Sampdoria full-back Lorenzo De Silvestri is delighted to be back as part of the Italy set-up after returning from injury.
The 27-year-old also wished Walter Zenga well after he was sacked by the Blucerchiati.
“I am very proud of the nice things Antonio Conte said about me after my injury and during the many months I spent in rehabilitation,” said De Silvestri to reporters.
“His comments have given me extra energy, to be called up after playing on Sunday was wonderful and I can’t do anything but thank him.”
The defender was also asked about Italy’s position in the World Rankings, with FIFA determining that the Azzurri at the 13th best international side.
“Obviously we don’t feel inferior to anybody, winning our qualification group [For Euro 2016] helped with that,” added De Silvestri.
“We just need to worry about following the coach’s instructions because the rankings don’t do anything to help you achieve your objectives.
“There’s a lot of us around the squad at the moment ahead of Euro 2016.
“It would be a dream for me to go to the Euros and I will work to do so throughout the season, I will give everything to convince the coach.”
The former Lazio player also addressed the situation at Sampdoria with the Ligurian side looking for somebody to replace Zenga.
“I wished him [Zenga] the very best of luck for the future even though we only worked together for a short time,” De Silvestri went on.
“The club has all its criteria in place to find the best coach to follow, we are a united group of players and we will make ourselves available to whoever comes in.”
