Italy Adds Udinese Defender Matteo Palma to Squad for Nations League Matches
Italy has called up Matteo Palma, an 18-year-old defender from Udinese and the Germany Under-18 squad, for the upcoming Nations League matches against France and Belgium. This decision comes as Roma’s Gianluca Mancini is sidelined due to injury.
The Azzurri aim to conclude their Nations League Group A fixtures, starting with a match against France at San Siro on Thursday, November 11, before facing Belgium on Sunday, November 15.
Coach Roberto Mancini announced his squad on Thursday evening, but was compelled to make alterations due to several fitness challenges.
Mancini out for Italy, Palma in
BOLOGNA – OCTOBER 05: Roberto Mancini, Manager of Italy, speaks to Gianluca Mancini of Italy during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Italy and Türkiye at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on October 05, 2026 in Bologna. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Gianluca Mancini pulled out of the Roma side for today’s Serie A clash against Sassuolo due to a flexor injury in his right thigh, ruling him out of international competition as well.
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Palma’s inclusion marks his first senior call-up for the national team, transitioning from Germany, where he previously played for the Under-16, Under-17, and Under-18 teams. He had trained with Italy’s youth representatives early in his career.
TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 02: Lois Openda of Juventus is challenged by Matteo Palma of Udinese Calcio during the Coppa Italia match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus at Allianz Stadium on December 02, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Palma, who was born in Berlin in March 2008, began his football career in the Hertha Berlin youth academy and joined the Udinese team in 2022. He has made six Serie A appearances this season, contributing one goal.
UDINE, ITALY – AUGUST 22: Matteo Palma of Udinese heads the ball during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Como 1907 at Stadio Friuli on August 22, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Palma has shown promise with six Serie A appearances this season, scoring once.
