To the surprise of some, or not, Livorno striker Cristiano Lucarelli might make it to the World Cup this year and not as a tourist.

The 29-year-old is hoping that Marcello Lippi, the Azzurri boss, is taking notice and will take him to Germany, having called him up for Italy’s summer tour of the USA when he scored on his debut against Serbia & Montenegro.

Lucarelli said: “I thank Lippi for giving me the opportunity to play in the North American tournament. I’d go to the World Cup just to lace the boots of my team-mates.

Though facing great competition (Vieri, Cassano or Iaquinta, even Del Piero ), the great goal-scoring aptitude presented by the striker must count for something to Lippi.

Source: football.co.uk