Pirlo, Criscito and Giovinco are invited to Italy national team

Italian coach Antonio Conte called for preparations for the qualifying matches of UEFA Euro 2016 from Malta (3 September) and Bulgaria (6 September) 28 players, including Defender Domenico Criscito (Zenit). New comer from Juventus to MLS Andrea Pirlo and striker Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto) are also included in the list. Midfielder of Juventus Claudio Marchisio is missed from the line-up due to injury.

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Daniele Padelli (Torino), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris Saint-Germain).

Defenders: Francesco Acerbi (Sassuolo), Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus),Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Domenico Criscito (Zenit), Matteo Darmian (Manchester United), Mattia De Sciglio (AC Milan), Manuel Pasqual (Fiorentina), Andrea Ranocchia (Internazionale).

Midfielders: Andrea Bertolacci (AC Milan), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Alessandro Florenci (Roma), Marco Parolo (Lazio), Andrea Pirlo (New York City), Roberto Soriano (Sampdoria), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain).

Forwards: Antonio Candreva (Lazio), Eder (Sampdoria), Stephan El Shaarawy (Monaco), Manolo Gabbiadini (Napoli), Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto), Ciro Immobile (Sevilla), Graziano Pelle (Southampton), Franco Vasquez (Palermo), Simone Dzadza (Juventus).

Pirlo: We tried to play good football

Italy national team's midfielder Andrea Pirlo, injury of goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon for the first match of the FIFA World Cup 2014, with the captain's armband, said the «azzurri» showed herself courageous team. Cesare Prandelli's side defeated England by 2:1.

«I was the captain of Italy a very courageous. We tried to play good football, wanted to impose Britain their game. We played well, despite the heat. We are a real team, and we are ready to move on, despite the difficulties.

I think we are with Marco Verratti's great work together. We failed in the first half of the match» - said Pirlo.

Pirlo: I still think finish his career in the national team after the World Cup 2014

35-year-old Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo said he still plans to finish an international career after the World Cup 2014 in Brazil.

«I still think finish his career in the national team after the World Cup 2014. I reached a certain age, and will now correctly give way to the younger generation. Does not make sense to continue to play. If I need you, you come back without a problem. But if I will call, but not to play, I'm I'll go crazy. It is better to stay at home,» - said Pirlo.

Platini: Pirlo can win the Golden Ball

UEFA President Michel Platini believes the midfielder of Juventus and Italy international Andrea Pirlo can win the Golden Ball, awarded to the best player in the world.

Recall, Pirlo is one of three Italians who were nominated for this award along with goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and striker Mario Balotelli.

«Pirlo is playing very well and I think he can win the Golden Ball, but it certainly has a lot of strong competitors in the fight for this award,» - said Platini.

Italy will take France in Parma

Italy will take France in an upcoming friendly match on November 14 in Parma. In a conversation with journalists, said the President of the Italian Football Federation, Giancarlo Abete.

The last time Italy and France played against each other in the group stage of the European Championship, 2008. The meeting, held in Swiss Zurich ended in victory for the Italian team with a score 2:0, and the goals were scored by Andrea Pirlo converted a penalty kick and Daniele de Rossi.

Drogba, Ibrahimovic, Pirlo and Raul are the main contenders for the Golden Foot award

October 17 in Monte Carlo drawing of winner of the International Prize Golden Foot-2012. For this award, it can be nominated for players over the age of 29 years, have made a significant contribution to the history of football and who have significant achievements in his career. The prize, established in 2003, the year the winner will present the Prince of Principality of Monaco Albert II.

According to the latest polls, the main contenders for the prize this year were the four players: Didier Drogba (Shanghai Shenhua, China), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG, France), Andrea Pirlo (Juventus, Italy), and Raul Gonzalez Blanco (Al Sadd, Qatar).

Among the nominees for Golden Foot-2012 also includes: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Iker Casillas (Real Madrid, Spain), Kaka (Real Madrid), Carles Puyol (Spain, FC Barcelona), Clarence Seedorf (Botafogo, Brazil), Xavi (Barcelona).