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Barcelona's Thiago in Spain squad to play Italy Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara's recent good form has earned him a surprise call-up into Spain's squad for the friendly at Italy next week
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque included the 20-year-old in his 22-man squad for the European and World Cup champion's game in Bari on Wednesday. “He's a player who has developed in Spain and his roots are in Spanish football. He's gone through various sub categories and now he's reached the top,” Del Bosque said Friday. Thiago also qualifies to represent Brazil until he plays for Spain, but Del Bosque defended the selection as being based on merit. “He has the option to decide with which national team he wants to play for,” Del Bosque said. “We believe this call-up has to do with his accomplishments, that he deserves the chance to play alongside his international teammates.” Thiago helped Spain win the Under-21 European Championship in June and has scored four goals in five preseason friendlies for Barcelona. There were few other surprises. Eight Barcelona players made the squad, including regulars Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, David Villa and Gerard Pique. Carles Puyol remains sidelined as he recovers from knee surgery. Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas was left out for precautionary reasons as he recovers from injury. It was Fabregas' penalty against Italy that sent Spain through to the semifinals at Euro 2008. “I haven't spoken with him directly but I know he's training,” Del Bosque said. “We preferred not to bring him.” Captain Iker Casillas is among the five Real Madrid players included, while three from Basque club Athletic Bilbao were selected. Left back Joan Capdevila, meanwhile, was dropped from the squad. Capdevila had been a regular since late 2006, making 60 appearances overall. “It's not meant to send out any type of message. We have to choose players and we never eliminate anyone,” Del Bosque said. “This squad list does not eliminate anyone from future ones.” Spain will use the Italy match as preparation for a Euro 2012 qualifier against Liechtenstein on Sept. 6. Del Bosque said the European champions are also looking to schedule a friendly on Sept. 2. Squad: Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Liverpool), Victor Valdes (Barcelona). Defenders: Andoni Iraola (Athletic Bilbao), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Raul Albiol (Real Madrid). Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Javi Martinez (Athletic Bilbao), Santi Cazorla (Malaga), David Silva (Manchester City), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona), Thiago Alcantara (Barcelona). Forwards: Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla), Juanma Mata (Valencia), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao), David Villa (Barcelona), Pedro Rodriguez (Barcelona).
