Angelo Ogbonna called up by Italy to replace injured Giorgio Chiellini
Monday 19 March 2018 15:52, UK
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.
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.
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.
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.
