For a long time, he left it open as to whether he would play for Germany or Italy. With the announcement of the Squadra Azzurra squad, Matteo Palma’s future has now been clarified.
Although he has played for German youth international teams in recent years, Matteo Palma will not be representing the DFB in future, but will instead play for Italy. As part of the squad selection for the upcoming Nations League matches against France and Belgium, Italy’s national team manager Roberto Mancini has called up the 18-year-old centre-back to the Squadra Azzurra squad.
On Saturday, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced the squad. It is understood that FIFA had previously approved the change of association. As well as Germany and Italy, Palma also has Austrian roots. Most recently, the talented player, who is under contract with Udinese Calcio, had left open his decision as to which national team he wished to represent.
13 appearances for DFB youth teams
He appears to have finally made up his mind. Having previously played for Italy’s Under-15 national team, Palma subsequently joined the DFB. He made a total of 13 international appearances for Germany at Under-16 and Under-17 level. Among other things, the Berlin-born player featured for the DFB youth side in the qualifiers for the Under-17 European Championship.
Palma came through the youth ranks at Hertha BSC; in 2022, the then 14-year-old joined Udinese Calcio. At the northern Italian club, he made the leap into the first team before being loaned out to Sampdoria Genoa last season. This season, Palma is a regular starter for the team currently bottom of Serie A and has featured in six matches so far.