Already called up: ÖFB target Palma makes decision

Matteo Palma will not play for the ÖFB team in the future.

The 18-year-old Udinese Calcio defender was eligible to play for Austria, Germany, and Italy. The Berlin-born player was in contact with all three associations.

Now, however, a decision has been made, leaving both Austria and Germany empty-handed.

The center-back has been called up by Italy head coach Roberto Mancini for the upcoming Nations League matches to replace the injured Gianluca Mancini.

Regular starter at Udinese

The decision is likely to be particularly bitter for the German association, as Palma had previously represented the German U16 and U17 national teams.

In an interview with "Bild" in January, he still said: "I feel great with the DFB, but of course I can't say yet what the next few years will bring."

Palma has really caught the eye this season. After being injured at the start of the campaign, he has recently been a regular in the starting XI for David Alaba's club. Most recently, he scored his first Serie A goal against Roma.