Andrea Pirlo says he has been convinced to play on by new Italy coach Antonio Conte.
Pirlo's intention was to retire after this year's World Cup but the appointment of Conte – who led the 35-year-old midfielder and his Juventus team-mates to three straight Serie A titles – has changed his mind.
The playmaker watched Italy's 2-0 friendly win over Netherlands on Thursday and was impressed with the bright interplay and attacking verve showed by Conte's men.
"Yes, I spoke with Antonio Conte who asked whether I was available to continue playing for the national team, something I am willing to do," he said.
"I hope to be a part of the squad by the time the international team gets together again.
"I was ready to retire from international football and it was a difficult decision to take, but then Conte asked me to give him a hand and I will do it. I'm happy to be a part of it and with the hope that we can do something important.
"Conte has the ability to re-build this team and I think we saw it from the get-go with the match against the Netherlands, a game in which his mark was clearly visible, after a disastrous World Cup.
"We will need time, one match is not enough to change a team but they are certainly working to create a team that the fans want to go and watch too."
Italy begin their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign with a clash against Norway on Tuesday.