Criscito: Prandelli said he would call me if Italy suffered injuries

05-Jun-2012 2:50:00 AM

The defender was cut from the squad after being quizzed by police for his involvement in Scommessopoli, but states the Azzurri coach promised him a place in the event of emergency

Domenico Criscito has announced he is ready to rejoin the Italy squad for Euro 2012 to replace Andrea Barzagli, who appears to have been ruled out of the group stages through a calf injury, and added that Azzurri coach Cesare Prandelli said he would call him if his squad suffered any injury setbacks.

The Zenit St Petersburg full-back was dropped from Prandelli's provisional selection after being implicated in the Scommessopoli scandal, but he insists he was instructed to remain on standby in the event of an emergency.

"When my exclusion [from the Italy team] was announced, the coach said, in the presence of [FIGC vice-president Demetrio] Albertini, that if there was an injury someone would call me," Criscito told reporters.

"I'm so sorry for Andrea. I support all my friends and I hope and believe that he can still participate in the European Championship.

"However I will continue to ensure that I am ready [for a recall]."

But despite his pleas to return to the side, Italy have instead notified Cagliari defender Davide Astori to return from his holiday in Miami after he was originally cut from the initial 32-man preliminary squad.

The Azzurri's first game of Euro 2012 is against reigning champions Spain on June 10.

Inside Goal.Com

Jose to leave unfulfilled after cup loss
Atletico Madrid enjoyed a fortunate cup win while Mourinho looks set to part ways with Madrid in disappointment.
Resurrecting the Champion: Becks to Milan
Following Beckham’s retirement from football, Aditya Bajaj goes down memory lane to recollect the Englishman’s first loan spell at AC Milan that made headlines around the globe.
I-League 2012-13 Special: Top 3 Midfielders
An exciting I-League season is now over and Goal looks at the best performers in each position during the season. Now it's time for the people who run the show in the middle...
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