AC Milan's Filippo Inzaghi has moved a step closer to claiming a place in Italy's World Cup squad after years on the international sidelines.

The AC Milan striker has been selected by Azzurri coach Marcello Lippi to take part in a pre-World Cup training camp next week.

“Lippi has called me. I'm going to the pre-World Cup training camp in Rome (on Tuesday),” said Inzaghi to Italy's SKY TV after scoring both goals in Milan's 2-0 win against Livorno in the Serie A on Sunday.

Lippi has chosen the players to attend a two-day training camp in Rome on Tuesday and Wednesday and should provide a good indicator of the players he will take to Germany in June.

The inclusion of Inzaghi in the squad is testament to the will of a player who has come back into form this season after two years of knee and ankle injuries.

Inzaghi has never played for Italy since the arrival of Lippi, who took over from Giovanni Trapattoni following Euro 2004.

The 32-year-old, who has scored 21 goals in 48 appearances for Italy, has not appeared for the Azzurri since scoring twice in Italy’s 4-0 defeat of Azerbaijan in October 2003.

“I'm pleased. To come back into the national side after two years' absence is something extraordinary,” said Inzaghi.

“I've always been out because of injury. Now I've got a big desire to play.

“The national team is special for every player. I'll do my best to train hard, to fit in with my team mates, even if many of them already know me well.”

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