The Italian goalkeeper makes his return after recovering from a knee-injury; thanks the Rosanero and Italy boss Cesare Prandelli for his return to Gli Azzurri squad.
Emiliano Viviano has expressed his gratitude to Palermo and the Italian coach for showing their support and trust in him, and making him part of the Italian national squad.
While talking to the press, the former Bologna number one said:
“I’m grateful to Palermo as they have allowed me to play with continuity for such an important club. I also want to thank Prandelli who has shown some great faith in me.”
The custodian missed the whole of 2010/11 Serie A season due to a serious knee injury. The shot-stopper joined Palermo from Inter Milan in the January transfer window, and has made seven appearances for the Rosanero so far.
The 26-year-old has also won a place in the Italy squad after returning to full fitness. The former Bologna goalkeeper admitted that getting back into the squad is something he had been aiming for since his return from injury,
and that he takes immense pride in having achieved the feat.
“Getting back into the international set-up was one of my primary objectives. To have been able to do so quickly after my return to action is particularly pleasing and makes me proud.”
The Azzurri manager has picked four goalkeepers for the International friendly against the United States at Genoa in mid-week. The other three are Paris Saint-Germain’s Salvatore Sirigu, Juventus’ Gigi Buffon and Napoli’s Morgan
De Sanctis.
Emiliano Viviano was the first-choice keeper for Italy in the Under-20 World Cup in 2005. He also participated in the Under-21 European Championship, and was also a part of Italian team in 2008 Summer Olympics.
He made his debut for Italy’s senior team in September 2010, and is considered a second-choice keeper for Italy, behind Gianluigi Buffon.
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