The Italians are wary of Chelsea striker of Nigerian descent Dominic Solanke ahead of Thursday's game against England in the semifinal of the 2017 Fifa U20 World Cup.

The Young Lions qualified for the last four after beating Mexico 1-0 courtesy of Solanke's strike two minutes into the second half, and Inter Milan defender Federico Dimarco says the Liverpool-bound player has to be stopped.

''We’re expecting a difficult match because the English have developed and they have one of the most promising players in Solanke with them,'' Dimarco said to the official website of the Italian Federation.

''I’m sure that our centre-backs will know how to take him on and as with yesterday, we are boosted by our group spirit and friendship after spending a lot of time together in the youth teams.

''Many of us have played together since the Under-15 National Team and this is the secret of our great understanding.''

Six Nigerian talents Dominic Solanke, Fikayo Tomori, Tammy Abraham, Josh Onomah, Sheyi Ojo and Ademola Lookman tasted action in 2016 when England lost 2-1 to tomorrow's opponents in the semifinal of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : thefa.com