Cristiano Ronaldo dropped from Portugal team to face Italy

Cristiano Ronaldo has been left out of Portugal’s first squad since the 2018 World Cup.

The Portugal captain will not be available for their Nations League match against Italy on September 10.

Ronaldo, who joined Juventus from Real Madrid in July, was not expected to be in the squad.

Coach Fernando Santos previously indicated he hoped Ronaldo would continue to play, however.

“I am convinced that he has a lot to give in football,” Santos said after Portugal’s World Cup exit.

“There is a tournament in September, the Nations League, and we hope that he is with us so that he can help the young players who will need their captain’s example.”