Cerci wins first Italy call-up

Torino winger Alessio Cerci has been named by Italy coach Cesare Prandelli in a 27-man squad to face Brazil and Malta.

Last Updated: 17/03/13 at 20:08 Post Comment

Alessio Cerci (right): Named in 27-man Italy squad

Alessio Cerci (right): Named in 27-man Italy squad

Manager Specials

So who will replace David Moyes as manager of Everton after his appointment as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor at Manchester United? Wigan's Robert Martinez heads the betting. Check out the latest odds

Cerci is selected alongside the returning duo of AC Milan defender Mattia De Sciglio and Genoa left-back Luca Antonelli as the Azzurri prepare to face Brazil in a friendly match in Geneva on Thursday before visiting Malta for a World Cup qualifier on March 26.

Cerci, 25, represented Italy at Under-21 level six times and could earn his first senior cap after contributing five goals and dominating the creative play on Torino's return to Serie A.

Rossoneri youth-team graduate De Sciglio, 20, was an unused substitute against England in August and is promoted from Devis Mangia's Under-21 set-up once again thanks to a series of resolute displays for Milan.

Twenty-six-year-old Antonelli was last named in an Italy squad in 2010 and receives a fresh call-up in recognition of his solid performances in Genoa's battle against relegation.

Paris St Germain midfielder Marco Verratti is excluded, however, after picking up an injury while playing for the Ligue 1 leaders but there are no other notable absentees.

Roma duo Pablo Osvaldo and Daniele De Rossi serve competitive suspensions for the game in Malta but are eligible to face Brazil on Thursday.

Squad: Buffon (Juventus), De Sanctis (Napoli), Marchetti (Lazio), Sirigu (Paris St Germain); Abate, Antonelli (Genoa), Astori (Cagliari), Barzagli (Juventus), Bonucci (Juventus), Chiellini (Juventus), De Sciglio, Maggio (Napoli), Ranocchia (Inter Milan); Candreva (Lazio), Cerci (Torino), De Rossi (Roma), Diamanti (Bologna), Giaccherini (Juventus), Marchisio (Juventus), Montolivo, Pirlo (Juventus), Poli (Sampdoria); Balotelli, El Shaarawy, Gilardino (Bologna), Giovinco (Juventus), Osvaldo (Roma).

TEAMtalk Facebook Fan Page

The TEAMtalk fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

A

nd nothing of value was lost.

ahx00
Reports: Pulis departs Stoke

S

anity1892 Yes I probably should... But everytime I go back and read Almunia for England I just lose bladder control.

sir danne
The Busy Gossip

P

erfect replacement for Carragher. Slow, average when he was at his best, now well past it. Would just slot straight in! :)

rez plus
Liverpool eye Kolo move - Report

Footer 365

Manchester City and New York Yankees to purchase new MLS side

Manchester City and baseball giants the New York Yankees have formed an agreement to purchase a new MLS franchise.

Arjen Robben convinced Bayern will beat Dortmund in Champions League final

Winger Arjen Robben says Bayern Munich have an extra incentive to triumph in Saturday's Champions League final.

Borussia Dortmund's Mario Gotze struggling for CL final against Bayern Munich

Mario Gotze faces a race against time to be fit for Borussia Dortmund's Champions League final with Bayern Munich.

Mail Box

Mourinho Isn't Short-Term, Football Is

There's more in the afternoon Mailbox about Jose Mourinho and his potential return to Chelsea, while there's also a link to some pictures of eagles that look like Arsene Wenger...

Should Chelsea Be Worried About Jose Return?

After a disappointing end to his three years at Real Madrid, could Jose Mourinho struggle to bring immediate success if he completes his anticipated return to Chelsea?

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved