Juventus attacking midfielder Raffaele Palladino was delighted after winning his first cap in Italy's 3-1 defeat of the Faroe Islands.
"I am very happy just to be here on my debut and when the Coach told me I'd be in the starting XI I was very excited," said the former Under-21 international.
"Now the path to Euro 2008 has to be travelled day after day, working constantly and improving. My first aim must be to win my spot at Juventus, then anything else must come from there.
Palladino has effectively replaced Bianconeri companion Alessandro Del Piero in the Italy squad and could enter a battle with the veteran for a ticket to Austria and Switzerland.
"Del Piero is absolutely not a rival. He is a teammate who helps me out so much, as I am young and need to improve constantly.
"In training I watch the strikers and try to steal all their tricks! Alex is a great player who has a lot more to give for Juve and the Nazionale."