Stuttgart Defender Cristian Molinaro Bemused By Italy Call-Up

Stuttgart defender Cristian Molinaro says he did not expect to receive a call-up to the Italian national team by coach Cesare Prandelli.

Molinaro will replace Luca Antonelli in the side which faces Northern Ireland and Serbia over the next fortnight.

"I was preparing to return to Italy, but to go and see some friends in Turin," Molinaro began explaining to Tuttomercatoweb. "The call-up was a complete shock.

"I feel sorry for Antonelli, but I have always been available for the national team and will do my utmost to convince the coach to give me another chance. I really wanted to be called up, but over the last few weeks, I had played little for Stuttgart, and could have easily not been skipped by Prandelli.

"I think the coach makes the best choices for la Nazionale and I accept the decision," he jokingly added.