Rossi left out as Prandelli unveils Italy squad

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has revealed his 23-man squad for this summer's FIFA World Cup in Brazil, finding no place in his travelling party for ACF Fiorentina striker Giuseppe Rossi.

Rossi contested 71 minutes of Italy's 0-0 draw against the Republic of Ireland in London on Saturday but was unable to convince Prandelli that he should be included, with the Azzurri boss opting for Antonio Cassano instead. Rossi hit 16 Serie A goals this term, despite enduring a second half to the season marred by injury.

Prandelli has also left out defenders Christian Maggio and Manuel Pasqual, along with midfielder Rômulo and forward Mattia Destro. AC Milan midfielder Riccardo Montolivo had to be withdrawn from contention after suffering a broken leg during the friendly against Ireland at Craven Cottage.

Andrea Ranocchia has been retained on standby, meanwhile, with Prandelli making the most of a FIFA rule allowing him to change a player in case of a last-minute injury – but no later than 24 hours before Italy's first World Cup game against Group D rivals England on 14 June.

The Azzurri next host Luxemburg in Perugia on Wednesday, one day before leaving for Brazil. They then face another friendly against Fluminense FC, before kicking off their bid against England and following up with group games against Costa Rica and Uruguay.

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Mattia Perin (Genoa CFC), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris Saint-Germain FC).

Defenders: Ignazio Abate (AC Milan), Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Matteo Darmian (Torino FC), Mattia De Sciglio (AC Milan), Gabriel Paletta (Parma FC), Andrea Ranocchia (FC Internazionale Milano)*.

Midfielders: Alberto Aquilani (ACF Fiorentina), Antonio Candreva (SS Lazio), Daniele De Rossi (AS Roma), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Thiago Motta (Paris Saint-Germain FC), Marco Parolo (Parma FC), Andrea Pirlo (Juventus), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain FC).

Forwards: Mario Balotelli (AC Milan), Antonio Cassano (Parma FC), Alessio Cerci (Torino FC), Ciro Immobile (Torino FC), Lorenzo Insigne (SSC Napoli).

*On standby