De Rossi recalled for Spain friendly

Roma’s Daniele de Rossi has been recalled to the Italy squad for next Wednesday’s friendly against world and European champions Spain in Bari.

De Rossi had been barred from the previous two Italy squads on disciplinary grounds as Italy coach Cesare Prandelli implemented a strict new code of conduct.

The 28-year-old was omitted both times because he was serving a club suspension having been sent off for violent conduct.

Also called up is Napoli goalkeeper Morgan de Sanctis due to an injury to Inter’s no.2 Emiliano Viviano.

Fiorentina striker Alberto Gilardino and Juventus forward Alessandro Matri have both been dropped.

Juventus are the most represented side with five players while Antonio Cassano is the only player from Italian champions Milan.

Four players, including Manchester City’s Mario Balotelli, ply their club trade outside Italy.

The squad

Goalkeepers: Buffon (Juventus), Sirigu (PSG), De Sanctis (Napoli).

Defenders: Balzaretti and Cassani (both Palermo), Bonucci and Chiellini (both Juventus), Criscito (Genoa), Maggio (Napoli), Og-bonna (Torino), Ranocchia (Inter).

Midfielders: Aquiliani (Liver-pool), De Rossi (Roma), Marchisio and Pirlo (both Juventus), Montolivo (Fiorentina), Motta (Inter), Nocerino (Palermo), Palombo (Sampdoria).

Forwards: Balotelli (Manchester City), Cassano (Milan), Giovinco (Parma), Pazzini (Inter), Rossi (Villarreal).