Italy Under-21s boss Luigi Di Biagio has hailed Serie A clubs for giving more opportunities to young Italians now than they did before.
Serie A sides have long been accused of not taking enough changes on Azzurrini, amidst the national team’s declining fortunes, but Di Biagio – who recently guided the U21s to Euro 2017 – claims he is “fishing more” for talent in the top flight.
“Euro 2017? It was an objective to reach,” he told Radio Uno.
Italy Under-21s boss Luigi Di Biagio has hailed Serie A clubs for giving more opportunities to young Italians now than they did before.
Serie A sides have long been accused of not taking enough changes on Azzurrini, amidst the national team’s declining fortunes, but Di Biagio – who recently guided the U21s to Euro 2017 – claims he is “fishing more” for talent in the top flight.
“Euro 2017? It was an objective to reach,” he told Radio Uno.
“We have an interesting team, we hope to let them take a big jump. Then, if they can, their results wouldn’t be bad.
“Before, we fished more in Serie B, but now, finally, we can look more in Serie A. Teams like Milan, Atalanta, Bologna and Torino are giving us a big hand in this regard.
“I have clear ideas on a very interesting group and it’s nice to go looking for young players to gamble on.
“The gap between youth level and the first team is too big, but they would be able to serve Serie B teams.”
Di Biagio then singled out Manuel Locatelli for praise, tipping the Milan starlet for a big future.
“Locatelli? He can reach very high levels, he has been under observation for a long time and will certainly be part of our group,” he added.
“For now, he’ll go with the Under 19s, then he’ll come back with us while Ventura decides everything else. He’s a player on his way to a great career.“