Empoli talent Fabiano Parisi had high praise for his Roma counterpart Leonardo Spinazzola and he underlined his desire to break into the Azzurri squad.
The talented 21-year-old left back was heavily linked with a move away from Tuscany this summer, with both Lazio and Leeds United considering moves for the Italian. Ultimately Parisi stayed with Empoli, giving him time and space to continue his development without the heat of the spotlight.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Parisi first discussed what’s changed from working under Aurelio Andreazzoli to Paolo Zanetti.
“Zanetti keeps the full-backs higher when we start the play from the back, while with Andreazzoli I had to contribute to the start of the move by staying at the back.
“The other demands are very similar.”
He commented on the various transfer market rumours surrounding him and if this season will be the year he enters the limelight.
“It must be the year of confirmation. Fortunately I have been able to carry out all the preparation without a hitch, unlike the previous two seasons.
“I’m not thinking about the transfer market, but about playing well with Empoli. This is the ideal club for youngsters because it makes you grow without pressure and allows you to make mistakes.
“The other big goal is to join the national team. I hope Mancini will give me a look.”
Finally, Parisi spoke highly about Spinazzola ahead of Empoli’s clash with Roma tomorrow.
“I’ve always admired him, fast, technical, right-footed. He was great at the European Championship. It’s nice to play against a great player like him.”
The 21-year-old Parisi joined Empoli in September 2020 from Serie C outfit Avellino in a deal worth around €500,000, which looks to be a bargain in hindsight. Across his 53 appearances for the Tuscan side, the Italian left back has scored two goals and provided three assists, looking strong in build-up play and defensive work.