Italy coach Cesare Prandelli admits he's following Sampdoria striker Mauro Icardi.

The former Barcelona junior is an Argentine of an Italian family background.

"I consider him a very interesting player," said Prandelli. "It is a simple situation, as whoever wants to wear the Nazionale jersey must have something that goes beyond it being an opportunity. He has to believe in it.

"We do not put pressure on anything. I was asked if there were any Italian names of interest on the horizon and I mentioned Icardi because, honestly, I consider him very interesting."