Injury news mar Italy preparations for Hungary showdown

Roma teenager Calafiori called up as Mancini tries to plug gap

Italy coach Roberto Mancini has handed a late call-up to Roma teenager Riccardo Calafiori after a string of injuries to his defensive ranks ahead of their Nations League game against Hungary on Monday.

Calafiori, 18, has yet to make his senior debut but was part of the Italy squad for the friendlies against Bosnia and Armenia earlier this month.

He joins an Italy squad that is already without defenders Francesco Acerbi and Alessio Romagnoli, who both pulled out of the squad with muscular injuries.

Mancini sweating on Dembele fitness

Mancini is also sweating on the fitness of Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele, who missed training on Saturday with a minor muscle problem.

Dembele has been in impressive form for Barcelona this season, scoring four goals in six appearances, and his absence would be a blow to Italy's hopes of winning the Nations League group.

Italy are currently top of Group A1 with seven points from three games, one point ahead of Poland and the Netherlands.

They will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table when they face Hungary in Budapest on Monday.

Italy's injury list

• Francesco Acerbi (muscular injury)
• Alessio Romagnoli (muscular injury)
• Ousmane Dembele (minor muscle problem)