FLORENCE, Italy (AP) Giuseppe Rossi's dedication in his pursuit of a spot on Italy's World Cup squad has caught the eye of coach Cesare Prandelli.
The United States-born striker returned earlier this month from his latest right knee injury and only has a week left to convince Prandelli that he has regained full fitness.
Prandelli says Monday, ''I see a kid making great sacrifices and dreaming with open eyes. That's a message that should make all the components of this squad reflect.''
Rossi is one of seven forwards in Prandelli's 30-man preliminary squad.
With Mario Balotelli, Antonio Cassano, Ciro Immobile and Alessio Cerci likely to make the cut and Lorenzo Insigne likely to be left out, Rossi appears to be in competition with Roma's Mattia Destro for the final spot in attack.
