Italy, France announce friendly squads

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has named Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano in the squad to face Spain in Wednesday’s international friendly.

Manchester City striker Balotelli and AC Milan forward Cassano have incurred Prandelli’s displeasure in the past due to breaches in discipline.

But the pair have both been included as Italy prepare to host the world and European champions at the Stadio San Nicola in Bari.

Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi and Napoli keeper Morgan De Sanctis return after missing Italy’s last two matches.

And they will be joined by two players from Serie B, Torino defender Angelo Ogbonna and Sampdoria midfielder Angelo Palombo.

Italy lost 2-0 to the Republic of Ireland in their most recent friendly on June 7.

Also on Wednesday, France play host to Copa America quarter-finalists Chile.

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has not been named in Laurent Blanc’s France squad after only returning to club training earlier this week.

Chelsea’s Florent Malouda and new Aston Villa signing Charles N’Zogbia will also sit out the match at Montpellier’s Stade de la Mosson.

Italy squad: Goalkeepers: Buffon, De Sanctis, Sirigu. Defenders: Balzaretti, Bonucci, Cassani, Chiellini, Criscito, Maggio, Ogbonna, Ranocchia. Midfielders: Aquilani, De Rossi, Marchisio, Montolivo, Thiago Motta, Nocerino, Palombo, Pirlo. Forwards: Balotelli, Cassano, Giovinco, Pazzini, Rossi.

France squad: Goalkeepers: Cedric Carrasso, Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda. Defenders: Eric Abidal, Patrice Evra, Younes Kaboul, Adil Rami, Anthony Reveillere, Bacary Sagna, Mamadou Sakho. Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye, Alou Diarra, Yann M’Vila, Florent Malouda, Marvin Martin, Blaise Matuidi, Samir Nasri. Strikers: Karim Benzema, Kevin Gameiro, Guillaume Hoarau, Jeremy Menez, Dimitri Payet, Loic Remy.