Udinese striker, Stefano Okaka, is hoping to get to play for the Italian national team again.

The former Roma striker who had featured for the Azurris four times is looking for another chance in the Roberto Mancini’s squad. The striker who is of Nigerian origin scored on his debut for the Azzurri in a friendly against Albania on November 18, 2014. The last time he featured for the side was against Germany in another friendly match on March 29, 2016.

Italy currently Andrea Bellotti and in-form Ciro Immobile, who is currently  has topping the goals chart as its main strikers.

Udinese is trying to avoid getting into relegation fight as they currently occupy 14th position on the Serie A table. They had drawn their last four games before games were suspended due to the pandemic of COVID-19.

Okaka, who looked to have found his goal-scoring touch at the Dacia Arena this season after having a stint with Watford in the English Premier League, he has found the back of the net 11 times since returning from England with three assists.

Speaking with a news media outlet, the forward claimed to have performed better than many players who often get mentioned for a place in the national team. So, he felt it is time for him to make his comeback into the team.

Speaking on the resumption of football action, Okaka said he doesn’t mind playing behind closed doors. While admitting that it won’t be the same way that the emotion of fans would have made things interesting, the striker said that’s still better than nothing.

While noting that play can only resume when everywhere is safe, the 30-year-old said the clubs play for the fans whose chanting gives players the adrenaline that makes a lot of difference.

He noted that the energy level at San Siro and the Stadio Olympico is usually high, especially for competitive players like himself.

Having had stints with Roma, Parma, Sampdoria, Fulham, Anderlecht, and Watford before coming back to Italy last January, Okaka said he had not reached his peak at Udinese, adding that his best is yet to come.

While noting that he, during his stint with Sampdoria, the striker said it wasn’t a coincidence that he played for the Azzurri at that time.

Written by: Oladipupo Mojeed