Acerbi replaces Astori in Italy squad

Francesco Acerbi has been called into the Italy squad as a replacement for Davide Astori, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has confirmed. The 24-year-old AC Milan defender receives his second call-up from Gli Azzurri after both Cagliari's Astori and Federico Balzaretti of Roma pulled out with thigh injuries. Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has replaced the latter with Federico Peluso of Atalanta. No worries over De Rossi fitness Roma captain Daniele De Rossi remains in the squad to play Bulgaria and Malta in the first round of the European Zone qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ despite picking up an ankle injury against Inter Milan on Sunday. Italy team doctor Enrico Castellacci said: "His situation isn't worrying. We will assess his physical condition day by day and try to help him recover as soon as possible." FIFA