Di Natale wants striking role

Antonio Di Natale has urged Italy manager Cesare Prandelli to play him as a central striker at Euro 2012.

Di Natale – who has scored 80 Serie A goals for Udinese in the last three seasons – has not represented his country since the 2010 FIFA World Cup, in which the Italians failed to make it past the group stage just four years after winning the tournament.

The 34-year-old striker is back in the fold now though, after being selected in the country’s provisional squad, and believes he can forge a good partnership up front with his fellow forwards.

“Obviously I’d like to play as much as possible,” Di Natale told reporters on Tuesday.

“My best position? I like to be used as a centre-forward now. I was better out wide when I was younger.

“I think Mario Balotelli and I could do well alongside each other, while there is also (Antonio) Cassano who is a phenomenon. We can all prove our worth.

“Although Balotelli, Cassano and myself have never been used together, I think we can co-exist. We’re all here for Prandelli.”

Di Natale – who said on Tuesday that he ‘may retire soon’, feels he is a better player than he was when he last represented his country.

“I am back in the national team after two years in which this squad has taken shape and done well,” he said.

“I’m at the disposal of the coach and I hope to do well. I have a lot of experience which may be of use. I’m a stronger player now than in the past and I want to give 100 per cent.

“I have no revenge on my mind. I’ll always just look to give my best for the national team.”

Italy face the current European and world champions, Spain, on June 14 in their first Group C fixture at Euro 2012.