Former Italy coach Marcello Lippi is convinced by the quality of Atalanta midfielder Bryan Cristante.

Lippi says Cristante is Italy's best young player.

He said: “Italy always do their best when the chips are down, and they're not lacking in quality, despite the presence of foreigners.

“The only difference between now and my time is that young players are starters for their clubs.

“The Italian youngsters I like? Cristante. Every time I see him, he gets four or five chances to score, gets involved without the ball and uses his head.

“After him there's Pellegrini, Chiesa, Bernardeschi. Barella too, but he's less aggressive. There's also Caldara: I like how he expresses himself."