Josip Ilicic Makes Surprise Return in Slovenia’s Provisional Euro 2024 Squad

In a somewhat unexpected move, Slovenia’s veteran forward Josip Ilicic (36) found himself among the names listed in Matjaz Kek’s provisional Euro 2024 squad unveiled on Tuesday, marking his long-awaited return to international duty after a hiatus of over two years.

Ilicic, boasting 16 goals in 79 appearances for Slovenia, last donned the national team jersey in November 2021. Since then, he has transitioned from Serie A outfit Atalanta back to Slovenian club Maribor, grappling with mental health challenges along the way.

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However, his commendable performances this season, including eight league goals that contributed to Maribor’s second-place finish in the standings, have warranted his inclusion, offering him the opportunity to finally grace a major tournament stage.

Kek’s initial squad comprises 30 players, necessitating the trimming of four individuals before finalizing the official roster. Slovenia is slated to engage in two friendly encounters against Armenia and Bulgaria before setting their sights on Germany, where they are scheduled to contend with Denmark, Serbia, and England in Group C.

Among the notable inclusions, Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, Slovenia’s leading scorer in the qualification rounds with five goals, secures his spot alongside the seasoned 31-year-old Atletico Madrid shot-stopper Jan Oblak.

Provisional Squad:

Goalkeepers: Jan Oblak, Vid Belec, Igor Vekic, Matevz Vidovsek

Defenders: Jure Balkovec, Jaka Bijol, Miha Blazic, David Brekalo, Vanja Drkusic, Erik Janza, Zan Karnicnik, Petar Stojanovic, Zan Zaletel

Midfielders: Timi Maks Elsnik, Adam Gnezda-Cerin, Jon Gorenc Stankovic, Tomi Horvat, Jasmin Kurtic, Sandi Lovric, Benjamin Verbic, Miha Zajc, Adrian Zeljkovic, Nino Zugelj

Forwards: Zan Celar, Josip Ilicic, Jan Mlakar, Benjamin Sesko, Andraz Sporar, Zan Vipotnik, Luka Zahovic