Freiburg winger Vincenzo Grifo hopes he will get more chances with the Azzurri after becoming the best Italian goalscorer in the Bundesliga, overtaking Luca Toni, but insists he doesn’t feel abandoned by Roberto Mancini.
The 29-year-old has scored 41 goals in Germany’s top flight, becoming the best Azzurri goalscorer in the league, overtaking a certain Toni, who played for Bayern Munich between 2007 and 2010.
“Toni texted me on Whatsapp and Instagram, but I remember he also congratulated me a couple of years ago on German TV. He’s been very nice,” Grifo told Gazzetta.
“There weren’t many Italians in Bundesliga and seeing him score 38 goals in two and a half years made us so proud. When I was 13, I’d never imagined I would overtake him. Now it’s nice to see my name ahead of him. I want to thank my family for the support they’ve always given me. I hope this is not the end.”
Italy have not qualified for Qatar 2022, so what are Grifo’s plans for the World Cup break?
“I’ll go on holiday, but first, there are two international friendlies against Albania and Austria. I will support my Freiburg teammates at the World Cup.
“I’ve never felt abandoned [by the Azzurri], I’ve always felt at home with the national team and it’s always nice to be back.”
The Azzurri have been drawn with England, Ukraine, North Macedonia and Malta in the Euro 2024 qualification group and Grifo is looking forward to it.
“It’s always difficult, everyone gives their best against us, and we must be as motivated as in the last two games. We showed that we are a united group, we have quality players and we hope we will qualify for the Euros.”
Grifo made his senior Azzurri debut under Roberto Mancini in November 2018. He has gone on to score two goals in six appearances with the Azzurri. He was included in the preliminary squad for Euro 2020 but was eventually cut from the final 23-man team.
He earned a call-up during the last international break, but his last appearance with the Azzurri dates back to May 2021 in an international friendly against San Marino.