Juventus striker Alessandro Del Piero was absorbed in Italy's provisional 24-man squad for Euro 2008, coach Roberto Donadoni said on Tuesday.

Del Piero, 33, has not played for the world champions in eight months but was expected to be included after finishing as Serie A's top scorer for the first time with 21 goals this term.

"Del Piero has done well, he has had a great season," Donadoni, who has agreed a new two-year contract through to the 2010 World Cup, told a news conference.

"He had a first phase with some difficulties then there was a continual improvement and he did what he did and that has permitted him to wear the national team shirt again."

Del Piero, capped 85 times, has been employed by Donadoni on the left hand side of Italy's favored three-pronged attack, a position the Juve stalwart has openly said he dislikes.

His wish to play as a main striker means he is unlikely to be first choice in the tournament being co-hosted by Austria and Switzerland in June.

Italy face the Netherlands, Romania and France in Group C.

(Xinhua News Agency May 21, 2008)