With the war on the horizon, Italy will face a do-or-die challenge in the Europa League qualifiers, however, there is disheartening news from the previous champions. The team has suffered a wave of injuries, with central midfielder Venlur Lucadieri out of the game due to injury, while another midfielder, Bryan Kistandi, as well as two defenders, Dilorenzo and Andrea Gambiaso, are also unable to participate in training due to injuries, which has cast a shadow over Italy's road to the finals.
Venlur Lucadieri fought all the way for Juventus in their last Serie A match, helping his team to a 2-1 win over Cagliari, but was found to have broken ribs after the match and will need to recuperate. Not only does this keep him out of the Europa League playoffs, but he may even be doubtful for the next round of Serie A against Inter Milan. The player, who was the hero of the last UEFA Europa League championship, was the key man of the team as he scored two solo goals against Switzerland in the group stage. Now his absence will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the strength of the Italian team.
More unfortunately, Roma midfielder Bryan Kistandi, who is the replacement for Venlur Lucadieri, is also suspected to be injured, and if he is also absent, the Italian team's defense in the midfield could face a serious crisis. Currently sitting in third place in Group C of the Europa League qualifiers, three points behind second-placed Ukraine, the Italians will have to go all out and try not to drop points in their upcoming matches against North Macedonia and Ukraine in order to qualify.
