Marco Verratti is ready to take on Andrea Pirlo’s role in the Italy squad, according to one former Coach of both, Carlo Ancelotti.
Pirlo has this week confirmed delaying his international retirement, prompting new Italy CT Antonio Conte’s hint that only one from the Juventus veteran and up-and-coming Verratti will make the starting line-up.
For one Coach to have worked with both players, there should be no concern if the younger man is ever relied upon.
Marco Verratti is ready to take on Andrea Pirlo’s role in the Italy squad, according to one former Coach of both, Carlo Ancelotti.
Pirlo has this week confirmed delaying his international retirement, prompting new Italy CT Antonio Conte’s hint that only one from the Juventus veteran and up-and-coming Verratti will make the starting line-up.
For one Coach to have worked with both players, there should be no concern if the younger man is ever relied upon.
“And he is ready, that is his role,” Ancelotti has considered in conversation with Il Giornale.
“Also he has the quality that should help. He does not shy away from anything, he has the personality to inherit the position.”
Ancelotti also commented on Italy’s new direction since the World Cup.
“I read in and around the national team a new climate. The greatest push can only come from the development of the youngsters, some of whom do not even have the Champions League from which to gain experience.
“I am thinking of De Sciglio, Darmian, Immobile, Florenzi, El Shaarawy, Verratti, Destro.”
The Real Madrid Coach, who spoke positively of what he has seen at Milan under Pippo Inzaghi, was also asked about former Rossonero Coach Max Allegri’s integration at Juventus, in place of Conte.
“The comparison with Conte will be inevitable, but I do not think it will influence things.
“I met Max in Nyon and he told me that he is very pleased with Juve and his own adaptation.
“They are still the strongest team in the League, so are the number one favourite for the Scudetto.
“The comparison against Conte will be in the Champions League, though.”
Ancelotti was asked of Kingsley Coman and Adrien Rabiot. The former has moved to Juventus and the latter is expected to follow to Serie A, but both were at PSG when the 55-year-old was Coach.
“Before I left Paris, Coman debuted. He and Rabiot were by far the most interesting talents in the Parisians’ academy.
“PSG have lost them both – we should ask ourselves why.”