Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone’s agent has revealed that his client’s current aim is to become the first choice goalkeeper for Italy after the European Championship

The Italian goalkeeper joined Sunderland from Arsenal in 2013, but after a few years of struggle, the custodian really came into his own this season as he played a major role in saving the Black Cats' Premier League status with some solid performances towards the end of the campaign.




However, despite his impressive showing for Sunderland, Mannone was excluded from the provisional Italy squad for this summer’s European Championship.

Roberto De Fanti, the player’s agent, is disappointed to see his client snubbed despite his years of hard work, but stressed that making into the Italian set-up is not the goalkeeper’s only goal.
 


He revealed Mannone should set his eyes set on becoming his country’s first choice goalkeeper after the European Championship.  

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Speaking to Tutto Mercato, De Fanti said: “Vito was absolutely instrumental in saving Sunderland from relegation this season.

“However, despite his years of hard work he was still not rewarded with a preliminary call to the national team.

“The target now is to work hard and become the number one for the national team from September onwards.

“Being the only Italian goalkeeper in the Premier League, it should be his target.”

Mannone has played youth football for Italy, but is still waiting for his first call up to the senior team.