Italy announce 24-man squad for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Spain-c3011 friendly
Italian national team manager, Cesare Prandelli, has announced a 24-man squad for friendly game against World Champions, Spain, at the Stadio San Nicola on August 10th, 2011
There are no major surprises in the squad, as http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Daniele-De-Rossi-c10112, returns after being dropped on disciplinary grounds. As expected, highly rated, Torino defender, Angelo Ogbonna, has been called-up for the first time in his career.
On the other hand, Napoli shot-stopper, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Salvatore-Sirigu-c32282, is the third goalkeeper in the squad.
Goalkeepers: Buffon (Juventus), De Sanctis (Napoli), Sirigu (PSG).
There are no major surprises in the defensive department for the Giro Azzurro. Highly rated, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Christian-Maggio-c9098, and Zenit St. Petersburg star, Domenico Criscito, are expected to occupy the full-back roles.
Defenders: Balzaretti (Palermo), Bonucci (Juventus), Cassani (Palermo), Chiellini (Juventus), Criscito (Zenit), Maggio (http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Inter-c39567).
Other than Sampdoria star, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Claudio-Marchisio-c9312 have held their places because of good recent form.
Midfielders: Aquilani (http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Thiago-Motta-c34897 (Inter), Nocerino (Palermo), Palombo (Sampdoria), Pirlo (Juventus).
Manchester City striker, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Antonio-Cassano-c6302, has also been called to the squad after some impressive performances towards the end of the last season.
Strikers: Balotelli (Manchester City), Cassano (Milan), Giovinco (Parma), Pazzini (Inter), Rossi (Villarreal).
The last time the two sides met was in the Euro 2008 quarter-finals, when Spain beat http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Italy-c2926 4-2 on penalties after finishing 0-0 at full-time.
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