Fiorentina and Argentina legend Gabriel Batistuta has called on his country to recall Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain.

Higuain has been ignored for Argentina's World Cup playoffs.

Batistuta says: “Higuain was treated very badly.

“Unfortunately, Pipita was condemned by a couple of mistakes: no-one had mercy on him and this has impacted on his performances a tad, but it doesn't mean that he's forgotten how to play.

“Of course, he's one of the best strikers around and an icon in Italy. He's not done much lately, in accordance with his potential, but he's a No 9 that Argentina must count on.

“He has to go to the World Cup, as well as Icardi and Benedetto: none of them deserve to stay at home."