ROME (AFP) - Six new faces and a former favourite will get the chance to impress as Marcello Lippi's experimental Italy team host Finland in an international friendly in Sicily.
Keeping a promise to the Serie A clubs chasing honours at home and in the Champions League, Lippi has selected just one player from Juventus and Inter Milan and none from AC Milan.
"I said I'd call up players aspiring to get into the final group for the 2006 World Cup, not those who have been busy and under stress since August," he said after announcing his 18-man squad.
The players called up for the first time are Monaco goalkeeper Flavio Roma, Udinese midfielder Stefano Mauri, Messina defender Alessandro Parisi and former under-21 internationals Giorgio Chiellini (Fiorentina), Andrea Barzagli (Palerermo) and Andrea Caracciolo (Brescia).
Vincenzo Montella's nine league goals for Roma this season have earned him a recall after a two-year absence.
The 30-year-old forward last played on October 16, 2002 when Italy were beaten 2-1 away to Wales in a Euro 2004 qualifier.
His return to the international stage lifted some of the gloom after Roma's 1-0 defeat at Reggina on Sunday which left the club in 15th place and perilously close to the relegation zone.
"It's an injection of confidence and enthusiasm and is something I've been waiting for since the start of the season," said the striker who has been called up 34 times and scored three goals in his previous 18 appearances.
"It means a lot to me, but unfortunately it coincides with the worst period at Roma since I've been at the club."
Finland are also without several key players. Defender Hannu Tihinen has a foot injury, while striker Mikael Forssell is recovering from knee surgery.
Goalkeeper Antti Niemi, central defender Sami Hyypia, and captain Jari Litmanen have all been rested.
The only new face in Antti Muurinen's squad is Heerenveen's Hannu Haarala. The versatile 23-year-old can play in midfield or at full-back.
Italy, who are top of their World Cup qualifying group, have won nine of their 11 meetings with Finland, drawing once and losing once.
Wednesday's match will take place at Messina's Giovanni Celeste stadium.
11/17/2004 - 12:09 GMT - AFP