Di Canio: Garnacho ‘not’ a Napoli starter, Walker ‘strangely’ improved under Guardiola

Former Serie A and West Ham striker Paolo Di Canio feels Alejandro Garnacho would not be a starter at Napoli, while Kyle Walker ‘strangely’ improved under Pep Guardiola, becoming a top player for Milan.

The last two weeks of the winter transfer window have begun, and several Premier League players have been linked with a move to Serie A.

Napoli have identified Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho as the ideal replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who has joined PSG for over €70m.

The Partenopei are reportedly ready to invest €60m in the Argentinean winger, but Di Canio feels his huge transfer fee would not make him an immediate starter at the Stadio Maradona.

Di Canio: Garnacho ‘not’ a Napoli starter, Walker ‘strangely’ improved under Guardiola

“Right now, he would not be a starter. I always say whoever comes from there [Premier League] can play with their eyes closed,” the former striker told Sky Sport Italia.

“Garnacho is explosive but still has many things to learn. He’s been a [Manchester United] starter for three years, but Conte sees him as a signing for the future after three years at Manchester United. The other one [David Neres] would play initially, especially now.”

Another Premier League star linked with Serie A is Manchester City defender Walker, who is close to joining Milan on loan.

Di Canio feels Walker would not play in central defence at San Siro, not even if new coach Sergio Conceiçao switches to a three-man defence.

“It’s not his role. He’s not focused inside the box,” said the ex-striker.

“Honestly, he has improved so much over the years. You could see his physicality at Tottenham, but he was not disciplined defensively. Strangely, with Manchester City, and I say strangely because Guardiola does not work too much on the defensive line, he has improved so much, becoming a really strong player.”