Matteo Ruggeri handed major Italy opportunity after impressive Aston Villa start

Matteo Ruggeri’s summer move to Aston Villa has quickly been followed by another important career step, with the left-back receiving a call-up to Roberto Mancini’s Italy squad.

The 24-year-old has been brought into the group following an injury to Inter Milan defender Federico Dimarco, giving Ruggeri another opportunity to make his senior international debut.

Ruggeri represented Italy throughout the youth levels and was previously included in a senior squad in 2025 without getting onto the pitch. This time, however, the circumstances surrounding his selection make the opportunity particularly significant.

Italy are beginning another rebuilding process after failing to qualify for a third successive World Cup.

Mancini has returned to take charge after previously leading Italy to their Euro 2020 triumph, and Ruggeri now has an opportunity to make an impression during the manager’s first international window back in the job.

Dimarco’s injury has opened the door, but Ruggeri’s task will be to ensure his involvement extends beyond this break.

His move from Atletico Madrid to Villa has provided regular Premier League football, with Ruggeri getting opportunities under Unai Emery following Ian Maatsen’s injury.

Establishing himself at Villa while making an early impression on Mancini could significantly strengthen his position in Italy’s plans.

Ruggeri's selection represents another positive development only months after changing clubs.

The defender arrived at Villa Park during the summer and has already been trusted with significant minutes in a demanding new environment.

Now he has the opportunity to translate that progress onto the international stage.

Italy face Belgium, Turkey twice and France during an extended international window, providing Mancini with several opportunities to assess his squad.

For Ruggeri, simply returning to the senior setup is progress. Making his first appearance and demonstrating that he can become a reliable option on Italy’s left side would make the international break considerably more significant.

Ruggeri will hope to earn his first senior Italy appearance during one of the four upcoming Nations League fixtures.

A strong international break could establish him as an early part of Mancini’s rebuilding plans, while continuing his encouraging start following the summer move from Atletico Madrid to Aston Villa.