Italy striker Nicolo Zaniolo will miss UEFA Euro 2024 after injuring his leg during Aston Villa’s Premier League draw with Liverpool on Monday.
Zaniolo – who joined Unai Emery’s side on a season-long loan from Galatasaray last August – came on as a second-half substitute as they came from 3-1 down to earn a 3-3 draw at Villa Park.
The result moved Villa closer to securing UEFA Champions League qualification, which was confirmed when Tottenham lost 2-0 at home to Manchester City on Tuesday.
However, Zaniolo lasted just 14 minutes after his 65th-minute introduction before being taken off himself, with scans showing he had suffered a micro-fracture in his leg.
The 24-year-old has now confirmed that he will be unable to feature in Italy’s Euro title defense, with their Group B campaign kicking off against Albania on June 15.
In a post on his Instagram account, Zaniolo wrote: “Thank you for your support in these hours, you Villans and many Italian and Turkish fans. I can’t wait to get back on the pitch stronger than before!
“Unfortunately, I will have to give up my dream of representing my country at a major competition. But that day will surely come and it will be beautiful! Come on Azzurri!”
Zaniolo also missed Italy’s triumphant run at the delayed Euro 2020 three years ago while recovering from a torn cruciate ligament.
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