One of the players reportedly on Manchester City’s transfer radar produced a stunning display at Euro 2020 last night.
Manuel Locatelli featured for Italy against Switzerland at the Stadio Olimpico.
It was another wonderful display from the Azzurri under the management of ex-City boss Roberto Mancini.
The performance incorporated everything from pretty, attacking football to no-nonsense, solid defending.
Italy’s midfield was hugely impressive once again and arguably, Locatelli was the standout.
The Sassuolo star scored two absolutely brilliant goals.
The first he started with a quality volleyed pass out wide, before arriving late into the box to finish.
His second, a thumping left-footed strike from the edge of the area.
That was the first brace of his professional career, and he’ll do well to better it in terms of quality.
It wasn’t just his goals though that made it a fantastic performance.
Sofascore statistics indicate Locatelli was great in possession, completing 45/50 (90%) of his passes. He also made 3/4 long passes, and one key pass.
He also won 4/7 of his duels, and made two interceptions.
It was reported by The Telegraph in May that City had set their sights on Locatelli.
He is now showing to everybody why the Premier League champions are seemingly on his tail.
He appears to be a brilliant all-rounder and potentially, he would make for a fine long-term replacement for Fernandinho.
The latest reports (Daily Mail) are that the Brazilian is signing on for another year, but the club do need to put a succession plan in place.
