Davide Cassani has announced a 16 rider long-list for the Italian team that will go to the World Championships in Spain. Only 9 spots are available

The names on the list are Fabio Aru (Astana), Daniele Bennati (Saxo-Tinkoff), Damiano Caruso (Cannondale), Giampaolo Caruso (Katusha), Sonny Colbrelli (Bardiani-CSF), Alessandro De Marchi (Cannondale), Enrico Gasparotto (Astana), Vincenzo Nibali (Astana), Giacomo Nizzolo (Trek), Filippo Pozzato (Lampre-Merida), Manuel Quinziato (BMC), Davide Formolo (Cannondale), Matteo Trentin (Omega Pharma-Quick Step), Alessandro Vanotti (Astana), Giovanni Visconti (Movistar team) and Edoardo Zardini (Bardiani-CSF). 

Matteo Rabottini had originally been selected but after his positive doping test, he has been replaced by Davide Formolo (Cannondale).

Curiously, Luca Paolini of Katusha and Matteo Pelucchi of IAM have been left out of the team, as was Enrico Battaglin of Bardiani.

Adriano Malori (Movistar) and Dario Cataldo (Sky) will represent the Italians in the time trial.