Florenzi 'fit and raring to go' for Italy

The 26-year-old, who has made 12 appearances in all competitions for Roma since returning from injury in September, has been recalled to the Italy fold for the first time in just over a year.

“My team-mates have been so important for my recovery,” Florenzi said at an Italy media conference on Tuesday. “The coach has been using me as and when he sees fit and I reckon he's doing a great job. Roma's form has of course been a huge help for me too.

“I'm fit and raring to go. I'm 100% ready for these two matches against Sweden.”

The versatile wideman is not underestimating the task that awaits the Azzurri, however.

“I'm very honoured and proud to have been called back into the national set-up for this tricky play-off. We're going to have to show just how much we want it.

“The experienced players will obviously be very important but the youngsters have to play their part too. I sit somewhere in the middle because I'm been playing for Italy for a few years now. The more experienced lads made it very clear right from the start that we're here for one thing only: to take Italy to the World Cup."

Florenzi also commented on Andrea Pirlo, who recently announced his retirement, and Daniele De Rossi, who could move ahead of Pirlo in Italy's all-time appearance charts if he features against Sweden.

“I didn't get to play alongside Andrea that much – we were more often on opposite sides. His record speaks for itself, though – just look at the things he did on the pitch. I'll join in with the chorus of praise: he really was the master at what he did.

“It will be a big day for Daniele when he overtakes Pirlo but everyone knows what a great guy Daniele is, on and off the pitch.”