Italy boss Antonio Conte hails debutante Mirko Valdifiori

Italy manager Antonio Conte has lavished praise on Mirko Valdifiori following the midfielder's impressive international debut in the 1-1 draw against England.

The Azzurri boss said that the 28-year-old Empoli star is a role model for players on the fringe of the international set-up with ambitions to make the step up.

"Valdifiori is the perfect example. I don't look at their curriculum; I look at who is doing well. Valdifiori deserved this call and deserves compliments for his performance, especially as it was his debut against England," he told Rai Sport.

"Pelle, Eder and Franco Vazquez all did well. Everyone honoured the Azzurri jersey tonight."

Italy took the lead in the first half through Southampton forward Graziano Pelle, with England hitting back in the second period when Andros Townsend found the net.