Andrea Bargnani would prefer to compete for a world title this summer.

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Instead, he’ll have to settle for being the talisman in the Azzurri squad when Simone Pianigiani’s men attempt to qualify for EuroBasket 2011 in Lithuania.

Bargnani held a press conference in Rome to remove any doubts about his availability this summer.

“We are going through a difficult time and I feel that responsibility but there’s also the willingness to return to enjoy myself having an important role at international level,” he said.

Italy received a wild card to play at the 2006 FIBA World Championship and advanced from the Preliminary Round, but they failed to reach the Quarter-Finals of EuroBasket 2007 in Spain, which knocked them out of contention for a spot at the 2008 Olympics.

They also didn’t qualify for EuroBasket 2009 in Poland.

The Italians will take on Latvia, Israel, Montenegro and Finland in a Division A ‘group of death’ this summer.

Sitting alongside Italian Basketball Federation president Dino Meneghin, Bargnani said: “I didn’t need to be convinced by Dino Meneghin or by coach Simone Pianigiani “My decision (to play) has been spontaneous at a time when Italian basketball is going through a period of an ugly crisis.”

Italy have been a hugely important team on the international stage over the years, but Bargnani says no side deserves to have anything given to it.

“It’s right that this new cycle brings the Azzurri back to the level it merits,” he said. “As far as the intentions of his Toronto teammate, Marco Belinelli, Bargnani said: “Belinelli? I cannot speak for him, but I obviously hope that he also returns to the national team.”

The other player in the NBA Italy would like to have is Danilo Gallinari of the New York Knicks.

Injuries have kept him out of action for the Italians dating back to before EuroBasket 2007 in Spain.

Italy will play eight games in three weeks as they attempt to reach EuroBasket 2011 in Lithuania.

Read the original article by FIBA.com.