Italy have included Barcelona midfielder Giulia Dragoni, 16, in their 23-player squad for the Women's World Cup.
Dragoni made her debut in a home friendly against Morocco on Saturday, which finished goalless.
Milena Bertolini's squad announcement came with few other surprises, as she included key players such as Cristiana Girelli, Lisa Boattin and Manuela Giugliano.
It was already known that captain Sara Gama, 34, would not be in the squad for "technical-tactical and physical" factors. Bertolini has not said who will take over as skipper.
Defenders Maria Luisa Filangeri and Beatrice Merlo are on standby, and will train with the squad in the lead-up to the tournament, ready to step up in case of illness or injury.
The ninth edition of the World Cup is being hosted by New Zealand and Australia, with Italy starting against Argentina on July 24, before taking on Sweden and South Africa in Group G.
Italy sqaud:
Goalkeepers: Rachele Baldi, Francesca Durante, Laura Giuliani
Defenders: Elisa Bartoli, Lisa Boattin, Lucia Di Guglielmo, Martina Lenzini, Elena Linari, Benedetta Orsi, Cecilia Salvai
Midfielders: Arianna Caruso, Valentina Cernoia, Giulia Dragoni, Manuela Giugliano, Giada Greggi, Emma Severini
Forwards: Chiara Beccari, Barbara Bonansea, Sofia Cantore, Valentina Giacinti, Cristiana Girelli, Benedetta Glionna, Annamaria Serturini
Reuters
