The 28-year-old opted to move from Serie A champions Juventus in July, and after starting the first two games of the season, he is still happy with his decision.

The Italy international also opened his account for Paolo Di Canio's side with a header at Southampton, which helped to earn his team their first point of the campaign.

And for Giaccherini, the promise of first-team football is exactly what he needs as he looks to continue to keep himself in the eyes of the national selectors ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. 

"The coach (Di Canio) and I spoke on the phone before I signed and he convinced me to try this experience, an experience that is important for a player," he said. 

"I called the national boss (Cesare Prandelli) and I said I was coming here and he wished me the best of luck. And he told me if I continue to play there wouldn’t be any problems.

"Here I have the chance to be a regular starter. At Juventus, I didn’t have that because there were a lot of important players in front of me.

"To leave a club like Juventus is always difficult – they are a club at the top of world football. But there are the World Cup finals to come, I want to play, I want to have my space in another football league."

Giaccherini has made 15 appearances for his country since making his debut in 2012 against Spain at UEFA Euro 2012.