Borini pays tribute to Enrique influence

Roma’s Fabio Borini has praised club coach Luis Enrique after receiving his first senior call-up to the Italy national team.

Borini, 20, said it was an ‘honour and a privilege’ to be by selected by Italy coach Cesare Prandelli in the squad for an international friendly against the United States on Wednesday.

And the youngster credited Enrique as the driving force behind his selection for the match in Genoa.

“The underlying reason for my call-up is Luis Enrique, who gave me great confidence, especially after my injury, and continues to believe in me,” Borini told Il Messaggero.

Borini, who joined Roma from Chelsea at the beginning of this season, claims he is not getting carried away with his rising stock.

“I think just about playing and giving everything I have,” he said.

“I do not read the newspapers or listen to the radio. I have created a bubble in which I isolate myself, thinking only of my profession.”

Borini, who has scored seven league goals in 15 Serie A appearances for Roma this season, began his career with Bologna in 2001, joining Chelsea in 2009.

He helped Swansea to promotion from the Championship during a three-month loan spell between March and May in 2011.