Lorenzo Insigne thanked Cesare Prandelli for “this opportunity” to make his first senior Italy start against Bulgaria.

The Napoli starlet had two caps as a substitute, but started tonight’s 1-0 World Cup qualifying victory.

Lorenzo Insigne thanked Cesare Prandelli for “this opportunity” to make his first senior Italy start against Bulgaria.

The Napoli starlet had two caps as a substitute, but started tonight’s 1-0 World Cup qualifying victory.

“The Napoli fans are passionate, but I always try to keep my feet on the ground, work hard and improve day by day. I always try to do well with Napoli and with Italy,” he told Rai Sport.

“Club and country are two different things. Napoli and the city where I grew up is a wonderful feeling, but so is starting for Italy and I thank the Coach for this opportunity.

“When there’s the need to help out in midfield and defence, we all have to chip in and the strikers are happy to do that for the team.”

Insigne is unlikely to feature against the Czech Republic on Tuesday, as he picked up a knock and Mario Balotelli and Pablo Daniel Osvaldo are back from their bans.

“It’s just a knock. I’ll try to recover and get in shape. The Coach will decide whether I play or not. I accept the Coach’s decisions and wearing the Nazionale jersey remains an honour, whether you’re on the pitch, on the bench or in the stands.

“What the Coaches ask of me, I try to deliver. They know what I can do and try to put me at ease, while I always try to give my all when attacking and defending.”

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