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Fiorentina's Gilardino Targets Prolific Season To Make World Cup Squad

Fiorentina striker Alberto Gilardino is looking forward to another prolific season at the club to keep his place in the Italian national team ahead of the World Cup.

Jul 1, 2009 8:54:19 PM

Alberto Gilardino - Fiorentina-Sampdoria - Serie A (Grazia Neri)

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Alberto Gilardino - Fiorentina-Sampdoria - Serie A (Grazia Neri)

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Alberto Gilardino

After a difficult period at AC Milan, Alberto Gilardino seems to be back to his best since joining Fiorentina last season. In his first campaign with the Viola, he scored 19 goals, making it almost impossible for Italy coach Marcello Lippi to ignore him lately.

Now the striker hopes to keep up his form in the coming season, which will lead into the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

"In a year there's the World Cup, at the moment the national team has some important youngsters," he said to Radio Blu. "Only in the last few years have young players been valorised, until recently debutants had a difficult time in Italy. Fiorentina also have an important youth sector.

"I am preparing for another great season, to face the World Cup in the best possible way."

On Fiorentina's prospects ahead of next season, he said, "[Cesare] Natali is a good signing, he has quality and won't have problems integrating. We have everything needed to have a great season, I hope our big name players will stay. I am happy Felipe Melo has reached an agreement with the club."

Danilo Pochini, Goal.com

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