Italy national team coach Luciano Spalletti faced the cameras on Friday before his side’s 2024 European Championship qualifier against Malta at the Stadio Comunale San Nicola in Bari.
The former Napoli manager has handed a first time call-up to Tottenham Hotspur’s Nigeria-eligible defender Destiny Udogie.
Spalletti has hinted at giving a debut to the Italian-Nigerian fullback who has earned rave reviews for his performances in the Premier League.
The 64-year-old highlighted that he was impressed with the physicality and versatility of Udogie who can be deployed in defence and midfield.
The 64-year-old highlighted that he was impressed with the physicality and versatility of Udogie who can be deployed in defence and midfield.
In quotes relayed by the official website of the Italian Federation, Spalletti said: “We have five natural midfielders and Udogie, who is playing in midfield in the Premier League and possesses the kind of physicality that could come in handy.”
Udogie is still an U21 player, hence, the Verona native will not be cap-tied to his country of birth, Italy if he appears in the October internationals against Malta and England.
In his eight appearances for Tottenham Hotspur, Udogie was deployed as a left-back but his pace and stamina allow him to be involved in the attacking phase.
He has registered two assists in this season’s Premier League – against Bournemouth and Burnley.
