The agent of Lazio midfielder Cristian Ledesma says the Argentine feels more Italian after his maiden Azzurri call-up.

The South American, uncapped by his home country, has been called up to the Italy squad for this week's friendly against Romania.

"[Former Argentina boss Diego] Maradona was keeping an eye on him ahead of South Africa 2010," agent Vincenzo D'Ippolito told TMW.

"And there was talk of a future with Italy in the past when Marcello Lippi was in charge. Cristian feels Italian, his wife and kids are Italian."