Kean’s injury gives Esposito first start opportunity with Italy

Francesco Pio Esposito could make his first start for Italy against Israel on Tuesday evening’s World Cup qualifier.

This follows the injury sustained by Moise Kean, who was unable to train on Sunday.

It is unlikely to start in Udine, according to the latest updates.

The Azzurri picked up a 3-1 win away against Estonia in World Cup qualifying on Saturday evening, which takes them closer to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, having missed the last two editions.

Genarro Gatusso’s men won the tie courtesy of goals from Kean, Mateo Retegui, and Esposito in Tallinn. 

Kean, who opened the scoring after just four minutes, was forced off shortly afterwards. The Fiorentina striker was replaced by Esposito, who came on for just his second cap with the senior Italy side. 

Reports from the Italian camps on Sunday afternoon, Kean was unable to train with the rest of the Italy squad in Udine following the Estonia victory. 

Kean was taken to a separate facility for further medical checks to determine the extent of the injury. Reports from TMW say Kean may not be available for selection, but could be introduced later in the game against Israel on Tuesday if he passes the medical test.

Kean is therefore likely to drop out of the starting line-up, and Gattuso, who preferred a two-man strike partnership, could pair him with Mateo Retegui. It’s therefore likely that Esposito comes in for his full Italy debut on Tuesday night to partner Retegui in a 4-4-2 formation.

Atletico Madrid striker, Giacomo Raspadori, who could also play the role, was used out wide in a 4-4-2 against Estonia on Saturday.

Another option is Kean’s Fiorentina teammate Roberto Piccoli,  a more natural option at centre-forward. However, since he was not even part of the match-day squad against Estonia, he is therefore unlikely to overtake Esposito in the pecking order before Tuesday night.