Genoa midfielder Raffaele Palladino was delighted with his goal scoring performance against Fiorentina.

The former Juventus starlet is chasing a place in Italy's World Cup squad and said: "The reaction was what we wanted, after a week of criticism, fair or not.

"The national team? I do not deny it: the goal is South Africa: I'd love to participate.

"I am leader of the team? The idea is always welcome, I am ready to take some responsibility."