Salvatore Bocchetti is hoping to convince boss Cesare Prandelli to select him in his final 23-man squad for Euro 2012.
The Rubin Kazan stopper was a surprise pick in the 32-man long-list given that he hasn’t played for Italy since the 1-1 draw with Switzerland on the eve of World Cup 2010.
Salvatore Bocchetti is hoping to convince boss Cesare Prandelli to select him in his final 23-man squad for Euro 2012.
The Rubin Kazan stopper was a surprise pick in the 32-man long-list given that he hasn’t played for Italy since the 1-1 draw with Switzerland on the eve of World Cup 2010.
“Coming back into the squad was an indescribable joy,” stated the former Genoa centre-back at Coverciano on Tuesday.
“Not everyone gets the chance to be part of the national set-up. I’m proud to be here and I want to stay here for as long as possible.”
The Neapolitan was a member of Marcello Lippi’s World Cup plans two years ago, but he didn’t see any action in South Africa as the Azzurri crashed out after three games.
“There are more youngsters in the squad here today than there were two years ago, champions with less experience,” he admitted.
“However, our secret weapon is the desire and hunger to succeed. I want to be in the 23 and I’ll do all that I can to make sure I’m included.”
Bocchetti, 25, has won just five international caps to date.