Napoli midfielder Zinedine Machach has pledged his international future to Morocco ahead of Algeria.

Machach, who joined Napoli from League One club FC Toulouse on a free transfer in the January window, is regarded as one of the best young attacking talents in Europe.

The Arryadia television reports that the 22-year-old met with Football Association officials and pledged his allegiance to Morocco instead of Algeria, the country of his father.

“Convinced by Herve Renard, Zinedine Machach will wear the Moroccan colors. Born to a Moroccan father and an Algerian mother, Machach has been playing for Napoli since January 2018 for a four and a half year contract,” the Morocco based television tweeted.

The Morocco Football Federation have been persuading players with Morocco heritage to choose the Lions of Atlas lately and they were also interested in Machach.

Machach is one of the rising stars in European football and his impressive performances last season with French One side Toulouse earned him a move to Serie A leaders Napoli in January.

The youngster scored three goals in 38 Ligue One games and made remarkable contribution in the team providing several assistance.

Machach is expected to be named in the Morocco squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia this summer for which Algeria failed to qualify.