Marco Verratti is a star for PSG and wanted by Europe’s top clubs, but can’t get a game for Italy. “I can play Andrea Pirlo’s role.”

Still only 22, the ex-Pescara starlet shone for Paris Saint-Germain when knocking Chelsea out of the Champions League this week.

“It was like a semi-final or a Final. We prepared for it better than last season and it was sweet to take revenge against Chelsea,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Marco Verratti is a star for PSG and wanted by Europe’s top clubs, but can’t get a game for Italy. “I can play Andrea Pirlo’s role.”

Still only 22, the ex-Pescara starlet shone for Paris Saint-Germain when knocking Chelsea out of the Champions League this week.

“It was like a semi-final or a Final. We prepared for it better than last season and it was sweet to take revenge against Chelsea,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Last year we had too much respect for Chelsea, but only certain defeats can lead you to be more determined. This time we knew we were the better team. The energy in the locker room makes me feel stronger too and the more I play, the more confident I am.”

His agent called him “the best Italian player right now,” yet he very rarely plays for the Azzurri under Cesare Prandelli first or Antonio Conte now.

“Young players have to earn their place and there is a hierarchy to be respected, especially as the Coach doesn’t see players very often, so wants guaranteed reference points.

“There are great players in front of me in the pecking order, but if given the chance, I try to give my best. So far Conte has given me some opportunities and it’s up to me to make the most of them.

“Am I too young for that responsibility? I don’t think any player should feel the whole team is on his shoulders. We are a group and Conte is building a great squad with a different philosophy.

“It’s true that Conte’s 3-5-2 system is different to the one I play at PSG, so I need more time to learn the precise movements and what the Coach wants of me.

“He tries me in various positions, but I don’t know if I’m ideal for his football. In the Nazionale you have to adapt, though obviously I can’t suddenly turn into a centre-back tomorrow, for example.”

The main problem is the presence of Pirlo, who had originally announced his international retirement and then changed his mind after the 2014 World Cup.

“Conte’s midfielders work a lot off the ball and create space for the forwards, which are not my characteristics, though I can always try,” continued Verratti.

“I think I’d do a lot better in front of the defence. Pirlo’s there, so I think my position will be on the right or the left side of the bench!”

There’s an appointment that seems perfectly suited to Verratti, as Euro 2016 will be in France.

“When I signed for PSG, people said I’d run away after two months. Instead after three years I’m still here and my son was born in Paris. It’s my second home.

“Having said that, I still end up eating only in Italian restaurants here…”

He is a self-confessed Juventus fan who had been close to the Bianconeri before PSG put €11m on the table in 2012. Could he move to Turin in exchange for Paul Pogba?

“I generally don’t like exchanges, as if a club really wants me then they’ll sign me and that’s all. If PSG were to force me to leave in order to make room for Pogba, then that’s different.

“In any case, that’s certainly not an issue I need consider today. I ignore transfer gossip. If one day PSG didn’t want me anymore, then I’d pay more attention.”

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