Italy manager Roberto Mancini claims his country have "at least four or five" players of England star Jude Bellingham's ilk - but don't give them enough opportunities.
The Azzurri boss, who famously beat Gareth Southgate's Three Lions in final of Euro 2020 and recently condemned them to relegation in the Nations League, has criticised Italian clubs for not allowing young players blessed with 19-year-old Bellingham's ability to play top-level football in their formative years. The English sensation made his debut for boyhood club Birmingham City only 38 days after his 16th birthday and has spent the past three seasons excelling for Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.
Bellingham's progression is not only down to his talent and maturity, but also the great opportunities which the gifted midfielder been afforded in England and Germany. Mancini, who'll meet Southgate and Co. again in March as part of qualifying for Euro 2024, recognises that fact and has urged clubs in his native Serie A to be more willing to play Italian hotshots on the biggest stage.
