Italy, Quagliarella: "Hard work pays off. We're Italy, we need to return to where we've been."

Fabio Quagliarella set a personal Serie A record last season with 19 goals scored. This year, he's already at 16 in 21 matches. The Sampdoria striker scored in 11 consecutive matches this season, tying Batistuta's record. This was enough to earn a call-up to Mancini's National team, Quagliarella's first since 2015.

"My secret? I work very seriously. Hard work pays off. I thank Mancini for the call, it's great to be here. Reaching this point at 36 years old is a reason for great satisfaction, a demonstration that a CT watches everybody. At one point I said: but sir, do you want me as a player or on your staff?"

On the young Azzurri players: "I like Chiesa and Zaniolo, but there are many youngsters and the CT won't let them run away. It's important to train well and rest well. After 30 years a few things change and every detail becomes important, like what you eat. The way you train is fundamental, I push myself because it gives me an advantage on Sundays."

On Mancini: "Being trained by him is a pleasure and honor, he's a symbol of Sampdoria. I feel the affection from everyone and I hope to repay them. What do I say to my teammates? If I'm in the area, give me the ball, because I'm always ready to take advantage of any small occasion. We're Italy. We need to return to where we've always been."