Immobile Will Retire From Italian National Team In The Coming Month

Ciro Immobile is reportedly set to retire from the Italian national team after his country was ruled out from the 2022 World Cup following Friday night's play-off defeat by North Macedonia.

Reigning European champions, Italy failed to take advantage of their hold on Friday night's 2022 World Cup play-off against North Macedonia when Alexander Trajkovski scored his side's only winner.

According to La Gazetta dello Sport, Lazio striker Immobile is set to retire after the defeat, making Gianluca Scamacca the new striker for the Azzurri.

Behind Scamacca there will be Andrea Belotti and Sassuolo's Gianluca Raspadori, while Nicolo Zaniolo was allowed to shine on the right side of the front three, while Lazio midfielder Mattia Zaccani will compete for a spot on the left side of the starting lineup. Federico Chiesa's position will not be replaced.

Furthermore, as reported by Il Messaggero, the 32-year-old striker's plan to retire is because he has always received personal criticism in recent years.  He trains at Coverciano in perpetual anxiety, tired of the excessive attacks aimed at him and he is ready to give up his position in the national team to fully focus on his performance with the Biancoceleste.

It's not yet clear when the striker will make an official international announcement, but he likely will in the coming months.