With a small delay, Italy boss Cesare Prandelli has announced his final 23-man squad for the Confederations Cup in Brazil last night.

In spite of the doubts surrounding the fitness of Andrea Barzagli, the former Fiorentina boss opted to keep the Juventus defender in the squad.

Cagliari centre-back Davide Astori was preferred to Angelo Ogbonna and Andrea Ranocchia, while Andrea Poli, Giacomo Bonaventura, Marco Sau and Michael Agazzi have also been left out.

Pablo Daniel Osvaldo had previously been omitted due to unprofessional behaviour, whereas Genoa full-back Luca Antonelli had withdrawn because of injury.

Italy have been drawn alongside Mexico, Japan and Brazil, with the reigning European Champions no less than 8.00 (7/1) with Betfred to lift the trophy in Brazil.

Azzurri’s campaign kicks off on 16th June as they face Mexico, but they will first have to contest Czech Republic in a 2014 World Cup qualifier.

Italy Confederations Cup squad:

Goalkeepers: Gianlugi Buffon (Juventus), Federico Marchetti (Lazio), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris St. Germain);

Defenders: Ignazio Abate (Milan), Davide Astori (Cagliari), Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Mattia De Sciglio (Milan), Christian Maggio (Napoli);

Midfielders: Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina), Antonio Candreva (Lazio), Alessio Cerci (Torino), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Alessandro Diamanti (Bologna), Emanuele Giaccherini (Juventus), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Ricardo Montolivo (Milan), Andrea Pirlo (Juventus);

Forwards: Mario Balotelli (Milan), Stephan El Shaarawy (Milan), Alberto Gilardino (Bologna), Sebastian Giovinco (Juventus).

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