Former Inter goalkeeper Walter Zenga has spoken in glowing terms about Inter duo Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella ahead of Italy vs North Macedonia, according to a report in the Italian media today.
Speaking during an interview with Corriere dello Sport, Walter Zenga was asked about how the absence of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci will affect Italy in the World Cup qualification playoff.
Whilst he recognises how important the two Juventus centre backs are, he has faith in Gianluca Mancini and Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni to offer some defensive guarantees for the future.
“Their absence will be extraordinarily important, but sooner or later these absences will be there forever. They are not eternal and they will stop playing. Gianluca Mancini and Alessandro Bastoni can do well and give guarantees for the future.”
Inter’s midfield is at a point where it mostly picks itself and it is likely to be Inter’s Nicolo Barella, Chelsea’s Jorginho and Paris Saint Germain’s Marco Verratti in the middle of the park.
Walter Zenga thinks that all three of them are top players, saying: “They are three incredible top players and above all they have the habit of playing in important clubs every three days.
“Verratti can be a key factor because against Macedonia we will have to manage the moments, not to lose balance if there is a bad spell.”
Many are concerned for the playoff phase but the former Inter goalkeeper has total confidence in Italy.
“Of course I am optimistic. I keep repeating what I have been saying for some time, that Italy will go to Qatar and maybe even win the World Cup.”
