Palma earns first Italy call-up, Mancini sidelined by injury
Udinese defender receives maiden call-up following change of sporting nationality. Roma centre-back ruled out of Nations League clashes against France and Belgium.
Matteo Palma will wear the Azzurri shirt for the first time. Following FIFA approval for his change of sporting nationality, the Udinese defender has been called up by coach Roberto Mancini for Italy's final two Nations League group-stage fixtures: away to France in Milan on November 12 and away to Belgium on November 15. For the 2008-born centre-back, this marks a significant milestone in his rapidly developing career.
Palma's arrival comes at the cost of a setback elsewhere: Gianluca Mancini, Roma's defensive stalwart, has been forced to withdraw due to injury and will remain with his club for treatment. The call-up to the squad gathering at Coverciano, where the Azzurri will begin their training sessions, nonetheless represents a crucial opportunity for the young Udinese centre-back.