Former Italy international Alessandro Costacurta has said that Marco Verratti can emulate the success of fellow countryman Andrea Pirlo.
The 22-year-old has emerged as a key player for Paris Saint-Germain over the last two seasons, and he is being tipped by many to take over Pirlo's midfield role in the national side when the Juventus veteran finally steps down.
"Verratti is a player I like a lot. He has grown recently," Costacurta told Sky Sport Italia. "I think he can take up the legacy of a superstar like Pirlo.
"His last performances, even against Chelsea in the Champions League, have been of exceptional intensity and quality.
"Now he has to play in the national team, as well as in the future. Andrea could almost say, 'When I miss a game Verratti should play.'"
Verratti has made 10 appearances for the Italian national side, scoring once in a friendly against the Netherlands in 2013.
Alex Meyers
