Daniele De Rossi insisted he is “not irreplaceable” in the Italy squad and described their “complementary” midfield.
The Roma man spoke at a Press conference this evening, as the Azzurri prepare for Friday’s 17.00 UK time kick-off against Costa Rica.
De Rossi played in a new role between midfield and defence in the 2-1 victory over England, but baulked when asked if he was irreplaceable.
Daniele De Rossi insisted he is “not irreplaceable” in the Italy squad and described their “complementary” midfield.
The Roma man spoke at a Press conference this evening, as the Azzurri prepare for Friday’s 17.00 UK time kick-off against Costa Rica.
De Rossi played in a new role between midfield and defence in the 2-1 victory over England, but baulked when asked if he was irreplaceable.
“That’s the wrong way to look at anything, especially straight after a game. There are at least another two or three players who can perform my role.
“I am not interested in being called irreplaceable, nor do I like these labels, as all I am interested in are points.
“Perhaps Thiago Motta is less explosive in his pace than I am, but he has more technique and class, so he could easily play in my position. We’ve seen at PSG he’s one of the best in the world.”
Some have suggested Italy’s new approach at this World Cup is a version of Spain’s ‘tiki-taka.’
“If only!” laughed De Rossi. “This was an invention of the Coach, who tried to understand the characteristics of his players.
“In my view, it becomes interesting in view of the climactic conditions too, because players who are physically incredible suddenly find themselves going at 2km/h.
“You really struggle to pick up the tempo, so keeping the ball when it’s hot is much easier than chasing it down from the feet of your opponents.”
With Andrea Pirlo, Marco Verratti, Claudio Marchisio, Antonio Candreva and De Rossi, do Italy have the strongest midfield in the World Cup?
“I think that’s over the top, because we only won one game and Spain’s result against Holland might distract from the true value of their players.
“We have had a strong midfield for many years and this year in particular it is rich with different characteristics, but ones that are complementary.”
Pirlo has said this will be his last World Cup, as he’s due to retire from international football at the age of 35.
“I’ve spent 10-12 years with Pirlo in the Nazionale, usually as room-mates. That affects you, especially if the last game of this World Cup could be the final match we play together. It’d be nice to give him a send-off with the trophy in his hands.”