No Del Piero, No Raul for Spain vs Italy Friendly

The squads were named over the weekend for Spain vs Italy - arguably the most mouthwatering of all Wedesday’s international friendlies - and it was bad news for two old names hoping for an international recall. Italy’s Alessandro Del Piero and Spain’s Raul are still harbouring hopes of going to Euro 2008, but neither man should hold their breath after being left out in the cold for this week’s game.

Del Piero has been in cracking form for Juventus, and has been openly pleading with Robereto Donadoni to recall him to the Azzurri squad. He’s even (tongue in cheek) offered to send Donadoni “a nice bottle of wine” if it helps. But no luck, his name wasn’t on the list.

Still, Del Piero had some other good news to enjoy. He was involved as Juve beat Inter 2-1 at the San Siro, and equaled Gaetano Scirea’s record of 552 appearances for Juventus.

Raul had no such silver lining. He wants a place at Euro 2008 too, but for the good of the Spanish team he helped quash a media campaign to get him recalled. And with Luis Aragones ignoring him again this week, that could be that for Raul.

And more bad news followed on Sunday, as Real Madrid’s title challenge stumbled with a 3-2 loss to Valenica. Raul scored twice for Madrid, but was denied an injury equalizer by Valenica keeper Timo Hildebrand.