Manolo Gabbiadini plans to emulate fellow Italian Graziano Pelle

Internationally, Pelle rose in prominence during his two-year spell at Saints, becoming Italy's first choice striker and, at the end of his final season at the club, led the line for the Azzurri at Euro 2016.

Now Chelsea boss Antonio Conte used the 31-year-old as the spearhead of his attack, where he scored two goals at the tournament in France, before Italy were eliminated by Spain on penalties in the quarter finals.

Gabbiadini is hoping that the leading role he's now playing for Saints will too fire him to international fame with Italy, with the World Cup in Russia fast approaching next summer.

The 25-year-old striker has won six caps for his country so far, but is yet to go to a major tournament and he knows a good campaign in the Premier League may well send him on his way to Russia next June.

"I hope it will be a big season," he said. "Apart from when I was injured I have always been a part of the new Italy manager’s team.

"So I hope I will be able to go, as long as I keep scoring and doing well for Southampton, I’m sure I’ll achieve that goal."

Gian Piero Ventura, Italy's boss, selected the Saints man for his latest squad recently, with the Azzurri facing Uruguay on Wednesday in Nice, before taking on Liechtenstein in a World Cup qualifier in Udine on Sunday.

Gabbiadini has been a part of each of Ventura's squads so far - apart from when he withdrew because of a groin injury in March.

And, it seems, with the 69-year-old keen on the Saints man, a place in the team is his if he shows his undoubted abilities at St Mary's next term.

The versatile attacker was brought in to Saints during the January transfer window, on a £14.6m deal from Napoli.

He was used as a striker and netted six goals in his first four appearances before a groin injury sidelined him for three games.

When he came back his form was not the same and he failed to scored in his last eight games and missed a penalty in the goalless draw to Manchester United.

Despite the tough end to the campaign, Gabbiadini admitted he feels settled on the south coast.

And, having now made 12 appearances in England, the former Juventus man reflected on the main difference between the Premier League and Italy's Serie A.

"In Italy it’s more tactical," he said. "Over here there’s less attention to the defending and more about the attacking the opponents goal on every occasion you get.

"There’s less waiting for the right moment, but just going on the attack and then the other team attack."