Italy coach Luciano Spalletti on Wednesday called up Daniele Rugani to his squad for the national team's first two 2026 World Cup qualifiers to replace AC Milan centre back Matteo Gabbia, who suffered a muscle injury in training in Tuesday.
    Spalletti is short of options in defence because of several absences, including that of veteran Inter defender Franceso Acerbi, who snubbed his call-up to the Azzurri squad.
    Juve defender Rugani spent last season on loan at Ajax.
    Italy start their qualification campaign in Norway on Friday 6 June and then face Moldova on Monday 9 in Reggio Emilia.

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