adminNIGERIA will get a stiff test when they meet the Italian national team as coach Cesare Prandelli has named a crack 28 man squad to tackle the Super Eagles. Italy, who have already qualified for the World Cup are due to face Germany in Milan on Friday, before travelling to London to engage Nigeria at Fulham’s Craven Cottage ground in an international friendly.
There is a recall for Zenit St Petersburg defender Domenico Criscito who has not been part of the set up for about two years, as well as Parma’s Marco Parolo.
Veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon leads an all star cast that includes Juventus playmaker Andrea Pirlo, Lazio’s youngster Lorenzo Insigne, Thiaggo Motta and Manuel Pasquale.
Juventus defender, Angelo Ogbonna, who has Nigerian parents, also made the team alongside Christian Maggio and Federico Balzaretti, as dependable defender Giorgio Chiellini drops out due to injury.
Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana captain Itumeleng Khune has set his sights on the national side’s international friendly against Spain next week.
Bafana Bafana are gearing up for their international friendly against world and European champions Spain, with South African goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune voicing his excitement about the challenge his team will face on 19 November.
The South African captain is relishing the chance to play against the world champions and is honoured to face one of the best sides on the planet, which will include the likes of Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso, Jesus Navas, Juan Mata, Javi Martinez and David Villa.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to have the world’s best players in our country and to be able to test our skills against the number one ranked team in the world,” Khune told Safa’s official website.
There is also a lot of significance in the fact that the team to score the first goal of the last World Cup [Bafana Bafana] are up against the team that scored the last goal [Spain] at the stadium where Spain were crowned world champions.
“In terms of world-class soccer on our doorstep, it doesn’t get any better than this,” said Khune.
The national side’s overseas-based players have been arriving steadily, with Tokelo Rantie, Siyanda Xulu, Bongani Khumalo and Anele Ngcongca all having joined the squad after arriving yesterday.
Dean Furman will be the last player to arrive, with the midfielder set to touch down in South Africa on 16 November.
Spain will be without Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas due to injury, but Vicente del Bosque is expected to start a star-studded line-up as the current Fifa World Cup holders prepare to defend their title on Brazilian soil.
“Whether you are a soccer fan or not, next week’s game is going to be an entertaining evening for everyone who comes through to support and as such, we are encouraging all South Africans to come and show the Spanish what we’ve got!” Khune concluded. -Soccernet.
Online Reporter