Italy have named their official preliminary squad for Euro 2016, and there are a number of big-name omissions.
It is Antonio Conte’s last tournament squad before he takes over at Chelsea, and he was already without injury absentees Claudio Marchisio and Marco Verratti.
But there is no place for Andrea Pirlo, who came out of retirement to help the Azzurri qualify for this summer’s finals in France, while fellow MLS star Sebastian Giovinco also misses out.
There are three current Premier League players in the 30-man squad – Matteo Darmian, Angelo Ogbonna and Graziano Pelle. Sunderland’s Emanuele Giaccherini, who has spent the season on loan with Bologna, is also included.
Mario Balotelli misses out, however, despite returning to Serie A this season. The Liverpool loanee has not turned out for his country since the 2014 World Cup.
Conte will have until May 31 to trim down his squad to the final 23 before his team face Belgium, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland in the group stages.
Official preliminary Italy squad for Euro 2016. Words fail me. pic.twitter.com/eP4Iy1nj87
— Adam Digby (@Adz77) May 23, 2016
