Aston Villa defender Matteo Ruggeri made his senior Italy debut on Monday, starting their 4–1 Nations League victory away to Turkey.
Roberto Mancini handed the left-back his first cap after leaving him out of the matchday squad for Friday’s defeat against Belgium.
Ruggeri was one of three debutants in a much-changed side, alongside Michael Kayode and Sebastiano Esposito, as Italy recovered from their opening loss.
Matteo Ruggeri Italy debut follows late call-up
The 24-year-old had joined Italy’s squad following Federico Dimarco’s withdrawal.
His opportunity arrived three days after his omission against Belgium delayed his first appearance.
According to Football Italia’s match report, Ruggeri’s corner preceded the opening goal, with Alessandro Bastoni scoring after Zeki Celik failed to clear.
Davide Frattesi and Kayode extended Italy’s lead before half-time. Baris Alper Yilmaz pulled one back after the restart, before Francesco Pio Esposito restored the three-goal advantage.
Another milestone after Villa breakthrough
Ruggeri’s first senior cap follows an increased role under Unai Emery during Ian Maatsen’s absence.
The summer signing started Villa’s Carabao Cup victory over Coventry City before completing 90 minutes in the 3–2 Premier League win at Tottenham.
Those appearances gave him an opportunity to establish himself at club level. His international breakthrough now adds another significant milestone to his opening weeks as a Villa player.
