Graziano Pelle has claimed that former Italy manager Cesare Prandelli should have given him a chance to play for the Azzurri during his spell in charge.

The Southampton striker, who was ignored by Prandelli ahead of the 2014 World Cup, scored on his Azzurri debut under Antonio Conte in the 1-0 victory over Malta in Monday's Euro 2016 qualifier.

Pelle believes that his form at former club Feyenoord was worthy of an international call.

"I realise that there are many attackers who feel they deserve to play for Italy, but I scored 50 goals in Netherlands and quite a few good ones," he told Rai Sport.

"I'm not saying that I should definitely have been called, but I did expect Prandelli to at least consider me."

Pelle has scored five goals in eight appearances for Southampton this season.

Written by
Steven Toplis