"The 18-year-old Liverpool centre-back Giovanni Leoni was one of three players given their first national team call-up by new Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso on Friday. Also named to the Azzurri squad for the first time were Inter Milan forward Francesco Pio Esposito and Bologna midfielder Giovanni Fabbian. It's the first time Gattuso has named his squad since taking over for the fired Luciano Spalletti in June."
"Facing the prospect of failing to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup, Italy have no room for errors in qualifiers against Estonia in Bergamo next Friday and against Israel in Hungary three days later. Italy have three points from two matches. Norway, who have played four matches, lead Group I with 12 points, and Israel are next with six points from three matches."
"Giovanni Leoni has yet to feature for Liverpool since joining from Parma. Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images Leoni transferred from Parma to Liverpool this month but has not played for the Premier League champions yet."
Gennaro Gattuso named his first Italy squad since replacing Luciano Spalletti in June, handing three players their first senior call-ups: 18-year-old Liverpool centre-back Giovanni Leoni, Inter forward Francesco Pio Esposito and Bologna midfielder Giovanni Fabbian. Italy face must-win World Cup qualifying fixtures against Estonia in Bergamo and Israel in Hungary, with the Azzurri holding three points from two matches while Norway lead Group I. Leoni recently transferred from Parma to Liverpool but has yet to make his debut for the club. Gianluca Scamacca and Gianluca Mancini returned to the squad after injury and previous exclusion respectively. Mateo Retegui and Sandro Tonali were included despite club or fitness issues.
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