Nocerino replaces Gattuso in Italy squad

September 9, 2008

ROME (AFP) – Italy coach Marcello Lippi on Monday called up midfielder Antonio Nocerino in place of injured Gennaro Gattuso for the 2010 World Cup qualifier against Georgia midweek.

It will be the first call up to the A squad for Palermo’s Nocerino, 23. Gattuso injured his left wrist during training Sunday and will be sidelined for at least a month.

Injured defenders Alessandro Gamberini and Fabio Grosso will not, however, be replaced for Wednesday’s game in Udine. The duo picked up their injuries during Saturday’s 2-1 win over Cyprus.

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Gianluca Curci (Sienne), Morgan De Sanctis (Galatasaray/TUR)

Defenders: Andrea Barzagli (Wolfsburg/GER), Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid/ESP), Marco Cassetti (AS Rome), Andrea Dossena (Liverpool/ENG), Nicola Legrottaglie (Juventus), Gianluca Zambrotta (AC Milan)

Midfielders: Alberto Aquilani (AS Rome), Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus), Daniele De Rossi (AS Rome), Gennaro Gattuso (AC Milan), Antonio Nocerino (Palerme), Angelo Palombo (Sampdoria), Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan)

Strikers: Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus), Alberto Gilardino (Fiorentina), Vincenzo Iaquinta (Juventus), Luca Toni (Bayern/GER)

Written by: AFP

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