Fabio Borini has received his first senior Italy call-up, but Mario Balotelli is dropped for the friendly against the USA.
The Azzurri take on Jurgen Klinsmann’s side at Genoa’s Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Wednesday February 29.
Fabio Borini has received his first senior Italy call-up, but Mario Balotelli is dropped for the friendly against the USA.
The Azzurri take on Jurgen Klinsmann’s side at Genoa’s Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Wednesday February 29.
Roma striker Borini was expected to be left out, as he was named in the Under-21 squad, but has been shifted to the senior team for his first call.
As it was reported, Balotelli has been dropped for breaking the code of ethics with his four-match ban for Manchester City.
Palermo goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano earns his first call since snapping knee ligaments in the summer.
Ignazio Abate gets a rare nod and Giampaolo Pazzini is called despite the fact he does not often feature at club level for Inter.
Goalkeepers: Buffon (Juventus), De Sanctis (Napoli), Sirigu (Paris St. Germain), Viviano (Palermo);
Defenders: Abate (Milan), Astori (Cagliari), Balzaretti (Palermo), Barzagli (Juventus), Bonucci (Juventus), Chiellini (Juventus), Criscito (Zenit), Maggio (Napoli), Ogbonna (Torino);
Midfielders: De Rossi (Roma), Marchisio (Juventus), Montolivo (Fiorentina), Thiago Motta (Paris St. Germain), Nocerino (Milan), Pirlo (Juventus);
Forwards: Borini (Roma), Giovinco (Parma), Matri (Juventus), Pazzini (Inter)