Gazzetta Dello Sport are reporting that Sint-Truiden top scorer Gianni Bruno could be in line for a shock Italy call-up for the Nations League this summer. Roberto Mancini is currently short of strikers which could see him turn to the 31-year-old forward. Bruno has carried the scoring load for the Canaries this season, scoring 18 goals in 29 matches.
Within the report, Bruno reveals that he almost made it to the 2014 World Cup with Belgium, however Divock Origi was taken in his place. Despite playing for Belgium at youth level, Bruno qualifies to play for Italy through is parents. When asked how he would respond to getting the call, the striker responded ‘If Mancini calls me, I will come to Italy on foot if necessary‘.
It would be quite a turnaround for the veteran striker, who last season found himself on the fringes at Gent. This led to him being loaned to Sint-Truiden for the season, where he has rebuilt his reputation within Belgium as a regular goal scorer. He is performing at the level which saw him score 20 goals for Zulte Waregem and move to Gent.
Getting a call up for the national team will certainly help the strikers prospects of a move in the summer, as it looks certain that Sint-Truiden will not be able to make the loan deal permanent. With one year left on his deal, Gent are also keen to cash in on the forwards good season.
GBeNeFNÂ |Â Ben Jackson
