Antonio Conte’s first call-ups as Italy coach: Balotelli is out, the full list - http://gianlucadimarzio.com/en/calc...s-italy-coach-balotelli-is-out-the-full-list/ No Balotelli.
Goalkeepers: Buffon, Padelli, Perin and Sirigu. Defenders: Astori, Bonucci, Chiellini, De Sciglio, Paletta and Ranocchia Midfielders: Candreva, Darmian, De Rossi, Florenzi, Giaccherini, Maggio, Marchisio, Parolo, Pasqual, Poli, Verratti. Strikers: Destro, El Shaarawy, Giovinco, Immobile, Osvaldo and Zaza.
I would add Giabbadini and Berardi at the expense of two from Osvaldo, Giovinco, El Shaaraway, but otherwise I'm totally cool with the rest of Conte's selections (maybe a place for Criscito would be nice). Deep down we all knew he wasn't going the route Stamos was hoping for. Players like Rugani and Donati will have to do more to make the team.
What a breath of fresh air with that list, Giovinco is meh but whatever, the rest of the squad is awesome. I agree it takes balls to leave Mario out but let's be realistic here, he's been in crap form, crap attitude and just an overall negative influence. I'm sure he'll be back in the future but right now is not the time.
Finally no balo! Has Ranocchia improved recently I haven't seen any Inter games. Who is Zaza? Happy to see Poli there. Insigne well he had it coming, he's been playing like shit since Benitez treats him like a winger instead of a CF Edit: Just realized Rossi isn't in there, is he injured anyone know?
No cerci and no candreva either, that surprised me. Not a big fan of the list. Clearly only wants to play 3-5-2
I like the exclusion of Balotelli to send a message. Giovinco is a head scratcher other than him being a loyal soldato. Zaza is a real talent but not sure why he wouldn't call Berardi as well. That duo is ready to break out. Otherwise, I love the inclusions of young, energetic and talented midfielders like Poli and Florenzi. Cerci is viewed as a troublemaker and mentally weak. If there is one theme I see here from Conte is that he is aiming at either team players or mentally strong players.
That's possibly why Berardi didn't get called up. He had some disciplinary issues last season Conte may be trying to avoid. Gabbi should've gotten a call up. Osvaldo and Giovinco shouldn't've. No way I would've called Palletta either after the WC he had but w/e.