Italy coach Giampiero Ventura believes Marco Verratti is wasted in Ligue 1 because Paris Saint-Germain are "never put in difficulty".

The talented midfielder has been accused by some observers of lacking consistency, but he has been largely impressive this season since overcoming the persistent groin problem which wrecked his last campaign and forced him out of Euro 2016.

Ventura has already declared his admiration for the former Pescara youngster and appears intent on building his Italy team around the 24-year-old after succeeding Antonio Conte.

But the 68-year-old hinted he believes Verratti would be better off returning to Serie A due to an apparent lack of competitiveness in Ligue 1.

That is despite the fact PSG are three points behind leaders Nice after dropping points in four league matches already this season.

"I've said it before and I'll say it again; Verratti is absolutely a good thing for Italy," he told Sky Italia.

"The problem is that he doesn't play in Italy, but in France. The rhythms are different; the strength of his team is so high that he never gets put in difficulty.

"He must get used to putting 100 per cent into matches."