Football
ESPN staff 7y

Marco Verratti not tested enough in France - Italy coach Giampiero Ventura

Italy coach Giampiero Ventura has criticised the standard of Ligue 1, insisting that Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti is not being tested enough in France.

Ventura has already hit out at MLS and his comment that he didn't call up Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco because he "plays in a league that doesn't count for much" drew criticism.

However, the 68-year-old has now claimed that Verratti would be better off returning to Serie A.

"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 percent into matches."

Verratti missed Euro 2016 through injury but has impressed domestically this season as PSG sit three points behind leaders Nice.

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