Italy CT Antonio Conte has paid a visit to Empoli, praising Maurizio Sarri’s youth policy.
The newly-promoted side have been one of the surprises of the season, sitting one place behind Inter in 13th place in Serie A.
The Tuscan side have received praise for blooding youngsters such as Daniele Rugani, who has been called-up to Conte’s national team.
“It was a pleasure for me to come to Empoli,” the former Juventus Coach told Empoli’s official website.
Italy CT Antonio Conte has paid a visit to Empoli, praising Maurizio Sarri’s youth policy.
The newly-promoted side have been one of the surprises of the season, sitting one place behind Inter in 13th place in Serie A.
The Tuscan side have received praise for blooding youngsters such as Daniele Rugani, who has been called-up to Conte’s national team.
“It was a pleasure for me to come to Empoli,” the former Juventus Coach told Empoli’s official website.
“It’s a club that’s working well with youngsters, young players who are for the present, but especially the future.
“They have the right philosophy here, and the club has always taken this path.
“To do what they’ve done, you have to have a focus on youth, help them grow and be brave enough to put them in the first team.
“When I came here I saw guys who I knew already like Rugani who I coached at Juventus and Croce.
“We pay great attention to everyone, and everyone should know that there is always hope. If you have the right desire and enthusiasm you could wear the Azzurri shirt.
“Sarri is doing a great job, playing a lot of Italians.
“I think [Mirko] Valdifori, [Lorenzo] Tonelli or [Simone Verdi] are talents who can still improve a lot.
“I congratulate everyone – the Coach, the club and the President.
“They are proof that if you work hard, results will come.”