Udinese” data-scaytid=”1″>Udinese ace Antonio Di Natale is confident that he can be of significant use to Italy during Euro 2012.
Although the striker had never previously been picked by boss Cesare Prandelli before his inclusion in the 32-man preliminary squad, he believes he could answer Italy’s problems in attack.
Udinese ace Antonio Di Natale is confident that he can be of significant use to Italy during Euro 2012.
Although the striker had never previously been picked by boss Cesare Prandelli before his inclusion in the 32-man preliminary squad, he believes he could answer Italy’s problems in attack.
“I am back in the national team after two years in which this squad has taken shape and done well,” he said at Coverciano on Tuesday.
“I’m at the disposal of the Coach and I hope to do well. I have a lot of experience which may be of use. I’m a stronger player now than in the past and I want to give 100 per cent.”
Di Natale last played for Italy at the ill-fated 2010 World Cup, but he also has bad memories of Euro 2008 given that he missed in the shoot-out defeat to Spain – Italy’s first opponents this time around.
“I have no revenge on my mind,” he added. “I’ll always just look to give my best for the national team.”
Prandelli had come up with an Antonio Cassano and Giuseppe Rossi attacking formula in qualification, but Cassano has only just returned to action after heart surgery while the Villarreal man is out with injury.
“I think [Manchester City’s] Mario Balotelli and I could do well alongside each other, while there is also Cassano who is a phenomenon,” the 34-year-old added. “We can all prove our worth.
“Although Balotelli, Cassano and myself have never been used together, I think we can co-exist. We’re all here for Prandelli.
“Obviously I’d like to play as much as possible. My best position? I like to be used as a centre-forward now. I was better out wide when I was younger.
“I’ve done a lot with Udinese by winning the Capocannoniere charts and getting into Europe. Scoring 80 goals in two years seems to be a good achievement.”
Di Natale struck 23 goals in 36 League games for the Bianconeri this term, but he admits his career is reaching a conclusion.
“There is a possibility that I may retire soon,” he added. “I have a year left with Udinese, but we’ll just see what happens.
“To play you have to have that desire, but the decision won’t be based on what happens at Euro 2012.”