Inter Milan defender Davide Santon is thrilled with his first call-up to the Italy squad.

"I am truly proud and moved," he told the official Inter website. "This call for the Nazionale is a source of great pride for me and Inter.

"I thank Lippi, who has always spoken highly of me. I want to thank the entire Nerazzurri environment that helped me to grow as a player, but also as a person with pieces of advice or the odd clip round the ear."

Santon added: "If all this has happened to me in these short months, it is above all thanks to the faith Mourinho showed in me and the chance to play in many important games with the prestigious Inter jersey.

"I realise all that I have achieved in these months need to be earned again and again through hard work and professionalism, day after day.

"This is a pledge I make with myself, because I have understood that good luck must be sought out with effort."