Andrea Pirlo called up by Italy

Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has been called up to the Italy squad for their upcoming European championship qualifiers.

The 35-year-old had been ruled out with a hip injury for two months, before making his return during his club's 3-2 win against Roma at the weekend.

He was not included in Antonio Conte's initial squad, but has been drafted in to replace AC Milan midfielder Giacomo Bonaventura, who has a thigh problem.

Italy will face Azerbaijan in Palermo on Friday, before traveling to Malta next Monday.