5 players to watch in Italy's Euro 2016 qualifier with Azerbaijan

Italy take on Azerbaijan on Friday evening, welcoming their Group H rivals to Rome’s Stadio Olimpico for their second Euro 2016 qualifier. 

Having already recorded a victory over Norway, the Azzurri will be well aware that two wins this week will put them in an excellent position to reach the tournament in France.

Antonio Conte has selected an interesting squad for the encounter, adding one or two new faces to his regular core of players.

While Mario Balotelli has once again been left out, Andrea Pirlo has returned to the squad, the effects of his hip injury now behind him to be reunited with his former Juventus coach.