Alessandro Diamanti: "Better late than never"

Bologna forward Alessandro Diamanti has said that his inclusion in the Italian national side was "better late than never".

Diamanti, who had just one cap before being called up to Cesare Prandelli's provisional side this summer, insists that he would never change the route that he has taken to reach this point in his career.

"Better late than never!" he said. "I'd never change the route I have taken so far, as I reached this stage and so there are no regrets.

"In football there are some who mature at 18, some at 25 and others at 30. In fact, some never mature at all. Each of us has his own tale to tell."

The 29-year-old made his international debut for Italy against Romania in 2010.