Manuel Locatelli posts cryptic response to being brutally left out of Italy's Euro 2024 squad

Manuel Locatelli has reacted on social media after being left out of Italy’s provisional squad for Euro 2024.

On Thursday afternoon, Italy boss Luciano Spalleti announced his provisional squad ahead of his summer’s tournament, which will take place in Germany.

The former Inter Milan and Napoli manager left out Locatelli, as well as the likes of Ciro Immobile, Matteo Politano, Davide Zappacosta and Moise Kean.

Only 10 players from Italy’s Euro 2020 winning squad were selected for this year’s competition.

In response to his omission, Juventus midfielder Locatelli posted a cryptic image on social media.

The 26-year-old posted just a black screen on his Instagram story.

Reacting to his post, one fan said: “Manuel Locatelli's latest Instagram story. He's out of words after not being called up to the Italy squad for the Euros.”

Another tweeted: “How the hell did that even happen.”

A third fan added: “He’s out of form, is what it is. He needed the slap on the face, harsh as it is.”

During the 23/24 season, Locatelli has made 40 appearances across all competitions for Juventus, scoring just once and assisting six times.

Instagram/@locamanuel73

Speaking after his side’s 3-3 draw against Bologna, Locatelli said: “We must be objective and try to play more and keep the ball.

“I think it is important for my characteristics to keep the ball. I am not blaming anyone, but it’s a fact that in some games, we made many technical errors, so this had an impact because when you don’t have the ball, you must run to win back possession. When the others have the ball and are organised, you struggle more because you get irritated with your teammates and it’s not good. So you must be organised, keep the ball more and make better decisions in the game. We must start from here.”

He added: “I am a football enthusiast and I watch many games. Congratulations to Bologna and their coach, who has built an important environment.

“I want to mention Mihajlovic as well because I think he built the foundation for this Bologna and they’ve reached this result for him as well. So congratulations to them.”