ITALY U-20 DRAW AGAINST SPAIN

The Italian under 19 failed to produce its magic as it could only muster a draw against Spain. The Under 19 team ended the second match of the European Championship round with a 0-0 tie, leaving still some hope for the semifinals and for one of the six spots at stake for the Under 20 World Cup in Colombia in 2011.

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ITALY NAME FINAL SQUAD

American-born forward Giuseppe Rossi and AC Milan striker Marco Borriello were dropped Tuesday from Italy's World Cup squad.

Coach Marcello Lippi also sent home goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu, defender Mattia Cassani and midfielder Andrea Cossu upon announcing his final 23-man team.

Midfielder Mauro Camoranesi remained on the squad despite injuring his left knee during training Tuesday.

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Italian Writers Wanted

We're on the lookout for some keen Italian fans to write for us.

You'll get your work posted on this website and facebook, and be able to show the world your compleely biased viewpoint!

if this sounds right up your street, send us an example of your work to worldcupfootballfans at googlemail.com

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Del Piero has World Cup hopes

Alessandro Del Piero is still optimistic regarding his chances of making Italy's World Cup squad.

The 35-year-old forward was part of the Azzurri side that secured global glory four years ago.

He hopes he will be awarded an opportunity to help defend that crown in South Africa this summer, despite having not featured for his country since Euro 2008.

However, with Marcello Lippi - the winning coach from 2006 - back in charge, the Juve legend is confident the door has not been closed on his international ambitions.

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