Italy U21 manager, Luigi Di Biagio, has named his 27-man provisional squad ahead of the European Championships later this month.

Italy are the most successful side in the history of the competition, lifting the trophy on five separate occasions with the last coming in 2004. The Azzurrini will be looking to regain their crown, after losing 4-2 to an impressive Spain side two years ago.

Manager Luigi Di Biagio has named his first squad ahead of the tournament, with the 44-year-old having to reduce it by four following a friendly with Inter Berretti on Sunday.

Only two remain from the finals in Israel, goalkeepers Francesco Bardi and Nicola Leali of Chievo Verona and Cesena respectively. Watford’s attacking midfielder Cristian Battocchio, who spent the last season on loan at Virtus Entella, is included in the squad after making 22 appearances in Serie B. Marcello Trotta, formerly of Fulham, has also been named.

Palermo striker, Andrea Belotti, is one of the 27 currently training in Bologna ahead of the finals. Making his debut U21 debut against Slovakia in 2013, the 21-year-old has scored eight times in just 15 appearances and will be crucial any success his side have this summer. Belotti stated:  

"We started very well with good training sessions. Personally I feel I have given a lot to this national team, but also want to give more; the group is united and we want to win this European Championship, but to do so requires the help of us all.”

The nation open their campaign against Sweden in two weeks time, looking to qualify from a group also including Portugal and England. Only the winners and runners-up in Group A and Group B will advance to the semi-finals, with a place at the Olympic tournament in 2016 also at stake.

Full 27-man provisional squad:

Goalkeepers: Bardi (Chievo), Leali (Cesena), Sportiello (Atalanta).

Defenders: Barba (Empoli), Bianchetti (Spezia), Biraghi (Chievo Verona), Izzo (Genoa), Murru (Cagliari), Romagnoli (Sampdoria), Rugani (Empoli), Sabelli (Bari), Zappacosta (Atalanta).

Midfielders: Baselli (Atalanta), Battocchio (Virtus Entella), Benassi (Torino), Cataldi (Lazio), Crisetig (Cagliari), Dezi (Crotone), Sturaro (Juventus), Verre (Perugia), Viviani (Latina).

Forwards: Belotti (Palermo), Berardi (Sassuolo), Bernardeschi (Fiorentina), Longo (Cagliari), Trotta (Avellino), Verdi (Empoli).

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Conor de Smith
Trying to make it in journalism. Contributing to VAVEL since July 2013.