Palermo striker Paulo Dybala has revealed that he has turned down the chance to play for Italy in order to represent his home nation of Argentina.

The 21-year-old has impressed for the Serie A newcomers this season and has scored six goals in the league.

Due to the fact that he has an Italian passport, national team manager Antonio Conte has approached him about a call-up, but he is only interested in playing for La Albiceleste.

"I thank Conte, but it's my dream to play with Lionel Messi with the Argentina jersey on my back," Dybala told Ole. "I talked it over with my family and friends. I came to the conclusion that I have a whole career ahead of me, so I will wait for what I've wanted for a lifetime: to wear the Albiceleste shirt.

"It's already a dream that the Argentina Coach knows who I am! This is what I work for, what I have desired since the moment I started kicking a ball.

"When I got home and read he'd been talking about me, I just couldn't believe it. I have to do well here at Palermo and I cannot rest on my laurels, then I believe Gerardo Martino's call will come."

Dybala joined Palermo in July 2012 and has scored 14 goals for the club.