Italy manager Marcello Lippi has announced who is to be left at home as his squad prepare to travel to South Africa to begin the defence of their world title. With two players already deducted from the squad prior to June 1st, Lippis job was made a tad easier, with only five players facing the dreaded phone call.The five unlucky players who will mi s out on thejourney to Cape Townare: Salvatore Sirigu, Mattia Ca sani, Andrea Co su, Marco Borriello and Giuseppe Ro si, in addition to Fabio Gro so and Luca Toni. Surprisingly, Villareal and former Manchester United hitman
Mario Addison Jersey Ro si was omitted from the squad,despite being the only player initially included not to ply their trade in Italy. HoweverRo si faced a struggle for appearences, becoming an understudy toGilardino, Iaquinta and Di Natale.The Italians maintain a high-quality squad, rich with experience, ability and strength. Theirultra-strongback line boastssome of the worlds most renowned defenders, including GianlucaZambrotta and veterancentreback/captain Fabio
Justin Zimmer Jersey Cannavaro. Cannavaro iswithout doubt the figurehead of the defence; he is Italys most capped player of all time and despite his age, the 36 year oldstill seems as determined and strong as ever. Hiscountle s experience of playingat theworld cupcan only have a positiveeffect on younger members of the squad. Cannavaro has formed a strong bond with central defensive partner Giorgio Chiellini from their time at Juventus and together alongwith world-cla s goalkeeper Buffon, they should be able to keep the opposition at bay, especially in the early stages against teams not renowned for their attacking prowe s.Right-back Gianluca Zambrotta remains the Azzurris secret weapon, often acting as a
Damar Hamlin Jersey fifth midfielder. He also has the added ability of being able to playon either side of defence.For many Italians,hope of retaining their titlehangs in the balance, with thescare that playmaker Andrea Pirlomayface a summer on the sidelines after picking up a serious calf injury in their opening friendly against Mexico.Also the influential Camoranesi faces arace for fitne s.Mixed reports have been emerging from the Italy camp as to whether Pirlo or Camoranesi will befit to take part in the tournament, meaning that a patched up midfield may include the likes of FiorentinasRiccardo Montolivo, a defensive midfielder who can also operate as an attacking outlet, as well asthe creative winger Simone Pepe, who was drafted in by Lippi as cover for Camoranesi, but may find himself in the starting line up for Italys opener against Paraguay and po sibly the following group game against minnows New Zealand. A key player that Italy will be looking to hang on to is the tough-tackling
Siran Neal Jersey Gennaro Gattuso. His mental attributes are invaluable for the Azzurri in the centre of the field and motivated even more by the fact that this world cup is likely to be his last,he will be looking to go out with a bang. In attack Italyboast the prolific target man Alberto Gilardino. Gilardino scored the goal that confirmed Italys qualification to this summers World Cup when he netted against Ireland in October.He currently has 16 goalsfrom his 39 caps. His partnerup front is the
Tyrel Dodson Jersey strong Vincenzo Iaquinta. Although his goalscoring record is not the best,his ability to bring others into play with flick-ons and deft touches, making him a key man; and at 6ft 3 he also poses a distinct aerial threat. Antonio Di Natale (also making the final 23)may be cla sed as a striker but will bemainly used on the left hand side of the attack.The final squad is as follows:GoalkeepersGianluigi BuffonJuventusMorgan De SanctisNapoliFederico MarchettiCagliariDefendersFabio CannavaroJuventusGiorgio ChielliniJuventusGianluca ZambrottaMilanDomenico CriscitoGenoaChristian MaggioNapoliSalvatore BocchettiGenoaLeonardi BonucciBariMidfieldersGennaro GattusoAC MilanAndrea PirloAC MilanMauro CamoranesiJuventusDaniele De Ro siRomaAngelo PalomboSampdoriaSimone PepeUdineseRiccardo MontolivoFiorentinaClaudio MarchisioJuventusForwardsAlberto GilardinoFiorentinaVincenzo IaquintaJuventusAntonio Di NataleUdineseFabio QuagliarellaNapoliGiampaolo PazziniSampdoria
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