Juve’s Aquilani targets Italy after return to form

Juventus midfielder Alberto Aquilani has set his sights on a return to the Italy set-up after rediscovering his form while on loan in Turin. The 26-year-old scored the opening goal in Juventus’s 4-0 demolition of Lecce on Sunday as he retained his place in the starting line-up.

And the on-loan Liverpool midfielder – who was largely considered a flop on Merseyside last season following his move from Roma – is relishing the return to his homeland.

“I came back to Italy to rediscover visibility, continuity of playing and the national team,” he said.

“For now the important thing for me is to play consistently. When I do that I believe I can get back in the national team. At Liverpool I paid for an injury but also the lack of playing consistently.”

And Aquilani’s club coach Luigi Del Neri believes his charge has improved since leaving Italy 18 months ago.

“He’s always had technical qualities but now he’s matured from a tactical point of view,” he said.

Del Neri has also noticed a step forward by his team, who were so inconsistent at the beginning of the season. But it is still Serbian winger Milos Krasic who has pleased him the most.

“There’s been a general improvement in various areas, aggression and the desire to do well for the team,” he added.

“(Krasic) has a lot of aggression, he’s vital for us right now. In one-on-one situations he’s devastating. He’s doing great things and creating chances for his team-mates.”