MILAN – Stephan El Shaarawy has been speaking to RAI Sport at Italy’s training centre at Coverciano: “This call-up has given me plenty of satisfaction especially after being out for almost four months with another injury. I came back three games from the end and I managed to celebrate my 100th appearance and score twice against Torino.”

Speaking about his return to the Italy squad, the striker said: “I have felt the confidence Conte has in me, especially in this season finale. I’m glad he came to see in the game against Torino, I have to thank him a lot and I want to repay his faith. Will I start against Croatia? I say that with the 4-3-3 it could further enhance my characteristics. I am of course available and I have so much confidence and desire for redemption as I have worked hard in recent months. They were difficult periods both professionally and personally. I was always convinced I would get fit and I was never worried that would not play again. I have had plenty of support and my motto is to always believe and stay humble because in football things can change from day to day, you are a champion one moment and then you are knocked down. That is why we must neither get too excited nor too disheartened.”

On Milan: “I have a contract with Milan, I hope to stay and get back to playing well with Milan. The crest? It reflects a bit my change as a person that I have had in recent times. Balotelli? Mario we know has great qualities. He had a few problems this year, but I hope he can return to give his best because he is a great player.”