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World Cup roster round-up: Rossi makes Italy preliminary squad, France dump Nasri, and more

Giuseppe Rossi of Italy

photo by Ben Queenborough/ISIphotos.com

By FRANCO PANIZO

Giuseppe Rossi has yet to play in a World Cup, but that could change this summer.

Rossi was included in the 30-man Italy roster that head coach Cesar Prandelli released on Tuesday despite only recently returning from injury, and the New Jersey-born forward will compete for a spot on the squad with the likes of Ciro Immobile, Mattia Destro and Antonio Cassano.

The 27-year-old Fiorentina striker suffered a right knee injury in January and missed four months of action before returning to the field late in the Serie A campaign. He played in three games at the end of the season, and finished with 15 goals in 20 appearances.

Here is more World Cup roster news from around the globe:

NASRI FAILS TO MAKE CUT IN FRANCE

In one of the bigger surprises from Tuesday, Samir Nasri was left off France’s 23-man roster.

Nasri was not included in the Brazil-bound squad or in the list of seven reserves that France coach Didier Deschamps revealed, and the reasoning for that was because the midfielder has not played as well for Les Bleus as he has for Manchester City and is not content with coming off the bench.

“Samir’s performances with the France team were not at the level of his performances with his club,” said Deschamps. “He’s an important player and a regular starter at Manchester City. That’s not the case today with the France team, and he also said he’s not happy when he’s a substitute.

“I can tell you that you can feel it in the squad. Because of those two or three reasons, I decided not to select him in this squad.”

Among the notable players included in France’s roster were Franck Ribery, Karim Benzema and Patrice Erva.

FALCAO INCLUDED IN COLOMBIA’S PRELIMINARY ROSTER

Radamel Falcao’s World Cup dreams are not over just yet.

Falcao, who is recovering from a serious knee injury sustained in January, was among the 30 players selected by Colombia manager Jose Pekerman. The Monaco striker has yet to return to full training, but there is still the hope that he can be healthy enough to contribute in Brazil this summer.

The other forwards included in the preliminary squad are Carlos Bacca, Adrian Ramos, Luis Fernando Muriel, Teofilo Gutierrez and Jackson Martinez.

SPAIN NAME 18 PLAYERS FROM 2010 TEAM TO PROVISIONAL SQUAD

Spain’s team this summer might look very similar to the one that lifted the World Cup trophy four years ago.

Vicente del Bosque announced a provisional 30-man squad that includes 18 players from the 2010 side that won the World Cup. Some of the returning players are David Villa, Fernando Torres, Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

The roster is expected to be cut down to the final 23 on May 25.

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Do you see Rossi making Italy’s final 23-man squad? Surprised Nasri was left off France’s team? Think Falcao makes it and sees time in the World Cup this summer?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. hearing Nasri being very stuck up about not coming off the bench makes me wonder why dont you have pride in representing your country. Smh!

    Reply
    • Because they don’t all have pride in representing their country. France is a funny place for immigrants they feed you and cloth you and take care of you if you’re sick, but being accepted is another story.

      Reply
  2. Hope Falcao doesn’t rush back only to go the Stu Holden route and get hurt again. They should really let the guy rest and rehab, though I understand the desire to have your best player on hand for the World cup.

    Reply
  3. ““I can tell you that you can feel it in the squad. Because of those two or three reasons, I decided not to select him in this squad.”–Deschamps

    that sounds to me like a decision based on chemistry. interesting

    Reply
    • No.

      He missed 2010 due to injury. He probably makes the 2006 USMNT WC squad.

      Maybe he does not make this year’s squad depending on his knees.

      Reply
      • But had he chosen USMNT he would have never been injured and we would have won the world cup in 2010

  4. Rossi, you could be with us, but you be playin’ for Italy.

    But really, good for him. It’s about time he plays in the World Cup. Killer short spell with Fiorentina.

    Reply
  5. With Howard, Mikey , Jozy, Bedoya, and now Rossi does that mean New Jersey has , possibly, the most players in the World Cup of any US state?

    Reply
    • In all seriousness… California is close and I may be missing a few…

      Rimando, Donovan, Wondo, Corona, Beitashour

      Reply
      • I grew up in the Inland Empire in Southern California. I played against Bocanegra at a rival high school (and Lenhart in my indoor league), my younger brother was on the same club team as Donovan, and got to watch my other brother play rival to Mo Edu (and Tony Beltran and Eric Avila). Those are just the players within a short distance of my home town. They’re not all at this world cup, but yeah, CA has some good players.

      • well California does have 40 million people. like 13% of the country’s population and loads of Hispanics and soccer interest so no wonder. now if you told me Idaho had like 6 NT players then i’d be shocked

    • Central Jersey baby! It’s the Oldavi Gorge of World Cup soccer players.
      Tab Ramos, Claudia Reyna, Alexi Lalas, aforementioned present company, etc., etc……
      …….women: Carli Lloyd, Tobin Heath, Christie Rampone, etc., etc.,……

      Reply
    • Jersey and California are the two biggest producers, and not surprisingly two big places for immigrants.

      You also have to remember you are comparing little Jersey to California. That’s like comparing Portugal and Italy.

      Reply

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