"The Confederations Cup defeat against Spain? We could have been sharper in defence and in attack. But that competition was a great test for the World Cup. I do feel that our World Cup will be better.
If I ever considered playing for Egypt? No, I'm Italian. I'm proud of my Egyptian roots, and I have family there, but my home is Italy. I think that it's wonderful that there are multi-national players in the Italian national team. It shows that Italy is a changing country and that it's inclusive. It also breeds success - just look at Germany and France. Racism in Italian football? Racism needs to be fought. The people making racist chants at matches are ignorant - they have no brains."
"I started playing football at a young age. My parents are big Genoa fans. They used to take me to games when I was a baby - I probably saw my first game while my mother held me in her arms. My father's dream for me was to be a ball-boy for Genoa - none of us could have imagined that I would play professionally someday. I love the passion and excitement that is football; the thrill I feel when I score a goal or when my team wins - this is what it's all about."
"My idols as a kid? There were so many: Kakà and Alessandro Del Piero were great to watch every week. Francesco Totti was another one of my biggest idols. It's crazy that I now play against him!"
"The best player in the world right now? I would have to say Neymar. I played against him in Geneva, and he was incredible with the ball."
