Southampton boss Ronald Koeman says Graziano Pelle is nearing a first Italy call-up.
Koeman believes it won't be long before he follows ex-Saints Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana in making the international step up.
Koeman said: "He was on the pre-list of the Italian national team. Of course, that gave him the support and confidence that he is doing well.
"He is in the head of the coach of the national squad, because you don't put anybody on the pre-list if you don't think about that player.
"When he is playing like he is now then maybe he is a possibility.
"If you show that quality in the Premier League of course you are good enough to be part of the Italian squad.
"The manager has to make that decision.
"He is 29, but he can play like this for three or four years more."
