Marco Verratti glad to be back in international arena

Midfielder Marco Verratti is looking to put the disappointment of missing Euro 2016 behind him as Italy kick-off their World Cup qualifying campaign in Israel this evening (7.45pm).

The 23-year-old had to sit out this summer’s tournament because of a groin injury. But, having made his international comeback as a sub in Thursday’s friendly defeat to France, he is raring to get going under new coach Giampiero Ventura.

“I am happy to be back with the national side,” the Paris St Germain midfielder told a press conference.