"The USA asked me to play and I knew there was also an opportunity to go to the World Cup.
"But I also knew if I took that chance, I would never be able to play for Italy, which has been my dream virtually since the day I was born.
"I had to tell the USA the truth. I know it will be far harder trying to get in the Italian team than the United States but I have absolutely no regrets about the option I have taken."