New Italy coach Giampiero Ventura has handed a first call-up to Milan’s 17-year-old goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma who could become Italy’s youngest player since 1911.
Ventura, who took over from Antonio Conte after Euro 2016, named several new faces in his 26-man squad, with Milan defender Alessio Romagnoli, Torino forward Andrea Belotti and Leonardo Pavoletti, of Genoa, all included for the first time.
Paris St Germain midfielder Marco Verratti, who missed the European Championship due to injury, has been recalled.
Donnarumma saved a penalty on his Milan debut in October 2015 when he became Serie A’s youngest keeper at the age of 16. Now 17 years and six months he could become the youngest senior Italy international since Rodolfo Gavinelli 105 years ago.
Italy meet neighbours France in a friendly next Thursday in Bari before a World Cup qualifier against Israel in Haifa on September 5.
Italy squad
Goalkeepers: Buffon (Juventus), Donnarumma (Milan), Marchetti (Lazio).
Defenders: Antonelli (Milan), Astori (Fiorentina), Barzagli (Juventus), Bonucci (Juventus), Chiellini (Juventus), De Sciglio (Milan), Ogbonna (West Ham), Romagnoli (Milan), Rugani (Juventus).
Midfielders: Bernardeschi (Fioren-tina), Bonaventura (Milan), Candreva (Inter), De Rossi (Roma), Florenzi (Roma), Montolivo (Milan), Parolo (Lazio), Verratti (Paris SG).
Forwards: Belotti (Torino), Eder (Inter), Gabbiadini (Napoli), Immobile (Lazio), Pavoletti (Genoa), Pelle (Shandong).