Barone braced for Italy chance
Sunday, February 15, 2004
Article summary
Simone Barone is one of three potential debutants in the Italian squad to face the Czech Republic.
Article body
Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni has named three new players in his 22-man squad for the friendly against the Czech Republic on February 18. Parma AC's 25-year-old midfield player Simone Barone has earned his first call-up along with UC Sampdoria pair Stefano Bettarini and Sergio Volpi.
Never too late
Bettarini, the 32-year-old left-back, made his Serie A debut in 1996 with Cagliari Calcio and has also played with AC Fiorentina, Bologna FC and Venezia Calcio. His 30-year-old team-mate Volpi is currently in his second season at the Luigi Ferraris stadium after spells with AS Bari, AC Venezia and Piacenza FC.
Cassano retained
Trapattoni has also included AS Roma forward Antonio Cassano, who scored on his debut in a friendly against Poland in November. The match in Palermo is part of Italy's build-up to UEFA EURO 2004™, where they are drawn in Group C with Sweden, Denmark and Bulgaria.
Italy squad
Buffon, Toldo, Adani, Bettarini, Ferrari, Legrottaglie, Nesta, Oddo, Pancaro, Panucci, Barone, Di Natale, Fiore, Nervo, Perrotta, Pirlo, Volpi, Cassano, Totti, Corradi, Del Piero, Vieri.
