Di Natale could make Italy's Euro 2012 squad
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli says Antonio Di Natale will be considered for selection for Euro 2012 despite overlooking the veteran striker in the past.
Di Natale has been impressive for Udinese this season, scoring 19 league goals so far, but the 34-year-old has struggled to force his way into Prandelli’s plans with the coach instead preferring younger players such as Antonio Cassano, Mario Balotelli, Giuseppe Rossi and Sebastian Giovinco.
But with Euro 2012 just over two months away and question marks over the fitness of Cassano and Rossi, Prandelli seems ready to give Di Natale a chance to impress.
“I have been following him for a year,” Prandelli told Gazzetta dello Sport. “He is a player that is showing extraordinary consistency.
“Hence, he deserves to be monitored. In fact I have him in great consideration. But we have to still wait to announce who will likely go to Euro 2012.”
Prandelli received good news this week after AC Milan forward Cassano, who with six goals was Italy’s top scorer in Euro 2012 qualifying, was given the green light to return to action after five months on the sidelines following minor heart surgery.
Prandelli has previously stated his desire to have both Cassano and Villarreal striker Rossi, who is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, in his squad for this summer’s tournament.
The Republic of Ireland are set to face Itay on June 18 in their final Group C match.
