Inzaghi returns to Italy squad

Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi returned to the Italy squad yesterday for the Euro 2008 qualifying games in Faroe Islands and Lithuania.

Inzaghi was not selected for the 2-0 win over Scotland in March but has won a recall for the Group B matches on Saturday and four days later thanks to his two goals in Milan's European Cup final win over Liverpool last week.

Fellow Milan players Alessandro Nesta and Alberto Gilardino have, however, been left out by coach Roberto Donadoni, with media speculating Nesta had asked for a rest.

Fiorentina striker Luca Toni is missing after undergoing a foot operation but team-mate Alessandro Gamberini has received a surprise call-up in defence.

There is also a return for versatile Palermo player Aimo Diana, who missed out on last year's World Cup triumph because of a groin injury.

Livorno forward Cristiano Lucarelli is rewarded for his 20 goals this season with a place in the squad but Francesco Totti, the Serie A's top scorer with 26 goals, continues to take an extended break from the national side.

Roma defender Max Tonetto and Sampdoria striker Fabio Quagliarella have kept their spots having been called up for the first time for the win over Scotland.

The world champions sit fourth in the group after a stuttering start.

They drew 1-1 at home to Lithuania in September and lost 3-1 in France four days later as Raymond Domenech's side gained revenge for their defeat in the World Cup final.

Donadoni's men are now two points behind leaders Ukraine, Scotland and France who all have 12 points.

The squad will meet up today and fly to the Faroe Islands on Thursday before returning to Italy for a few days and then jetting off to Lithuania.

The Italian top flight season finished on Sunday.

Italy squad for Euro qualifiers

Goalkeepers: G. Buffon (Juventus), M. Amelia (Livorno), C. Abbiati (Torino).

Defenders: M. Tonetto (Roma), M. Oddo (Milan), G. Zambrotta (Barcelona), A. Barzagli (Palermo), M. Materazzi (Inter), F. Cannavaro (Real Madrid), A. Gamberini (Fiorentina), M. Pasqual (Fiorentina).

Midfielders: M. Ambrosini (Milan), D. De Rossi (Roma), G. Gattuso (Milan), A. Pirlo (Milan), S. Perrotta ( Roma), A. Diana (Palermo).

Strikers: F. Quagliarella (Sampdoria), T. Rocchi (Lazio), A. Del Piero (Juventus), A. Di Natale (Udinese), F. Inzaghi (Milan), C. Lucarelli (Livorno).