Casadei, Ruggeri Earn First Italy Call-Ups for Nations League Quarter-Finals

Italy's national team coach Luciano Spalletti has named his 25-man squad for the Nations League quarter-finals against Germany, which includes first-time call-ups for Cesare Casadei and Matteo Ruggeri. Casadei, a 22-year-old midfielder who recently joined Torino from Chelsea, has impressed in Serie A, scoring one goal and providing an assist since his return to Italy. Ruggeri, also 22, has been a standout at Atalanta and is stepping in due to an injury to regular wing-back Federico Dimarco. Italy will play Germany at the San Siro on March 20 and then in Dortmund on March 23, with the winner set to host the Nations League finals. The squad reflects a mix of youth and experience, as several prominent players from Juventus and AC Milan were notably omitted. Both Casadei and Ruggeri have been recognized for their potential after successful stints in Italy's youth teams.