Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso has called up uncapped 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni, Liverpool's recent signing, when he named his first squad on Friday ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Israel.

Gattuso, who replaced the sacked Luciano Spalletti in June, has also selected 20-year-old Inter Milan striker Francesco Pio Esposito and Bologna midfielder Giovanni Fabbian, both included in the senior squad for the first time.

Italy, who failed to qualify for the previous two World Cups, are third in Group I on three points, following a 3-0 loss in Norway and a 2-0 win over Moldova.

Norway, whose win over Italy led to Spalletti's dismissal, are top on 12 points after four games, while Israel are second with six points from three matches.

Subscribe to CNA's Recommended

See Full Page