gianluca Scamacca, whom he recently criticized for his work rate.
Giacomo Raspadori will likely make the Italy squad, but his season has been unsatisfying. He hasn’t taken advantage of Victor Osimhen’s extended absence. He has been playing second-fiddle to Giovanni Simeone. Moise Kean has been out for a while and didn’t transfer to play more in January.
Retegui has been decent after shaking off a lingering knee injury but hasn’t filled his boots. He has hit the net 5 times in 16 appearances. Lorenzo Lucca and Andrea Pinamonti have been regulars for Udinese and Sassuolo. They have been serviceable but likely not impressive enough to earn the call to lead the line.
Italy have issues in other offensive roles as well. Federico Chiesa has dealt with multiple ailments for two months. Domenico Berardi is out due to a meniscus tear, Mattia Zaccagni with a foot bruise, and Nicolò Zaniolo because of a muscular injury.
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