West Ham United defender Emerson Palmieri has been called up to the Italy squad to replace the injured Federico Dimarco, according to Calciomercato.
The Inter Milan left-back picked up an adductor problem in the 63rd minute of Sunday’s 1-0 Derby d’Italia defeat to Juventus and was replaced by Danilo D’Ambrosio.
The injury is understood to be a minor knock, but the 25-year-old will not play any part in Italy’s opening two games in the European Championship qualifiers.
Dimarco has been an ever-present figure in Simone Inzaghi’s side this term, racking up 34 appearances in all competitions while chipping in with four goals and five assists.
His impressive performances has led the club to scramble to keep him at the San Siro despite their precarious financial situation.
The good news for Inter is that Dimarco should be available for the home clash against Fiorentina after the international break.
However, the defender’s absence comes as a blow to Italy head coach Roberto Mancini who has now called up Emerson to replace his injured compatriot.
The 28-year-old has played a bit-part role for the Hammers this season, starting just ten of his 14 Premier League appearances while contributing just one goal.
Emerson made his Italy debut in September 2018 under Mancini and has featured 28 times but is yet to open his goalscoring account with the Azzurri.
The former Chelsea and AS Roma defender was part of the Italian team that won the Euros nearly two years ago and is expected to link up with the rest of the squad in Coverciano.
Italy were also handed another injury scare when Juventus forward Federico Chiesa, who was also named in Mancini’s squad, pulled up in the 83rd minute of the derby.
However, the club have confirmed that the 25-year-old winger did not suffer any lesions, and his condition will be monitored daily.
Mancini is yet to name a replacement for Chiesa, with his side set to face England on Thursday before taking on Malta three days later in their opening two qualifying games.
