Christian Panucci hopes that Roma teammate Alberto Aquilani can be Italy’s surprise sensation of Euro 2008.
With the start of the European Championships just a week away, the anticipation is reaching fever pitch in the Azzurri camp with each player trying to prove they can be Roberto Donadoni’s prized asset.
But veteran defender Panucci thinks Aquilani will be the revelation of the tournament and insists that the on-the-pitch argument the two men had last season are long forgotten.
“I hope that Aquilani will be the surprise of the competition,” he told the Corriere dello Sport.
“He has had a troubled season from injury, but the Coach selected him because he believes Alberto can be our secret weapon.
“I like him a lot, even if we have argued. It was an isolated incident that lasted 20 minutes.
“We sorted it out fine and we get along well. I always give him advice and he often asks me things.”
Panucci also argued with Roma goalkeeper Alexander Doni after giving away a sloppy goal against Udinese last term.
“After two or three days we put it to rest,” the former Inter man revealed. “It just needed a little time because we are both proud men. Everyone makes mistakes, but we resolved the situation.”
