Juventus' Claudio Marchisio dreams of first Italy goal

 The midfielder, who bagged a brace against AC Milan last weekend, hopes to establish his place in his national side by opening his account in the forthcoming qualifying fixtures

Claudio Marchisio hopes to follow up his match-winning brace against AC Milan last weekend by opening his Italy account in the forthcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers against Serbia on Friday and Northern Ireland four days later.

The Juventus midfielder has been struggling for regular playing time in the qualification campaign for next year's tournament, but head coach Cesare Prandelli has revealed that Marchisio will start on Friday.

"I dream of scoring my first Italy goal," Marchisio admitted to Tuttosport.

"With [Andrea] Pirlo everything is easier [at Juventus], but to consecrate my place in the Azzurri would be like winning a trophy."

The 25-year-old has made 15 appearances for Italy's senior side so far, but has yet to find the net.

Italy have already secured their place in next summer's tournament in Poland and the Ukraine and sit top of the table in Group C with 22 points from eight matches.