Simone Pepe: Florenzi will be Totti’s heir

Chievo's Simone Pepe has hailed Alessandro Florenzi as the man most likely to become Roma's inspiration when Totti moves on.

Pepe, who started his career at Roma, experienced the influence that Il Capitano had on the Roman side.

"I grew up at Roma, with the myth of Francesco Totti, and I went into two training camps with him," he told Il Messaggero. "It astounds me that some people are still surprised by his quality.

"His goal ratio in the last period is as extraordinary as he is. I had the privilege of 'living' Francesco and of playing together with [Alessandro] Del Piero. We're talking about champions with an innate talent."

The 32-year-old winger also gave his opinion on highly-rated central midfielder Florenzi, who at the age of 25 has already made 136 appearances for The Giallorossi.

"He is a leader, the worthy heir to Totti and [Daniele] De Rossi, especially now that he's beginning to wear the captain's armband," Pepe added.

"Being versatile, if you can use that to your advantage like Alessandro does, is an advantage."

Just like Francesco Totti, Florenzi was a product of the Roma youth academy, making his first-team debut in 2011 – coming on as a substitute for Totti.

A breaf loan spell at Crotone interrupted his time in Rome, but after returning a year later the player has been one of the first names on the teamsheet.