Matteo Ruggeri receives first senior Italy call-up after Dimarco injury withdrawal

Matteo Ruggeri has been called up to the Italy squad for the first time at senior level after Federico Dimarco withdrew through injury, according to Sports Mole. The Aston Villa left-back is among the players summoned by manager Roberto Mancini ahead of a run of UEFA Nations League matches.

Dimarco was initially named in a 34-man group but the Italian Football Federation confirmed that the Inter Milan defender failed to recover from a physical problem sustained with his club. He will return to Inter for treatment rather than remain at the national team's training camp in Coverciano.

Ruggeri, 24, arrives having represented Italy sixteen times at Under-21 level without yet making his senior debut. He completed a move to Villa Park from Atlético Madrid during the summer transfer window, signing a five-year contract for a reported fee of £17 million.

His early weeks in English football have seen him feature four times under Unai Emery. Those outings included starting roles in consecutive victories away at Coventry City in the League Cup and at Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

Mancini is preparing for his first camp since being reappointed as Italy head coach earlier this year. The Azzurri are scheduled to play four Nations League fixtures across September and October, beginning at home against Belgium before travelling to face Turkey.

Ruggeri is expected to provide defensive cover on the left side of the pitch during the international break. He is one of eleven uncapped players included in the wider squad for the upcoming campaign.