Dessena plans joyful tribute to De Ceglie

Italy midfielder Daniele Dessena is known for eccentric goal celebrations and should he register against Germany in Friday's semi-final at the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, he has promised something extra special for injured team-mate Paolo De Ceglie.

De Ceglie disappointment
De Ceglie left the Italy camp on Wednesday after twisting his left ankle during the 2-1 win over Belarus the day before. Dessena, who once took his boot off and pretended to use it as a mobile phone after scoring, could take his place against Germany and will be keeping the Juventus player in mind. "I don't plan celebrations, I usually do whatever comes into my head, but I think the whole team will dedicate something to Paolo if we score," he said. With Claudio Marchisio also missing through suspension, the UC Sampdoria tyro will likely benefit from the reshuffle forced upon coach Pierluigi Casiraghi. "I don't know if I will play, but if Casiraghi looks around he will see me with my hand up. However, there are several players hoping to start. Whoever plays will give his best to help the team reach the final."

Versatile
Flanking Casiraghi in Italy's pre-match news conference, Dessena laughed when the coach said the younger man would be happy to play even in goal. "I can adapt to different roles, I can come on as a substitute, it's not a problem for me," the 22-year-old said. "I have also scored a few goals. Somebody says they were all bad shots, but I think all goals are beautiful. I will try to score another against Germany." Asked whether he would prefer to face England or Sweden in the final should Italy progress, he replied: "I honestly don't care, but playing a final would be a great reward for two years' work. However, we have to focus on Germany. We have worked hard for this and want to make Italy the best in Europe."

Confidence high
He added of the task ahead in Helsingborg: "Germany have quality players up front, and resolute defenders at the back. They close every space and are dangerous on the break. They are well-organised and always show their strength when it matters most, but our confidence has improved with our two victories [against Sweden and Belarus] and we are eager to show how good this squad is." If some of Italy's greatest triumphs at senior level have come against Germany, Dessena hopes to add another page to an illustrious history. "I was talking about that with Sebastian [Giovinco] the other day. We think it's destiny that we have to play the semi-final against Germany, as Italy did in the 2006 World Cup. We can still picture that victory, but this time we aren't watching on TV – we are the main actors and we will try to reach the final too."