Italy has another issue in defense with Gabbia ruled out before facing Haaland’s Norway

By: The Associated Press Posted: 6:03 AM CDT Wednesday, Jun. 4, 2025

FLORENCE, Italy (AP) — Italy has another issue in defense before facing Erling Haaland and Norway on Friday in a World Cup qualifier.

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FLORENCE, Italy (AP) — Italy has another issue in defense before facing Erling Haaland and Norway on Friday in a World Cup qualifier.

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This article was published 04/06/2025 (483 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

FLORENCE, Italy (AP) — Italy has another issue in defense before facing Erling Haaland and Norway on Friday in a World Cup qualifier.

AC Milan center back Matteo Gabbia was ruled out with a right calf issue on Wednesday and Daniele Rugani was called up as a replacement.

Italy was already without Francesco Acerbi, who turned down his call-up to the national team, and Alessandro Buongiorno, who left the training camp due to a right thigh injury.

Milan's Matteo Gabbia scores goal 1-0 during during the Serie A soccer match between Milan and Monza at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan, Italy, Saturday, May. 24, 2025. (Alberto Mariani/LaPresse via AP)

Rugani spent last season on loan at Ajax and is set to return to Juventus. He hasn’t been called up by Italy since 2018.

It’s Italy’s first qualifier and the Azzurri are already trailing group leader Norway, which has a full six points and a plus-seven goal differential after beating Moldova 5-0 and Israel 4-2.

Italy hosts Moldova on Monday in Reggio Emilia.