Paris St Germain midfielder Marco Verratti says that he will have big shoes to fill when he takes his position in the starting line-up against Bulgaria in a Euro 2016 qualifying matches and against England in a friendly match.

Due to the absence of Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi, manager Antonio Conte is expected to use the young Italian in his place.Verratti has been in spectacular form for PSG this season. He was major reason behind the club knocking out Chelsea and reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Even though he will miss the first leg due to suspension,Verratti’s contributions have not gone unnoticed.

At just 22 years of age,Verratti is seen as the future of Italian football. This is because Pirlo is coming to the end of his international career at almost 35, while De Rossi’s chances are expected to be reduced if he moves to the MLS in the summer. The Roma midfielder has constantly been linked with clubs in North America, although he has repeatedly stated that he would like to retire at Roma. The Italian club has nowhere been near its best to the season and this could spark a move elsewhere.Verratti says that he should grab this opportunity with both hands.

“I know I am not the best in the national team. Ahead of me there are great champions that have won everything.When Pirlo and De Rossi are here, it’s normal that they play. I will always try to be available for the national team but I need to earn my place.A young player always has to give more because it’s normal that a coach points on experience rather than youth. I will not consider it a tragedy if I don’t play once Pirlo returns,” said the PSG midfielder.