Ricky Alvarez of Inter Milan has been drafted into the squad

Argentina has announced its squad for the friendly with Italy in Rome on August 14th. The match is in honour of Argentine, Pope Francis and consists only of foreign-based players. The only real surprise is perhaps, the inclusion of Ricky Alvarez. Since leaving Velez Sarsfield in 2011 the midfielder hasn’t exactly lit up Serie A but his place in the squad will come as a boost for midfielder ahead of the new season. Jose Basanta’s fine form for Monterrey in Mexico also earns him a recall but the remainder of the squad is as expected. Erik Lamela retains his place among the forwards, in what could be a huge year for the 21-year-old. SEE THE FULL SQUAD HERE….

Goalkeepers: Oscar Ustari (Almería), Sergio Romero (Sampdoria), Mariano Andujar (Catania)

Defenders: Hugo Campagnaro (Inter), Federico Fernandez (Napoli), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle), Cristian Ansaldi (Rubin Kazan), José Basanta (Monterrey)

Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Angel Di María (Real Madrid), Ever Banega (Valencia), Augusto Fernandez (Celta Vigo), Ricardo Alvarez (Inter), Lucas Biglia (Lazio)

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Rodrigo Palacio (Inter), Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli), Ezequiel Lavezzi (PSG), Erik Lamela (Roma)