Burnley striker to miss Italy U21 friendlies through injury | OneFootball

Italy U21 have qualified for the 2025 European Championship and are now preparing for friendlies against France and Ukraine, but Burnley talent Luca Koleosho won’t take part in these games after picking up an injury.

The 20-year-old was included in the 27-player squad announced by the Azzurrini coach Carmine Nunziata last week, in an attacking department which also comprised Leeds striker Willy Gnonto.

Burnley’s Koleosho dropped by Italy U21 squad after injury

Koleosho had previously racked up only two appearances with Italy U21 in November 2023 and more recently in October 2021, when he came on in the second half during his side’s 1-1 draw against Ireland that earned Nunziata’s outfit a spot in next year’s European Under-21 Championship.

epa10879542 Luca Koleosho (R) of Burnley in action against Sergio Reguilon of Manchester United during the English Premier League soccer match between Burnley FC and Manchester United, in Burnley, Britain, 23 September 2023. EPA-EFE/PETER POWELL

However, the 20-year-old’s hopes of playing his third game with the Azzurrini were dashed by an injury which ruled him out of the upcoming friendlies against France and Ukraine during the international break, as reported by Alfredo Pedullà.

Koleosho, who underwent surgery due to a knee injury in December 2023, has since recovered and taken his place back at Burnley, with whom he played 14 Championship matches this term, scoring two goals.