Italy coach Giampiero Ventura believes Marco Verratti is wasted in Ligue 1 because Paris Saint-Germain are "never put in difficulty".
The talented midfielder has been accused by some observers of lacking consistency, but he has been largely impressive this season since overcoming the persistent groin problem which wrecked his last campaign and forced him out of Euro 2016.
"I've said it before and I'll say it again; Verratti is absolutely a good thing for Italy," he told Sky Italia.
"The problem is that he doesn't play in Italy, but in France. The rhythms are different; the strength of his team is so high that he never gets put in difficulty.
"He must get used to putting 100 per cent into matches."
Another player destined to be in the Italy reckoning for years to come is 17-year-old AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and Ventura is confident the teenager is set for "greatness".
"The talk around Donnarumma is the same as when [Gianluigi] Buffon started," Ventura added.
"They're players who, without wanting to increase the pressure, are pre-destined for greatness thanks to their technical, physical and mental quality.
"With Donnarumma it's not his saves, but the calm he transmits when he plays."
