Italy and Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi is aiming to be back for the 2012 European Championships in June despite tearing his cruciate knee ligament in October.

Rossi’s participation at Euro 2012 has been put in doubt as he was expected to need six months on the sidelines, giving him little time to prove his form and fitness to convince Italy coach Cesare Prandelli to take him to Poland and Ukraine.

“I’m better, I’m following my rehabilitation and finally everything is positive,” Rossi told Radio Kiss Kiss yesterday.

“I’m working hard to get back as soon as possible and obviously I hope to do so for the European Championships.

“I spoke with Prandelli and it was very pleasing to receive his phone call after the injury. I told him I’m doing everything I can to return as soon as possible.”

Rossi had provided a strong partnership with Milan’s Antonio Cassano and the pair had established themselves as Prandelli’s first choice forwards.

However, with Cassano having undergone heart surgery and also out for several months, Prandelli has to consider other options.

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