Anfield Italian set for move back home.

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July 29, 2010 - Skopje, FYROM - epa02266112 Liverpool's player Alberto Aquilani (C) fights for the ball with Rabotnicki player Vladimir Tunevski (L) during the qualification soccer match for Europa League between Liverpol FC and FC Rabotnicki in Skopje, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, 29 July 2010.

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has revealed out-of-favour midfielder Alberto Aquilani is set to return to Italy.

The injury-hit playmaker has struggled to make an impact after moving to Anfield from Romaand discussions are under way for him to return to his home country.

The 26-year-old was signed by former Reds manager Rafa Benitez as a replacement for the influential Xabi Alonso but his first season on Merseyside was hampered by injuries.

Aquilani had a history of injury problems when he joined in a reported £20million deal and it was more than two months into last season before he made his debut for the club.

Aquilani was left out of Liverpool’s squad for Thursday night’s UEFA Europa League play-off against Trabzonspor and Hodgson admits he will probably be loaned out to a Serie A side.

Hodgson said: “At the moment we are considering possibly loaning him to an Italian club, but nothing is sure about that yet so I don’t have anything definite to report.

“I didn’t want to use him (against Trabzonspor) just in case the loan goes through, because for Aquilani this year it’s very important that he plays regular football, every week, as the number one man on the teamsheet.” (Sky Sports)

For reasons in no way related to the ability Alberto Aquilani undoubtedly possesses, his move to Anfield was doomed to failure the moment he was signed. Rafa Benitez made a mistake bringing in a player who had a long term injury. It meant the 26 year old was always playing catch up and never got into a run of form and consequently never got a foot hold in the first team.

When he has been fit an available to play he has done pretty well and shown some nice touches but Roy Hodgson is at least being honest with the former Roma man, stating that he isn’t going to be part of his plans.

The likes of Inter Milan and Juventus are reportedly interested in the Italian international and a loan deal may well lead to a permanent move as it seems unlikely he will be returning to Merseyside once he does indeed leave.

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