The Malta Independent on Sunday
Zaza, Florenzi back in Italy squad for World Cup playoff
Football
Simone Zaza and Alessandro Florenzi are back in the Italy squad for the first time in a year, and there was also a surprise call-up for Jorghino for the World Cup playoff against Sweden.
Zaza was recalled yesterday after eight goals in the striker's last seven league games for Valencia. Roma's Florenzi returned after twice rupturing the ACL in his knee.
Italy coach Gian Piero Ventura had always left out Brazilianborn Jorginho, saying he does not fit into his tactics, but this time he included the Napoli midfielder amid reports Brazil has expressed interest.
Italy travels to Stockholm for the first leg on Friday and hosts Sweden at San Siro in the decider three days later.
Andrea Belotti, Marco Verratti and Daniele De Rossi return after missing the final two World Cup qualifiers through injury.
Italy finished second group behind Spain.: in its
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Gianluigi Donnarumma (AC Milan), Mattia Perin (Genoa)
Defenders: Davide Astori (Fiorentina), Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), Leonardo Bonucci (AC Milan), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Danilo D'Ambrosio (Inter Milan), Matteo Darmian (Manchester United), Daniele Rugani (Juventus), Leonardo Spinazzola (Atalanta), Davide Zappacosta (Chelsea)
Midfielders: Federico Bernardeschi (Juventus), Antonio Candreva (Inter Milan), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Stephan El Shaarawy (Roma), Alessandro Florenzi (Roma), Roberto Gagliardini (Inter), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli), Jorginho (Napoli), Marco Parolo (Lazio), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain)
Forwards: Andrea Belotti (Torino), Eder Citadin Martins (Inter Milan), Manolo Gabbiadini (Southampton), Ciro Immobile (Lazio), Simone Zaza (Valencia).