Ranocchia believes in Euro 2016 dream with Azzurri

Andrea Ranocchia feels he has been given a chance to force his way into Italy’s Euro 2016 squad by his loan move to Sampdoria.

The defender made the short-term switch from Inter Milan in January and he hopes he can do enough to impress Azzurri boss Antonio Conte between now and the end of the season.

The 28-year-old has 20 caps for his country but was left out of their squad for the World Cup in Brazil in 2014, despite being part of Cesare Prandelli’s 30-man provisional squad.

He wants to help Sampdoria, who have just eight wins from 29 Serie A games this season, move up the table and in doing boost his chances of an international recall.

He admits that he was in need of a move away from the San Siro.

“I hadn’t played for five months basically, so my physical form and focus were not going to return in two days,” he said.

“I am happy now, as I’m getting back in shape. I like working with Vincenzo Montella, as we play the ball to feet and I hope things can improve even more.”

He says there was never any question of panicking while he was out of favour at Inter.

“I was calm about my loan move. The past is in the past, now I am just focused on doing the best for me and to lift Samp back up the standings.”

Italy have been draw to face Belgium, Sweden and Republic of Ireland in France this summer and Ranocchia wants to be part of it.

“I don’t know what my future holds, as it doesn’t really depend on me, but on other agreements. I am not thinking about that now.

“I would be crazy not to think about playing in Euro 2016,” he added.

Italy are 17.00 to win Euro 2016 while their group rivals Belgium are 11.00.