AC Milan fullback Gianluca Zambrotta says Italy fans should be excited by the young talent coming through.

After victory over World Cup qualifying opponents Montenegro this week, Zambrotta said: "The boss is weighing up several new and young players.

"With players like Simone Pepe, Riccardo Montolivo, Giuseppe Rossi, Christian Maggio and Fabiano Santacroce determined to prove themselves, the Azzurri side can only benefit.

"The young players have shown great character to play without fear and they have found themselves in such a close-knit group.

"We all get on well and laugh and joke together and that unity is an important strength."