The young centre-forward is now a crucial member of Italy coach Rino Gattuso's squad.
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And Juventus legend Buffon told DAZN: "He will be a step above anything you think he can be because I was lucky enough to be with him and to see him move on and off the pitch, and in the locker room.
"He's a professional, he has a humility, a determination, a desire to learn, and an enthusiasm for being part of the team that I've seen in very few.
"More than just a player, he's a special guy. He'll be at least one step above what you think."