NEWS
What distinguishes ÖFB candidate Matteo Palma
An Udinese insider describes the young central defender who had contact with the ÖFB. However, whether he will actually play for Austria remains unclear.
Source text: © LAOLA1
from Markus Meisl
Most Austrian football fans probably haven't really had Matteo Palma (18) on their radar for the ÖFB team.
However, the central defender has an Italian-Austrian father and could therefore theoretically play for Austria.
In his youth, he played for Italy in the U15 category, and between U16 and U18, he played for the DFB.
A Decision from the Heart
"I think his decision will be between Germany and Italy. He has already played for Germany in the U16 and U18 categories, but he still has time to make his final decision," Alessandro Vescini reveals to LAOLA1. The "DAZN" journalist closely follows Udinese Calcio.
The Italians are trying to persuade Palma to make a switch. "It's a personal matter and also a family decision. That's why I think he will ultimately decide with his heart," Vescini states.
Comes from a Good Background
He only has positive words about the defender: "As a player, he is still very young, but he already possesses the physical attributes and personality to succeed at this level."
"As a person, he is very friendly, still a young lad, down-to-earth, and comes from a great family. These are things that can help a player throughout his entire career," says the Udinese insider.
There is great trust in the player. He has already played twelve matches for the senior team; in 2023, Palma moved from the Hertha BSC youth academy to Udinese Calcio. Over the last three years, he has been developed accordingly by the club.
The Austria Connection in Udine
"I think he can play in Serie A long-term. Now, he must first learn and adapt to this level," Vescini says.
Whether the central defender will one day make the jump to a senior national team remains to be seen. The potential is definitely there. He would also be eligible for Austria. With new signing David Alaba, he now also has an Austrian colleague; coach Kosta Runjaic is also German-Austrian and a native of Vienna.
However, with Sandi Lovric (28), he also has a teammate who decided against the ÖFB. After playing youth international matches for Austria, the Lienz-born player is now a senior international for Slovenia.
