Manchester United striker Kiko Macheda has won a late call to Italy's U21 squad.

The striker was originally dropped from the party to face Hungary on Friday and Luxembourg on Tuesday. However, because of injuries, the former Lazio youth team player has been handed the opportunity to shine.

Macheda has been called up by boss Gigi Casiraghi after the latter lost Parma hotshot Alberto Paloschi to injury.

The youngster has had a slow start to this season, though was given a start for United's 3-3 draw with Champions League opponents CSKA Moscow last week.