Italy's Alessandro Diamanti (left) and Republic of Ireland's Glenn Whelan battle for the ball during the UEFA Euro 2012 Group match at the Municipal Stadium, Poznan, Poland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday June 18, 2012. See PA Story SOCCER Republic. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. Book sales permitted providing not solely devoted to any one team / player / match. No commercial Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only.

Former West Ham playmaker wants bragging rights over Spurs star

Thursday, June 21, 2012
7:16 AM

Alessandro Diamanti is targeting an Italian victory when they face England on Sunday in the Euro 2012 quarter final

Former West Ham playmaker Alessandro Diamanti it looking to claim bragging rights over Tottenham star Scott Parker when Italy face England in the Euro 2012 quarter final on Sunday.

The pair were team-mates at the Hammers but have not spoken to each other since the Italian left Upton Park.

“I would really like to face and beat Parker, who was a team-mate of mine at West Ham,” Diamanti said in a press conference.

“Parker is a top player, a great rival, but since I left (West Ham), I haven’t spoken to him.”