Italy coach Roberto Mancini has described Chelsea and Juventus target Sandro Tonali as ‘incredibly gifted’ ahead of the Azzurri’s UEFA Nations League meeting with Portugal on Saturday.
Tonali, who has emerged as a potential target for both Chelsea and Juventus this term, was called up to the Italy national team for the fixtures against Portugal and USA during the international break.
The 18-year-old has drawn comparisons with Andrea Pirlo due to his playing style and excellent form with Brescia in Serie B so far this season.
Tonali has scored a goal and registered four assists from his 11 appearances in Italy’s second tier this season, and is increasingly looking like a big prospect, with a number of clubs keeping a close eye on his development.
Mancini, who decided to call up the youngster to the senior squad this month, described Tonali as incredibly gifted and admitted that he is looking forward to working with him in the next few days.
"I want to stress again that he's incredibly gifted and has clear margins for growth”, Mancini told reporters in a press conference.
"I'll get to know him better over the next few days."
Tonali, who is believed to be valued in the region of €35m, has a contract with Brescia that expires in 2021.
