Current Italy Under-19 manager and former Lazio youth coach, Alberto Bollini, has recounted his time with recent Sampdoria signing Keita Balde, describing him as a "natural talent".
The 25-year Senegal international temporarily joined the Blucerchiati from Monaco which will make it his third stint in Italy in his senior career, having previously played for Lazio and most recently Inter Milan, last season on loan.
Balde’s career began as a youth with Barcelona and after eight years he joined the Biancocelesti as a 17-year old in 2012, spending a season with the youth squad before going on to make 137 competitive appearances over a four-year period, scoring 31 goals and providing 22 assists.