The Inter midfielder has received high praise, with one of Italy's key players suggesting he could fill his boots for the national team
Italy midfield stalwart Daniele De Rossi believes promising Inter youngster Roberto Gagliardini could be his "heir" and a "pillar" of the national team for years to come.
De Rossi is widely expected to bring his international career to a close after the 2018 World Cup, with the 33-year-old previously revealing he had originally planned to call it quits after Euro 2016.
On that occasion the squad's "astonishing dynamic" persuaded the Roma star to reverse his decision, but he will turn 35 just after next year's World Cup ends.