Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti has lavished praise on Juventus’ Andrea Pirlo, saying that it will be very difficult for the Italian national team to replace the stalwart once he retires.
The duo have been called up by Italian national team manager Antonio Conte for Italy's Euro 2016 qualifier against Bulgaria scheduled to be played on Saturday and then their friendly against England on 31st March.
The long-serving Pirlo has made over 100 appearances for the national team, winning the 2006 World Cup in the process.
And 22-year-old Verratti has been tipped to be the replacement for Pirlo in his deep-lying playmaker role in the national team, once the veteran retires from international football.
However, Verratti is aware of the difficulty in replacing a player of Pirlo’s calibre. And the youngster has no qualms in sitting on the bench if it means the 35-year-old can spend a few more years at the heart of the Azzurri midfield.
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“It's very difficult to replace someone like Pirlo", Verratti was quoted as saying by the BBC.
“He's a true champion and once he's ready to come back it won't be a tragedy if I go back to sitting on the bench.
“Even though we could play together at times.”
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