Fabregas Slams FIGC as Kean Plays 90 Minutes for Italy While Injured

FolioPitch.com – 11 October 2026 | Cesc Fabregas, the manager of Como, has launched a scathing critique of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) over its handling of Moise Kean, revealing that the striker Fabregas Kean played 90 minutes for Italy while injured. The revelation has sparked a heated debate about player welfare and communication between national teams and clubs, with Fabregas accusing the federation of negligence.

According to Fabregas, Kean sustained a significant knock during Italy’s 2-0 home defeat to Belgium at the start of the international window. Despite the injury, the 25-year-old forward went on to play the full 90 minutes in Italy’s draw with France in Paris. An MRI scan conducted on Friday subsequently confirmed the extent of the problem, ruling Kean out of Como’s upcoming Serie A clash with Roma on Sunday.

“He took a significant knock against Belgium, in the first game we played,” Fabregas said, speaking ahead of the Roma match. “Despite that, he played another 90 minutes while injured, as an MRI scan carried out yesterday showed. As for the communication between the federation and the club… it could be better.”

The incident has raised serious questions about the FIGC’s medical protocols and its commitment to player safety. Fabregas’s comments suggest a breakdown in communication, with Como left in the dark about the severity of Kean’s condition until after the player had returned to his club. The fact that Fabregas Kean played 90 minutes for Italy while injured has been described as “unacceptable” by sources close to the club, who believe the striker should have been withdrawn earlier.

Kean’s injury is a significant blow for Como, who are set to face Roma in a crucial Serie A fixture. The striker has been a key figure for the club this season, and his absence will be felt keenly. Fabregas, however, was careful to praise Kean’s commitment to his country, acknowledging the player’s desire to represent Italy despite the pain. “Moise is a warrior,” Fabregas added. “He wanted to play, but it’s our job to protect him. The federation must do better.”

The Italian Football Federation has yet to respond to Fabregas’s remarks, but the incident is likely to intensify the ongoing debate over the congested international calendar and its impact on player fitness. With clubs investing heavily in their squads, the risk of injury during international duty is a perennial concern. The fact that Fabregas Kean played 90 minutes for Italy while injured will only add fuel to the fire, with many calling for stricter protocols and better communication between national teams and clubs.

This is not the first time Fabregas has voiced his frustration with the FIGC. The Como coach has previously criticised the federation for its handling of player releases and medical assessments. His latest comments, however, are his most pointed yet, and they come at a time when player welfare is under increasing scrutiny across European football.

For Kean, the focus will now be on recovery. The striker is expected to undergo further assessments in the coming days, and Como will be hoping for a swift return. But the damage may already be done, both to Kean’s fitness and to the relationship between club and country. As Fabregas made clear, the communication must improve, and the FIGC must be held accountable. The saga surrounding Fabregas Kean played 90 minutes for Italy while injured is far from over, and it serves as a stark reminder of the pressures faced by modern footballers.

In conclusion, Fabregas’s revelations have exposed a troubling lack of care and coordination on the part of the Italian Football Federation. While Kean’s bravery cannot be questioned, the decision to allow him to play on while injured raises serious ethical and practical concerns. Clubs like Como are left to pick up the pieces, and players are put at unnecessary risk. The FIGC must act swiftly to address these issues, or risk further damaging its relationship with the clubs that nurture its talent. Only time will tell if lessons are learned, but for now, the spotlight is firmly on the federation and its duty of care.