Toni In Top Form - Sunday, 20 April 2008

Luca Toni is on course to shape the Azzurri Euro 2008 campaign as he continues to impress all at Bayern Munich. Italians don't generally travel that well in Europe when it comes to new clubs, Lucarelli's spell at Shakhtar the latest example, but Toni has bucked that trend this season. Last night Toni added another two goals to his collection, including the extra-time winner for Bayern to overcome Borussia Dortmund in the German Cup 2-1. This brace takes his goal tally to a staggering 35 in 41 games for Bayern, something that bodes extrememly well for the Italian National team. He is likely also to win the League with Bayern, as they lead by 10 points, and they are still in the UEFA Cup.

Toni has of course got his admirers in Italy, and has like many other strikers been linked with a return to the peninsula with AC Milan. Although it wuold no doubt be a great signing for the Diavolo, he is enjoying himself too much in Germany at the moment, saying in February that "Ifeel very much at home here and I am here to help Bayern win trophies". And who can blame him for staying put? He will be challenging with the big boys in the Champions League next year, will be in pole position for all domestic trophies, and after helping his country to the World Cup win, is assured of both his place in the Italy team, and his place in Italian history. Che vita!

Tim D