FLORENCE, Italy — AC Milan midfielder Giacomo Bonaventura was called up to the Italy squad on Tuesday for the upcoming matches against Croatia and Portugal.
Bonaventura, who has made two appearances for Italy, took part in last week’s training camp but was not included in the initial 28-man squad.
He was one of the few positives in Milan’s miserable campaign after joining from Atalanta and scored seven goals.
The 25-year-old Bonaventura was recalled as a possible replacement for Marco Verratti, who is struggling with a calf injury.
Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon is also a doubt as the Juventus goalkeeper has an elbow problem.
Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli and Sassuolo striker Simone Zaza withdrew with injuries on Monday and Sassuolo defender Francesco Acerbi was called up.
Italy faces Group H leader Croatia in Split on Friday in a European Championship qualifier, then meets Portugal in Geneva four days later in a friendly.
The Azzurri are second in the group, two points behind Croatia.
Italy is unbeaten with five wins and three draws since Antonio Conte replaced Cesare Prandelli as coach after last year’s World Cup.
