Matteo Ruggeri earns surprise first Italy call-up after Dimarco withdrawal

Aston Villa defender Matteo Ruggeri has received his first senior call-up to Roberto Mancini's Italy squad. The 24-year-old was added to the national team after Inter defender Federico Dimarco was forced to withdraw due to a physical injury. Dimarco was ruled unavailable following a medical assessment at Italy's Coverciano training base.

Ruggeri's call-up follows a run of starts for Aston Villa under manager Unai Emery, filling in during Ian Maatsen's absence. Italy is scheduled to play four Nations League fixtures against Belgium, Turkey, and France starting on September 25, 2026.