Roma and Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi spoke about his ambitions with the Azzurri ahead of the European Championship Qualifier against Croatia in Milan on Sunday.
The 31-year-old also spoke about the honour of knowing that he only one appearance away from his 100th international cap and the reintroduction of Liverpool forward Mario Balotelli into the squad.
“It’s incredible [to be on the verge of my 100th cap], unbelievable.” said De Rossi at a press conference in Italy’s training base of Coverciano.
“It’s an achievement that I will carry in my heart even after the end of my career. However, one day I would like to be overtaken by some good young player.
“I dedicate my 100th cap to my friend Emanuele Mancini who plays in Serie D, a marvellous player I grew up with in the youth team at Roma.
“I’ve scored a lot of goals and that makes me happy. I hope that [Simone] Zaza, [Ciro] Immobile and [Graziano] Pelle will overtake me for goals soon, it’s their job.”
De Rossi then went on to talk about Balotelli’s first call-up under coach Antonio Conte.
“The coach in his first press conference said that we would start again as men and that wasn’t a reference to anybody in particular,” he said.
“That speech was about how we had to start. We have to start again as men, with the national team and also with Roma.
“With Mario and the squad there is an excellent relationship. It’s not a given that we can’t become friends. He’s a good guy, kind.
“He doesn’t cause trouble in the dressing room. He’s exuberant, at times he goes about his work in his own particular way. Mario is fundamentally good.”
De Rossi also spoke about his best moments in an Italy shirt.
“The final in Berlin was the most unforgettable, the highest point in my career,” he continued.
“I’m waiting to win the European Championships, the coach is thinking only about this.”
The midfielder also offered his thoughts after hearing the news that Roberto Mancini has replaced Walter Mazzarri on the Inter bench.
“I feel sorry for [Walter] Mazzarri, he’s a very good coach,” he stated.
“I am happy for [Roberto] Mancini, I hold him in high estimation.
“Fortunately, the sacking of coaches doesn’t affect us anymore at Roma.”
