Associated Press
FLORENCE, Italy (AP) — Italy has another problem on defense before facing Erling Haaland and Norway Friday in a World Cup qualifier.
AC Milan central defender Matteo Gabbia was ruled out due to a right calf problem on Wednesday and Daniele Rugani was called in as a replacement.
Italy was already without Francesco Acerbiwho refused his call-up to the national team, and Alessandro Buongiornowho left training camp with a right thigh injury.
Rugani spent last season on loan at Ajax and is expected to return to Juventus. He has not been called up by Italy since 2018.
It’s Italy’s first qualification and the Azzurri are already behind group leaders Norway, who have six points and a goal differential of plus seven after beating Moldova 5-0 and Israel 4-2.
Italy hosts Moldova on Monday in Reggio Emilia.
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AP Football: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
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