Bologna's Simone Verdi returns to Italy squad for qualifiers

There were no surprises in the 25-man Italy squad announced on Saturday for their final World Cup qualifiers against Macedonia and Albania.

September 30, 2017 • 10:25 PM

Simone Verdi is back in the Italy squad for next week's qualifiers. Alessandro Sabattini/Getty ImagesThere were no surprises in the 25-man Italy squad announced on Saturday for their final World Cup qualifiers against Macedonia and Albania.

Bologna winger Simone Verdi received a second call-up, after making his debut in March a friendly against Netherlands.

There was still no space for Nice forward Mario Balotelli despite him scoring five goals in his past five matches for the French club.