Christian Panucci has expressed his pride at earning a recall to the Italian national squad.

The veteran defender has been called up by the Azzurri for the first time in three years for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against France and Ukraine.

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni has plumped for Panucci due to an injury to Marco Materazzi and the Roma stopper is happy to be back.

"For me, this call is like a personal revenge," Panucci told the Italian press. "Coming back here gives me a big pride.

"I'm ready to give any help that is asked of me. I'm completely at the coach's disposal.

"I don't have a grudge against anyone, and I don't regret what I've said or I've done in the past."

Toni doubt

Meanwhile, Donadoni is expecting an improved showing from his players following the recent friendly defeat in Hungary.

"Certainly France are the strongest opponents in our group, but I expect a step forward in our fitness, and game situation, in comparison to the friendly we played with Hungary two weeks ago."

Donadoni is sweating on the fitness of Luca Toni, with the Bayern Munich striker recovering from a muscular problem.

"We will see how his fitness will be and then we will decide," added Donadoni.

"Anyway, he will remain with us. If he won't play on Saturday, he could be fit for the match with Ukraine."