Roma and Italy legend Bruno Conti reserved the highest praise for Fiorentina’s Federico Chiesa. “I see the same desire to learn and spirit of sacrifice that I had.”
Chiesa turns 21 next month, but is already a Serie A veteran and pushing to become a regular starter for his country.
“He has all the quality to do well, because he is a genuine talent,” 1982 World Cup winner Conti told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Much like me, he can play on either flank depending on whether the Coach asks him to get to the by-line and cross or pull back inside and try for a shot. In order to do that, you need your basic technique to be flawless.
“That’s not even taking into account that Chiesa has a great eye for goal and is physically strong, which enables him to switch gears quickly from defence to attack.
“In my day, the maestro Nils Liedholm would hold us back after training and get us to kick the ball against a wall. That would improve our technique on both feet.
“I see in Chiesa the same desire to learn and spirit of sacrifice that I had, along with players like Franco Causio and Claudio Sala.”