Piccoli drops transfer hint and must ‘earn’ Italy call-up | OneFootball

Cagliari striker Roberto Piccoli insists he doesn’t want to be a backup striker and admits he must continue improving to ‘earn’ an Italy national team call-up.

The 24-year-old has scored ten goals in 36 Serie A games this season and his Cagliari side end the season tonight in an away game at Napoli.

“Coach Nicola has given me a lot of confidence. I’ve learned how to lead the line on my own and how to attack the space better,” Piccoli told Gazzetta.

“I’ve always given everything, working hard for the team as well. However, I’ll be honest, scoring goals is everything.”

Cagliari have an option to sign Piccoli on a permanent transfer from Atalanta for €12m, but there are rumours that other big clubs, including Milan, are watching the Italian striker.

Piccoli, however, wants to get regular playing time and would not accept being a backup striker.

Italian striker Piccoli drops transfer hint

EMPOLI, ITALY – APRIL 6: Roberto Piccoli of Cagliari Calcio in action during the Serie A match between Empoli and Cagliari at Stadio Carlo Castellani on April 6, 2025 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

“Absolutely not. I want to earn my place by scoring goals,” he said.

“At the end of the season, we’ll sit down to have a talk and reach an agreement. I am happy to stay in Cagliari. Our life as footballers is like a race in which everyone starts out equal.”

Piccoli is waiting for his first Italy call-up, but competition for a spot up front is stiff as Mateo Retegui and Moise Kean are the best scorers in Serie A this season.

“Kean drives me crazy, in a good way,” Piccoli said.

“He’s got the physicality, he’s strong in the box, he attacks the space, and he’s complete. I hope I can do even better. There are many great Italian strikers. It’s healthy competition.

“I give my all every single day and play every match as if it were my last, trying to make an impact. You have to earn a spot on the national team.”

Piccoli has also played in Serie A for Atalanta, Spezia, Verona, Empoli, Genoa and Lecce and has scored 23 goals in 133 appearances in Italy’s top flight.