Graziano Pelle would likely be selling coffee out of a van on the sandy-coloured streets of Lecce, in southern Italy, with his father Roberto had he not met Louis van Gaal in 2007. If he had listened to his mother he may not even have been a footballer - she wanted him to become a professional dancer. At the age of 13 he was Italy's Latin-American dance champion, partnering his older sister Fabiana. His father wanted him to play football and he choose that route instead. But it has been far from a straightforward one. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Koeman praising Pelle impact
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Graziano Pelle could have sold coffee for a living or been a dancer
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The Italian's father said Louis van Gaal was crucial to his son's success
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Roberto Pelle also credited Ronald Koeman in his development
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Pelle's  success at Southampton earned him an Italy call-up
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He also received Premier League player of the month award for September
The @placeholder forward has been a huge success at Southampton, scoring five goals in his first eight games