Daniele Padelli insists nobody was more surprised with his inclusion in the latest Italy squad than himself.
The Torino man was selected by new boss Antonio Conte for tonight’s friendly against Holland and next week’s Euro 2016 qualifier versus Norway.
“Nobody expected my call, especially me,” said the goalkeeper. “The thought never even crossed my mind for an instant.
Daniele Padelli insists nobody was more surprised with his inclusion in the latest Italy squad than himself.
The Torino man was selected by new boss Antonio Conte for tonight’s friendly against Holland and next week’s Euro 2016 qualifier versus Norway.
“Nobody expected my call, especially me,” said the goalkeeper. “The thought never even crossed my mind for an instant.
“I was informed of the call when I was watching the TV and the list was read out: ‘Buffon, Padelli…’
“I turned to teammate Jean-Francois Gillet and asked him if I had heard correctly and he confirmed it. That’s when I understood.”
Padelli, capped once by the Under-21 side, was the biggest surprise in Conte’s first squad announcement.
“I don’t know specifically why I was chosen, perhaps it is because I’m good with my feet and Conte likes his sides to play from the back.
“I’m just delighted and honoured to be a part of this. It is a dream for me, but I need to keep my feet on the ground and work hard – as I have always done.”