Immobile wants starring role

Cape Town - Borussia Dortmund striker Ciro Immobile wants to make a big contribution when Italy play against England in a highly anticipated Group D fixture at the Amazonia Arena on Saturday.

Immobile signed a five year deal with the Bundesliga giants on 2 June 2014, he left Italian side Torino in a deal worth £15.5 million. 

Immobile feels that team talisman Mario Balotelli can’t be expected to shoulder all the responsibility during this World Cup campaign. The former Torino striker thinks he has proven what he is capable of last season, adding that he deserves an opportunity to start the World Cup opener alongside Balotelli this weekend.

"If I play on Saturday, [the coach] will exclusively decide, I accept all his choices. If we play Balotelli, it will mean that he felt it right. I can only do my best and carve out my space," said Immobile, who recently scored a hat-trick for the Azzurri during a World Cup warm-up match.

"I think I can play along with Balotelli, but I do not make the decisions. Prandelli decides and his choices are not discussed," added Immobile, who didn’t want to fall out of favour with Italian manager Cesare Prandelli.

Immobile’s current form cannot be ignored and his confidence is as high as it has ever been. He wants to spearhead the Italian attack this year.

"I'm a striker and obviously I live to score. I'm happy with my performance, it seems obvious to me [to play]," added Immobile.

Italy will be hoping to shake off some poor form coming into the Soccer World Cup, they have won only one of their last seven matches.

Italy face England in a Group D encounter on Saturday, kick-off is at 9.00 pm SA time.