Juventus full-back Mattia De Sciglio defends Adrien Rabiot and explains why more Italian youngsters should move aboard and play in foreign leagues.
The Italy defender returned to Turin in the summer after a one-year loan spell at Lyon, where he collected 33 appearances last term.
“There is a higher pace in France and even smaller teams always try to win games without only defending,” he told L’Equipe.
Would he suggest to young Italian players to move aboard?
“It’s a shame that they don’t try. Many have fears about leaving the country, but it is an enriching experience.
“Abroad, young players are more ready for important games. I saw that in France, where they have no fear to make mistakes. They are allowed to commit errors. A young Italian player is praised to the skies after a good performance and destroyed after a bad game.
“At Lyon, I rediscovered the pleasure to play. I compared the mentality and in Italy, there is a lot of pressure from media and fans. In France, they focus on one game at a time without exasperation. The approach to football is more serene.”
What’s his view on Rabiot? The France international hasn’t always been convincing in Turin.
“Adrien hasn’t shown his full potential. He has big qualities and he is forgiven very little compared to others. He is a reserved and quiet person, like me, but it hasn’t been handy to me.”
Andrea Pirlo had sent De Sciglio on loan in 2020, but his mentor Max Allegri didn’t want to part ways with him last summer.
“Allegri is a pragmatic coach,” said De Sciglio. “First of all, he wants solidity. He is back now, but the team is different.
“Hadn’t we lost dropped points in a naive way, we’d be battling for the title now. The elimination from the Champions League final was a huge disappointment, even if we didn’t underestimate the opponent.”