Roma coach Rudi Garcia says his priority is to protect prospect Daniele Verde

Roma coach Rudi Garcia has said that he wants to protect prospect Daniele Verde, adding that the player must not be put under huge amounts of pressure.

Verde, 18, put in an excellent performance on his Giallorossi debut in Serie A, assisting both goals in a 2-1 win away to Cagliari.

"Verde is 18-years-old, he has to be given time to grow," Garcia said to Forza Italian Football.

"It is not a good thing to put too much pressure on him."

Verde has scored one goal in three appearances for the Italian Under-19 national side, and has appeared three times for Roma's first team.