Serie A players dominate Slovenia squad

Matjaz Kek has named three Palermo players in Slovenia’s squad for the European Championship qualifier against Italy in Lubjana on March 25.

Defender Sinisa Andelkovic, together with midfielders Armin Becinovic and Josip Ilicic, are the members of mid-table Serie A side Palermo in contention to start at the Petrol Arena.

Kek also called on five other Italian-based players.

Goalkeeping cousins Samir Handanovic of Udinese and Jasmin Handanovic of Empoli will compete for the number one jersey ahead of Vid Belec.

Uncapped shot stopper Belec is on loan at Serie B outfit Crotone from champions Inter Milan.

Defender Bostjan Cesar and midfielder Bojan Jokic – both Chievo players – are also included.

Tim Matavz could also attract attention – the Groningen forward is widely tipped to join Napoli in the close season.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli will announce his squad on Sunday, but it remains to be seen if the in-form Paolo Cannavaro will be included.

The Napoli centreback is yet to feature under Prandelli, with his continuing omission puzzling former international Christian Panucci.

“To not give a chance to Cannavaro after the season he has had is hard to explain,” Panucci said.

“He’s really grown in the last few years and deserves a call-up. His form is consistently high and it’s right that he should be selected.”

“Italy is one of the few countries in the world where a player in form is unable to get a place in the national side.”

Italy top Group C with 10 points from four matches played, while Slovenia are second with seven points.

Goalkeepers: Samir Handanovic (Udinese), Jasmin Handanovic (Empoli), Vid Belec (Crotone)

Defenders: Sinisa Andelkovic (Palermo), Miso Brecko (Cologne), Bostjan Cesar (Chievo), Branko Ilic (Lokomotiv Moscow), Bojan Jokic (Chievo), Matej Mavric Rozic (Ksv Superfund), Marko Suler (Gand), Mitja Viler (Maribor).

Midfielders: Armin Becinovic (Palermo), Josip Ilicic (Palermo), Valter Birsa (Auxerre), Andraz Kirm (Wisla Cracow), Aleksander Radosavljevic (Ado Den Haag), Robert Koren (Hull City), Nejc Pecnik (Fc Krylya Sovetov), Goran Sukalo (Msv Duisburg).

Forwards: Tim Matavz (Groningen), Zlatan Ljubijankic (Gand), Milivoje Novakovic (Cologne), Zlatko Dedic (Vfl Bochum).