Andrea Barzagli has expressed his delight at returning to the Italy squad and thanked his club for helping make it possible.

The Juventus defender was included in Cesare Prandelli’s roster for the upcoming Euro 2012 Group C qualifying games against Serbia and Northern Ireland.

Barzagli, a 2006 World Cup winner, had not been called up for Italy in the past three years.

“If I am here it is thanks to Juventus,” Barzagli said yesterday.

“I am delighted to be back in the national team.”

The 30-year-old joined the Turin club in January after a three-year spell at Wolfsburg and has been a regular in Antonio Conte’s squad.

“I decided to return to Italy because I had been approached by a club like Juve,” Barzagli said.

“I wanted to get back in contention after a positive experience abroad. I have given everything to be up to the standard of Juventus.

“I am happy with what I’ve done so far and I hope I continue to do well.”

Italy have already sealed a spot in the Euro 2012 finals and travel to Belgrade on Friday to face Serbia looking to maintain their unbeaten run in qualifying.

On Monday, Prandelli warned that there would be no let-up for the Azzurri despite his side having already qualified.

Italy have booked their spot for the tournament in Poland and Ukraine next year as Group C winners but both their opponents are still in contention for second place and a spot in the play-offs.

“These are not friendlies but official matches. We have to play our best and respect fair play,” Prandelli said.