Italy worries for Mancini and Bastoni after fresh injury | OneFootball

There are more concerns for Italy ahead of the 2026 World Cup play-offs, as Roma substituted Gianluca Mancini today, while Alessandro Bastoni is already undergoing tests.

The Azzurri are set to battle with Northern Ireland in the semi-final of the play-offs, then hopefully face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina for a place in the tournament.

Coach Gennaro Gattuso is already forced to miss quite a few key players, so the last thing he wants is more injuries to be picked up during this weekend in Serie A.

Mancini and Bastoni awaiting Italy tests

Gianluca Mancini representing Italy in the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Moldova (@azzurri)

It looks as if that might be the case, because Roma took defender Mancini off at half-time during their game against Lecce at the Stadio Olimpico.

Initial reports from Sky Sport Italia suggest there is a calf issue in the left leg for the centre-back, but it remains to be seen how serious it is.

BODO, NORWAY – FEBRUARY 18: Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale Milano reacts after Kasper Hogh of Bodo/Glimt (not pictured) scores his team’s third goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between FK Bodo/Glimt and FC Internazionale Milano at Aspmyra Stadion on February 18, 2026 in Bodo, Norway. (Photo by Martin Ole Wold/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Bastoni was left out of the Inter squad travelling to Florence for tonight’s match against Fiorentina.

He remains a major doubt for Italy too, so has been spotted this evening already arriving at the Coverciano training ground.

This is where the Azzurri staff are based, so he can undergo tests there to decide if he should remain with the group, or if Gattuso ought to call in a replacement.