Verona’s rising star gets surprise Italy call | OneFootball

Hellas Verona defender Diego Coppola has received his first senior Italy call-up, capping off a season of personal progress and recognition. The 21-year-old, who had already featured in Carmine Nunziata’s Under-21 squad for the European Championship, is included in Luciano Spalletti’s selection for the Azzurri’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Moldova.

Italy will travel to Oslo to face Norway on 6 June before hosting Moldova in Reggio Emilia three days later, with these fixtures counting towards qualification for the next World Cup. Coppola is the only Verona player named in Spalletti’s latest squad. The call-up serves as reward for his consistent performances in the heart of Verona’s defence throughout a demanding Serie A campaign.

Coppola’s development has not gone unnoticed, with his reliability at centre-back emerging as one of the season’s positives for Verona. His progress was already reflected in his place on the Under-21 roster, but stepping up to the full national side marks a significant milestone. He joins a defensive contingent alongside the likes of Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni, and Destiny Udogie, reflecting increased competition for places at the top level.

For Verona, Coppola’s selection is a welcome piece of good news at the close of a challenging season spent fighting for Serie A survival. It underlines the club’s capacity to develop young talent capable of competing both domestically and on the international stage.

The remainder of Spalletti’s list includes names familiar from top Italian and European clubs, such as Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal and midfielders like Nicolò Barella and Sandro Tonali. But from Verona’s perspective, all eyes will be on Coppola as he takes the next step in his career with Italy.

Source: Tutto Hellas Verona