Ezequiel Schelotto is still smiling despite being cut from Italy’s Euro 2012 plans earlier on Monday.

The Atalanta midfielder was one of seven players to be sent home from Cesare Prandelli’s initial 32-man squad.

“It was an experience which I will never forget,” the Argentine-born wide player stated on his Twitter account.

“Being a part of this national set-up will remain in my heart forever. I would like to say thank you to everyone.”

The former Italian Under-21 international was one of a surprise number of inclusions in Prandelli’s initial long-list.

Schelotto, two goals in 37 Serie A games this term, had previously never even been called-up to the Giro Azzurro.

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