01/01/2002

INZAGHI SETS DOUBLE NEW YEAR TARGET

AC Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi has vowed to come back stronger than ever from a knee injury to help his side win the Scudetto – and to play in the World Cup.

"I owe Milan a lot and I have to repay them with goals," said the Italy international.

The 28-year-old former Juventus striker is hoping to play again in March – and is desperate to get back on the pitch.

He injured his left knee during the game against Chievo at the beginning of December and, although it was first feared that he would miss the rest of the season, is now making good progress.

In fact, Inzaghi is still confident of making it to the World Cup.

"I had a wonderful 2001. It was only spoilt by that late injury," he said.

"It came at a bad time because I was feeling at home at AC Milan. But the worst is in the past now and I am making progress all the time. I want to return as soon as possible because I owe it to Milan.

"They desperately wanted me in the summer and I have to repay them with goals."

"I signed a five-year contract with Milan, I am 28 years old and I want to win as much as possible. I know our position is not the best but we have had a lot of injuries."

"And I am confident that we can still win the league and I am very happy that Carlo Ancelotti has arrived at the club. I worked with him at Juventus and I respect him. He can build a strong Milan."

As for the World Cup, 'Pippo' is dreaming of another final against France as the striker is confident that Italy can gain revenge for the Euro 2000 final defeat.

He said: "I hope for a final against France as it could be our revenge for the one we lost in the European Championships. I am sure that Italy have all the abilities to win the World Cup."

Italy have been paired with Mexico, Croatia and Ecuador in their World Cup group.

[Onefootball.com]