Andrea Barzagli has rejected recent criticism aimed at Italy coach Antonio Conte for including two foreign-born players in his squad to face Bulgaria and England . The Juventus centre-back defended his manager , who has come under fire from Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini among others for his choice to select Eder and Franco Vazquez , who are both Brazilian-born and Argentinian-born respectively . Speaking in a press conference ahead of Saturday 's Euro 2016 qualifier against Bulgaria , Barzagli was keen to welcome the duo to the squad . Italy defender Andrea Barzagli has responded to recent comments made against naming foreign-born players . Italy boss Antonio Conte came under fire from Roberto Mancini for naming Eder and Franco Vasquez . Brazilian-born Eder of Sampdoria gained Italian citizenship through some distance relatives of his . Franco Vasquez of Palermo is eligible to play for the national side because his mother was born in Italy . 'There have always been oriundi , ' Barzagli said , using the Italian word for foreign-born players . 'There are rules , if they can be called up it 's right that they have been because that means they are doing well in the league . ' I do n't see why there should be debate , other nations have them , too . If they are good , if they can give us a hand , they 're welcome in the national team . ' The 33-year-old , who has 50 caps at senior level , admitted that in the face of criticism his international boss always puts the team first . Marco Verratti ( right ) joins in the action during a training session at Coverciano on Tuesday . Borussia Dortmund forward Ciro Immobile brings the ball under control during a passing drill . Paris Saint Germain goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu does his best to keep out a shot during shooting practice . 'Conte ? He 's very forthright , he says what he thinks and goes his own way . It 's normal that he can create controversy if he knows that certain decisions will benefit the National Team . ' However , with Euro 2016 likely to be the veteran defender 's last major tournament for his country , Barzagli hopes that the likes of 20-year-old Sampdoria defender Alessio Romangoli can fill his shoes . ' I ca n't see myself still in Azzurro [ the Italy squad ] after the Euros , primarily because I 'll be over 35 . I 'm not a player like [ Gianluigi ] Buffon or [ Andrea ] Pirlo who can keep going until 40 . 'So I hope that young defenders like [ Alessio ] Romagnoli can take over for the National Team . There needs to be rejuvenation , definitely . ' Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci concentrates on the ball as he works on his touch in training .
Andrea ##cini sees no reason why foreign - born players can not feature . He 'll include Brazilian - born Eder and foreign - born Franco Vazquez . Juventus defender responded to Roberto Mancini 's reaction to the idea .