Federico Chiesa has been predicted as a potential Ballon d’Or winner after his sensational display for Italy at this summer’s Euro 2020.
That is according to former Barcelona sporting director Ariedo Braida, who believes that Chiesa could capture France Football’s coveted award if he “keeps improving.”
Chiesa played in every match at the Euros under Roberto Mancini and scored twice en route to Italy beating England on penalties in the final at Wembley.
Juventus signed the 23-year-old Italian winger in 2020 from Fiorentina on a two-year loan deal, with the option to make the move permanent for £36m.
Chiesa made 46 appearances for the Old Lady last season and scored 15 times and picked up 11 assists across all competitions.
The Fiorentina loanee has reportedly been subject to huge bids from Premier League sides Chelsea and Liverpool this summer.
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Now, Braida has tipped a bright future for Chiesa after securing major silverware with Italy at Euro 2020.
“He’s already won the Euros with Italy, so if he keeps improving like this, Chiesa can have ambitions to win the Ballon d’Or in future, too,” he told Tuttosport.
Chiesa’s Italy teammate Jorginho has insisted that he deserves to win the 2021 Ballon d’Or after lifting silverware for both club and country.
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Both Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola and Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri have backed the 29-year-old Italian midfielder to capture the award.
However, Jorginho faces a tough challenge for the Ballon d’Or from heavy favourite Lionel Messi, who led Argentina to the Copa America title this summer.
Braida has argued that Jorginho or even Italy hero Gianluigi Donnarumma should win France Football’s sought-after prize.
“Jorginho has won more than anyone else, thanks to that brace of the Champions League and Euros, so I’d give it to him or Gianluigi Donnarumma,” he said.
“Having said that, Lionel Messi is always Messi and has to be taken into consideration.”
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