Ruggeri Called Up After Dimarco Leaves Italy Squad

Federico Dimarco has withdrawn from Italy’s Nations League squad after failing to recover from a physical problem picked up with Inter, with Aston Villa’s Matteo Ruggeri called up in his place.

According to the Italian Football Federation, the decision followed medical examinations carried out at Coverciano, which confirmed the Nerazzurri wing-back was not fit to take part in the upcoming fixtures.

Coverciano Tests Confirm Dimarco Unavailable

“After the medical examinations carried out in Coverciano, Inter defender Federico Dimarco, who has not recovered from a physical problem suffered with his club, is unavailable for the next matches with the national team and will leave the camp in the coming hours,” the federation said.

Italy assembled on Sunday evening as they prepare for a demanding four-match Nations League block: Belgium on 25 September, Turkey on 28 September, France on 2 October, and Turkey again on 5 October. Dimarco’s exit is now the second alteration to Roberto Mancini’s group, after Roma midfielder Bryan Cristante was ruled out with a physical problem and replaced by Como’s Samuel Ricci.

This is Mancini’s first camp since returning to the Italy job over the summer, and he handed nine players their first senior call-ups when the squad was announced on Friday. Losing Dimarco is a notable blow given his standing at Inter – the wing-back was named Serie A’s best player last season, and his importance to both club and country has been well documented, including in discussion of his role for the Azzurri.

Ruggeri now enters the group for the four-game window, giving Mancini fresh cover at left-back as Italy proceed without one of their most influential players.