Carlo Ancelotti: 'Marco Verratti is Andrea Pirlo's successor for Italy'

Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti has hailed playmaker Marco Verratti and believes that he is the new Andrea Pirlo for the Italy national team.

The 19-year-old joined PSG from Pescara in the summer and has already established himself as an important player in the Parisian club's lineup.

Verratti made his international debut for Italy against England in Bern in a friendly international in August, and Ancelotti backs him for future success with the Azzurri.

"Italy can relax for the next World Cup, as they already have an alternative to Pirlo in midfield and his name is Marco Verratti," Ancelotti is quoted as saying by La Corriere dello Sport.

PSG are away at Bastia in Ligue 1 on Saturday.