Palermo midfielder Luca Rigoni is 'still hopeful' for a spot with the national team, whilst discussing Coach Giuseppe Iachini.
As Milan's Andrea Bertolacci struggled to create a spark in Italy's midfield in the 1-0 win against Malta, the question of who should flank Marco Verratti and Andrea Pirlo is being discussed, and Rigoni's excellent start to the season makes him a possible candidate.
“I came to Sicily at the height of my career, I needed new challenges,” he told Il Corriere dello Sport.
Palermo midfielder Luca Rigoni is 'still hopeful' for a spot with the national team, whilst discussing Coach Giuseppe Iachini.
As Milan's Andrea Bertolacci struggled to create a spark in Italy's midfield in the 1-0 win against Malta, the question of who should flank Marco Verratti and Andrea Pirlo is being discussed, and Rigoni's excellent start to the season makes him a possible candidate.
“I came to Sicily at the height of my career, I needed new challenges,” he told Il Corriere dello Sport.
“I found loving supporters here, and faith was given to me by the club and the Coach.
“Our secret lies in teamwork. Everybody wants to add something of their own to reach the team's objectives.
“Many wanted to tear me away from Palermo, but staying here was a great decision.
“As for the strategy to score, Iachini makes us practice on cutting in when we cross.
“He also wants the two wingers [Andrea] Rispoli and [Achraf] Lazaar to try for the goal.
“I was the first to score in the new Friuli, and this is a record too.
“That goal came thanks to the extraordinary assist by [Franco] Vazquez, whom I thanked.
“His plays are fantastic, but I get some credit too for finding the position.”
Finally, the 30-year-old discussed the subject of la Nazionale and the possibility of his call-up.
“I can't call myself up on my own, but I'm still hopeful.
“Last year I played a great season, but obviously that was not enough.
“I've got to do more. If I were to make it, I'd leap for joy.'