Inter Milan's exciting young prospect Mario Barwuah has turned down the opportunity to play for Ghana.

The 17-year-old striker was born in Italy to Ghanaian parents and also holds a Ghanaian passport.

He was named in coach Claude Le Roy's Black Stars squad for Tuesday's friendly against Senegal.

But he declined the invitation and says he will play for Italy when he qualifies for an Italian passport at next year.

"I'm waiting to play for the Italian national team when I turn 18 next year," Barwuah said in a letter to the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

"I want to thank the Ghanaian authorities for giving me the opportunity but at this moment I am not interested."

Despite the snub from the youngster, Le Roy is still keen on convincing him to play for the west African country.

Le Roy, a former Cameroon coach, is credited with convincing Samuel Eto'o play for the Indomitable Lions when the striker had the option of playing for Spain.

Barwuah was fostered by a Brescia family at the age of three but Frenchman Le Roy says the youngster would be better off playing for Ghana.

"There is a serious tussle between Barwuah's biological parents and those who fostered him," Le Roy told BBC Sport.

"The GFA is being prevented by some elements from talking directly to this exciting talent.

"We will make an effort to reach him directly to tell him of our plans and he will not regret playing for the Black Stars."