Pelizzoli eyes Azzurri gloves
Friday 26 March, 2004
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Roma ‘keeper Ivan Pelizzoli is hoping to end the season by being named in the Italy squad for Euro 2004.
The Giallorossi ace has had a good campaign and is aiming to join Gigi Buffon of Juventus and Inter’s Francesco Toldo in Portugal.
"I would love to be a part of the squad," he stated. "Although I probably wouldn’t feature, it would be so important to just be there."
Pelizzoli was given his international debut by Giovanni Trapattoni last season but he faces stiff competition from Christian Abbiati.
But the capital shot-stopper is hoping to get the nod seeing as Abbiati is only the second choice for Milan.
"The Azzurri shirt has always been a dream for me," he continued. "I must get there because it is a professional objective of mine.
"If it doesn’t happen now though I will be patient, especially as the 2006 World Cup isn’t too far away. Sooner or later I will get my chance."
Pelizzoli, 23, is now in his second season in Rome after he impressed with Atalanta and the Italian Under-21 side. He cost the club a massive £10m.
He went 773 minutes without conceding a League goal earlier this term, coming close to breaking the record held by Sebastiano Rossi.
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