Giacomo Raspadori has suffered a major setback after sustaining a first-degree hamstring strain during Atalanta BC’s match against Lazio.
The injury, incurred in the latter stages of the game, is anticipated to keep him out for a minimum of three weeks, according to SportMediaset.
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Head coach Raffaele Palladino, who is already without Charles De Ketelaere, confirmed that Raspadori will not participate in either leg of Atalanta’s Champions League play-off against Borussia Dortmund, with the first leg scheduled for February 17 in Germany and the return leg on February 25 in Bergamo.
“This is a significant setback for us,” Palladino stated in a club press release.
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Raffaele Palladino, Head Coach of Atalanta, looks on before the Coppa Italia Quarter-Final match against Juventus FC at the New Balance Arena on February 05, 2026, in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Raspadori has been in excellent form, and his absence during these critical European matches presents a challenge we must tackle together,” he added.
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Raspadori’s Participation in Italy World Cup Play-offs in Doubt
The striker will also miss Atalanta’s upcoming match in Naples and the first leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal against Lazio on March 4.
Furthermore, his availability for the Italian national team is uncertain, as he may miss the World Cup play-off semifinal against Northern Ireland, which is set for March 26 in Bergamo.
BERGAMO, ITALY – JANUARY 25: Giacomo Raspadori of Atalanta celebrates scoring the team’s third goal with teammate Nikola Krstovic during the Serie A match against Parma Calcio 1913 at Gewiss Stadium on January 25, 2026, in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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This injury will be a considerable loss for both Atalanta and the Italian national team, depriving them of one of their most dynamic forwards.
Raspadori’s speed, agility, and striking ability have been vital this season, and his absence will necessitate revisions to the attacking strategies of both Palladino and the national team coach.
The recovery process over the next three weeks will be closely observed, as it could significantly impact squad choices for the World Cup play-offs, potentially altering Italy’s offensive approach during this critical phase of the season.