Parma midfielder Marco Parolo has declared that the support of Roberto Donadoni has helped him earn an Italy recall after two years away from the national fold.
Parolo was included in Cesare Prandelli's squad to face Germany and Nigeria following a fine start to the season in Serie A, scoring five goals in 12 games for Parma.
He told reporters: "I'm really happy with this call-up, even if I'm disappointed as Sunday would have been perfect had we beaten Lazio.
"I have a lot of people to thank, my family and my wife Caterina for showing me so much support. I thank Parma who have given me the stage to play, who have allowed me to express myself at good levels again and to show everyone my value.
"I can't forget boss Roberto Donadoni and his staff, President Tommaso Ghirardi, director general Pietro Leonardi and my teammates. Every one of them, in a different way, has contributed to allow me back into the Giro Azzurro."
Prandelli also gave Domenico Criscito a lifeline ahead of the friendly double-header as he weighs up his options ahead of next summer's World Cup finals.
Liam Power
