Argentina manager Alejandro Sabella has revealed that striker Mauro Icardi has a desire to play for the nation of his birth rather than Italy.
The Sampdoria youngster possesses the necessary paperwork to suit up for the Albicelestes or the Azzuri, with Italy boss Cesare Prandelli recently showing interest in the striker.
Sabella has also expressed interest in Icardi, speaking to him after the recent Sampdoria win over Roma.
“The first question I asked him was about his intentions and he told me that it is his desire to play for Argentina,” Sabella noted to Central Fox Sports.
“Icardi, obviously, is being considered for the national side given what he is doing, but it all depends on his form for Sampdoria and our games.
“I didn’t promise him anything, but I gave him the certainty that he is being observed and that he could be selected.”
Argentina are next in action against Venezuela and Bolivia in March. “We’ll have to see if I choose him for those,” the tactician added.
“I don’t want to say too much, but Icardi is certainly a player of interest.”
The 19-year-old has 8 goals for Sampdoria this season.
