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

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

I really don't know how he plays that well .. But there is certainly many Man U fans that think he has a great future .. With that said, why doesn't any Italian club take him ?! Atlanta could have used him, instead of wasting their time w/ Vieri

I don't think Man U would hand him away ... english clubs hold on to their young starlets unless they see no future in them!!!

At least some of the Serie A clubs should have loaned him. Like Newcastle did...

Manchester want him to gain experience in the EPL I think ... that would be the second choice!!!

I don't think milan will ever get him ... cuz milan have many youngsters in the primavera

If they are promising youngsters then they may get the chance they need to break into the first team in the future, but if they aren't anything special they will get shipped off in loan deals season after season and then eventually sold.

I like how Rossi plays he's a great talent and if he is able to trnsform that talent in 2 good seasons and wants to come back to Italy and most importantly to Milan they will bring him. Even if Man U want a considerable ammount of moey for him.

you're probably right ... but is he special? you know like what people say to C.Ronaldo, Rooney and Messi?

It's hard to compare. From what I've seen, he is a shorter, more technical version of Sheva. Of course he is special.

come over to Big MAMA

I refer Rossi of AS Roma

^^^As do I, he's already a good player but he has the ability to become a great player for his team and the Italian squad