Giampiero Ventura confirms 4-2-4 will be Italy’s “future direction” as he looks to freshen up the Azzurri over the course of his reign.

Speaking to La Stampa on Friday, Ventura hinted Milan’s Manuel Locatelli and Sassuolo’s Lorenzo Pellegrini, plus Claudio Marchisio, would form the core of Italy’s next generation and refused to dismiss Simone Zaza and Mario Balotelli, although Alejandro Gomez was not yet eligible for a call-up.

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Italy boss Giampiero Ventura was in the Azzurri d’Italia stands for Atalanta-Genoa on Sunday, reportedly with the intention of scouting Alejandro Gomez.

Gomez is now eligible for an Azzurri call-up after receiving Italian citizenship at the end of last season, and Premium Sport claims Ventura “closely observed” the attacker’s performance.

The CT will have surely been left impressed, given the 28-year-old scored in a 3-0 victory for Atalanta, just a fortnight before Italy play against Liechtenstein and Germany.

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Atalanta talent Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gomez reveals he’s ready to play for Italy and “Antonio Conte wanted me for Euro 2016.”

The Argentine has just received his Italian citizenship after making himself at home with Catania and Atalanta.

“In Italy people appreciate me, much more than in Argentina,” 28-year-old left-winger Gomez told Millenium Sports.

“A big advantage for me is that here they don’t have many players with my characteristics either. I played for six years in Europe with good results.

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Atalanta winger Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gomez confessed he “would love to play for Italy, as I’ve been here many years and it’s like my home.”

The Argentine has taken on Italian citizenship and has been playing for Serie A sides since 2010.

“I would love to play for the Italy team,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

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Atalanta eased past Crotone, despite a second half red card for Franck Kessie.

Gian Piero Gasperini's side emerged 3-1 winners, despite the Ivorian's dismissal for a horror challenge.

Click here for a full match report.

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Alejandro Gomez leads the line for Atalanta, for what is already a six-pointer against Crotone.

The home side are rock-bottom in their first-ever Serie A campaign, having taken just one point from their opening five matches.

The Orobici are also struggling, and lie just two points above tonight’s opponents after four losses in their first five matches.

Crotone stick with their familiar 3-4-3 shape, with Diego Falcinelli, Marcello Trotta and Raffaele Palladini tasked with providing the threat up-front.

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Sassuolo have agreed terms for Cesena winger Antonino Ragusa, beating West Ham United, according to SportItalia.

There had already been reports of Hammers chiefs in negotiations for the 26-year-old earlier this month.

However, sources this evening claim Sassuolo have worked out a €2.5m transfer for the right-sided winger.

It’s possible he could be loaned back into Serie B for Spezia.

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Atalanta director Giovanni Sartori shot down “false reports” that goalkeeper Marco Sportiello is heading to Napoli, while Alejandro Gomez is “not for sale.”

There were suggestions Sportiello would go to the Stadio San Paolo this summer after Pepe Reina suffered from muscular problems in pre-season training.

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Roma could move for Atalanta's Alejandro Gomez, previously linked to Milan.

The striker, while not unhappy with La Dea, declared that he was open to the idea of a move to a larger club.

On from the rumours that Milan might make a move for him, La Repubblica is now reporting that the Giallorossi are considering his profile, although this is only a preliminary probe and there is no offer on the table yet.

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Atalanta's Alejandro Gomez is flattered by Milan's interest: 'But for the moment it's just gossip'.

The 28-year-old seems to be linked to a move every summer, and this year it's the Rossoneri who are believed to be on his tracks.

“The interest of Milan is flattering,” Papu told Sky Sports Italia. “[Coach Vincenzo] Montella wanted me for Fiorentina too, but for now it's just market gossip.

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