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Angelo Ogbonna called up by Italy to replace injured Giorgio Chiellini

Angelo Ogbonna of West Ham United during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Shrewsbury Town and West Ham United at New Meadow on January 7, 2018 in Shrewsbury, England.
Image: Angelo Ogbonna has 13 caps for Italy

West Ham defender Angelo Ogbonna has been called up by Italy to cover for the injured Giorgio Chiellini.

Juventus confirmed Chiellini would withdraw from the Italy squad and return to Turin on Monday after scans showed he suffered a thigh strain during Saturday's 0-0 draw with Spal.

Italy are scheduled to play friendlies against Argentina in Manchester on March 23 and England at Wembley four days later.

Giorgio Chiellini plays for Juventus
Image: Giorgio Chiellini picked up an injury playing for Juventus on Saturday

Ogbonna, who played with Chiellini at Juventus, has featured for West Ham 31 times this season, scoring three goals.

West Ham are two points clear of the relegation zone in 18th, and have eight games remaining to maintain their Premier League status.

Juventus' next match is against AC Milan on March 31, followed by the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid on April 3.

TOPSHOT - Juventus' goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon celebrates at the end of the Italian Serie A football match between Juventus and Sassuolo on February 4, 20
Image: Gianluigi Buffon has been called up by Italy despite retiring last year

Italy are yet to find a permanent replacement for Gian Piero Ventura - who was sacked in November after the team failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1958.

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Luigi Di Biagio, who was appointed Italy boss on an interim basis in February, will take charge of the Azzurri for this month's friendlies.

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