Napoli goalkeeper Morgan de Sanctis is thrilled with his Italy recall.

The veteran saw action against Northern Ireland this week.

"The Coach surprisingly decided to throw me on, even if I was perhaps helped by suggestions beforehand that I could feature," stated the former Sevilla No1.

"To go on to the field of play for your country, at my age, was great and I'm happy to be back in this squad.

"There are a lot of new faces in the set-up now, a new footballing philosophy too and we hope to continue to do well."