Aquilani blossoming at Roma
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Article summary
Alberto Aquilani could have a fine UEFA European Under-21 Championship for Italy this summer after impressing in the AS Roma midfield.
Article body
Regular starter
The 21-year-old has scored three goals in 20 Serie A appearances this season and is a key part of Roma coach Luciano Spalletti's plans. He came off the bench to score on Sunday as the Giallorossi won 2-1 against FC Messina Peloro, picking the ball up in midfield and racing forward before curling a marvellous right-footed drive into the far corner from outside the box. "I'm not surprised because he has the ability to score goals like that," Spalletti said. "He just needs to try doing these kind of things more often. I'm happy he was voted man of the match because it will help him gain self-confidence."
Derby delight
Aquilani fulfilled his childhood ambition of scoring in the Rome derby against S.S. Lazio earlier this year when he provided the second goal in a 2-0 victory; a result which meant Roma broke the record for the most consecutive victories in Serie A, eleven. "I've been waiting for this dream to come true since the moment I was born," Aquilani said after Lazio game. "I love these club colours to death. I didn't think I'd be playing, but Spalletti gave me this chance and I'll thank him forever."
Promising start
Aquilani, who scored one goal in eight UEFA Cup appearances for Roma this season, made his debut in May 2003 in a 3-1 win against Torino Calcio when he was just 18. After a good season on loan in Serie B at US Triestina Calcio, the midfielder returned to the Stadio Olimpico last season and played 29 times. He has already played more than 50 games with various Italy youth teams, starting with the U15s in January 2000. Like Andrea Pirlo at AC Milan, Aquilani has changed his style of playing in order to become successful. Initially basing his game on creativity, he has become a more complete, hard-working midfielder with good technique and a nice touch with both feet.
Finals in sight
This transformation has helped turned Aquilani into the man he is for Roma and Gentile's Italy U21 side. His target now is the UEFA European Under-21 Championship finals in Portugal between 23 May and 4 June, when the Azzurrini will try to win the tournament for the sixth time in the last eight editions.
