Italy U21 coach Pierluigi Casiraghi says the Oriundi must be part of the Azzurri's future.

Fans have protested at the likes of Brazil-born Amauri and even Mario Balotelli, who was adopted by an Italian family aged two, receiving their Italy debuts last night.

"Our country is behind the times in rather a few issues," mused Casiraghi. "In football at least let us try to be superior and consider both Oriundi and immigrants to be part of our culture.

"I see nothing strange in Oriundi being used in the Azzurri squad. After all, if we want to imitate Germany, Spain and England in the space they give to young players, we should also imitate them in this respect.

"What we do need to change is the Primavera youth League. I would be favourable to adopting a Reserve League, like the one in England, and that would allow youngsters to mature more quickly in the presence of older players."