Gabbiadini: ‘I see myself going back to Italy’

He may have only joined Southampton in January but Manolo Gabbiadini has declared that he will return to Italy one day.

The sharpshooter made the move to the South Coast from Napoli where he was left frustrated by playing a largely bit-part role for two years.

The 25-year-old made a lightning start to his Saints career, bagging four Premier League goals in his first three games, as well as netting twice in the EFL Cup final against Manchester United.

But the forward picked up a groin injury in a 2-1 defeat at Tottenham which left him sidelined for four weeks, putting a holt to his flying start.

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The Italian, who hopes to represent the Azzuri at next year’s World Cup in Russia, admits he will return to Serie A at some stage in his career.

“I have no regrets, they were two wonderful years. When I think about my experience at Napoli, I’m satisfied with what I did there,” Gabbiadini said.

“Sooner or later I will return to play in Italy but not now. I am happy in England, where I am playing in a great league.

“And given the competition in attack for Italy, I can have more opportunities in view of the World Cup in 2018.”