Mateo Retegui has been ruled out of Italy's Nations League quarter-final against Germany with a thigh injury.

The Atalanta forward is the top scorer in Serie A this season with 22 goals in 27 appearances, seven more than his nearest challenger in international team-mate Moise Kean.

Retegui, who has netted six times in 18 senior Italy caps, was likely to lead the Azzurri's line in the first leg at San Siro on Thursday.

However, Italy confirmed he will play no part in the two-legged tie, and has subsequently returned to his club.

Retegui has left the training camp.

The forward underwent medical exams this morning, which revealed a muscle strain in his right thigh. As a result, he is unavailable for both games against Germany.#Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/xL3578VVWd

— Italy (@Azzurri_En) March 19, 2025

"Retegui has left the training camp," they wrote on X. "The forward underwent medical exams this morning, which revealed a muscle strain in his right thigh. As a result, he is unavailable for both games against Germany."

Luciano Spalletti is likely to name Fiorentina's Kean as his centre-forward to face Julian Nagelsmann's side in Milan.

The Azzurri will then travel to Dortmund for the second leg at Signal Iduna Park on Sunday.