Ciro Immobile has been left hurt after not receiving a call up for Italy’s crucial Euro 2024 qualifiers, and this isn’t the first time his faith in the national team has been shaken.
The 33-year-old striker was left out of Luciano Spalletti’s Azzurri squad for the coming qualifiers against North Macedonia and Ukraine, two must-win games as Italy fight for a spot in next summer’s European Championship.
Whilst Spalletti suggested that the decision was purely based on form, Immobile was left disappointed by the decision. He has struggled to show his best for Lazio this term, scoring just four goals across 15 appearances in Serie A and the Champions League.
As reported by Il Messaggero (via LazioNews24), Immobile briefly considered retiring from the Italy national team last year, following the team’s disastrous World Cup play-off loss to North Macedonia.
The striker didn’t want to be the scapegoat again of the team’s failed qualification bid and was hurt by the criticisms from the press and social media.
After a call with Roberto Mancini, he ultimately decided to move forward with the national team and did feature under Spalletti earlier this season.
