Sampdoria midfielder Angelo Palombo is delighted with his call-up to Marcello Lippi's Italy squad.

"It's always a great emotion to be selected for the national side," the 26-year-old declared.

"This is the greatest honour for a footballer and it is a huge pleasure for me.

"Lippi has chosen me for his first squad after his return to the Azzurri bench and now it is my job to prove my worth.

"I want to make the most of this opportunity so that I can stay in the set-up after the Austria game."