MADRID — David Villa, a veteran striker who plays for New York City F.C., was summoned by Spain on Friday for the first time since the 2014 World Cup and became the first Major League Soccer player to join the national squad.
Villa, 35, was included by Coach Julen Lopetegui in a 26-man squad that will host Italy next Saturday and will visit Liechtenstein on Sept. 5 in another World Cup qualifier.
The high-profile match against Italy in Madrid will be crucial in deciding whether the teams will qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The teams are tied for the Group G lead after six matches.