Prandelli picks Ledesma and Diamanti in Italy squad to face Romania
Italy boss Cesare Prandelli has named Cristian Ledesma and Alessandro Diamanti in the national team squad to face Romania on Wednesday.
Argentinean-born Ledesma has pledged his international future to Italy, and becomes the second nationalised player to represent Italy under Prandelli, after Amauri who was born in Brazil. Diamanti has received a debut call-up after impressing with Brescia this season.
Manchester City’s Mario Balotelli and Juventus’ Alberto Aquilani return to the international squad. Balotelli has been injured this season while Aquilani hasn’t played for Italy in roughly two years after a disappointing stint with Liverpool.
Palermo’s Federico Balzaretti and Genoa’s Andrea Ranocchia also receive their expected debut call-ups for the friendly. Inter’s Davide Santon and Cagliari’s Davide Astori are other young players who Prandelli plans to trial.
Goalkeepers: Viviano (Bologna), Sirigu (Palermo), Mirante (Parma)
Defenders: Astori (Cagliari), Balzaretti (Palermo), Bonucci (Juventus), Cassani (Palermo), Criscito (Genoa), Gastaldello (Sampdoria), Ranocchia (Genoa), Santon (Inter).
Midfielders: Aquilani (Juventus), De Rossi (Roma), Ledesma (Lazio), Marchisio (Juventus), Mauri (Lazio), Pirlo (Milan).
Strikers: Balotelli (Man City), Diamanti (Brescia), Gilardino (Fiorentina), Pazzini (Sampdoria), Quagliarella (Juventus), Rossi (Villareal)
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