Pablo Osvaldo has revealed that he is disappointed to have not been included in Cesar Prandelli's 30-man provisional squad for this summer's World Cup in Brazil.
The Southampton striker, who joined Juventus on loan in January, has had a disappointing season but still started in Italy's 1-0 friendly loss against Spain in March.
"I had been part of this group for two years and always felt important, so I was disappointed and upset at not being called up," Osvaldo told Sky Sport Italia.
"It was a strange year for me, but having always been called in the past – and even starting in the last friendly against Spain in March – I hoped to be included.
"However, this takes nothing away from the forwards who were called. The statistics show they deserved it."
Osvaldo was handed a two-week club suspension by Southampton officials for his involvement in a training ground bust-up with Jose Fonte earlier this year which left the centre-back with a black eye.
Benjamin Topliss
