Lorenzo Insigne is happy to wait another year for his chance to break into the Napoli first team, as he prioritises playing time at this stage of his career.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder has excelled this season in Serie B, taking a prime spot in Zdenek Zeman’s attack-minded Pescara side.
On loan from Napoli, Insigne has seen his future the subject of much speculation, from the suggestion of acting as a makeweight in a deal with Udinese to immediately replacing Ezequiel Lavezzi at the San Paolo this summer.
Lorenzo Insigne is happy to wait another year for his chance to break into the Napoli first team, as he prioritises playing time at this stage of his career.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder has excelled this season in Serie B, taking a prime spot in Zdenek Zeman’s attack-minded Pescara side.
On loan from Napoli, Insigne has seen his future the subject of much speculation, from the suggestion of acting as a makeweight in a deal with Udinese to immediately replacing Ezequiel Lavezzi at the San Paolo this summer.
Asked on his future during the Italian Under-21s’ meet-up in Rome this week that he is involved in, Insigne indicated that playing time takes priority over breaking into hometown club Napoli’s first XI.
“If I have to sit on the bench or watch from the stands, then I’d prefer to play elsewhere,” the former Foggia loanee told the Corriere dello Sport on Tuesday.
“Of course I am from Naples and I’ve never hidden my dream to wear the Napoli shirt, but I’m young and I want to be on the field playing.”
The youngster also admitted that any hopes of making Cesare Prandelli’s Italy side rest on the ability to showcase his work through regular playing time.
“For now, I am focused on doing well under [Ciro] Ferrara. I have to work and to keep my feet on the ground. Then, we’ll see. Of course, the Azzurri shirt is a dream for every player.”
Insigne’s current side Pescara are in with a chance of promotion to Serie A this season.
“We’re not worried by the defeat to Ascoli [last weekend]. We are still second in the standings and we have to continue like this. Is there a physical decline? No, no. A defeat is possible, but physically we are fine.”