Borriello's message to Lippi
Marco Borriello looks ahead to the derby and potentially the World Cup. “If I deserve it, Marcello Lippi won’t leave me behind.”
The Milan striker has struggled with injury in recent years, but proved sensational this season with a series of spectacular goals.
He has three Azzurri caps under his belt, all earned in early 2008 under Roberto Donadoni.
“If I deserve it, then don’t worry, Lippi won’t leave me behind. He is a competent Coach who knows what is good for his team,” Borriello told **********.
The Italy Coach paid a visit to Milan’s training ground this week and spoke to the hopefuls for the tournament in South Africa.
“I did not have lunch with him like other Azzurri, but in the locker room he told me: ‘Good lad, keep going like that.’”
Both Borriello and Alberto Gilardino face competition for places from Amauri, the Juventus striker who should get Italian citizenship in March.
“I understand the feelings of an Italian who has always dreamed of the Azzurri jersey only to see it whipped out from under him by someone born in Brazil.”
Borriello has another chance to impress Lippi on Sunday night in the Milan derby and it’s no coincidence his team’s upswing in form started when he recovered from injury.
“Thankfully since I’ve been in the squad we have got back to winning ways. Last season under Carlo Ancelotti I also played regularly when I was fit.
“I remember the last game I played before the injury was at Lecce and Milan were top of the table.”
Alexandre Pato is out injured for tomorrow’s game, but Borriello does not consider it to be too much of a setback.
“Without taking anything away from Pato, I must say David Beckham has brought the right balance both in defence and attack. We are very dangerous with his crosses.
“Ronaldinho can become stronger than he was at Barcelona and he brings so much joy. Maybe last year he was overshadowed by Kaka.
“On Sunday we will discover our true worth. Inter are a big test, we are curious and want to put ourselves in the spotlight.”
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