APPIANO GENTILE – New Italy manager Giampiero Ventura is confident the Azzurri's future is bright despite having fewer options to choose from than his predecessors.
The former Torino coach, who replaced Antonio Conte as national team boss in July, outlined his views on the next generation of Italy players when he visited Inter's training ground in Appiano Gentile today.
Speaking exclusively to Inter Channel, Ventura explained: "There aren't many Italians playing in Italy now compared to a few years ago. We need to be a bit patient and wait for the youngsters coming through to develop, and be thankful for the ones we do have. Inter have some interesting young players.
"I believe we still have lots of good young players but we need to give them time to improve technically and offer them the chance to use their talent. One bad game in Italy can ruin a youngster.
"We're looking to put together a core of players for the foreseeable future. Only one team qualifies directly for the World Cup and we're in a group with Spain but we know we can make it ours. It'll be an exciting group.
"Being coach of the national team is very different to coaching at club level. I spend very little time on the pitch now and instead do lots of travelling."