Mateo Retegui admits it is a “dream” to be part of Italy’s international squad as the team prepare for their next friendly against Ecuador on Sunday.

The Genoa striker’s brace proved to be the difference as the Azzurri beat Venezuela 2-1 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

He put them ahead in the 40th minute with a close-range finish, but Venezuela levelled just minutes later before Retegui netted the decisive goal in the 80th minute.

It was an impressive display from the 24-year-old, who now has four goals in five appearances for Italy since making his debut last year, but he admits there is still a long way to go until the European Championships in Germany over the summer.

“There are many days left, first I have to think about the match against Ecuador, then about doing well with Genoa,” Retegui told the Italy national team website.

“I am grateful to the coach for giving me this opportunity but I know that I have to continue to work hard, trying to improve day after day to ensure that he calls me again. For me it is a pride to be here, a dream.”

Thursday’s clash against Venezuela was the first of two friendlies taking place in the United States.

Italy now travel to New York, where they face Ecuador at Red Bull Arena, and Retegui’s focus is fully on Sunday’s game.

He added: “I’m very happy with the (Venezuela) match, it is important to have played well and won. Now we have to think about the match against Ecuador.

“The coach asks me to attack the depth, to help the team by holding the ball. He and the staff give me confidence, they make me play calmly.”