Under-21 Coach Gigi Di Biagio believes Andrea Belotti “has been the best Italian striker of the last two years.”
The Torino hitman has been a sensation in Serie A, scoring 19 goals in 2016 and three in four senior Italy caps.
“In my view, Andrea has been the best Italian striker of the last two years,” Azzurrini boss Di Biagio declared in a Press conference.
Under-21 Coach Gigi Di Biagio believes Andrea Belotti “has been the best Italian striker of the last two years.”
The Torino hitman has been a sensation in Serie A, scoring 19 goals in 2016 and three in four senior Italy caps.
“In my view, Andrea has been the best Italian striker of the last two years,” Azzurrini boss Di Biagio declared in a Press conference.
“He has always been hard-working, is intelligent and scores goals regularly. At times I read that a player reached a certain level thanks to the work of the Coach to develop them, but right here Belotti deserves the credit. He’s done very well.”
It is remarkable that Belotti was not considered for the Italy squad at Euro 2016, but under Giampiero Ventura – his former Torino Coach – Il Gallo has become a mainstay for the Nazionale.
He scored twice in last night’s 4-0 World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein.
His place in the Under-21 side is being taken by Atalanta striker Andrea Petagna for next year’s European Championships.
“I have to applaud Atalanta for what they are doing with young players and their Coach Gian Piero Gasperini knows how to get the best out of them,” continued Di Biagio.
“I am pleased that in general Serie A sides are giving more room to youngsters.”
Tomorrow Italy face their Under-21 Danish counterparts after a last-gasp 3-2 defeat to England, both of them friendlies.
“We’ll play with 4-3-3 again tomorrow. In terms of our characteristics, it is probably the best system for the midfielders and wingers.”
Are Italy among the favourites for the European Under-21 Championships in 2017?
“It depends on who comes along, as I have to talk to Ventura first. I want players who are motivated and really hungry to win the tournament.
“If players who have gone to the senior squad play there regularly, I don’t think it’s a good idea for them to drop back. Alessio Romagnoli is playing very well, Federico Bernardeschi is with Ventura regularly too.
“If Manuel Locatelli emerges, then we’ll keep an eye on him.”