Trapattoni looks to newcomers

Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni has named several newcomers in his squad for Wednesday's international friendly against Turkey in Pescara.

Chievo trio
With Alessandro Nesta and Francesco Totti injured, Trapattoni has decided to give a chance to several players who are performing well with smaller clubs in this first part of the season, including three from high-fliers AC Chievo Verona; defender Nicola Legrottaglie, 26, and midfield players Simone Perrotta, 25, and Eugenio Corini, 32.

'Every player's dream'
Perrotta responded to the news by saying: "Playing in the national team is every player's dream. With the Azzurri shirt I will try to maintain the same spirit we have at Chievo. Three players from Chievo in the national team is proof of how good the work we are doing with our club is.”

Di Natale bow
Empoli FC’s 25-year-old forward Antonio Di Natale will also make his debut, while Juventus FC left-back Alessandro Birindelli has received his first international call at 28. Trapattoni has also picked Bologna FC winger Carlo Nervo and in-form Chelsea FC goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini, the only player in Italy's squad from an overseas club.

Disappointing start
Italy have made a disappointing start to UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying, a victory against Azerbaijan followed by a draw at home to Yugoslavia and defeat in Wales. Turkey, in contrast, have won all three of their matches in their group.

Italy squad
Buffon, Cudicini, Toldo, Birindelli, Cannavaro, Ferrari, Legrottaglie, Negro, Iuliano, Panucci, Zauri, Ambrosini, Corini, Di Biagio, Di Natale, Nervo, Perrotta, Pirlo, D. Zenoni, F. Inzaghi, Vieri, Di Vaio, Del Piero.