New Italy boss Antonio Conte has told midfielders Andrea Pirlo and Marco Verratti that the two of them will be fighting for one place in his Italy side.
Conte makes his competitive debut tonight, as Italy face Norway in a Euro 2016 qualifier. Pirlo, who played under Conte at Juventus last season has prolonged his international career, but will now have to fight for a place with Paris Saint Germain's Verratti, who Conte has described as 'similar'.
The Italy boss has made his intention to play Roma's Daniele De Rossi very clear, but is unsure on who will join him in what is likely to be a three man midfield.
Speaking in a press conference on the eve of Italy's trip to Norway, Conte had this to say:
“Yes it is true, a midfield of De Rossi, Pirlo and Verratti is too much. I see De Rossi as in the team because he has the ability to also play as a central defender.
“So when Pirlo returns, one between him and Verratti will come out as a central midfielder.”