No Surprises in Azzurri Squad for Scotland

By: Martha | March 18th, 2007

Il Mister. Roberto Donadoni today named his team for the Euro 2008 qualified against Scotland and, though it features two debutants, there really are no surprises in the squad.

Called into the team for the first time are Sampdoria’s surprising scoring machine Fabio Quagliarella and Roma defender Max Tonetto; both were expected to feature, and Quagliarella was actually going to be in the side for the Romania friendly, before it was canceled. And, with two regulars out — Nesta’s not yet back from his shoulder injury and Grosso picked up a knock in the Milan derby two weeks ago — there was room in the defense for Tonetto to make his debut. There’s still no room, however, for Montolivo (who is the Azzurrini side, as usual), a slightly I’m starting to take personally. (I have no idea who I’d throw out to make room for him, mind you, I just like to complain. Actually, maybe I do — what’s Gilardino done to keep his spot? Why not dump him for an extra midfielder?)

The team will train together for four days next week, take the weekend off, and then come back together to prepare for the match. Apparently Donadoni’s not worried enough about Scotland that he dares keep the lads in camp on Saturday and Sunday. Well, now I’m worried. Dammit.

The full list is after the jump.

Goalkeepers: Buffon (Juventus), Amelia (Livorno), Abbiati (Torino)

Defenders: Barzagli (Palermo), Bonera (Milan), Cannavaro (Real Madrid), Materazzi (Inter), Oddo (Milan), Pasqual (Fiorentina), Tonetto (Roma), Zambrotta (Barcelona)

Midfielders: Ambrosini (Milan), Camoranesi (Juventus), De Rossi (Roma), Gattuso (Milan), Mauri (Lazio), Perrotta (Roma), Pirlo (Milan), Semioli (Chievo)

Forwards: Toni (Fiorentina), Gilardino (Milan), Di Natale (Udinese), Del Piero (Juventus), Rocchi (Lazio), Quagliarella (Sampdoria)