Atletico Madrid’s striker Diego Costa could make his debut for Spain

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa could make his debut for Spain after being named in Vicente del Bosque’s 22-man squad for the world champions’ friendly at home to Italy on March 5.

He is now expected to make his debut on home soil at the Vicente Calderon after scoring 27 times in all competitions this season.

Gerard Pique is the only significant absentee through injury from the final match Spain will play before Del Bosque names his squad to defend the World Cup in Brazil later this year.

There was disappointment for David Villa, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata as all three were left out.

However, Del Bosque insisted that there was still plenty of time for those left out of the squad to make their case for a World Cup berth between now and the end of the season.

The game will be a rematch of the 2012 European Championship final, which Spain won 4-0.

The Spain squad will be made up with:

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Victor Valdes (Barcelona), Pepe Reina (Napoli/ITA)

Defenders: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich/GER), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea/ENG), Juanfran Torres (Atletico Madrid), Raul Albiol (Napoli/ITA)

Midfielders: Xavi Hernandez, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas (all Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), David Silva (Manchester City/ENG), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich/GER), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal/ENG)

Forwards: Pedro Rodriguez (Barcelona), Jesus Navas, Alvaro Negredo (both Manchester City/ENG), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid)