Italy will be without Davide Frattesi for their decisive Nations League fixture against Belgium after the midfielder left the national team camp with a muscular injury.
Frattesi scored in Italy’s 3-1 victory over France on Thursday at San Siro, helping the Azzurri move to the top of their group. However, he will not recover in time for Sunday evening’s final group match in Brussels, according to Football Italia.
An official statement confirmed that Frattesi had departed Italy’s training base in Coverciano and returned to Lazio, where the club’s medical staff will monitor his condition. Medical examinations identified a muscle problem that leaves him without sufficient time to regain fitness before the Belgium game.
Frattesi has won 39 international caps and scored 10 goals for Italy. He has also rediscovered his form since joining Lazio during the summer transfer window, scoring four times in 11 Serie A appearances this season.
Italy currently lead the group with 10 points, level with France but ahead on head-to-head record. Belgium are third on nine points, while Turkey are bottom without a point.
Luciano Spalletti’s side need at least a draw against Belgium to guarantee a place in the Nations League quarter-finals. Victory would ensure they finish top of the group ahead of France.
Italy began their campaign with a 2-0 defeat by Belgium, but responded with consecutive wins over Turkey, beating them 4-1 and 3-1. They then drew 1-1 with France before securing an important 3-1 victory over Les Bleus in Milan.
The result against France strengthened Italy’s position, but Belgium’s continuing hopes of qualification mean Sunday’s meeting remains significant for both teams. Italy must now attempt to protect their advantage without Frattesi, who had played a decisive part in their latest win.
The Belgium fixture is scheduled for 15 November 2026 in Brussels. With Belgium only one point behind Italy and France, the match will determine whether Italy retain their place among the leading teams in the competition and secure first position in the group.
