With Marco Verratti facing physical issues, Owen Diana suggests Lorenzo Pellegrini would be the perfect man to complete Italy’s midfield.

Opportunity knocks for Roma’s local lad, but only if he can make it off the treatment table in time. An injury to Marco Verratti could be set to open up a spot in the Azzurri engine room, and Lorenzo Pellegrini would be a prime candidate to replace the PSG player. However, the 24-year-old is struggling with a left thigh strain picked up in this month’s Derbi Della Capitale, and he was absent for the Giallorossi’s curtain closer against Spezia.

Unfortunately, physical problems have been a recurring theme for the former Sassuolo schemer since he rejoined his hometown club back in the summer of 2017. Since then, Pellegrini has spent more than 30 matches on the sidelines with a host of different aches and ailments.

Those troubles have not stopped the Eternal City creator from proving his considerable worth, however. Pellegrini’s seven Serie A goals set a career high this season, while he also dished out six assists.

Impressively, those numbers were achieved while playing a host of different positions. Although most commonly deployed as a roving number 10 under Paulo Fonseca, Pellegrini is also at home out on either wing or as a deep-lying playmaker. He even interpreted the “False 9” role to great effect against Shakhtar Donetsk back in March.

Such versatility is invaluable at a major tournament, and Pellegrini possesses other intangibles that make him an important cog for his country. The Giallorossi captain brings leadership skills to the table. His unassuming style helped diffuse the tension that enveloped the capital club following their Coppa Italia elimination in January.

Roberto Mancini has spoken in glowing terms about Pellegrini’s positive demeanour, and that likability makes Roma’s No. 7 a key contributor both in the dressing room and on the pitch. Whether it’s as a starter or a super substitute, Pellegrini has a pivotal part to play this summer.

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