Italy boss Cesare Prandelli has called no less than 28 players for the upcoming 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Czech Republic.

The Azzurri lead the way in group B and they could make a giant step towards Brazil with good results in these two matches.

Italy face Bulgaria at Stadio Renzo Barbera in Palermo before facing Czech Republic at Juventus Arena in Turin.

Mario Balotelli and Pablo Osvaldo, both suspended for the Bulgaria game, have received call ups, with Alberto Gilardino, Lorenzo Insigne, Manolo Gabbiadini and Stephan El Shaarawy completing the list of forwards.

Luca Antonelli and Davide Astori keep their places in the squad, while Thiago Motta returns after a year-long absence.

Italy are 1.36 (4/11) favourites with Betfred to see off Bulgaria and virtually secure the first place in Group B of World Cup qualifiers Europe.

Italy squad

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Federico Marchetti (Lazio), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris Saint-Germain).

Defenders: Ignazio Abate (AC Milan), Luca Antonelli (Genoa), Davide Astori (Cagliari), Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Christian Maggio (Napoli), Andrea Ranocchia (Inter Milan).

Midfielders: Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina), Antonio Candreva (Lazio), Alressio Cerci (Torino), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Alessandro Diamanti (Bologna), Alessandro Florenzi (Roma), Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland), Riccardo Montolivo (Milan), Thiago Motta (Paris Saint-Germain), Andrea Pirlo (Juventus), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain).

Forwards: Mario Balotelli (AC Milan), Stephan El Shaarawy (AC Milan), Manolo Gabbiadini (Sampdoria), Alberto Gilardino (Genoa), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli), Pablo Osvaldo (Southampton).

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