Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian hopeful of being included in Italy Euro 2016 squad
- Euro 2016 football: Click here for all the latest news and more
- Matteo Darmian has endured a mixed campaign with Manchester United
- The Italian full-back struggled for form and fitness throughout the season
- Darmian replaced Marcos Rojo during second half of United's FA Cup win
- The 26-year-old defender is eager to strut his stuff for Antonio Conte's Italy
- Euro 2016 fixtures: The full schedule with dates, times and venues
Manchester United full-back Matteo Darmian is hopeful of cementing a place in Antonio Conte's Italy squad for Euro 2016.
The 26-year-old has been struggling with an ankle injury in recent weeks but recovered in time to play a part in The Red Devils' 2-1 FA Cup win over Crystal Palace last Saturday.
Darmian has 21 caps for his national team and is eager to add more to his tally in France this summer.
Matteo Darmian (centre) is eager to show what he can do at Euro 2016 after a tough season at Old Trafford
The versatile defender was a second-half substitute for the Red Devils last weekend as they won the F.A Cup
Darmian represented his country at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and has earned 21 caps for the Azzuri
'After my ankle injury, I feel good now. I have to wait for the final list of the Italian coach but yes, of course, I want to go to the Euros.' He told Manchester United's official website.
'It is a big appointment for a player. It is a big chance to win another trophy.
'It will not be easy because I think our group is a very hard group [Belgium, Republic of Ireland and Sweden]. But we'll try to do our best in it and look forward to it.'
Darmian has been a regular starter for his country since 2014 and was Italy's first-choice right-back during the World Cup in Brazil.
Conte, who is due to take over at Chelsea after the Euros, has selected the right-back in his 30-man provisional squad and will cut it down to 23 at the end of the month.
The former Torino utility man has endured a tough first campaign in the Premier League but he is still content with how life at Old Trafford has begun.
Manchester United signed the former Milan youngster from Torino for a fee of £12.7million in July 2015
'It's always very good to win silverware and we are very happy. I hope it is the first of many.
'It is my first season and I think it was always going to be difficult to change culture and also the football but I tried to adapt quickly.
'I think it was a good season for me as, at the end, we won this trophy.'
The Azzuri will have to make do without key midfielders Claudio Marchisio and Marco Verrati through injury, while Conte has chosen to leave out Andrea Pirlo and Mario Balotelli.
Southampton striker Graziano Pelle and West Ham United defender Angelo Ogbonna have been included in Conte's 30-strong contingent.
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