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Napoli defender Campagnaro thrilled with late Argentina call

Napoli defender Hugo Campagnaro is thrilled with his Argentina selection.

The centre-half admits he was surprised to get the call.

"I had lost all hope, I'm 30 now and I wasn't thinking anymore about a call from the national team," said an excited Campagnaro. "I'm so happy to be here and the only reason for this call is because with Napoli we are doing something incredible. It's not very common for a player of my age."

In effect in the past September, the Napoli defender (with dual nationality: Argentinian and Italian) was close to the call of Italian national team coach Cesare Prandelli, who decided to ignore him just because "Campagnaro is used to playing in a three-man defence, while I prefer a four-man one".

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella was more attracted by the versatility of the Neapolitan player.

"The defensive scheme is not a problem at all for me," Campagnaro insisted. "With Napoli, we change tactics many times during a match. I can play in different positions and I'm looking forward to giving my national shirt to my Mum. It will be a big emotion for her."

- by Michele Mauro

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