Di Natale hopes for Italy recall

Udinese forward Antonio Di Natale wants to return to Italy’s national side and feels he has done enough at club level to merit a call-up.

The 34-year-old has scored 10 goals in 36 appearances for Italy, but has not worn the jersey of the national side since their humiliating first-round exit 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

“I don’t think that you need to be a certain age to be part of the (Italy) squad,” Di Natale said.

“I think scoring more than 60 goals in two seasons is enough to put yourself in the spotlight for selection.”

“It’s just up to the coach to decide whether to pick me or not. In the meantime I am at his disposal. For now I am just concentrating on Udinese, but I would be very happy to represent Italy again.”

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli recently said that he is closely monitoring the striker’s performances and added that Di Natale is still a candidate for the national side.

Di Natale scored 28 times from 36 appearances for Udinese last term.