---
title: "Ogbonna called into Italian national team"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2018/03/18/ogbonna-called-italian-national-team/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ryan Darby"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2018-03-18T13:26:55Z"
modified: "2018-03-18T13:26:55Z"
---

# Ogbonna called into Italian national team

Italy’s interim head coach Luigi Di Biagio has called up West Ham defender Angelo Ogbonna to his squad, replacing the injured Giorgio Chiellini**.**

The [London Evening Standard](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/west-ham-defender-angelo-ogbonna-called-up-to-italy-squad-for-friendlies-against-england-and-a3792781.html?utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#link_time=1521373976) reports that the Italian has been named in the squad for upcoming friendlies against both England and Argentina.

The call-up will come as a quite the surprise for Ogbonna, who has not featured for the Azzurri in 18 months

![Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readwestham.com/readwestham/2018/03/923786368.jpg)

Chiellini was brought off during Juventus’ 0-0 draw against SPAL on Saturday with a muscular problem.

The Juventus defender could still feature for Di Biagio, however, as the Old Lady await results of a scan Ogbonna has been brought in as a measure of precaution.

For the large part, Ogbonna has been a mainstay in West Ham’s side this season, featuring 24 times this season in the Premier League.

The 29-year-old has been one of the most impressive players at the London Stadium as the Hammers face a battle to maintain their Premier League stats.