Marco Verratti, a dotted Euro. – Marco Bertorello / AFP
He wouldn’t put his hand in it, but he wants to believe it. Italian coach Roberto Mancini hopes to count on Marco Verratti at the next Euro, from June 11 to July 11. Victim of an injury to the medial collateral ligament of the right knee, the PSG midfielder must be unavailable between four and six weeks, the Parisian club announced on Tuesday.
“The injury he suffered is not easy, but there is still a month and I am quite confident,” assured Mancini at the microphone of the Sky Sport channel. “I spoke to him and he too is confident. We will see in the coming weeks, ”he added.
Countdown
Time is running out, however, for Verratti (28): Italy’s first match is scheduled against Turkey, on June 11 in Rome at the opening of the Euro, before Switzerland and Wales, on June 16 and 20. , still at the Stadio Olimpico. Before the Euro, Squadra Azzura will play two friendly matches, against San Marino on May 28 in Cagliari and then against the Czech Republic on June 4 in Bologna.
The coaches have until June 1 to submit their list of 26 players to UEFA. After this date, the current regulations allow an unlimited number of substitutions in the event of serious injury or illness before the first match, subject to presentation of a medical certificate.