Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has named eight uncapped players in his squad for next week's friendly against England.
Prandelli names eight uncapped players for England clash
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has named eight uncapped players in his squad for next week's friendly against England.
The 54-year-old, who did not pick Juventus or Napoli players for Wednesday's match in Berne because of their involvement in Saturday's Supercoppa match in Beijing, has chosen a 22-man squad which has a youthful look to it.
AC Milan's 19-year-old striker Stephan El Shaarawy gets a chance to impress on the national stage, as do Rossoneri defenders Mattia De Sciglio and Francesco Acerbi.
Atalanta have three players included, after comfortably surviving on their return to Serie A last season.
Striker Manolo Gabbiadini, defender Federico Peluso and goalkeeper Andrea Consigli are all named for the first time by Prandelli.
The other newcomers to the squad are Genoa goalkeeper Mattia Perin and Sampdoria midfielder Andrea Poli, who spent last season on loan with Inter Milan.
Prandelli has opted to give some of his regulars a break following Italy's campaign at the European Championship, where they lost in the final to Spain.
Antonio Cassano is one of those who will not figure against England, however Manchester City's Mario Balotelli is included in the squad and he is joined by Fiorentina's Alberto Aquilani, a recent signing from Liverpool.
Italy squad: Andrea Consigli (Atalanta), Mattia Perin (Genoa), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris St Germain); Ignazio Abate, Francesco Acerbi, Davide Astori (Cagliari), Federico Balzaretti (Roma), Mattia De Sciglio (AC Milan), Daniele Gastaldello (Sampdoria), Angelo Obinze Ogbonna (Torino), Federico Peluso (Atalanta); Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Alessandro Diamanti (Bologna), Antonio Nocerino, Andrea Poli (Sampdoria), Ezequiel Schelotto (Atalanta), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint Germain); Mario Balotelli (Man City), Mattia Destro (Roma), Stephan El Shaarawy (AC Milan), Manolo Gabbiadini (Atalanta).
