Borini confident of World Cup berth
On-loan Liverpool forward Fabio Borini is confident of impressing enough with Sunderland during the 2013-14 season to secure a place in the Italy squad for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The 22-year-old notched twice in 20 appearances for the Reds last year before sealing a season-long temporary switch to the Black Cats on transfer deadline day earlier this month.
Borini travelled to Euro 2012 with Italy ahead of his move to Anfield and, despite a debut campaign marred by injuries, impressed with two goals during the European U21 Championship in the summer.
With his country having already secured their ticket to the showpiece tournament at the end of the season, our No.29 is now determined to continue his progress at international level.
"I went to the European Championships two years ago when nobody expected - and I expect to do well enough this season to go to the World Cup," he said.
"I still have faith in my own ability because I proved in the U21 Euros this summer, after a bad season with injuries, that I can score goals.
"I came back after shoulder surgery and hadn't played a full game, but I played in the Euros and scored twice."