Sandro Tonali has been called my heir but we don't have much in common, claims Andrea Pirlo

The 20-year-old made his debut in the 2017/18 season in Italy’s Serie B with him finishing the season with 19 appearances to his name. That only ensured his talent to the club with the world soon finding out about Andrea Pirlo’s supposed heir in Tonali’s second season. His value only grew as Brescia qualified for the Serie A and got promoted with his Serie A debut coming this season.

But despite Brescia’s struggles this season, few players in the Italian top tier have been as good as Tonali with the midfielder adapting brilliantly. That has seen a few heavily linked with a move including Juventus and Inter Milan both interested in Tonali and that they happen to be Pirlo’s former clubs is a fact not lost on anyone.

Yet, the 2006 World Cup winner has admitted that while many liken Tonali to him, the 20-year-old has turned out to be a much more complete player. Pirlo also added that he doesn’t see too many things in common between him and the 20-year-old but believes that Tonali has everything he needs to thrive and become a great player.

"It is said that he may be my heir, but I don't see many things in common. He is another type of player. He is much more complete both in the defensive phase and when he sets up. He is a mix between my characteristics and those of other players. He is the most promising of midfielders. He will surely become a great player," Pirlo said in an Instagram live chat with Nicolo De Devitiis.