Emanuele Giaccherini is welcoming the competition for a starting spot this season as Sunderland's transfer window begins to heat up. The 30-year-old had a restricted 204/15 campaign after a string of niggling injuries, but the Italian is fit and ready to earn his place back as the Black Cats desperately search for a creative spark in midfield. Head Coach Dick Advocaat is eager to snap up a left winger, centre back, and central midfielder, but with Jeremain Lens almost signed up and Nicolas Lombaerts close behind, that leaves just the central slot to fill. Giaccherini is convinced he can be the man for the job. He told the Sunderland Echo: If new players come here, its OK, Ill welcome them. I like to fight for a starting place because that competition brings the best out of you. I need the competition. Were in the Premier League and in the Premier League, theres a lot of strong players. Im working hard for the chance to start and I hope I can stay among the starting XI players. Yes, I want to be in the central three. Thats my position, both for Juventus and the national team." There is extra incentive for Giaccherini to impress this season, with the European Championships on the horizon, and a place in the Italian national team squad up for grabs. He said: I didnt play for five or six months, but Conte wanted to see me. He brought me in for the training, but not for the games, but thats OK. He said to me that if Im not ready until December, then thats fine, its good for me. Im working to play for Sunderland and if I can do that, then maybe I can go with the national team to the Euros.
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