Saponara and Regini complete Italy squad
Monday, June 3, 2013
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Devis Mangia's Italy squad is now complete after Riccardo Saponara and Vasco Regini became the final two players to join the party ahead of Wednesday's England opener.
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Italy's squad is now complete after Riccardo Saponara and Vasco Regini joined up with the side in Tel Aviv ahead of Wednesday's UEFA European Under-21 Championship Group A opener against England.
The bulk of the party landed in Israel on Saturday, but the duo remained in Italy to take part in Empoli FC's Serie B promotion play-off second leg with AS Livorno Calcio on Sunday. A 1-0 defeat meant their side failed to achieve Serie A status, but they join a squad in healthy shape, ready to make a push for a sixth triumph in the competition.
A 5-0 warm-up success on Friday evening against an AS Varese youth side, with goals coming from Alessandro Florenzi, Mattia Destro, Alberto Paloschi, Fausto Rossi and Lorenzo Insigne, coupled with the news that midfielder Luca Marrone is back training with the side after a thigh problem, means Devis Mangia's preparations are going to plan.
One slight worry for the coach, however, is a knee injury suffered by Insigne on Sunday. "This problem is getting better, I will see today and tomorrow, then I will decide with the coach," said the SSC Naoli forward on his chances of making the match against Stuart Pearce's England.
