Domenico Criscito (136 Viewers)
- Thread starter ReBeL
- Start date
Criscito owes it to Genoa
Tuesday 11 August, 2009
Domenico Criscito insists his decision to leave Juventus for Genoa in January 2008 is a factor behind his maiden international call-up.
“A change of air was good for me,” noted the 1986-born former Under-21 international.
The youngster was included in Marcello Lippi’s Italy squad for the first time at the weekend as the Azzurri prepare to take on Switzerland tomorrow night.
The Naples-born player has always been touted for a great future but doubts emerged after his unhappy spell at Juventus in 2007-08.
Signed on a permanent basis from Genoa following Juve’s promotion to Serie A, Criscito struggled to impress as a centre-back for the Old Lady and after just eight League games he was back at Marassi on loan.
Criscito has been re-born under the guidance of Coach Gian Piero Gasperini who has also decided to use him as an attacking full-back rather than a traditional Italian stopper.
“The change of position has also helped me,” he added. “Gasperini told me that I would be playing wide just 30 minutes before the derby against Sampdoria last season.
“I like the role that he has given me. It allows me to push further forward and don’t forget that I also scored three goals too last season.”
And after catching the eye of Lippi, Criscito is hoping to become a firm fixture in the Giro Azzurro despite the competition for places.
“I know that Fabio Grosso and Andrea Dossena are already in the ranks, but I want to demonstrate that I am ready for international football.”
Early indications suggest that Lippi is considering starting Wednesday’s game with Criscito on the left.
Tuesday 11 August, 2009
Domenico Criscito insists his decision to leave Juventus for Genoa in January 2008 is a factor behind his maiden international call-up.
“A change of air was good for me,” noted the 1986-born former Under-21 international.
The youngster was included in Marcello Lippi’s Italy squad for the first time at the weekend as the Azzurri prepare to take on Switzerland tomorrow night.
The Naples-born player has always been touted for a great future but doubts emerged after his unhappy spell at Juventus in 2007-08.
Signed on a permanent basis from Genoa following Juve’s promotion to Serie A, Criscito struggled to impress as a centre-back for the Old Lady and after just eight League games he was back at Marassi on loan.
Criscito has been re-born under the guidance of Coach Gian Piero Gasperini who has also decided to use him as an attacking full-back rather than a traditional Italian stopper.
“The change of position has also helped me,” he added. “Gasperini told me that I would be playing wide just 30 minutes before the derby against Sampdoria last season.
“I like the role that he has given me. It allows me to push further forward and don’t forget that I also scored three goals too last season.”
And after catching the eye of Lippi, Criscito is hoping to become a firm fixture in the Giro Azzurro despite the competition for places.
“I know that Fabio Grosso and Andrea Dossena are already in the ranks, but I want to demonstrate that I am ready for international football.”
Early indications suggest that Lippi is considering starting Wednesday’s game with Criscito on the left.
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