Coach Gian Piero Ventura has selected 25 players for the Azzurri’s upcoming 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Spain (Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid at 20:45 CEST – Dutch referee, Bjorn Kuipers) and Israel (Stadio Citta del Tricolore in Reggio Emilia on September 5h at 20:45 CEST – French referee Benoit Bastein). Mattia Perin has made his return to the squad, having previously been absent for last years matches against Liechtenstein and Germany due to a knee injury. The National Team will gather at Coverciano on Sunday evening, where they will remain until Friday 1st September before departing for Madrid.

SPAIN-ITALY. With the first game between the two sides finishing 1-1, this upcoming clash in Madrid will most likely establish who’ll take command of Group G. After a total of six matches, Italy and Spain are currently joint top on points, although La Roja do have the edge in terms of goal difference (+4). With the stadium having been sold out in July (with around 2000 tickets bought by Azzurri supporters) and the match set to be screened across the globe, this decisive encounter will no doubt be one of the most highly-anticipated fixtures from throughout European qualifying. As for previous fixtures between the two teams, Italy have won 11 of the 36 clashes, while Spain have won 10. The Azzurri’s last victory over Spain came during Euro 2016 in Saint Denis (2-0 thanks to goals from Chiellini and Pelle), whilst La Roja came out triumphant during encounters at Euro 2008 and 2012, as well as at the Confederations Cup. Italy do have a fantastic record in qualifiers and are currently unbeaten in 56 consecutive matches (33 of which are World Cup qualifiers). They also have fond memories of their 1982 World Cup success in Spain, during which they beat West Germany in the final in Madrid. Along with Brazil, both Spain and Italy are the only teams to have never lost a World Cup qualifier at home. The Red Fury have picked up 46 wins from 55 matches, (drawing nine), while the Azzurri have 45 out of 52 (drawing seven). As for Brazil, they’ve recorded 42 wins from 54 games (drawing 12).

ITALY-ISRAEL. Just three days after perhaps the most decisive fixture in Group G, Italy will then take on yet another uncomfortable opponents. Reggio Emilia will host the match against Israel, who currently occupy third place in the group rankings alongside Albania. From a statistical point of view, the Azzurri do edge it in terms of previous encounters (securing three wins and also a draw during the 1970 World Cup). During the opening group match between the two teams, Ventura’s were able to obtain a 3-1 win. After initially losing to France in a friendly, this following victory then triggered a nine-game streak of positive results for the Azzurri. The Northern Italian city will host the National team for just the second time in its history, with the previous match taking place 22 years ago (a 4-0 win over Lithuania in November 1995). In relation to the game itself, the Città Azzurra initiative will also take place within city during the days prior to kick-off, with the FIGC and the Reggio Emilia council promoting a number of initiatives. The main aim is to enhance fan engagement, while also promoting the positive values of sport and also grassroots football.

Squad list

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Milan), Mattia Perin (Genoa);
Defenders: Davide Astori (Fiorentina), Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), Leonardo Bonucci (Milan), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Andrea Conti (Milan), Danilo D’Ambrosio (Inter), Matteo Darmian (Manchester United), Daniele Rugani (Juventus), Leonardo Spinazzola (Atalanta);
Midfielders: Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Riccardo Montolivo (Milan), Marco Parolo (Lazio), Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint Germain);
Wingers: Federico Bernardeschi (Juventus), Antonio Candreva (Inter), Stephan El Shaarawy (Roma), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli);
Forwards: Andrea Belotti (Torino), Eder Citadin Martins (Inter), Manolo Gabbiadini (Southampton), Ciro Immobile (Lazio.

National Team’s schedule 

Sunday 27th August 
24:00 CEST Squad to gather at Coverciano

Monday 28th August 
13.30 Meeting the media (coach)
17.00 Video session. Training to follow (first 15 minutes open to the press)

Tuesday 29th August 
13.30 Meeting the media (players)
17.00 Video session. Training to follow (first 15 minutes open to the press)

Wednesday 30th August
9.30 Training (closed door)
13.30 Meeting the media (players)
18.00 Training (first 15 minutes open to the press)

Thursday 31st August
13.30 Meeting the media (players)
18.00 Training (first 15 minutes open to the press)

Friday 1st September – MD 1
9.30     Training (first 15 minutes open to the press)
16.30 Flight from Florence to Madrid
19.30 Walk-round at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
20.00    Press conference – coach and one player
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Spain’s media commitments
12.00 Press conference (Coach and one player) at the Salón Villalonga at the Spanish headquarters
Adress: Real Federación Española de Fútbol Avda. Ramón y Cajal, s/n – 28230     Las Rozas (Madrid)
20.30 Training (open to the public and press)

Saturday 2nd September
20.45        SPAIN- ITALY – Santiago Bernabeu Stadium;  Referee Kuipers (Olanda)
Squad will meet the press after the match and will then return to their hotel

Sunday 3rd September
10.30 Flight from Madrid to Florence
18.00  Training (first 15 minutes open to the press)

Monday 4th September MD-1
9.30   Training  (first 15 minutes open to the press)
17.30 Bus transfer to Reggio Emilia
19.30 Walk-round at the Stadio ‘Città del Tricolore’ (open to the press)
20.00     Press conference for coach and one player

Israel’s media commitments at the Stadio Città del Tricolore:
17.30 Press conference for coach and one player
18.00 Training (first 15 minutes open to the press)

Tuesday 5th September
20.45 ITALY VS. ISRAEL – Stadio Città del Tricolore; Referee Bastien (Francia). Meeting with the press after the match