Spain coach Vicente del Bosque handed a first call-up to Thiago Alcantara when naming his squad for next Wednesday's friendly against Italy in Bari.

Barcelona midfielder Thiago, 20, was born in Italy but moved to Spain as a child before going on to represent his adopted country at U-17, U-19 and U-21 levels.

Thiago, the son of 1994 FIFA World Cup™ winner Mazinho, enjoyed a breakthrough at the Camp Nou last season, scoring two goals in 12 La Liga appearances, and earlier this summer helped Spain win the UEFA U-21 European Championships.

"Thiago is here on sporting merit," said Del Bosque.

The 22-man squad features a recall for Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo, but the likes of Barcelona's Carles Puyol, Benfica's Joan Capdevila and Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal miss out.

Spain squad:

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Liverpool), Victor Valdes (Barcelona)
Defenders: Alvaro Arbeloa, Raul Albiol, Sergio Ramos (all Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Andoni Iraola (Athletic Bilbao)
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, Thiago Alcantara, Xavi (all Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Malaga), Javi Martinez (Athletic Bilbao), David Silva (Manchester City)
Forwards: David Villa, Pedro Rodriguez (both Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao), Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla), Juan Mata (Valencia)