Rossi eager to improve Italy scoring figures

Giuseppe Rossi is determined "to give more" for Italy after scoring his fourth goal in 19 international games in Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Germany in Dortmund.

Rossi came off the bench at the start of the second half, with Germany leading through Miroslav Klose's goal, and found the equaliser ten minutes from time, beating Manuel Neuer after the Germany goalkeeper had saved his first attempt. That strike made sure the Azzurri maintained a five-match unbeaten run against Germany, stretching back to a 2-0 loss in June 1995.

The Villarreal CF forward rushed to get the ball from the net immediately after scoring, hoping to push for a winner. "We were playing well and creating chances," the 24-year-old former Manchester United FC and Parma FC player said. "We were running and fighting hard – and yes, we felt we could find the winner in the last ten minutes."

Rossi recently extended his contract with UEFA Europa League round of 32 contenders Villarreal until June 2016, having hit 12 goals in 21 Spanish Liga appearances this term. However, he admitted he is yet to reproduce that form at national-team level. "Four goals for Italy is not many. I will try to give more in the future," the United States-born player said.

In the second half, the diminutive attacker struck up a great understanding with the more powerful Marco Borriello up front. "It went well," Rossi said. "Marco is a great striker who moves a lot and fights hard. But there is plenty of attacking talent in this team."

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli, who gave a debut to Brazilian-born midfielder Thiago Motta as well as Sebastian Giovinco, was also pleased: "A draw was the right result. A defeat would have been harsh. We played well in a difficult fixture."

Group C leaders with ten points from four games, Italy resume their UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying campaign in Slovenia on 25 March.