Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has hailed Paris Saint-Germain teenager Marco Verratti and thinks that he can become one of the best midfielders in the world.
Prandelli claims that the 19-year-old is mature for his age and that this is only going to help him in his career.
"He can become one of the best midfielders in Europe, but he needs international experience first," he told French website Zonemixte.fr.
"The strange thing is that we're happy no Italian clubs signed him because that way the lad can gain international experience in France and in the Champions League.
"He is a talent who perhaps should have been protected and dealt with differently. I am happy for him, as he has great character for someone so young."
Verratti joined PSG from Pescara in the summer.