Italy’s Nations League group finale has a new absentee after Nicolò Cambiaghi withdrew from the Azzurri squad on Saturday. The FIGC confirmed he will not travel to Belgium due to an ankle injury picked up during Thursday’s 3-1 win over France at San Siro.
Cambiaghi had been influential in that match, providing an assist for Francesco Pio Esposito and winning a penalty in the second half. However, after feeling the knock, he was unable to recover in time for the weekend fixture and was assessed by national team medical staff.
What it means for Italy
This is the last matchday of the Nations League group phase, with Italy still firmly in the mix at the top of Group A1. The Azzurri are currently level on 10 points with France, but occupy first place on head-to-head record.
Belgium sit third with nine points, meaning their place in the upper positions is still not secure. Türkiye are already confirmed as relegated after losing all five of their group matches, leaving this round as a chance for Italy and Belgium to sharpen their finishing positions.
Because the match is the final group game, Italy’s tactical set-up could be reshaped without Cambiaghi’s direct running from the right side of their attack. The Italy coaching staff now have to decide whether to reshuffle roles internally or bring a like-for-like change from the current pool.
With the group outcome still dependent on the wider matchday picture, Italy’s medical and selection planning becomes even more significant. Cambiaghi’s return to Bologna is now the confirmed next step, and his availability for club duty will likely guide how quickly he can be brought back into training. Sunday’s trip to Belgium is therefore about more than just form: with first place in Group A1 within reach, any alteration to Italy’s attacking options could have a direct impact on how the game is managed if the match swings either way.
