KLAGENFURT, Austria (AP) — New Jersey-born forward Giuseppe Rossi is wearing the captain’s armband for Italy’s exhibition game against Romania.
With coach Cesare Prandelli resting several regular starters, Rossi is the starter with the most appearances for the Azzurri, this marking his 18th game.
Rossi was born to Italian parents in Teaneck, N.J., and raised in Clifton. While he would have been virtually assured a spot on the U.S. national team, Rossi always wanted to play for Italy.
With Fabio Cannavaro having retired from the national team after the World Cup, goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon will become Italy’s regular captain when he returns from back surgery in a few months.
