Roberto Gagliardini (born 7 April 1994) is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Serie A club Hellas Verona. On 28 February 2014, Gagliardini was called up to the Italy under-20 side. On 12 August 2015, he made his debut with the under-21 side under manager Luigi Di Biagio, in a friendly match against Hungary, which ended in a 0–0 draw. In November 2016, Gagliardini was called up to the Italian senior squad for the first time by manager Gian Piero Ventura for a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Liechtenstein and a friendly match against Germany, following an injury to Claudio Marchisio. On 28 March 2017, Gagliardini made his first senior appearance for the Italy national football team, along with four other players; he came off the bench to replace the injured Daniele De Rossi in the 37th minute of a 2–1 friendly away win against the Netherlands. In June 2017, he was included in the Italy under-21 squad for the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship by manager Di Biagio. Italy were eliminated by Spain in the semi-finals on 27 June, following a 3–1 defeat, during which Gagliardini was sent off.