Italy: Parolo and Criscito called

By Football Italia staff

Marco Parolo and Domenico Criscito are the new entries in the Italy squad to face Germany and Nigeria.

Cesare Prandelli named his players this evening for the two international friendlies.

The Azzurri have already qualified for the 2014 World Cup, so play Germany at San Siro on November 15 and Nigeria at London’s Craven Cottage on November 18.

As expected, Parma midfielder Parolo receives his Italy call-up at the age of 28, having scored five goals and provided two assists in Serie A this season. He had been called once, in March 2011, but never played.

Criscito returns after a series of injury problems, having rediscovered his form at Zenit St Petersburg.

Goalkeepers: Buffon (Juventus), Marchetti (Lazio), Sirigu (Paris Saint Germain);

Defenders: Abate (Milan), Barzagli (Juventus), Bonucci (Juventus), Criscito (Zenit San Pietroburgo), Maggio (Napoli), Ogbonna (Juventus), Pasqual (Fiorentina), Ranocchia (Inter);

Midfielders: Candreva (Lazio), De Rossi (Roma), Diamanti (Bologna), Florenzi (Roma), Giaccherini (Sunderland), Marchisio (Juventus), Montolivo (Milan), Thiago Motta (Paris Saint Germain), Parolo (Parma), Pirlo (Juventus), Poli (Milan);

Forwards: Balotelli (Milan), Cerci (Torino), Gilardino (Genoa), Insigne (Napoli), Osvaldo (Southampton), Rossi (Fiorentina)

Watch Serie A live in the UK on Premier Sports for just £9.99 per month including live LaLiga, Eredivisie, Scottish Cup Football and more. Visit: https://www.premiersports.com/subscribenow