Skip to main content

Motta thrilled to be back among Italy setup

The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder last appeared in the Azzurri shirt in the Euro 2012 final loss to Spain in Kiev, but is in contention to be selected for their World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria in Palermo on Friday.

A win for the Group B leaders would go some way to securing Italy a spot in Brazil next year as - at the minimum - they would have a five-point buffer in the automatic qualification spot with three matches to go.

"I really hoped to be part of the national team because, as I've already said many times, I'm always happy to join the national team," Motta said.

"I get on very well with my team-mates and the manager (Cesare Prandelli). The last year has been difficult for me because I haven't played much for Paris Saint-Germain, but I'm very happy to be back."

"Right now we should focus on Friday's match because we will be playing a very difficult match," he said.

"It's extremely important for us to win this match so that we'll be able to face the next one with more serenity and calm, that's why our group will be focused on producing a good performance and winning.

"It would be great if we manage to qualify, therefore we should be highly concentrated on the match."