Southampton’s Pelle misses ‘beauty’ of Italy

NEWCASTLE, UNITED KINGDOM - AUGUST 09: Graziano Pelle of Southampton during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Southampton at St James' Park on August 09, 2015 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Getty Images)

Southampton striker Graziano Pelle has hinted at a return to ‘beautiful’ Italy when his contract expires.

Late bloomer Pelle has never scored regularly in Serie A, only finding his form for first Feyenoord and then Southampton.

His impressing goalscoring record for the Saints has made him a regular for Italy; he has scored four goals in just nine internationals.

“My contract [at Southampton] expires in 18 months, one year after Euro 2016,” he said when asked by Italian journalists about a return.

“Italy is the most beautiful country and it is that beauty which I’m missing.

“Serie A lost some of its appeal, but lately it is growing again, it is visible abroad.

“They didn’t care about Italy abroad, I felt that, but thanks to Juventus in the Champions League and others in the Europa League, Italian football is back and in a few years it will be one of the best again.”