Di Natale Happy With Austria Display

The Azzurri were expected to start Marcello Lippi’s reign off with a convincing win, but they struggled throughout and had to fight back from two goals down just to earn a 2-2 draw.

Despite this, Di Natale has defended Italy’s display, and he is also content with how he did personally.

“I can express myself better in the trident,” the 30-year-old, who played up-front with Alberto Gilardino and Alex Del Piero, told Datasport.

“I see my role as playing on the left but obviously the decisions are up to the Coach and I am available for any position.

“It was a good game last night. They were better than us physically but we did well to improve slowly but surely. I think the draw was a fair result.”

Di Natale, who had a disappointing Euro 2008, has remained at his club side Udinese for the new season, despite interest from Roma.

The Neapolitan is confident that the Zebrette can have another successful campaign after they qualified for the UEFA Cup last term.

“We are hoping to have a good season,” he said.

“We are a young squad and from Saturday we will be thinking about our fixture against Palermo.”

Udnese host Palermo at the Stadio Friuli in their first game of the 2008/09 Serie A calendar on August 31.