 On 29 March 2011, he made his international debut in the friendly game against Ukraine played in Kiev, under manager Cesare Prandelli, coming on as a substitute for Giuseppe Rossi in the 61st minute, and subsequently scoring his first goal for Italy in the 81st minute, from a Sebastian Giovinco assist, in a match which Italy won 2–0.Matri is a dynamic, mobile, hardworking and opportunistic right-footed forward, with a good positional sense, good movement off the ball, and an eye for goal.Although he is primarily deployed as a centre-forward, he is also capable of playing on the wing, or even off another striker, in a more creative role, on occasion, due to his unselfish team-play, as well as his ability to drop deep, link-up with midfielders, and create space for his teammates.