Gilardino eager to play for Italy at World Cup 2014

15-Mar-2013 6:53:00 AM

The 30-year-old is determined to feature for the Azzurri at the tournament and believes he can play on for more than five seasons

Bologna striker Alberto Gilardino is targeting a place in Italy's World Cup 2014 squad.

The 30-year-old, who joined Bologna from Genoa at the beginning of the season, won the tournament with the Azzurri in 2006 and was part of the squad for World Cup 2010.

And after scoring 11 times in 26 appearances for the Rossoblu this term, Gilardino has his eyes set on a third appearance on world football's biggest stage.

"I have returned to scoring, and this has brought certain benefits back including the national team," he told Corsosport.

"It's normal, one year away. Being able to play in my third World Cup would be a dream. I have to work, get ready. But for now I think about the next game, no further."

And despite now being in his thirties, the former AC Milan and Fiorentina man is eager to follow in the footsteps of a Serie A legend and reach a goalscoring landmark.

He added: “I still have more than five seasons to play, with the example being [Francesco] Totti.

“I do not want to stop. I'd like to play in Italy still many years to get to 200 goals."

Inside Goal.Com

“The Dreaded Day” – A Tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson
Today marks the final matchday of Alex Ferguson's career as a manager. Brendon Netto pays tribute to the Manchester United legend with a short lyric..
A tribute to Liverpool's most 'Carra'cteristic hero
With the Reds' No. 23 set to play his final professional game against QPR this evening, Goal ponders over his many facets that Scousers will cherish in the years to come...
Player Ratings: Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 Brest
Goal.com takes a closer look at the men involved in PSG's last home game of the season, with David Beckham taking all the focus as he wore the captain's armband
Transfer Talk: Read all the gossips
The Goal.com Rumour Mill is your 24/7 source for all the latest rumblings in the global transfer market.
Who is the greatest CL striker ever?
Enter our competition now and you will be in with a chance of winning one of four replica football shirts. Simply pick your favourite and subscribe to our YouTube channel