[KillerMax]

Manchester United youngster Giuseppe Rossi admits he would someday like to return to Italy, with Milan his preferred destination.

The 19-year-old support striker made his debut for the Azzurrini on Tuesday where he impressed Coach Pierluigi Casiraghi with his encouraging display.

"I would like to return to Italy in the future where football is more technical and tactical," said Rossi in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"The Premiership is very different, the competitive spirit seems to be the most important factor, although clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have now changed their mentality.”

The youngster grew up as a Milan fan and would love to someday wear the Rossoneri jersey, just like his idol Marco Van Basten.

“I have always had a liking for Milan and I am now glad I will be able to see Andriy Shevchenko at work with Chelsea,” he noted.

Rossi landed in Manchester in 2004 when Alex Ferguson signed the Italo-American player from Parma for just £200,000 pounds.

The striker, considered as one of the most promising talents in the game, could play a key role at Old Trafford this season after Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s departure to Real Madrid.

Rossi received his first call-up from Under-21 boss Casiraghi on Friday and was enthused over the opportunity to represent his country.

"I'm happy for the call-up, it’s a unique occasion and I want to do my best," declared Rossi before last night’s 0-0 draw with Croatia.

Although Rossi was only used as a second-half substitute, he showed his potential by almost heading in a Simone Padoin cross.

Football Italia

[dst]

Rossi 'ignored' by Serie A
Sunday 3 September, 2006

Giuseppe Rossi may be the new Under-21 sensation, but he reveals that no Italian clubs asked for his services this summer.

“Newcastle United was the right option for me, as I’ll have more space to play first team football there,” he told the ‘Gazzetta dello Sport’.

The talented Parma youth product was controversially snapped up by Manchester United last year, but was loaned out to the Magpies to gain more experience.

“No Italian clubs asked to take me on loan, but that’s alright, as I was already in England and preferred to stay in the same environment. As is the tradition in the Premiership, I won’t be able to play against Manchester United, then in January we’ll decide if we want to extend the loan period until June.”

With Giampaolo Pazzini injured and two impressive, albeit brief, appearances with the Under-21 team behind him, Rossi is expected to earn his first start with the Azzurrini against Austria on Tuesday.

“Sometimes coming on as a substitute is better, because you’ve had the time to study your opponents and pinpoint their weaknesses. On the other hand, that could create problems if you struggle to settle into the rhythm of the match immediately.”

A draw against Austria will be enough to see Pierluigi Casiraghi’s boys through to the European Under-21 Championship play-offs.


Football Italia