Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone hopes to play his way into the Italy squad.

Mannone was linked with a move to AC Milan this week as a replacement for the ageing Christian Abbiati.

"And finally, the Nazionale, which I already experienced at youth level, but the senior Italy squad is very different.

"I had some tough time, as in 2009 I played for 10 games after Almunia's injury, but the manager did not think I was ready. I was absolutely furious and wanted to leave. Now I understand and have achieved maturity by working hard."