Conte weighing up Italy call for Southampton star

Italy coach Antonio Conte is weighing up whether to reward Southampton striker Graziano Pelle with a call up to the national squad.

The ex-Juventus boss will make an announcement regarding his squad for the European qualifiers on October 10 and 13, and Pelle’s form has rocketed the towering striker into contention.

La Gazzetta dello Sport report that the 29-year-old Italian striker, who has never been capped before, may receive his maiden call up by Conte.

Pelle has been impressive so far this season, and has netted five goals in eight appearances since signing for the English club from Feyenoord in the summer.

Liverpool star Mario Balotelli, meanwhile, is yet to be evaluated by Conte and is a chance to miss out on making the squad once again.