Di Natale available for Brazil 2014

Antonio Di Natale has told Italy boss Cesare Prandelli that he’ll respond to the call if he is needed for next year’s World Cup.

It was thought that the Udinese striker’s international career had come to an end after the Azzurri finished as runners-up to Spain at Euro 2012.



However, Prandelli has refused to close the door on any player with Brazil 2014 just over a year away.



“Prandelli has made a decision to focus on youth,” the 35-year-old told the Gazzetta dello Sport. “That should be respected and understood.



“However, I’m here if Prandelli needs me. If he calls me then do you know what I’d say? I’d tell him that I’ll go to Brazil!”



The forward has scored 22 goals in 32 League games for the Stadio Friuli outfit this term. Only Napoli’s Edinson Cavani has netted more in the top-flight.



Di Natale has scored 11 goals in 42 games for his country.


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Montolivo labels Balotelli a "superstar"

Ricardo Montolivo has hailed Mario Balotelli as a "superstar" following his brace in Italy's 2-0 win over Malta on Tuesday.

The AC Milan forward grabbed both goals for Cesare Prandelli's side and Balotelli's club teammate Montolivo praised the ability of the former Manchester City man after the game.



"Malta were clammed up and it was tough to find spaces. Luckily we had that superstar in attack and he sorted it out for us," Montolivo told reporters.



"I think Mario has become fully aware of his abilities and has learned not to fall into the trap of provocation. He has had a remarkable impact on Milan too and I hope he won't stop.



"Balotelli is a centre-forward and is therefore the leading point of the attack. We can even give him the ball badly, as he is so physically strong that he can hold off defenders and find space. Right now, he is a complete player."



Balotelli has scored 10 goals for club and country since moving back to Serie A in January.

El Shaarawy keen to link up with Balotelli

Italy's Stephan El Shaarawy is hoping to forge a strong international partnership with Manchester City ace Mario Balotelli



The pair is part of Italy's squad for their friendly against France in Parma on Wednesday.



AC Milan's El Shaarawy is the joint leading goalscorer in Serie A, with eight goals, and is aiming to replicate his domestic form at international level.



"I am at the complete disposal of the coach (Cesare Prandell)," El Shaaraway told reporters.



"At Milan I have learned how to alternate attacking and defensive phases. I hope to do well with Balotelli. Prandelli has given me all of his instructions and now I have to prove my quality."



France boss Didier Deschamps has also spoken ahead of the clash and remains uncertain what approach Italy will adopt, while stressing the importance of getting a result.



"When you take on a team like Italy, who are one of the best in the world, there are always special expectations and it requires a particular level of concentration," he said.



"I don't know exactly what to expect from Italy. In terms of systems they can adapt with a three-man defence or a 4-3-3. I'm certain Cesare Prandelli will choose a very attacking side.



"It is a friendly, but the result is always important."

Balotelli undergone successful Lasik eye surgery

Italy and Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli has undergone successful Lasik eye surgery.

The Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Balotelli had the procedure Monday, a day earlier than scheduled, to avoid having photographers and reporters waiting for him outside the laser surgery clinic in his hometown of Brescia.



Balotelli needs to rest now for 10 days. He is sitting out Italy's opening two World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Malta, and is questionable for Manchester City's Champions League opener against Real Madrid on Sept. 18.



Balotelli is near-sighted and has worn contact lenses for years but the lenses have caused allergies recently and an abscess that led to conjunctivitis, which ruled him out of Italy's friendly with England last month.

Giovinco suffers ankle blow

Juventus and Italy have suffered a blow with the news injured Sebastian Giovinco is facing at least two weeks out.



The midfielder was forced off the pitch towards the end of the reigning Serie A champions' 2-0 victory over Parma on Saturday.



A scan has now confirmed a tear of his ankle ligament and the 25-year-old will play no part in interim Juve coach Massimo Carrera's plans for at least two weeks.



His participation in Italy's forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Malta has also been ruled out.



A statement on the club's official website said: "Sebastian Giovinco has undergone a scan on his left ankle, having injured himself on Saturday night against Parma.



"The results confirmed that he has suffered a first-degree tear to his anterior ligament."