Palma chooses Italy: Udinese defender makes debut under Mancini
Matteo Palma, 2008-born centre-back born in Berlin, receives his first national team call-up after obtaining FIFA clearance for the change of nationality. The young defender, who had worn both Germany and Italy shirts in youth selections, will play in the upcoming Nations League matches.
Matteo Palma officially enters the Italian national team project. Roberto Mancini has called up the Udinese defender for the upcoming Nations League clashes against France and Belgium, marking the 2008-born player's senior debut in blue. The call-up arrives after months of administrative waiting: FIFA had indeed cleared the way for the player's change of sporting nationality.
Born in Berlin to an Italian father and German mother, Palma has followed a singular path through youth selections. He earned three appearances with Italy U15 before playing seven times for Germany U16 and six for Germany U17. His final decision to represent Italy comes after a period of personal evaluation, during which the defender had maintained contacts with both federations.
On the pitch, the centre-back was developed in Udinese's youth academy, standing out in their Primavera team. In the previous season he was loaned to Sampdoria in Serie B, where he accumulated eleven appearances. This year he has already featured six times in Serie A with Udinese, capable of playing as a right-sided centre-back in a three-man defence or as a central defender in a four-man setup.