Montolivo cut from Italy's squad

Fiorentina midfielder Riccardo Montolivo has been cut from Italy's Euro 2008 squad, an Italian federation spokesman said yesterday. Italy coach Roberto Donadoni named a 24-man squad last week and waited until the UEFA deadline to decide on the one...

Fiorentina midfielder Riccardo Montolivo has been cut from Italy's Euro 2008 squad, an Italian federation spokesman said yesterday.

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni named a 24-man squad last week and waited until the UEFA deadline to decide on the one player he had to drop ahead of June's tournament in Austria and Switzerland.

Montolivo, who has one cap, had been expected to be the unlucky player having been a surprise pick in the initial squad. Udinese striker Fabio Quagliarella and Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani were the other likely contenders.

Midfielder Simone Perrotta has also recovered from a slight calf problem.

The world champions face Belgium in a friendly in Florence tomorrow ahead of their Euro 2008 Group C matches against the Netherlands, Romania and France.

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