Former Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi has been left out of Italy’s squad for the World Cup.
Rossi, now of Fiorentina, is one of seven players named in the 30-man preliminary squad to be cut for the summer tournament, with Riccardo Montolivo out after breaking his leg in last night’s friendly against Republic of Ireland.
Thiago Motta, formerly of Barcelona is included among Cesare Prandelli’s midfield options.
Italy squad for World Cup 2014:
Goalkeepers: Buffon (Juventus), Perin (Genoa), Sirigu (Paris St. Germain)
Defenders: Abate (Milan), Barzagli (Juventus), Bonucci (Juventus), Chiellini (Juventus), Darmian (Torino), De Sciglio (Milan), Paletta (Parma)
Midfielders: Aquilani (Fiorentina), Candreva (Lazio), De Rossi (Roma), Marchisio (Juventus), Thiago Motta (Paris Saint-Germain), Parolo (Parma), Pirlo (Juventus), Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain)
Forwards: Balotelli (Milan), Cassano (Parma), Cerci (Torino), Immobile (Torino), Insigne (Napoli)
