Italy forward Immobile delighted with Torino return

Immobile moved to Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund in 2014 following Italy's ill-fated World Cup campaign in Brazil, but despite hitting the net four times in the Champions League for the Bundesliga side he was sent on loan to Sevilla.

The 25-year-old striker made only eight appearances for the Spanish La Liga side this season, leaving him on the fringes of Antonio Conte's Italy squad ahead of next summer's European Championships in France.

Naples-born Immobile was met by dozens of fans when he returned to Turin earlier this week and said Friday: "I'm super happy, I can't wait to get playing again.

"I want to thank the club for showing faith in me and say thanks to the fans for the welcome they gave me at the airport: I wasn't expecting that, that's what made it so special."

Immobile, who will wear the number 10 shirt after fellow forward Andrea Belotti inherited his number nine jersey, has yet to train with Torino but is expected to start Saturday when Giampiero Ventura's side host Frosinone.

"I'm returning here with lots of enthusiasm," pledged Immobile.

"I know all the players here and I want to help the club as much as I can wearing a shirt that has given me so much satisfaction in the past."

Although Immobile made no mention of Italy, he is keen to return to the international fray.

He made his competitive debut for Italy in the Azzurri's 2-1 win over England in Manaus in the sides' World Cup opener last year, when he replaced match-winner Mario Balotelli 17 minutes from the final whistle.

Italy crashed out of the World Cup at the first round for the second successive edition following 1-0 defeats to Costa Rica and Uruguay, prompting Prandelli's resignation.