Report: Sensi and Bastoni Pull Out of Italy Training

The injury bug has made its move on the very last day of the international window. According to Calciomercato.com, both Stefano Sensi and Alessandro Bastoni have stopped training with Italy thanks to a calf problem and bruise, respectively. The Azzurri are set to take on Lithuania tonight in a World Cup Qualifier. Sensi and Bastoni were both expected to start amidst an injury outbreak in the Italy squad. Roberto Mancini is without Lorenzo Pellegrini, Marco Verratti, Ciro Immobile, Nicolò Zaniolo, Federico Chiesa, and Lorenzo Insigne for tonight’s encounter.

The race is on for the Inter duo to regain fitness ahead of one of the most packed stretches of the calendar. The Nerazzurri begin a run of 6 games in 17 days starting with a visit to Sampdoria this Sunday. Squad rotation will be key if Simone Inzaghi’s side is to hold its own on the dual fronts of the Champions League and Serie A. Sensi’s absence could lead to Joaquin Correa making his first start of the season this Sunday while Bastoni will be replaced by Federico Dimarco, Andrea Ranocchia, or Danilo D’Ambrosio.

Hopefully, neither player is out for long and is back to 100% for Inter’s UCL opener a week from now against Real Madrid.