Daniele De Rossi has returned to the Italy squad ahead of their friendlies with Germany and Nigeria. The Roma midfielder was forced to withdraw from the Azzurris October fixtures with injury but, as expected, will be available for selection at San Siro against Joachim Lows men on November 15 and at Craven Cottage against the reigning Africa Cup of Nations winners. Marco Verratti suffered discomfort in his left knee ahead of Paris Saint-Germains win over Nice on Saturday and is omitted from Italy head coach Cesare Prandellis squad. Another notable absentee is injured Giorgio Chiellini, though Juventus team-mates Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli, Angelo Ogbonna, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Pirlo make the grade. Roma full-back Federico Balzaretti, Cagliaris Davide Astori, Sampdoria midfielder Lorenzo Di Silvestri and Fiorentina midfielder Alberto Aquilani are all dropped. Giuseppe Rossi retains his spot after returning in the pair of fixtures last month, while Mario Balotellis poor run of form has not affected his place in Prandellis plans. Parma midfielder Marco Parolo will be hoping to add to his one cap following a call-up on Sunday, while Zenit St Petersburg defender Domenico Criscito earns a return to the national team after overcoming fitness concerns. Italy are currently preparing for World Cup 2014 after sealing their spot at the tournament in September, though they are not top seeds for the group stage draw because of their Fifa Ranking position.
Posted on: Mon, 11 Nov 2013 14:59:54 +0000
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