The Italy squad to face Bulgaria and Malta in Euro 2016 qualifiers includes Sebastian Giovinco, Andrea Pirlo and Stephan El Shaarawy.
The Azzurri play Malta at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence on September 3, then host Bulgaria at the Stadio Renzo Barbera in Palermo on September 6.
Of the players called up by Coach Antonio Conte, nine of them currently ply their trade outside of Italy.
Italy Coach Antonio Conte is open to a Mario Balotelli recall, plus tracks Sebastian Giovinco and Andrea Pirlo.
Balotelli moved to Milan this week on a one-season loan after a dismal spell at Liverpool, so hasn’t featured for the Azzurri since the 2014 World Cup.
“The same is true for him as everyone else. The doors of the Nazionale are not closed to anybody,” declared Conte today.
“It’s up to Balotelli now to earn his place with his performances and behaviour.”
Andrea Pirlo had his first MLS start for New York City FC, but wished Juventus good luck against Lazio in the Italian Super Cup.
Next Saturday his former teammates play in Shanghai for their first trophy of the season, but Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Sami Khedira are out injured.
Our US correspondent Marco Messina was at the Press conference at Yankee Stadium.
Andrea Pirlo believes Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli can still become ‘one of the top forwards in Europe’.
The forward endured a difficult first season at Liverpool last term, scoring just once in the Premier League, but Pirlo still believes in Super Mario.
“I’ll tell you that Mario is one of the nicest guys you will meet,” the former Juventus midfielder told Shortlist.
“I used to walk into training with Italy and even before he said something I could just look at his face and I would start laughing.
Andrea Pirlo thanked fans for his “absolutely amazing” and “very emotional” MLS debut for New York City FC.
The Italy international came off the bench during the 5-3 victory over Orlando City at Yankee Stadium on Sunday.
“It was great because I could tell that they wanted me to play,” Pirlo told the club website.
Andrea Pirlo made his MLS debut for New York City FC against his former Milan teammate Kaka’s Orlando City.
The ex-Juventus midfielder started a new chapter of his career in America on Sunday evening.
He only joined the team for training this week, but came off the bench at the 56th minute at Yankee Stadium.
Every touch of the ball was greeted by a huge cheer from the NYCFC fans.
‘Il Maestro’ wasted no time, immediately spraying trademark chipped passes to his teammates.
Andrea Pirlo believes New York City FC can be “a truly important experience” and it’s up to Antonio Conte whether he’ll still play for Italy.
The former Juventus midfielder was presented to the media in New York after signing for the MLS club.
“I know New York as a tourist, having come here a few times. I know the various areas of the city and there’s always something new to discover.”
Pirlo could make his MLS debut on Sunday against Kaka’s Orlando City.
Andrea Pirlo has reiterated that he hasn’t moved to New York City FC ‘for a holiday’ and is confident of adapting to many changes.
The Italy international also expressed his belief that a move to the MLS won’t affect his chances of an Azzurri call-up in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“My ambition in the USA is to be a part of an important project. It’s a great challenge for me and I like challenges ,” said the 36-year-old.
Andrea Pirlo says he would’ve left Juventus ‘even if we won the Champions League’ as he didn’t want to give up his key player status.
The iconic midfielder joined MLS side New York City FC earlier this summer and reflected on a summer of change for himself and the Old Lady.
“I would’ve left Juve even if we won the Champions League,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Andrea Pirlo has jetted out to America and is expected to make his New York City FC debut on July 26 against Orlando City.
The former Juventus midfielder was pictured on the club Twitter account at the airport making his journey to NYC.
Pirlo will hold his introduction Press conference on Thursday.
He could make his MLS debut for NYCFC on June 26 at Yankee Stadium against Kaka’s Orlando City.
