Striker Ciro Immobile says he discussed his move to Sevilla with Azzurri Coach Antonio Conte, and aims for a Euro 2016 'rebirth'.
The 25-year-old managed to be called up for the 2014 World Cup under Cesare Prandelli but has since spiralled into anonymity, failing to make a mark for Dortmund.
In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, he revealed that his move to Sevilla was intended to take him back among the Azzurri.
“This is a very important season for me, I have to return to great levels, be reborn,” he said.
Striker Ciro Immobile says he discussed his move to Sevilla with Azzurri Coach Antonio Conte, and aims for a Euro 2016 'rebirth'.
The 25-year-old managed to be called up for the 2014 World Cup under Cesare Prandelli but has since spiralled into anonymity, failing to make a mark for Dortmund.
In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, he revealed that his move to Sevilla was intended to take him back among the Azzurri.
“This is a very important season for me, I have to return to great levels, be reborn,” he said.
“There's Euro 2016 too. It could be the right year for me to take the quality leap, that's what I'm working for.”
The Italian international also revealed that he discussed his move with Italy Coach Antonio Conte himself.
“The Azzurri Coach told me that I had to play consistently and I told him that that was the reason I wanted to leave Dortmund.
“I did as I said. [Lorenzo] Insigne? I'm happy for him [i.e. for his recovery from injury], he went through a lot of trouble last season.
“He's strong and he'll make the most of this opportunity.
“We're always in touch. We were supposed to go on holiday together, but my wife was pregnant and I couldn't.”
Immobile also discussed his new team Sevilla.
“What surprised me about this team is how compact they are,” he said.
“What you call team unity is more than just an expression.
“And there are a lot of quality players. Emery is very precise in his details: many videos and a lot of work on tactics.
“He reminds me of [Torino Coach Giampiero] Ventura. He worked in a similar way.”