Italy coach Marcello Lippi says he's explained to Juventus skipper Alessandro del Piero why he was omitted for this week's squad.

"I called Del Piero and we spoke about it," Lippi explained. "I wanted to see what some new players could do - I told him that and he understood.

"I also told him to keep doing what he has always done."

The Italy tactician also spoke to Wolfsburg defender Andrea Barzagli, who also doesn't feature in the current squad.

"I spoke to him for a long time," Lippi said. "I want to see the player he was a while ago with the determination and rage. We discussed things very calmly."