As expected, Fabrizio Miccoli and Mauro Camoranesi have received their first call-ups to the Azzurri for next week’s friendly with Portugal.
Giovanni Trapattoni had all but confirmed that Argentine winger Camoranesi would be called after he revealed his decision to play for Italy rather than his homeland.
The move has caused controversy as the Juventus star’s only link to the Peninsula are Italian great grandparents, but he is eligible to play under FIFA rules.
Meanwhile, Miccoli (pictured) is rewarded for his breakthrough performances at Perugia in his first Serie A season.
The pocket forward is owned by Juventus and currently on loan at the Stadio Renato Curi. He steps into the squad to replace the injured Alessandro Del Piero.
Francesco Totti has also been ruled out of the team due to a thigh problem, so Lazio midfielder Stefano Fiore returns after a long period in the wilderness.
Cristiano Zanetti and Massimo Ambrosini are back following injury lay-offs, while young Parma defender Matteo Ferrari is drafted in to the defence.
Marco Di Vaio and Massimo Marazzina are dropped in favour of in-form Roma forward Marco Delvecchio.
Roma goalkeeper Ivan Pelizzoli is rewarded for his splendid month as the former Under-21 shot-stopper took over as Number 1 choice at club level from Francesco Antonioli.
There were calls to bring back Roberto Baggio for a final swansong, but Trap told the press he must look to the future.
“It is a shame,” said Baggio when told of the decision, “but it is only normal that it should be like that.”
Gk: Buffon (Juventus), Pelizzoli (Roma), Toldo (Inter)
D: Birindelli (Juventus), Cannavaro (Inter), Ferrari (Parma), Legrottaglie (Chievo), Nesta (Milan), Panucci (Roma)
M: Camoranesi (Juventus), Zambrotta (Juventus), Zauri (Atalanta), Ambrosini (Milan), Fiore (Lazio), Perrotta (Chievo), Pirlo (Milan), Tommasi (Roma), C Zanetti (Inter)
F: Delvecchio (Roma), Inzaghi (Milan), Miccoli (Perugia), Vieri (Inter)
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