By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 12:04 BST, 4 June 2025 | Updated: 12:04 BST, 4 June 2025
FLORENCE, Italy (AP) - Italy has [another issue in defense](https://apnews.com/article/norway-italy-world-cup-qualifying-caaaaef62853033259e0933695e41513) before facing Erling Haaland and Norway on Friday in a World Cup qualifier.
AC Milan center back Matteo Gabbia was ruled out with a right calf issue on Wednesday and Daniele Rugani was called up as a replacement.
Italy was already without Francesco Acerbi, who turned down his call-up to the national team, and Alessandro Buongiorno, who left the training camp due to a right thigh injury.
Rugani spent last season on loan at Ajax and is set to return to Juventus. He hasn´t been called up by Italy since 2018.
It´s Italy´s first qualifier and the Azzurri are already trailing group leader Norway, which has a full six points and a plus-seven goal differential after beating Moldova 5-0 and Israel 4-2.
Italy hosts Moldova on Monday in Reggio Emilia.
Milan's Matteo Gabbia scores goal 1-0 during during the Serie A soccer match between Milan and Monza at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan, Italy, Saturday, May. 24, 2025. (Alberto Mariani/LaPresse via AP)
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