Conte is reportedly likely to recruit three new players to play against Bulgaria and England at the end of this month.
Italy will face Bulgaria away in the Euro 28 qualifiers on March 28 and three days later they will return to Turin to face England in a warm-up, with manager Conte expected to announce the squad for both matches next Sunday. According to the Milano Sport newspaper, there may be 3 new faces who will be given the opportunity to play for the Blues.
The 28-year-old Empoli midfielder Valtifiore is one of the three, and the player has performed well this season, with chasers behind him including AC Milan and Napoli. If Pirlo does not fully recover by then, there is a good chance that empoli midfielders with similar styles will be selected. Of course, the starter is more likely to be Verratti of Paris Saint-Germain.
The other two newcomers, both born in South America but with Italian passports, are Palermo attacking midfielder Vázquez and Samp striker Eder. Vazquez is from Argentina and is now 26; Eder, 28, is from Brazil and has been in Italy since 2006.
Conte also asked Palermo shooter Dybala if he would like to play for Italy, but was rebuffed.
The sluggish Balotelli may not be selected. However, his good friend, Sandton, who has returned to Inter, is very likely to return to the national team with his recent good performances.
Italy's new squad prediction:
Goalkeepers: Buffon, Sirigu, Palin
Defenders: Bonucci, Chiellini, Ranocchi, Rougani, Moretti, Damian, Pasquale,
Midfielders: Cherci, Pirlo, Villati, Marchisio, Vazquez, Candreva, Soriano, Bertolaci, Parolo, Florenzi, Valtifiori
Forwards: Zaza, Pele, Imobile, Destro, Gabiardini, Eder
Candidates: Balzali, O'Bonner, Thornton, De Silvestrie, Antonelli, De Rossi, Bonaventura
(Editor: Sai Han)