On 12 March 2008, Niculae was recalled to play for Romania following a two-year break, last playing against Colombia in May 2006. He marked his return with an assist for Daniel Niculae and with a goal following Bănel Nicoliță's cross, winning against Russia with a crushing 3–0. On 15 May, he was included by Victor Pițurcă in the preliminary squad for UEFA Euro 2008. He was kept for the final 23-man squad, for Euro 2008, where he wore the number 18 shirt. He played his first match from the "Group of Death" in a goalless draw against France, coming in as a substitute for Adrian Mutu in the second half. On 17 June, he was in the start-up team from the third match of the group, against Netherlands. Romania lost 0–2, thus failing to advance further from the Group stages.