Atalanta‘s” data-scaytid=”1″>Atalanta's Ezequiel Schelotto insists that he has the right to play for Italy should he be called up into the international set-up.
Atalanta's Ezequiel Schelotto insists that he has the right to play for Italy should he be called up into the international set-up.
Schelotto, like Italy newcomer Pablo Daniel Osvaldo, was born in Argentina but is eligible for the Azzurri.
"I want Italy," he told L'Eco di Bergamo. "My surname is from Liguria, while my dad's great grandfather was from Cogeletto [in the province of Genoa].
"His name was Giovanni Battista Francesco Schelotto. He made bread in Italy before migrating to Argentina before 1900.
"I'm half Argentine and half Italian. That's why when the Italian Under-21 side called me up in the past I instantly said yes.
"That selection filled me with honour."
While Roma striker Osvaldo has been selected by Cesare Prandelli, Schelotto is being tipped to get the nod in the future after a great start to the campaign.
"I did hope I would be included in the latest squad," he added. "I'm happy though that the Coach has mentioned me in the last few days and I'm proud that he's following me.
"I, as he said, just need to continue playing at these levels. I now have to start giving even more, first of all to Atalanta."
Schelotto, born in Buenos Aires in May 1989, is a right-sided player who can be used at full-back or in midfield.
He returned to parent club Atalanta this summer after loan spells at Cesena and Catania.
He was won three caps at Under-21 level for Italy.