Gianluca Zambrotta was recalled to the Italy squad on Sunday for its upcoming European Championship qualifiers against Northern Ireland and Serbia.
The 33-year-old Zambrotta hasn't played for Italy since the Azzurri's disastrous first-round exit from the World Cup in June. But with Lorenzo De Silvestri and Davide Santon picked for the under 21 squad, new coach Cesare Prandelli decided to bring back the AC Milan fullback, who has made 97 appearances for Italy.
Also returning are another fulback, Domenico Criscito, midfielder Stefano Mauri and AS Roma forward Marco Borriello.
With Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli out following right knee surgery, the other forwards called up are Antonio Cassano, Alberto Gilardino, Giampaolo Pazzini and United States-born Giuseppe Rossi.
Mauri scored in Lazio's 1-0 win over Brescia earlier Sunday, putting the Rome club top of the Serie A table. His last national team appearance came three years ago.
With Gianluigi Buffon still recovering from back surgery, the goalkeepers are again Salvatore Sirigu of Palermo, Emiliano Viviano of Bologna and Antonio Mirante of Parma.
Italy leads Group C with a full six points from its opening two games. Serbia is next with four points and Northern Ireland is tied with Estonia with three points each. However, Northern Ireland has only played once, winning 1-0 in Slovenia.
Italy will play Northern Ireland in Belfast on Friday, then host Serbia in Genoa four days later.
Roster:
Goalkeepers: Antonio Mirante (Parma), Salvatore Sirigu (Palermo), Emiliano Viviano (Bologna).
Defenders: Mattia Cassani (Palermo), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Domenico Criscito (Genoa), Gianluca Zambrotta (AC Milan), Daniele Gastaldello (Sampdoria), Cesare Bovo (Palermo), Luca Antonelli (Parma).
Midfielders: Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan), Daniele De Rossi (AS Roma), Angelo Palombo (Sampdoria), Andrea Lazzari (Cagliari), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Stefano Mauri (Lazio), Simone Pepe (Juventus).
Forwards: Marco Borriello (AS Roma), Antonio Cassano (Sampdoria), Alberto Gilardino (Fiorentina), Giampaolo Pazzini (Sampdoria), Giuseppe Rossi (Villarreal).
