Parma’s midfielder Jose Mauri said on Thursday that he would be proud to wear the Italian international shirt one day.
The 18-year old is a native of Realico, Argentina, but has Italian roots and citizenship that would qualify him to play for the Azzurri.
“I was born in Argentina, a little bit like how [Roberto] Soriano was born in Germany,” Mauri told Sky Sport Italia, referring to the Sampdoria midfielder who made his Italy debut off the bench in the Euro 2016 qualifier against Croatia on Sunday.
“We have Italian relatives so a big part of us is Italian.
“When I speak of the Italian national team, I always think of my grandfather, he would be proud to see me wear those colors,” the teenager said.
“It would be a unique feeling to get the call and travel from Parma to the national team.”
Mauri has already represented Italy on the international stage, making six appearances and scoring two goals with the U17 side.
