Monza midfielder Stefano Sensi has hailed Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi as the best he's played for.

Sensi worked with De Zerbi at Sassuolo.

He told Il Corriere della Sera: "He's the manager I'm closest to for the freedom and availability he granted me: his way of playing was perfect for my characteristics.

"We'll talk again, from a human and footballing point of view he gave me a lot. It is no coincidence that the first call-up to the national team came with him."

Sensi also played for Tottenham manager Antonio Conte at Inter Milan.

He continued: "Conte instead on a tactical and intensity level he allowed me to take a further step. He believed in me and it wasn't obvious that a team like Inter would buy a midfielder from Sassuolo.

"The Nerazzurri have a quality squad, but this year Napoli remain the big favourites. Direct clashes will be fundamental."