Former AC Milan midfielder Stefano Eranio believes Stephan El Shaarawy needs a change of role.

Eranio, now youth coach with Genoa, says the striker should be dropped into midfield.

"At the start of last season, El Shaarawy showed all of his qualities by dragging his team forward in a moment of difficulty," Eranio told Tuttosport.

"Then he got lost a bit because perhaps he didn't feel the faith of the environment and everything he was attempting didn't come off.

"I think that affected him in the closing stages of the championship and that is without taking into account his technical characteristics.

"I think he would be more suited to playing in a midfield role rather than as a wide striker. Anyhow, I think this could be the season of his consecration."