http://www.goal.com/en/news/468/internationals/2011/02/06/2340716/sebastian-giovinco-and-alessandro-matri-earn-maiden-call-upsSebastian Giovinco And Alessandro Matri Earn Maiden Call-Ups To Italy Squad For Germany Friendly
Italy boss Cesare Prandelli has named Giovinco, Matri, and Motta in the squad to face Germany in a friendly.
By Adam Scime
Feb 6, 2011 6:15:00 PM
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has selected a 23-man squad for the friendly against Germany on Wednesday.
The former Fiorentina boss has handed maiden call-ups to Parma playmaker Sebastian Giovinco and new Juventus signing Alessandro Matri, who scored twice on Saturday against his former club Cagliari.
Inter's Brazilian-born midfielder Thiago Motta has initially been included, but his presence is not a certainty as FIFA have yet to rule on his eligibility for the 2006 World Cup winners. The player took part in the Gold Cup back in 2003 for Brazil as part of an Under-23 squad, but whether that is considered to be a cap for the 'A' squad is yet to be determined. Motta holds an Italian passport and an announcement regarding the matter is expected Monday.
Juventus shot stopper Gianluigi Buffon makes his comeback to the Azzurri, having not played since picking up a back injury in the 2010 World Cup. Napoli's Christian Maggio and Roma's Marco Borriello return to the squad as well.
Influential Milan star Andrea Pirlo misses out, currently recovering from a hamstring injury.
Full Italy Squad:
Goalkeepers: Buffon (Juventus), Sirigu (Palermo), Viviano (Bologna);
Defenders: Astori (Cagliari), Bonucci (Juventus), Cassani (Palermo), Criscito (Genoa), Chiellini (Juventus), Maggio (Napoli), Ranocchia (Inter);
Midfielders: Aquilani (Juventus), De Rossi (Roma), Giovinco (Parma), Mauri (Lazio), Montolivo (Fiorentina), *Motta (Inter), Nocerino (Palermo), Palombo (Sampdoria);
Strikers: Borriello (Roma), Cassano (Milan), Matri (Juventus), Pazzini (Inter), Rossi (Villarreal).
