Gilardino To Earn Italy Recall

Next Wednesday the Azzurri take on Austria in a friendly in Nice in a match that marks the return of World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi.

There has been much talk in the media over who Lippi will select in his first squad, and much of this surrounds the forward positions.

With Luca Toni and his Euro 2008 deputy Marco Borriello both injured, reports in Italy suggest that Alberto Gilardino will earn a recall.

Gila missed out on the Euros after a miserable 2007/08 season with Milan, but he has had a promising start to the new campaign after joining Fiorentina, scoring in Tuesday night’s Champions League win over Slavia Prague.

He should be joined in attack by Juventus trio Mauro Camoranesi, Alessandro Del Piero and Vincenzo Iaquinta, who have been in scintillating form in pre-season.

Lippi, who is expected to pick a strong squad as he aims to get his second spell off to a winning start, has already confirmed that new Liverpool signing Andrea Dossena will be chosen.

Napoli’s Christian Maggio is also expected to receive a call-up, while club colleague Fabiano Santacroce is another new name being touted.