Giacomo Raspadori was surprised but also proud of his selection for the Italy squad by coach Roberto Mancini.
The Azzurri tactician has named a provisional squad of 33 players for the European Championship and they will feature in a friendly against San Marino on May 28 before the final list of 26 is submitted on June 1.
“It is a source of pride that I share with all those who have helped me,” Raspadori told Il Corriere dello Sport. “I haven’t talked to Mancini yet but I want to thank him.
“I feel ready because the values that my family and Sassuolo have passed on to me mean that I’m always ready on a psychological level.”
The 21-year-old has been compared to former Italy heroes Paolo Rossi and Salvatore Schillaci, and he has the desire to emulate them.
“I hope so and I will put my best on the field if I am called into question,” Raspadori said.