The 19-year-old holding midfielder scored the winning penalty in the Under-20 World Cup Final against Brazil earlier this month.

Blucerchiati director general Beppe Marotta is rumoured to be in talks with Agyemang-Badu’s Ghanaian club Asante Kotoko about a move when the transfer window next opens in January.

Marotta is apparently preparing an early bid so he can beat some of Europe’s biggest clubs to the Ghanaian's signature.

Agyemanf-Badu has some previous Europe experience. He had trials with Wolves and Middlesbrough in 2008, and spent six months on loan at Spanish side Recreativo Huelva this year.

He returned to Asante Kotoko in September before travelling to Egypt for the Under-20 World Cup.

JC

Sampdoria star Giampaolo Pazzini has set his sights firmly on next summers World Cup. The ex-Fiorentina man made an immediate impact last season when he made the switch to the Blucerchiati in January, scoring an impressive 11 goals in 18 games.

Pazzini made his international debut in March against Montenegro, scoring one of the goals in a 2-0 victory.

Pazzini talking recently to La Gazzetta dello Sport about the World Cup said

“I am honestly thinking about it, but it all depends on Samp’s results. The club comes before anything else. The rest will eventually only be a consequence.”

Pazzini also spoke about last season's Coppa Italia final against Lazio.

“We try to pretend like nothing happened, but that final is still too big a wound,”

“Time will help us get over it, but from time to time our thoughts still drift to that night.

“My last five months were excellent, but now I will be able go through the entire pre-season preparation with the team and that will enable me to fine tune the understanding with my team-mates.”

AJ