Matteo Palma (born 13 March 2008) is a footballer who plays as a defender for Serie A club Udinese. Born in Germany, he has represented both Italy and his native Germany internationally at youth level.
Palma was born on 13 March 2008 in Berlin, Germany. He was born to an Italian father and a German mother of Cameroonian descent.[1] As a youth player, he joined the youth academy of German side Hertha BSC. In 2022, Palma joined the youth academy of Italian Serie A club Udinese. He started his senior career with the club on 25 September 2024, as he made his debut for them during a 3–1 win over Salernitana.[2]
He currently is a Germany youth international, although he represented Italy at youth international before.[3] Palma played for the Italy U15s, Germany U16s, and Germany U17s. He made three appearances while playing for the Italy U15s.
Palma mainly operates as a defender. He specifically operates as a central defender, he can also operate as a full-back and is right-footed. He is known for his strength, and has received comparisons to Italy international Giorgio Scalvini.[4] Palma has been described as "gifted with a fair amount of ease in running and speed".[5]
