New Jersey-born Rossi happy after Italy debut

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By Peter Pedroncelli, Special to SI.com, Goal.com

New Jersey-born Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi is remaining calm and collected after making his debut for the Italian national team against Bulgaria on Saturday.

Italy drew with Bulgaria 0-0 in Sofia on Saturday night in the third match of World Cup qualifying. The Azzurri gained a valuable away point against the dangerous Bulgarians.

Manager Marcello Lippi called up Rossi, Napoli defender Fabiano Santacroce, Christian Maggio and Udinese forward Simone Pepe, with all four eager to make their debuts for the national side. The young Villarreal striker came on towards the end of the match to win his first cap and give the Italian public an idea of his capabilities.

Rossi was a highly anticipated player ahead of this match and, even though he only played a small part towards the end, he showed great composure while using his talent and ability to make dangerous runs towards goal. He even did his share of defensive work.

Commenting on his first cap, the starlet said, "I was emotional, but not too much. In these situations my American side shows itself -- I take the situation calmly."

Rossi then went on to judge his performance in the qualifier. "I am content with the way I played," he said, "now I wait. Whatever Lippi decides is fine with me. In Sofia he explained the three or four things that he wanted from me and I tried to do them."

Perhaps after such an impressive debut, the youngster will find himself on the pitch in Lecce from the first minute.