Italy manager Roberto Mancini has praised Leeds United youngster Wilfried Gnonto.

The 19-year-old has shown his quality in the Premier League after a summer move to the club.

Mancini, who advised Gnonto on the transfer, believes that other young Italians should take similar risks with their careers.

“Maybe. Gnonto is a young boy," he told TuttoMercatoWeb on selecting Gnonto for the Italy squad.

“No one has thought of signing him, but he plays as a starter in the Premier League and that's not a given at 19.

"He can still improve, and he's young. He has quality. I hope other young players can follow his example and go abroad to play. If they're good, then they play."