Lucarelli dreaming of Italy recall

ROME, Jan 9, 2006 (AFP) - Livorno captain Cristiano Lucarelli is hoping his eye for goal will earn him a place in Italys World Cup squad.

The 29-year-old striker scored both goals in Sunday's 2-0 win at Sampdoria, taking his league tally to nine and strengthening Livorno's position in fifth place in Serie A.

Now he has set his sights on playing in Germany this summer where Italy have been drawn together with Ghana, the Czech Republic and the USA in the group stage.

"I'd go to the World Cup just to lace the boots of my teammates," said Lucarelli who was called up by Marcello Lippi for Italy's tour of the United States last summer.

"Ive been dreaming of wearing the Azzurri shirt again and it hasn't happened yet.

"Last season I was top scorer (with 24 goals) and this season I am playing well, so why shouldn't I be hopeful?"

Lucarelli scored on his debut against Serbia and Montenegro but in his next game he missed a penalty against Ecuador and has not been called up since.