Graziano Pelle believes he has fully grown up as a footballer after being selected for the Italy squad.
The 29-year old Southampton striker has enjoyed a positive start to life in the Premier League with four goals for his new club and feels it has been down to a slow but sure progression up the ranks since debuting for Lecce back in 2004.
"I am fully mature now, both physically and mentally, better now than never," he said as the Azzurri prepare to take on Azerbaijan in Euro2016 qualifying in Palermo on Frida.
"I worked on some of my weaknesses, I played for teams whose coaches always trusted me and that helped me improve my performances."
Pelle spent around three years in Italy with Lecce, Catania, Crotone and Cesena before trying his luck in Holland with AZ Alkmaar in 2007.
However, he really rose to prominence with Feynoord - after stints with Parma and Sampdoria - by scoring 55 goals in 66 appearances for the Eredivisie club before moving to Southampton for around £8million in the summer.
