Oct 2, 2017
Azzurri calls up CMNT-eligible Cristante
With Daniele De Rossi and Lorenzo Pellegrini out of Italy's World Cup qualifiers against Macedonia and Albania, Gian Piero Ventura called up Bryan Cristante for the first time. The Benfica midfielder, on loan at Atalanta, holds a Canadian passport and is also eligible to play for Canada through his father.
The Canadian Press
FLORENCE, Italy — Roma midfielders Daniele De Rossi and Lorenzo Pellegrini pulled out of the Italy squad on Monday for World Cup qualifiers against Macedonia and Albania.
Italy coach Gian Piero Ventura called up midfielders Roberto Gagliardini and Bryan Cristante. It is a maiden call-up for Cristante.
The federation announced that Pellegrini was injured on Sunday in a 2-0 win at AC Milan and was sent home from the Italy camp after tests. Ventura later revealed De Rossi will also head back to Rome.
Cristante, 22, is on loan at Atalanta from Benfica. Although Italian-born, Cristante holds a Canadian passport and there had been some hope that he might choose to play for the Canadian men's national team.
Italy is facing somewhat of a crisis in midfield as Marco Verratti had already withdrawn with injury and been replaced by the uncapped Nicolo Barella.
The Azzurri host Macedonia in Turin on Friday and go to Tirana three days later for their final World Cup qualifier against Albania.
Italy is second in Europe Group G, three points behind Spain.