Rossi relishing Azzurri debut

ITALIAN striker Giuseppe Rossi is excited about the prospect of making his international debut in tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria in Sofia.

Italy coach Marcello Lippi called up Rossi for the first time, preferring him to Juventus’ veteran forward Alessandro del Piero, ahead of the games against Bulgaria and Montenegro.

“My only aim is to adapt to this group in the best possible way,” said Rossi. “I should have joined the national team back in September but I was unable to do so because of injury. Finally, my chance has come and it’s an honour to be here.”

The 21-year-old feels ready for the challenge that awaits him in this new adventure with the senior side.

“I know what I have to do, that is to play as I know how,” he said. “Although I am aware that Bulgaria and Montenegro are difficult rivals.”

Rossi will have an added incentive to do well this weekend after the disappointment of Italy’s exit from this summer’s Beijing Olympics. The former Manchester United forward, who had enjoyed an impressive campaign with Primera Liga side Villarreal, scored four goals in China to finish as the top scorer of the tournament but it was not enough to prevent elimination by Belgium in the quarter-finals.

And Rossi is now trying to use that setback as a springboard.

“I would really like to bounce back from the disappointment of the Olympics,” said Rossi. “This is a great opportunity for me and I will try to learn as much as possible from playing alongside the world champions.”

Keeper Marco Amelia, meanwhile, insists he is unfazed by the challenge of replacing Gianluigi Buffon for the World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Montenegro.

Amelia, 26, is determined to make the most of his surprise opportunity, starting tomorrow against Bulgaria in Sofia in Ireland’s Group 8.

“I hope to take advantage,” said Amelia. “Destiny will see me having to replace Buffon in the national team.”

Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro believes Buffon’s absence will not hinder the Azzurri in their upcoming games: “All the players that are in the national team are exceptional and there is the right spirit in the team. All of this gives me great confidence and calmness.”