Buffon back in Italy squad after reversing retirement; Balotelli still out

Gianluigi Buffon has reversed plans to retire from international duty, accepting the call from interim Italy coach Luigi Di Biagio on Saturday for upcoming friendlies against Argentina and England.

A tearful Buffon announced after Italy's play-off defeat to Sweden last November that he would step aside to make way for the next generation.

Di Biagio, however, has provided the Juventus goalkeeper with an opportunity to end his illustrious international career on a more positive note.

Meanwhile, Mario Balotelli's exile from the national team continues. Last representing the Azzurri in the 2014 World Cup, the 27-year-old striker failed to impress Di Biagio despite scoring 14 goals in 20 league appearances for Nice.

Fiorentina winger Federico Chiesa and AC Milan forward Patrick Cutrone received maiden call-ups, with Di Biagio electing to fill his 26-man team with several inexperienced players.

Di Biagio was promoted from his regular gig as coach of the under-21 squad after the departure of Gian Piero Ventura, who oversaw Italy's failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

The matches against Argentina (March 23) and England (March 27) will offer the four-time champion a chance to reboot following a tense few months. Carlo Tavecchio resigned from his position as president of the Italian FA (FIGC), with the vote on his successor failing to yield a unanimous decision. The Italian Olympic committee has since taken control of the governing body, installing general secretary Roberto Fabbricini as commissioner until July.