Frustrated Ciro Immobile pondering retirement from the Italian National Team after 8 years

Lazio striker Ciro Immobile is thinking about retiring from international football after Italy failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Rumors in Italy have been swirling that the 32-year-old wants to leave the national team after 55 appearances dating back to 2014. The striker is tired of the insults he is constantly facing when he is with the national team. He has been scapegoated for the team’s woes.

The Euro 2020 winner has come under criticism for underwhelming with the Azzurri because of his measly 15 goals. This is a poor return a striker that has netted 179 goals for his club in the capital. His general play makes things worse. If you watch Italy’s games, Ciro Immobile simply does not connect with his international teammates, and it almost feels like they are playing handicapped when he is on. Even when Italy won their European crown, Immobile did not give a good account of himself at the tournament.

Roberto Mancini would love to keep the Serie A top-scorer around, but he would like to try new options in the coming games. Gianluca Scamacca is one of the main options for the central striking position, while Andrea Belotti is another name in the mix to step up in place of Ciro Immobile.