Cannavaro and Toni return to Italy squad

Italy coach Marcello Lippi recalled fit-again captain Fabio Cannavaro and striker Luca Toni yesterday for their opening 2010 World Cup qualifiers against Cyprus and Georgia.

Real Madrid defender Cannavaro returns after missing the world champions' unsuccessful Euro 2008 campaign with damaged ankle ligaments.

A calf muscle tear stopped Bayern Munich's Toni taking part in Italy's 2-2 draw with Austria in a friendly earlier this month, the opening match of Lippi's second stint in charge of the national team. The striker will be looking to make amends for a disappointing showing in Austria and Switzerland.

Fiorentina defender Alessandro Gamberini returns from injury too, while midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has been called up despite missing Milan's 2-1 defeat by Bologna in Serie A yesterday because of a shoulder knock he suffered against Austria.

There was still no place for Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano and Milan midfielder Massimo Ambrosini, both part of Roberto Donadoni's Euro 2008 squad.

The squad

Goalkeepers: Amelia (Palermo), Buffon (Juventus), De Sanctis (Galatasaray).

Defenders: Barzagli (VfL Wolfsburg), Cannavaro (Real Madrid), Cassetti (Roma), Dossena (Liverpool), Gamberini (Fiorentina), Grosso (Olympique Lyon), Legrottaglie (Juventus), Zambrotta (Milan).

Midfielders: Aquilani (Roma), Camoranesi (Juventus), De Rossi (Roma), Gattuso (Milan), Palombo (Sampdoria), Pirlo (Milan).

Forwards: Del Piero (Juventus), Di Natale (Udinese), Gilardino (Fiorentina), Iaquinta (Juventus), Toni (Bayern Munich).