Report Palestra out of Italy starting XI due to injury | OneFootball

Marco Palestra is one of the most eagerly-awaited Italy players in the friendly with Luxembourg, but it’s reported he will not start tomorrow due to a fitness issue.

It kicks off at the Stade de Luxembourg on Wednesday at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).

Following Gennaro Gattuso’s resignation and the World Cup play-off debacle, Under-21 coach Silvio Baldini was promoted to the role of interim senior CT for this friendly and Sunday’s trip to Greece.

Palestra eager for Italy opportunity

CAGLIARI, ITALY – JANUARY 02: Marco Palestra of Cagliari looks on before the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and AC Milan at Stadio Sant’Elia on January 02, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

He called up largely the Under-21 team, so many of the players are uncapped, but there are a few eager to show what they can do from the start.

They include Palestra, who excelled this season on loan at Cagliari from Atalanta, and is the centre of a €50m bidding war with Inter, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Arsenal.

However, Sky Sport Italia and FCInterNews report that the right-back is not going to be in the starting XI tomorrow, because he is suffering with a slight muscular issue.

It is possible he will be able to come off the bench, but the hope is to see him starting against Greece on Sunday evening instead.