After winning his first cap for Italy, reaching the UEFA Cup semi-finals with ACF Fiorentina and helping the Viola pip AC Milan to a place in next season's UEFA Champions League qualifiers, Alessandro Gamberini had every reason to put his feet up this summer and reflect on a job well done – albeit one which would entail watching Italy's UEFA EURO 2008™ adventure from home.
Late call-up
However, a phone call from Azzurri coach Roberto Donadoni on Monday informed him that a memorable campaign for the 26-year-old had not yet run its course. After being chosen to join up with the squad as a replacement for Fabio Cannavaro, who tore ankle ligaments in training, Gamberini described to euro2008.com his mixed emotions of pity for the experienced centre-back and the "great satisfaction" he has felt at being asked to represent his country on such an exulted stage.
Cannavaro sorrow
"I was ready for a call when it came but I was hoping that it wouldn't come because it meant that Cannavaro had injured himself and I felt particularly sorry for Fabio," explained Gamberini. "At first they just called to warn me that he'd hurt himself and they would evaluate the extent of the injury to Fabio and then they organised my journey here."
‘Fantastic team spirit'
But if Cannavaro's loss will be keenly felt by Italy, Gamberini has been made very welcome by his team-mates at their Austrian training base in Modling. The former Bologna FC centre-back, who only made the first of his two international appearances last October in a 2-0 friendly win against South Africa, has already familiarised himself with his new surroundings where "calm and enthusiasm" prevails in an Azzurri camp boasting "fantastic team spirit". "I know Luca Toni, because we played together [at Fiorentina], but I've already bonded with [Daniele] De Rossi, [Andrea] Pirlo, [Gennaro] Gattuso, who are all guys I get on very well with."
Prandelli praise
Gamberini was quick to recognise how he has benefited from Fiorentina's feats this season and paid special homage to his club coach, Cesare Prandelli. "There's no doubt that the season with Fiorentina has helped me get where I am," he said. "I owe a lot to the club and I especially owe a lot to our coach, who helped me grow and improve as the year wore on."
Giving his all
But now Gamberini is hoping for the chance to make a mark in his own right on the tournament ahead of Monday's Group C opener against the Netherlands in Berne. "I know full well that I was the last one in the squad and I'm humble enough to know that there is a hierarchy in place, and rightly so," he said. "But I will give 100 per cent in training and try to make it difficult for the manager to leave me out. Nonetheless, for me it's already a huge satisfaction to be involved at all and to be a part of this squad."
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