Italy coach Antonio Conte has defended his decision to omit Mario Balotelli from the Azzurri squad for the upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Malta.
Balotelli, 24, has failed to score a Premier League goal for Liverpool since signing from AC Milan earlier this summer and was also overlooked in Conte's debut selection last month.
However, the former Juventus coach says that Balotelli has as much a chance as anybody to force his way back into the reckoning, adding that the door to the national team is not closed to the former AC Milan forward.
"He's started down a new path and let's give him time to settle into his new surroundings. It's not an easy one and I believe he must be given the necessary time to adapt at Liverpool," said Conte at a news conference on Monday.
"We're following him, like we're following all of our players abroad. My job is to call people up, not to rule people out."
One Premier League-based Italian who has been called up for the first time is Southampton striker Graziano Pelle, who has proved an instant hit in England since his summer move from Feyenoord.
"Pelle deserved to be called up in all aspects," Conte said. "He's becoming a star in the Premier League and we're curious to see him close up to be able to evaluate him. It's up to him to show that he deserves his place in the national team."
Pelle was not the only new face in Coverciano on Monday either with Empoli centre-back Daniele Rugani, promoted from the under-21s, taking part in his first senior Italy training session.
"His rise has been extraordinary," said Conte. "I'd coached him already at Juventus and I think this is also a sign to the other under-21s."
Meanwhile, players of Juventus and Roma have been united less than 24 hours after their controversy-filled Serie A clash on Sunday evening with Conte insisting it is already water under the bridge.
Six Bianconeri and two Giallorossi players reported for international duty with Italy at Coverciano on Monday morning with Conte refusing to let any fallout from Sunday evening's Juventus Stadium affair shade their preparations for two vital Euro 2016 qualifiers.
Italy host Azerbaijan in Palermo on Friday before travelling to Malta the following Tuesday and all Conte cares about is having nine points and topping qualifying Group H when the focus is permitted to return to domestic affairs in ten days' time.
"The league closes here, we're thinking exclusively about the Azzurri shirts," Conte added.
"It's inevitable that when you are up against each other in the league, you're trying to beat your rivals and you do all you can to win, but as soon as you join the national team, you are united under one flag.
"You are friends again; teammates on the same side and united by the same intentions. Representing your country is more important than many things. Today, we've got to think about two vitally important games."
Italy started their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory in Norway. That came just days after Conte celebrated a winning start to life as Italy coach with a friendly victory over the Netherlands by the same scoreline.
"I was very impressed last month and I hope to find the same level of commitment from the lads," added the former Juventus coach.
"My mission is to try to qualify for the European Championships by offering an attractive, creative football. I think this group of players want to do things the right way."
Conte also admitted that he was pleased with a sign he had received from one of his veterans. Andrea Pirlo, 35, who originally said that he would retire after the 2014 World Cup, has given the Italy coach his availability after making his first appearance in Serie A this season on Sunday.
"Pirlo is a guarantee for me and I'm very pleased with his availability," Conte said. "He's willing to help with the growth of players such as [Marco] Verratti, who are the present and will be the future. Andrea has given me assurances in every aspect."