Rosicky, Cech in Czech squad for Italy qualifier

PRAGUE (AP) — Midfielder Tomas Rosicky and goalkeeper Petr Cech have been included in the Czech Republic squad for the 2014 World Cup qualifier against Italy next month.

The Czechs need to do well in the June 7 game in Prague to keep their hopes alive to qualify for the tournament in Brazil.

Italy leads Group B of European qualifying with a three-point advantage over Bulgaria. The Czechs are third, five points behind Italy.

Czech Republic coach Michal Bilek will stage a training camp next week for players whose season is over. Rosicky, who helped Arsenal qualify for the Champions League with a fourth-place finish in the Premier League, will be among them.

Rosicky has only played the past two qualifiers, and the Czechs have badly missed his creativity for the majority of qualifying.