Pirlo still key to Italy midfield - Verratti

Marco Verratti says his display against Azerbaijan in
Euro 2016 qualifying will not signal the end of Andrea
Pirlo's Italy career.

Marco Verratti has played down suggestions he is set to
replace Andrea Pirlo at the heart of Italy's midfield despite a
starring role in Azerbaijan on Saturday.

The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder shone in the 3-1 Group H
victory in Baku, creating the opening goal for Eder with a
sublime assist.

Verratti stepped into the centre of midfield for the clash –which
secured Italy's place at Euro 2016 – after Pirlo was ruled out
with a hamstring injury sustained in training.

After the display Verratti was mentioned as Pirlo's potential
successor within Antonio Conte's squad, but he says the 36-
year-old still has a part to play with the national team.

"There is no inheritance to collect," he told La Gazzetta dello
Sport. "Pirlo is here, he is the most important player in this
group. We need to make the most of what he brings for as long
as we can.

"I do make the most of it. We speak often and he helps me even
when we don't speak. It's enough just for me to watch him play.

"This wasn't about taking on his mantle or taking control of the
team."