Arrigo Sacchi feels that Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi must replicate his form and style of play for Italy going forward.
The former AC Milan coach gave his thoughts on the 24-year-old midfielder in his column in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
It has become a widely-understood fact that Frattesi is more of an established starter for Italy than for Inter.
The 24-year-old has been regularly featuring for the Azzurri since he was at Sassuolo.
After establishing himself in Serie A with the Neroverdi, Frattesi started winning the trust of then-Italy coach Roberto Mancini.
And under Mancini’s successor Luciano Spalletti, Frattesi has become even more important.
The Inter midfielder is the player who seems to set the tone for Italy’s direct, high-intensity style of play.
Frattesi is a midfielder who usually looks to drive at opposition defenses from midfield.
The 24-year-old is not a methodical player. He will look to take risks with his runs, whether with or without the ball.
Sacchi: “Davide Frattesi Needs To Do This More”
Frattesi’s greatest impact has tended to come in the final third.
The 24-year-old has been the player who arrives into the final third and wreaks havoc on opposition defenses.
That has been the case at Sassuolo, for Italy, and in Frattesi’s highest-impact substitute appearances for Inter.
Sacchi analyzed Italy’s display against France on Friday. “These young guys showed that they play all over the pitch, they’re capable of causing problems for the opposition.”
“I saw a lot of compactness between the lines,” he writes of Italy’s wins over France. “And the players continuously helping each other out.”
“Frattesi should be used in that role,” the former Milan and Italy coach argues.
“He’s a very good attacking player, and that’s how he has to play. He understands the game, and how to move based on where his teammates are.”
