Player Talk : Moli

Molinaro’s Azzurri ambition
Thursday 21 February, 2008

Juventus defender Cristian Molinaro is revelling in the Old Lady’s impressive season and has set his sights on Azzurri selection.

The 24-year-old signed from youth club Salernitana in 2005, but was immediately loaned out to Siena where he impressed sufficiently to be brought back to Turin last summer.

Molinaro has made 18 full appearances for the Bianconeri this term and has thrived while the more experienced Jean-Alain Boumsong wilted under the pressure.

“Growing up I admired Paolo Maldini, but since I became a wing-back Gianluca Zambrotta has been my idol who I watch and try to learn from,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Now it’s my dream to get into the national side. I will give my all to be deemed worthy of that and at least if I don’t make it I will have no regrets.

“As for Juve, after our win over Roma we can easily come second and I can’t wait to play in the Champions League,” he concluded brashly.

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