Cagliari's Alessandro Romano, born in Winterthur to Italian parents and holding dual Swiss-Italian citizenship, told Blick how new Italy head coach Roberto Mancini outlined the path ahead following his first senior call-up.
He said, "Mancini explained to me how the next steps could look. Just like coach Yakin had also explained it to me. The fundamental thing is that I always deliver good performances and keep growing at my club. There's competition everywhere. I have the chance to show myself week after week."
The 20-year-old midfielder said choosing Italy over Switzerland, for whom he had represented at under-20 level, was ultimately a matter close to home.
"We talked about it a lot among ourselves. In the end I could decide, and my family agrees with my choice and is extremely proud, regardless of how it would have turned out."
Romano played down suggestions he could go straight into Mancini's side, insisting his focus remains on his club form.
"My goal is to train well tomorrow. I want to reach the highest possible targets, whether with Cagliari or with the national team."
On his earliest memories of the Azzurri, he added: "The European title in 2021 immediately comes to mind. When Italy became world champions in 2006 I was only three weeks old. Of course I can't remember that myself, so I've had to catch up a bit on that World Cup title back in Italy."
Turning down Switzerland was not straightforward, Romano admitted, given his relationship with the Swiss federation's staff.
"It clearly wasn't easy, because I had very good conversations with coach Yakin, Marinko Jurendic and Davide Callà. But that's also part of the game. When you say honestly what you feel, you also find understanding and respect. In the end I received an education of the highest level in Switzerland, for which I'm very grateful."
Asked whether the Swiss federation could have done more to keep him, Romano defended the officials who had tried.
"No. I also think the sometimes harsh criticism of the federation isn't appropriate. Those responsible at the Swiss federation deserve recognition and respect for their efforts. It's part of sport that you can give everything and still not win. You can have a promising game plan and success still isn't guaranteed in the end."
On the disappointment of Swiss fans, he added a note of reassurance: "If that's how it is, I can understand it. But I believe what will prevail for them is the joy that Winsley Boteli will play for Switzerland."