Aston Villa defender Matteo Ruggeri has been added to Roberto Mancini’s Italy squad after Federico Dimarco was forced to withdraw through injury.
The Italian Football Federation confirmed on Monday that Inter defender Dimarco had failed to recover from a physical issue suffered with his club.
After undergoing a medical assessment at Italy’s Coverciano training base, Dimarco was ruled unavailable and Ruggeri was called into Mancini’s squad as his replacement.
Matteo Ruggeri earns Italy opportunity
Ruggeri remains uncapped at senior international level despite previously receiving an Italy call-up.
His latest opportunity follows an encouraging run in Unai Emery’s Aston Villa side.
The 24-year-old started Villa’s 3-1 Carabao Cup victory against Coventry City before retaining his place for Saturday’s dramatic 3-2 Premier League win at Tottenham.
We examined how Ruggeri has stepped up during Ian Maatsen’s absence after completing another important 90 minutes in north London.
Maatsen is expected to spend several more weeks on the sidelines after suffering ankle tendon damage, with our latest Ian Maatsen injury update outlining the possible timeframe for his return.
That has increased Ruggeri’s importance at club level just as another international opportunity has arrived.
Italy face four Nations League fixtures
Mancini’s side begin their Nations League campaign against Belgium in Rome on Friday, 25 September.
Italy then face Turkey on 28 September, France on 2 October and Turkey again on 5 October. The FIGC’s original squad announcement confirmed the four-match schedule.
Ruggeri will hope the extended international window finally provides an opportunity to make his senior Italy debut.
He is then due back at Bodymoor Heath before Villa return to Premier League action.
Emery’s side face Brentford at Villa Park on Saturday, 10 October, with our Aston Villa vs Brentford guide containing the confirmed date, kick-off time and UK broadcast information.
