He should never have been left of the U21 by Gentile, but is he ready for the "big time?" I know he played welll a bit last season, but I don't think I ever saw him play. Still, new players always need to make their first steps somewhere in the national team, so it might be his chance.
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Roma youngster Antonio Cassano expects to make his full international debut next month against Germany.
The 20-year-old broke the news in an exclusive interview with the ‘Gazzetta dello Sport’ on Friday.
"I want a chance with the Azzurri," he said. "Giovanni Trapattoni has told me that he will pick me for the Germany friendly. I hope that happens."
That is likely to shock many people after the former Bari youngster was frozen out of the Under-21 set-up by boss Claudio Gentile because of his attitude and behaviour.
However, Coach Trap did admit last month that he would try out some new faces – like Parma’s Manuele Blasi – in the Stuttgart clash on August 20.
The attacker, who cost the Giallorossi a massive £20m, did hit the headlines for the right reasons last term with some great displays and he believes there is plenty more to come.
"I had a good campaign," he added. "I hope the new one will see me at my best. I believe that I can do well and I’m certain that I will score 20 goals next term in all competitions.
"I know that I still have to grow up. Boss Capello says that I don’t need to learn anything on the pitch but off it I need to mature somewhat."
Roma had a desperately disappointing season last year but the fantasy player is sure the Olimpico outfit will be competitive again.
"Our squad is at a decent level already and with the new arrivals which have been promised then we can fight for the Scudetto and the UEFA Cup," he concluded.
Article from Football Italia.
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Roma youngster Antonio Cassano expects to make his full international debut next month against Germany.
The 20-year-old broke the news in an exclusive interview with the ‘Gazzetta dello Sport’ on Friday.
"I want a chance with the Azzurri," he said. "Giovanni Trapattoni has told me that he will pick me for the Germany friendly. I hope that happens."
That is likely to shock many people after the former Bari youngster was frozen out of the Under-21 set-up by boss Claudio Gentile because of his attitude and behaviour.
However, Coach Trap did admit last month that he would try out some new faces – like Parma’s Manuele Blasi – in the Stuttgart clash on August 20.
The attacker, who cost the Giallorossi a massive £20m, did hit the headlines for the right reasons last term with some great displays and he believes there is plenty more to come.
"I had a good campaign," he added. "I hope the new one will see me at my best. I believe that I can do well and I’m certain that I will score 20 goals next term in all competitions.
"I know that I still have to grow up. Boss Capello says that I don’t need to learn anything on the pitch but off it I need to mature somewhat."
Roma had a desperately disappointing season last year but the fantasy player is sure the Olimpico outfit will be competitive again.
"Our squad is at a decent level already and with the new arrivals which have been promised then we can fight for the Scudetto and the UEFA Cup," he concluded.
Article from Football Italia.
