Alberto Aquilani is back in the Italy squad and set to start against Romania. “I am here thanks to Juventus and Gigi Del Neri.”
The former Roma and Liverpool midfielder had fallen out of favour with the Azzurri after a series of injury problems.
“From the time I started to find consistency at Liverpool last season, my mind was on getting back into the Nazionale,” said Aquilani.
“Now I have managed it and I above all must thank Juventus and Coach Del Neri, who put their faith in me and gave me consistent playing time.
Alberto Aquilani is back in the Italy squad and set to start against Romania. “I am here thanks to Juventus and Gigi Del Neri.”
The former Roma and Liverpool midfielder had fallen out of favour with the Azzurri after a series of injury problems.
“From the time I started to find consistency at Liverpool last season, my mind was on getting back into the Nazionale,” said Aquilani.
“Now I have managed it and I above all must thank Juventus and Coach Del Neri, who put their faith in me and gave me consistent playing time.
“If Juventus were to buy me outright at the end of the season it would be very satisfying for me. I'd like to open up a new era in the Bianconeri jersey.”
The lifelong Roma fan will start tomorrow night's friendly against Romania and be flanked in midfield by two Lazio stars, Cristian Ledesma and Stefano Mauri.
“It's absolutely no problem, as I already played with Lazio players in the past. Besides, this is the Italy squad and we all wear the Azzurri jersey. We are a fine group and eager to do well.”
The 26-year-old has rediscovered his form at Juventus and commented on his club's performance so far this season.
“We are doing well and are still under construction, so our objective is to stay near the top of the table.
“In terms of star names, there are other teams better placed to win the Scudetto, though we proved against Inter that we can make up for that with heart, determination and hunger.”