Italy Under-21s star ‘kicked out of squad for breaking team-mate’s nose after PUNCHING him in blazing row’
ITALY Under-21 international Marco Nasti was dismissed from a training camp this week after allegedly breaking his team-mate’s nose.
On Friday morning, it was revealed that the 20-year-old had left the Italy camp due to “disciplinary reasons”.
Manager Carmine Nunziata confirmed his departure, but refused to specify what exactly happened.
However, Italian news outlet ANSA claims that the Bari striker was kicked out of the camp after punching Atalanta winger Matteo Ruggeri in the face and breaking his nose.
Nasti took to Instagram to share a public apology after being removed from the Italy squad.
He said: “I have already apologised privately, but I want to do it here too.
“I have great respect for the values of sport and the blue shirt.
“I am very sorry for what happened during the national team’s retreat, this must be and will be an opportunity for growth for me.”
Nasti has scored two goals in ten appearances for Serie B side Bari so far this season.
His exile from the national team comes amid Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo‘s dismissal from the senior squad.
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The two Premier League stars left camp on Thursday after being questioned by police over alleged illegal betting.
An official statement from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) read: “The Federation communicates that, in the late afternoon today, the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office notified investigation documents to the players Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Zaniolo, currently in training with the national team at the Federal Technical Centre of Coverciano.
“Regardless of the nature of the acts, believing that in this situation the two players are not in the necessary condition to face the commitments scheduled in the next few days, the Federation has decided to allow their return to their clubs, even at protection of the same.”
Tonali is now set to return to Newcastle, while Zaniolo will go back to Aston Villa, where he is currently on loan from Galatasaray.
The pair could both be hit by lengthy bans if the betting allegations are found to be true.