Juventus signing Simone Pepe has revealed how advice from his Dad helped him break into Italy's World Cup squad.

Speaking at a Press Conference, Pepe admitted that a phone call from his dad changed everything.

"He said: 'Go on have a shot. If you don't score, you'll be replaced…' My father is like this," Pepe smiled. "He has never said 'well done' after a game. But this has helped me grow up with the right values, and to always fight to earn everything."

When asked if he felt emotional on his World Cup debut, Pepe said: "If you're there to look around while the others are running… But there is one thing that gave me chills. Before walking out on the pitch Daniele De Rossi said to me: 'Remember where you started from'. It pumped me up."

Finally Pepe reflected on his time at Roma's academy where he was known as 'Tottino'.

"Let's not joke about. Francesco is a champion. My example is Di Livio. I hope to have a quarter of his career," Pepe concluded.