Italy CT Roberto Mancini believes Giovanni Di Lorenzo will be “a future international” and that Lorenzo Insigne should defend less for Napoli.
Di Lorenzo and Insigne helped Napoli beat Champions League holders Liverpool 2-0 midweek, and Mancini says the success of the Italian contingent at the San Paolo bodes well for the national team.
“I was struck by Napoli’s attacking spirit, which is also what I want from my Italy,” he told Il Mattino.
“At the start, when I saw the players line up, I thought Carlo could have problems with all those forwards on the pitch.
“Instead, it didn’t go that way and [Napoli] won deservedly. It was a game where if you concede goals you win, but if you concede them you lose. It was a clash of bravery, which Carlo won.
“Insigne always did well with Italy, but he’s also decisive for Napoli. His role for me is left winger.
“He’s an attacking player and he must try to defend a little less so he doesn’t waste any energy.
“I know Di Lorenzo. I didn’t call him to our training camps at Coverciano last year by chance. I don’t need to watch him play to become aware of his worth.
“He has quality, he’s young and he needs to gain experience at certain levels, but I think he’ll be a future international.
“If Meret is with us, it’s because he has quality and maturity, and these Champions League matches are helping him grow quickly.
“He could’ve come into the squad a few months earlier, but we preferred to leave him with the Under-21 team.
“After Buffon left, we felt there would be a void. Instead, in that role, we have enough options and everyone gives us the guarantees we’re looking for.”
