West Ham United left-back Emerson have been given a late call-up into the Italian national squad to face England and Malta in the coming days.
The 28-year-old, who has been in good form for the Hammers in recent weeks, was a surprise omission from Roberto Mancini’s initial 30-man squad for their upcoming 2024 European Championship qualifying matches against England and Malta. However, following an injury to Inter Milan’s Federico Dimarco during Inter Milan’s 1-0 defeat to Juventus on Sunday, Dimarco has had to withdraw from the squad.
Emerson becomes the second West Ham player to make Mancini’s Italy squad after striker Gianluca Scamacca was called up, despite the striker struggling for game time since returning from a knee injury last month.
READ MORE: 'They scare me!' - Glen Johnson's verdict on West Ham relegation threat amid David Moyes backing
Emerson and Scamacca could face their current Hammers captain Declan Rice on Thursday night in Naples, with Rice in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for their matches against Italy and Ukraine.
Juventus winger Federico Chiesa has also been forced to withdraw from the Italy squad through injury, although no replacement has been named for him.
On Monday, Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope, Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount and Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford all pulled out of the England squad, with Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Fraser Forster named as a replacement.
Italy's matches in March:
Thursday, March 23, 7:45pm: Italy vs England - 2024 European Championship qualifying
Sunday, March 26, 7:45pm: Malta vs Italy - 2024 European Championship qualifying
READ NEXT
Gianluca Scamacca sends West Ham message after David Moyes’ comments and Juventus transfer links
The 32 international matches West Ham’s players could be involved in during March break
How Leeds United, Leicester City and Southampton results affected West Ham's survival hopes
The travel nightmare facing West Ham fans as Premier League make Bournemouth fixture decision
West Ham duo walking suspension tightrope ahead of Gent Europa Conference League clash
