Ventura Names Italy Squad to Face Macedonia and Albania

Gian Pero Ventura has announced the squad for the two remaining World Cup Qualifying Group Stage matches.

The most notable inclusion is the first competitive call-up for Simone Verdi.

The Italian Football Federation is expected to present the new sponsor and logo at a press conference on Monday.

The Azzurri host Macedonia on October 6th at the Stadio Olimpico – Grande Torino before travelling to Albania on October 9th. Italy are looking to secure second in Group G and qualify for the playoffs scheduled for November.

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Milan), Mattia Perin (Genoa)

Defenders: Davide Astori (Fiorentina), Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), Leonardo Bonucci (Milan), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Danilo D’Ambrosio (Inter), Matteo Darmian (Manchester United), Daniele Rugani (Juventus), Leonardo Spinazzola (Atalanta), Davide Zappacosta (Chelsea)

Midfielders: Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Marco Parolo (Lazio), Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint Germain)

Wingers: Federico Bernardeschi (Juventus), Antonio Candreva (Inter), Stephan El Shaarawy (Roma), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli), Simone Verdi (Bologna)

Forwards: Andrea Belotti (Torino), Eder Citadin Martins (Inter), Manolo Gabbiadini (Southampton), Ciro Immobile (Lazio).

Update: Injuries have forced Ventura to call up replacements. Marco Verratti, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Andrea Belotti have been replaced by Bryan Cristante, Roberto Gagliardini, Roberto Inglese and Nicolò Barella.

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