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Pair of Italy stars back in squad for WC playoff vs. Sweden

US Sassuolo v AS Roma - Serie A

REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY - OCTOBER 26: Alessandro Florenzi of Roma leaves the pitch after an injury during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium - Citta’ del Tricolore on October 26, 2016 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)

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MILAN (AP) Simone Zaza and Alessandro Florenzi are back in the Italy squad for the first time in a year, and there was also a surprise call-up for Jorghino for the World Cup playoff against Sweden.

Zaza has been recalled after eight goals in his last seven league games for Valencia. Roma’s Florenzi returns after twice rupturing the ACL in his knee.

Italy coach Gian Piero Ventura has always left out Brazilian-born Jorginho, saying he does not fit into his tactics, but has now included the Napoli midfielder amid reports Brazil has expressed interest.

Italy travels to Stockholm for the first leg on Friday and hosts Sweden at San Siro in the decider three days later.

Andrea Belotti, Marco Verratti and Daniele De Rossi return from injury.