Raspadori out with hamstring injury: Will miss Champions League & a doubt for Italy World Cup play-offs – Football Italia

Giacomo Raspadori faces a significant setback after picking up a first-degree hamstring strain during Atalanta BC’s clash with Lazio.

The injury, sustained late in the match, is expected to sideline him for at least three weeks, as per SportMediaset.

Head coach Raffaele Palladino, already without Charles De Ketelaere, confirmed that Raspadori will miss both legs of Atalanta’s Champions League play-off against Borussia Dortmund, with the first leg in Germany on February 17 and the return in Bergamo on February 25.

“It’s a real blow for us,” Palladino told club media.

“Raspadori has been in great form, and losing him for these crucial matches in Europe is a challenge we have to face together.”

Raspadori a doubt for Italy World Cup play-offs

The striker is also set to miss Atalanta’s trip to Naples and the Coppa Italia semifinal first leg against Lazio on March 4.

Beyond club commitments, his availability for the Italian national team is in doubt, with the World Cup play-off semifinal against Northern Ireland scheduled for March 26 in Bergamo now uncertain.

This injury deprives both Atalanta and Italy of one of their most versatile forwards.

Raspadori’s pace, movement, and finishing have been crucial this season, and his absence forces Palladino and Italy national team coach to reconsider attacking options.

Recovery over the next three weeks will be closely monitored, and the timing could influence squad selection for the World Cup play-offs, potentially reshaping Italy’s offensive strategy for one of the most important periods of the season.