Claudio Ranieri: Graziano Pelle is in a "fantastic moment"

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has singled out Southampton striker Graziano Pelle for praise ahead of the Premier League fixture between the two sides on Saturday afternoon.

Pelle has netted seven times for the Saints in all competitions since the start of the season, and Ranieri has indicated that the Italian international will require special attention at St Mary's.

The former Chelsea boss is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "[Southampton] score very good goals and they have very good development from the back. [Graziano] Pelle is in a fantastic moment.

"He also scored a goal for the Italian national team. He's in good condition, a good targetman, but also his teammates are very good."

Leicester head into the game with a three-point advantage over Southampton in the league standings.