Fit-again Rossi just focusing on playing

Rossi, 26, is getting his career back on track at Fiorentina after twice sustaining serious knee injuries during his time at Villarreal.

The striker is involved with his country for the first time in two years after an impressive start at his new club, which has seen him score six goals in seven Serie A matches.

And the United States-born forward has been rewarded by Italy coach Cesare Prandelli with a call-up for the World Cup qualifiers against Denmark on Friday and Armenia next Tuesday.

Italy have already qualified for Brazil 2014 and, although Rossi is eager to play on the biggest stage of all next year, he is not getting ahead of himself.

"I've learned to focus on day after day. I don't want to think about the future. I just want to think about today's training and about making a good performance," he said.

"I have a long path to follow with the national team and Fiorentina. I believe this is the right mentality. I'll think about the World Cup at a later time.

"Right now I'm only focused on making a great job with the national team and Fiorentina and I hope I'll approach the World Cup at top condition.

"Of course I can play both forthcoming matches for 90 minutes, but the recovery time is decided by the doctors and physiotherapists.

"I'm back after a break of two years and I've played seven matches in about three weeks, therefore it's hard.

"Fiorentina had many injured players, therefore I had to play some more matches and I'm a bit tired. But I won't hang off on the day of the match. We'll see my conditions in these days and see what we can do."

Rossi has been impressed with the progress 2006 world champions Italy have made during his absence and believes they are well equipped to give a good account of themselves in South America.

"Compared to two years ago, the national team is much more mature and self-confident," he added.

"You can see the personality of the players in the matches they played. The national team is made of excellent players, they all have great skills. In my opinion, the group is very mature and this is very important."

Latest in
Thomas Tuchel will take charge of England for the very first time this evening
'He pushed us. It was tough love, but that's Thomas' Former player reveals that the new England manager will be HARD on his players
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola holds aloft the Premier League trophy at the Etihad in May 2023.
Quiz! Can you name every Premier League champion... in just 90 seconds?
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 19: manager Ange Postecoglou of Tottenham Hotspur FC and Micky van de Venand Cristian Romero during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and West Ham United FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 19, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Tottenham star Cristian Romero 'willing to do everything' to LEAVE: report
Newcastle United's Dan Burn battles with Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on February 26, 2025.
I watch every football game on this TV - and it's been discounted by £210 in the Amazon Spring Deal Days
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi of Spain thanks the fans during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Netherlands and Spain at De Kuip on March 20, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Arsenal report: Martin Zubimendi 'very close' to shock Real Madrid move
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim reacts at full-time of the Premier League match against Arsenal at Old Trafford on 9 March, 2025
Manchester United make exciting teenager 'top priority' this summer: report
Latest in News
Thomas Tuchel will take charge of England for the very first time this evening
'He pushed us. It was tough love, but that's Thomas' Former player reveals that the new England manager will be HARD on his players
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 19: manager Ange Postecoglou of Tottenham Hotspur FC and Micky van de Venand Cristian Romero during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and West Ham United FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 19, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Tottenham star Cristian Romero 'willing to do everything' to LEAVE: report
Newcastle United's Dan Burn battles with Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on February 26, 2025.
I watch every football game on this TV - and it's been discounted by £210 in the Amazon Spring Deal Days
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi of Spain thanks the fans during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Netherlands and Spain at De Kuip on March 20, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Arsenal report: Martin Zubimendi 'very close' to shock Real Madrid move
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim reacts at full-time of the Premier League match against Arsenal at Old Trafford on 9 March, 2025
Manchester United make exciting teenager 'top priority' this summer: report
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium on February 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool set for major PSR hit ahead of the summer: report