Genoa goalkeeper Mattia Perin dreams of a return to the Italy squad. ‘If I didn’t have this desire, I could never be such a competitive goalkeeper’.
Juventus loanee Perin has kept five clean sheets in 18 Serie A games this term, with Genoa currently unbeaten in four games and 12th in the table.
Perin praised Davide Ballardini, who recently replaced Rolando Maran and helped turn things around at the Marassi.
Genoa goalkeeper Mattia Perin dreams of a return to the Italy squad. ‘If I didn’t have this desire, I could never be such a competitive goalkeeper’.
Juventus loanee Perin has kept five clean sheets in 18 Serie A games this term, with Genoa currently unbeaten in four games and 12th in the table.
Perin praised Davide Ballardini, who recently replaced Rolando Maran and helped turn things around at the Marassi.
“Before the match, it’s nice to look at your teammates and understand that everyone is willing to sacrifice themselves for the others,” Perin told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“It’s no coincidence that the results can be seen. This is exactly what Ballardini asked of us and we are happy to fulfil his requests.”
The 28-year-old, capped twice by the Azzurri, hopes to convince Italy CT Roberto Mancini that he can contribute at an international level too.
“The coach knows me,” he said. “And if I didn’t have this hope, the desire to return to the national team, I could never be such a competitive goalkeeper.
“Of course, I know how difficult it is, since I have lost some ground over the last two years, having suffered an injury too, but that’s right.
“I have to work harder than the others if I want to have a chance. We will see what happens. If I deserve it, so be it.”