Federico Chiesa states Davide Astori “was very important, he helped me a lot” so he wants to do well for Italy in memory of the former Fiorentina captain.
The defender tragically passed away this month at the age of 31, having won 14 caps for his country throughout his career.
“There are no words to describe what happened,” Chiesa said in a Press conference at Coverciano today.
Federico Chiesa states Davide Astori “was very important, he helped me a lot” so he wants to do well for Italy in memory of the former Fiorentina captain.
The defender tragically passed away this month at the age of 31, having won 14 caps for his country throughout his career.
“There are no words to describe what happened,” Chiesa said in a Press conference at Coverciano today.
“It was an immense tragedy which hit both the Fiorentina and national team dressing rooms. Asto was very important, he helped me a lot and gave me the right advice in the moments I needed it.
“I miss him so much, we have to and I have to react, above all for him. That’s what he wanted as a captain, strong lads who always worked hard.
“I have to grow a lot and learn how to be better on the pitch, being here is very important, I can learn a lot from the champions here.”
Chiesa has been talked up as a future star, how does that affect him?
“It doesn’t, I just think about doing well and giving 100 per cent in training. I’m here because of the work I’ve done over the past two years.
“Training is the most important thing, what happens outside has to stay outside.
“The pitch shows what you are, my parents gave me lots of advice.”
The Fiorentina star will be facing Lionel Messi if both play in Argentina v Italy, and the 20-year-old has grown up watching the Barcelona superstar.
"He's an incredible player, with no flaws," Chiesa marvelled.
"I was lucky enough to play against Cristiano Ronaldo and it didn't seem real, I think I'll have the same impression.
"We've been talking about it over the past few days."