Hellas Verona centre-back Diego Coppola has been called up to the senior Italy squad for the first time, coinciding with reports linking him with a transfer to the Premier League clubs Brighton and Hove Albion or Aston Villa.
The 21-year-old was included in Luciano Spalletti`s latest squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Moldova.
This call-up recognises his strong season, during which he made 34 appearances and scored two goals, contributing to Verona securing their Serie A status.
Coppola previously linked with Juventus interest
Coppola is a graduate of the Hellas Verona youth system and had previously been mentioned as a potential target for Juventus.
However, according to Sportitalia`s transfer specialist Alfredo Pedullà, his future appears to be in England, with Brighton and Hove Albion reportedly leading the chase.
Aston Villa are also reported to have an interest in the defender, who is valued by Verona at least €10 million, plus potential performance-based add-ons.
His current contract with Hellas Verona is valid until June 2027. A transfer would mark his first move away from his hometown club.
