Lazio star Ciro Immobile is expected to be named the new Italy captain by coach Luciano Spalletti.
The 33-year-old striker was one of five Biancocelesti players to be called up by the new Azzurri coach for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against North Macedonia and Ukraine.
The previous Italy captain was veteran Leonardo Bonucci, who switched Juventus for Union Berlin this summer, but he was not called up by Spalletti for this international break and is unlikely to return to the fold.
As reported by Corriere dello Sport (via LazioNews24), Spalletti is set to announce Immobile as the new Italy captain, based off the number of appearances made for the national team.
With Bonucci’s absence, the Lazio star is the most capped player currently in the squad with 56 appearances, two more than second place Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Immobile has never particularly shined for Italy and in recent years has become a much-maligned figure with the national team, but things could change under Spalletti.
What a disgrace. How far we have fallen. Immobile captain of La Nazionale?? Che vergogna. He doesn’t deserve to be called up anymore. He’s not the future and he’s always underperformed with the Azzurri. I’m disappointed in Spalletti. Not a good start