Inzaghi dreams of Germany
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ByEurosport
Published 09/03/2006 at 11:49 GMT
AC Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi, whose two goals helped knock Bayern Munich out of the Champions League, has produced a streak of scoring form that puts him back in the reckoning for a place in Italy's World Cup squad.
FOOTBALL 2005-2006 UEFA Champions League Inzaghi 09/03
Image credit: Eurosport
Inzaghi, having at last recovered his form following months of injury setbacks, took his tally on Wednesday to nine goals from the last seven games in Serie A and in Europe.
"It was a great night, a night that I have dreamed about," said Inzaghi after Milan's impressive 4-1 win at San Siro dumped Bayern out of the competition 5-2 on aggregate and drove Milan into the last eight.
"I am enjoying a golden moment and playing in a fantastic team. It's great to see Milan playing like that. Everything seems to come easily for me at the moment. My legs are flying and my head is in the right place," he said.
Inzaghi's goals took his personal tally in all European competitions to 50 -- four goals short of his strike partner Andriy Shevchenko.
The former Juventus forward's return from a serious ankle injury began in earnest in October when he scored his first goal after 19 months during which he was seen more in the treatment room than on the training ground.
Niggling injury problems restricted his appearances and goals until he hit his current purple patch in February.
GERMANY GOAL
The sight of him poaching in the area and making the life of his markers a nightmare with his constant wriggling and turning has led to calls for Italy coach Marcello Lippi to hand the 32-year-old a chance before the World Cup finals.
Lippi witnessed Inzaghi's display on Wednesday but was careful with his words when asked whether he was there to keep an eye on the player he had under his charge at Juventus.
"I'm here to watch a top international match," he told reporters.
Inzaghi has scored 21 goals in 48 international appearances but won his last cap in October 2003 when he scored twice in a 4-0 Euro 2004 qualifier against Azerbaijan.
The Milan striker has not been involved in the national team under Lippi, who took over in August 2004, but has stated his aim is to be back in time for the tournament in Germany.
After leaving the field to the applause of a packed San Siro, Inzaghi resisted the temptation to urge Lippi to give him an opportunity.
"The coach will make his choices - I have to keep on doing well for Milan," he said.
Inzaghi will have another chance to impress Lippi on Sunday when Milan travel to Turin to face champions and 10-point leaders Juventus in Serie A.
Milan cruise to quarters
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