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GILARDINO DELIGHT AT RETURN
Gilardino - was pleased to score.
Italy striker Alberto Gilardino celebrated his return to the national team with a goal as the world champions salvaged a draw with Austria on Wednesday night.
The Fiorentina forward scored in fortuitous fashion when Martin Stranzl's attempted clearance cannoned off Gilardino's chest and into the Austrian net for his 10th international goal - his ninth under returning coach Marcello Lippi.
The goal set Italy on their way to salvaging a 2-2 draw in Nice, but more importantly for Gilardino it was a timely fillip ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
"It was important to start well with a goal and I managed it, so I am happy," he said. "I was also able to score a goal on my debut with Fiorentina too."
Gilardino, who joined the Viola from AC Milan this summer, was back in the national team set-up after being omitted from the Euro 2008 squad.
After a season of struggle with Milan, Gilardino appears to have settled well in Florence and, although he has yet to make his competitive debut for the Viola, his performances in pre-season earned him the recall to the Azzurri squad.
Combined with the return of Lippi, who has obvious faith in the striker, Gilardino appears set to revive his career.
"I want to keep hold of this shirt and not let it go again," he added.
"A new cycle has opened for me and for the national team."
