Casadei looks to Maldini, Pisilli and Gabbia as he chases Italy ‘dream’ | OneFootball

Italy talent Cesare Casadei admits he must ‘deserve’ a senior Italy call-up with ‘hard work’ and humility: ‘It’s everyone’s dream…’

The Chelsea midfielder released an interview with Tuttosport newspaper on Tuesday after being called up by Italy U21 coach Carmine Nunziata for the October break.

Casadei was the U20 World Cup top scorer and best player last year and helped the Azzurrini reach the Final against Uruguay.

“I only won the silver medal, I would have swapped individual awards for the gold one,” he said.

Casadei looks to Maldini, Pisilli and Gabbia as he chases Italy ‘dream’

“Italy have never won an U20 World Cup and it means so much to us. Unfortunately, Uruguay were more aggressive than us in the La Plata Final, and the entire crowd supported them.”

Casadei has recently started two cup games for Chelsea and has one goal in nine appearances with Italy U21.

“Every Italian player dreams of playing for the national team, but you have to deserve it with hard work and humility,” he said.

“Now, I play for the U21, and I look to Pisilli, Gabbia and Daniel Maldini, who Spalletti has called up for the first time.”

During the same interview, Casadei also explained why he remained at Chelsea last summer and Enzo Maresca’s role in his decision.