Genoa goalkeeper Mattia Perin admits he's targeting an Italy return.

Juventus-owned keeper Perin has kept five clean sheets in 18 Serie A games this season.

“The coach (Roberto Mancini) knows me," he said. “And if I didn't have this hope, the desire to return to the national team, I could never be such a competitive goalkeeper.

“Of course, I know how difficult it is, since I have lost some ground over the last two years, having suffered an injury too, but that's right.

“I have to work harder than the others if I want to have a chance. We will see what happens. If I deserve it, so be it."