Mancini calls up Palma to replace injured Mancini

Udinese defender Matteo Palma, born in Berlin, receives his first Italy call-up after FIFA approved his switch from Germany's youth system.

Roberto Mancini has called up Udinese defender Matteo Palma to replace injured Roma defender Gianluca Mancini for Italy's upcoming Nations League fixtures. Palma, born in Berlin, has received FIFA clearance to represent Italy after previously playing for Germany's youth teams. The 2008-born defender will make his senior international debut as part of Italy's squad for matches against Belgium on Thursday 12 November at the San Siro in Milan and against Belgium on Sunday 15 November at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels. The call-up continues Mancini's strategy of integrating young talent into the national team setup.