Antonio Di Natale is looking forward to potentially playing alongside Mario Balotelli for the Italian national side.
Antonio Di Natale is looking forward to potentially playing alongside Mario Balotelli for the Italian national side.
Azzurri boss Cesare Prandelli yesterday confirmed that the Udinese” data-scaytid=”6″>Udinese ace would be recalled to the set-up for February’s friendly against America.
It will be his first call-up under Prandelli and his first cap, should he play, since the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa.
“I’m happy and enthusiastic,” the 34-year-old told the Gazzetta dello Sport. “I still haven’t spoken with Prandelli, but there has always been a profound respect between us.
“I’m excited by his decision and the opportunity to play alongside Balotelli – as well as the other great players in this national side.
“With my experience and the extraordinary talent of Super Mario, we’ll make a great partnership and I’d excel.
“Where do I want to be used? When you play with people who know how to play football everything is ok.”
Di Natale is now in contention to be included in the squad for Euro 2012 and he’s keen to make up for the disappointment of four years ago.
“It’ll be nice to get another chance with Italy at the European Championship after the missed penalty in the shoot-out against Spain…”
Former Empoli man Di Natale will end his career at Udinese, but he admits that retirement isn’t on his mind just yet.
“I’ll certainly play for another year and a half. Udine and Empoli are my two cities. I’ll know how to divide myself.”