Lippi: Macheda miles away from Italy call-up
Italian national coach Marcello Lippi has dismissed suggestions Manchester United prodigy Federico Macheda could soon be making his international debut.
The 17-year-old has risen to sudden stardom in recent weeks, coming off the bench to net winners in successive Premier League matches with Aston Villa and Sunderland.
And although the former Lazio youngster is already being tipped to be a future star for the Azzurri, coach Lippi insists that his international debut is not likely to be anytime soon.
"Macheda? I have a list of young lads who went to play abroad. I don't remember everyone on it, but Macheda was probably there," he said.
“However, it's not the case that if one plays a match and scores a goal they should be called up to the national team."
A call-up to the Italian U21 setup is the more likely next step for 'Kiko' who is yet to turn 18.
He is already being linked with a big-money five-year contract with the Premier League leaders and Champions League holders when he becomes an adult.
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Gregg Davies is the Chief Sub Editor of FourFourTwo magazine, joining the team in January 2008 and spending seven years working on the website. He supports non-league behemoths Hereford and commentates on Bulls matches for Radio Hereford FC. His passions include chocolate hobnobs and attempting to shoehorn Ronnie Radford into any office conversation.