Netherlands defender Matthijs de Ligt believes he has improved at Juventus and warns Italy ‘must play against the top teams’ at Euro 2020.
Former Milan striker Marco Van Basten had criticized the Juventus star after his first game at the Euros last week.
“He [Van Basten] was a great player and a coach with Holland and Ajax, so I have to listen to him,” De Ligt told Sky Sport Italia after the Netherland’s 2-0 win against North Macedonia today.
“I think I’ve improved in Italy. I have more experience now, I’ve learned things I didn’t know at Ajax, I’ve become a better footballer,” the Dutch defender continued.
Both the Oranje and Italy have won three games from three at the European Championships, but De Ligt doesn’t seem to be fully convinced by the Azzurri.
“I’ve watched Italy, they play really well. They don’t even seem Italians. They attack, they press high up the pitch and that’s nice to see,” the 21-year-old said.
“However, just like us, they didn’t play against top teams like Germany, Portugal or France. That’s the next step for them and us.”