Juventus defender Nicolò Savona is thrilled following his first Italy call-up and admits facing Jérémy Doku in the Nations League would be an ‘excellent test.’
Versatile Juventus defender Savona has earned his first Italy call-up for Nations League games against Belgium and France in November.
A product of the Juventus academy, Savona has made his senior debut under Thiago Motta this season and has already scored two goals with the Bianconeri.
He has crossed paths with Giorgio Chiellini at Juventus as the ex-defender has recently returned to the club as a director.
“He’s given me advice; the primary one was to keep the same humility to reach great professional targets,” Savona said at a press conference on Tuesday, as quoted by TMW.
“Technically, he told me to improve in every training and work hard.”
Savona, 19, comes from Valle D’Aosta, a region of northwest Italy bordered by France and Switzerland, and football wasn’t the only sport he played as a kid.
“My home is near ski slopes, and I did a few races as a kid,” he said.
“However, when I was 10, I had to choose between football and skiing, and I chose football because I didn’t like skiing that much.”
Savona has been deployed as a right-back at Juventus, but he can also play in a three-man defence, making him suitable for Italy’s new 3-5-2 system.
“It’s important to cover many roles nowadays,” he said.
“I can attack and defend, and last season, I mostly played defender in a three-man defence. I can cover both roles, and I think this is an advantage.
“I must maintain my humility and work hard. I must not lose these qualities and will try to remain as I am.”
Savona said he was delighted with Spalletti’s welcome at Coverciano and briefly spoke about Italy’s upcoming games.
“[Plyaing] Italy-France at San Siro would be nice, but being here is already a great emotion. Facing Belgium’s Doku would be an excellent test,” he concluded.
Savona has scored two goals in 14 appearances in all competitions this season with Juventus.
Later today, the Azzurri will train at Coverciano behind closed doors and tomorrow, they’ll fly to Belgium, where they’ll face the Red Devils on Thursday, November 14