Manuel Locatelli wants to share his Man of the Match award with the whole Italy team and hopes Marco Verratti ‘can come back soon.’
The Sassuolo midfielder scored a brace in this evening’s 3-0 victory over Switzerland, which secured their place in the Euro 2020 Round of 16.
“I have to share this award with the whole team,” 23-year-old Locatelli told RAI Sport.
“I am one of the youngest here, they welcomed me so well and it’s wonderful to be here with them.”
Locatelli is only playing because PSG star Verratti is injured and again this evening was not even on the bench, but he doesn’t consider himself untouchable after this brace.
“I think we are a wonderful group of lads and really hope Marco can be back soon, because he is such a talented player who can make the difference.
“The coach has to make his choices, all we can do is be ready when called upon.”
Italy crushed both Switzerland and Turkey 3-0, so what next against Wales?
“Let’s continue like this.”