Under-21 Coach Ciro Ferrara shot down Marco Verratti’s status as the new Andrea Pirlo. “Maybe in 10 years…”
Under-21 Coach Ciro Ferrara shot down Marco Verratti’s status as the new Andrea Pirlo. “Maybe in 10 years…”
The Azzurrini boss has seen 19-year-old Verratti propelled into the limelight by Pescara’s promotion from Serie B and his call-up in Italy’s long list for Euro 2012.
“We are talking about a boy who was born in 1992. History will tell us if he’ll end up like Pirlo,” Ferrara told Sky Sport Italia.
“For the moment there might be a resemblance, but when it comes to matching him, then maybe in 10 years… Andrea has never really had the publicity he deserves, as he is one of the best in the world.”
Another Under-21 star, Lorenzo Insigne, has been linked with a move back to parent club Napoli after topping the Serie B Capocannoniere charts with Pescara.
“I am convinced Insigne can make the step up to Serie A. In fact, he already earned that with their promotion. He has the quality to play with the big boys.
“However, it would be a shame if he went back to Napoli without being a protagonist. I believe if Napoli make this choice to recall him, then it’ll be because they give him the space he deserves. There are so many young foreign players getting a chance, I don’t see why Insigne shouldn’t.”