Insigne targets Italy recall

Napoli forward Lorenzo Insigne is hoping that some more positive showings in Serie A will get him back in the plans of Italy manager Antonio Conte.

The 24-year-old was absent from Conte's latest Azzuri squad for the defeat to Belgium and the draw with Romania in recent international friendlies.

But the winger, who has one goal in six caps so far, bagged a goal and an assist for the Partonopei in their 2-0 win over Hellas Verona on Sunday, and is targeting a return to the national team.

"I accept Conte's decision," he told Sky Sport Italia. "But I will do my best on the field to force him to change his mind."

At club level, Insigne has helped Napoli go undefeated in their last eight league games and climb the Serie A standings to second, with league leaders Inter Milan just two points above them.

"The coach has faith in me and so I play with more confidence," he said of manager Maurizio Sarri, who replaced Rafa Benitez at Stadio San Paolo.

"The players are the same as last year but Sarri has managed to imprint his determination and desire into the team.

"He makes us go at 100 miles per hour in every training session, we all follow him and hope to go as far as possible."

Napoli have the chance to take the lead in the Scudetto race next Monday when they host Inter Milan.