Rome - World champions Fabio Grosso and Gennaro Gattuso will act as tutors Saturday for a group of eight debutants called into Marcello Lippi's team for Italy's friendly against Northern Ireland. The game in the Tuscany town of Pisa is largely experimental and won't tell much about the Azzurri's lineup at the Confederations Cup they play for the first time in South Africa beginning on June 15.
Lippi had joked before issuing the roster for the game, saying that "all those aged between 18 and 40 should keep ready. The gates of the national team are open for everyone."
His youngest debutant, defender Davide Santon from Italian champions Inter Milan is indeed 18 while Chievo striker Sergio Pellissier is 30.
Besides Pellissier, there are other players from Italy's smaller clubs who are hoping to don the jersey of the Azzurri, even if only for part of the game.
Midfielder Marco Biagianti could have a chance to play with his Catania teammate Giuseppe Mascara, while in defence there could be room for Mattia Cassani of Palermo and Lecce's Andrea Esposito, who deserved a chance despite his side's relegation.
"He should set an example for all those playing at small clubs," Lecce coach Luigi De Canio said. "Lippi gives a chance to everyone."
Other newcomers are Cagliari goalkeeper Federico Marchetti, who received praise from star Gianluigi Buffon during the Serie A season, and Daniele Galloppa from Siena.
The return of midfield mainstay Gattuso after a long injury layoff is good news for the world champions, who can also rely on experienced Juventus defender Nicola Legrottaglie and Sampdoria striker Giampaolo Pazzini.
Once again, Lippi raised some eyebrows by finding no room up front for Pazzini's in-form teammate Antonio Cassano.
Although not a top-ranking side, Northern Ireland could profit from some weaknesses in the Azzurri's game.
Northern Ireland bring bad memories to older Italy fans, who recall how a 2-1 defeat in Belfast denied Italy a place at the 1958 World Cup.
