He most likely doesn't, besides the odd 2 or 3 (which i would say seem true Nainggolan and Higuain IMO), it is just a lot easier for journalists and papers to make up stories with him and Serie A players due to him being Italian.
Rudiger, Nainggolan, Morata, Higuain, Cavani, Manolas, Zaza, Bonucci, Pogba, Pjanic, Perisic, Giaccherini to name a few. All linked, and all play in, or have played in, Serie A and likely known by conte. So easy to link them to him