Italy boss Giovanni Trapattoni won’t take Parma hotshot Alberto Gilardino to Euro 2004.
The Under-21 international has netted 19 goals in Serie A this term but the Coach believes the tournament is too soon for him.
"Gilardino is a young player with excellent technical qualities," he told German magazine Kicker.
"He’s already shown his abilities with the Azzurrini but his time will come after this summer’s finals.
"He is still very young and you need a certain amount of experience in a tournament such as this one."
Although Trap closed the door on the Juventus target, he admitted that he still hopes to recall Paolo Maldini out of international retirement.
"Paolo is an exceptional footballer," added the boss. "He has great personality and there isn’t a better pairing than Maldini and Alessandro Nesta."
I figured as much...we have too many options at that position.
