Hofs handed Dutch call

Dutch coach Marco van Basten has named a 22-man squad for next week's friendly.

A number of fringe players have been given the chance to impress ahead of this summer's World Cup finals, with Feyenoord midfielder Nicky Hofs drafted in for the first time.

There are seven changes to the squad named to face Italy in November, with Martijn Meerdink, Mark van Bommel, Tim de Cler, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Barry Opdam and Arjen Robben given the chance to shine.

Rafael van der Vaart is not fully fit following an ankle problem, while Wesley Sneijder misses out with a hamstring strain and there is no place for either Bayern Munich's Roy Makaay or rising Ajax star Klaas Jan Huntelaar.

Tottenham schemer Edgar Davids has been overlooked, but Middlesbrough warhorse George Boateng will be given the chance to impress. 

Squad:
Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United), Henk Timmer (AZ Alkmaar); Urby Emanuelson (Ajax), Tim de Cler (AZ Alkmaar), Kew Jaliens (AZ Alkmaar), Joris Mathijsen (AZ Alkmaar), Barry Opdam (AZ Alkmaar), Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Barcelona), Ron Vlaar (Feyenoord), Khalid Boulahrouz (Hamburg); Hedwiges Maduro (Ajax), Denny Landzaat (AZ Alkmaar), Mark van Bommel (Barcelona), Nicky Hofs (Feyenoord), George Boateng (Middlesbrough), Phillip Cocu (PSV Eindhoven); Arjen Robben (Chelsea), Romeo Castelen (Feyenoord), Dirk Kuyt (Feyenoord), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United), Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink (PSV Eindhoven), Martijn Meerdink (AZ Alkmaar)