Manchester United Sensation Federico Macheda Gets Italy Under-21 Call Up

The teenager has been called up to the Azzurrini, but faces stiff competition from Serie A's bright stars...
Manchester United's teenage sensation Federico Macheda has been picked by Italy Under-21 coach Pierluigi Casiraghi, and he could make the final squad for this year's Under-21 European Championship in Sweden.



Manchester United's teenage sensation Federico Macheda has been picked by Italy Under-21 coach Pierluigi Casiraghi, and he could make the final squad for this year's Under-21 European Championship in Sweden.

The coach has picked a temporary squad of 40 players, but this will be cut down to a final 23 on June 8 which is the deadline FIFA have set for final squad lists.

Macheda shot to fame for his goal against Aston Villa back in April during a memorable 3-2 win at Old Trafford. He has been rewarded for his good work in England, and he could travel to Sweden if he convinces Casiraghi that he is worthy from now until next month.

There were also call-ups for Juventus ace Sebastian Giovinco, Inter starlet Mario Balotelli, and on-loan Cagliari striker Robert Acquafresca.

Here is the list of players which have been called.

Goalkeepers: Andrea Consigli, Vincenzo Fiorillo, Andrea Seculin, Salvatore Sirigu.

Defenders:
Marco Andreolli, Lorenzo Ariaudo, Salvatore Bocchetti, Daniele Capelli, Domenico Criscito, Lorenzo De Silvestri, Andrea Esposito, Lino Marzoratti, Marco Motta, Francesco Pisano, Andrea Ranocchia, Matteo Rubin, Fabiano Santacroce, Davide Santon.

Midfielders:
Ignazio Abate, Antonino Barillà, Davide Bottone, Antonio Candreva, Alessio Cerci, Luca Cigarini, Paolo De Ceglie, Daniele Dessena, Davide Lanzafame, Claudio Marchisio, Piermario Morosini, Andrea Poli,

Forwards:
Robert Acquafresca, Mario Barwuah Balotelli, Davide Di Gennaro, Sebastian Giovinco, Federico Macheda, Ettore Mendicino, Daniel Pablo Osvaldo, Alberto Paloschi, Michele Paolucci, Nicola Pozzi.