AC Milan director Paolo Maldini admits they're delighted with the progress of Tommaso Pobega with Torino.

His performances on-loan with Toro earned his first senior call-up to the Italy squad.

He is one of many lads who came out from our youth academy that has given us a great deal of satisfaction," Maldini told a meeting of international Milan clubs.

“They all had different journeys, Pobega spent two years in Serie B, then on to Spezia and he is continuing to improve so much at Torino.

“He is a player proving that he has what it takes to play for us, but we knew that already last season. He's still lacking a little something and can only improve that with regular playing time, something Torino can give him and we could not afford to do.

“He is our player and we're holding on tight to him."