Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio believes that new signing Emanuele Giaccherini will emerge into "one of the best players in this league".
The 28-year-old, who arrived from Juventus this summer, was part of the Black Cats team that recorded a 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in a pre-season clash on Wednesday.
"I'm sure Giaccherini will impress everybody. There is no doubt about his technical quality. But a player has to change his mentality completely to play here," Di Canio told reporters at a press conference.
"English football is one of the more difficult leagues in the world - there are many more tackles, fixture congestion and playing in the winter. But I was sure about his attitude and desire to come to England. When you sign a foreign player I want to know if he loves English football and if he has a desire to understand English football and integrate himself in English life."
"Giaccherini is a fantastic lad and will be one of the best players in this league. He's a very humble guy but he is one of the best players in one of the best national teams in the world."
Giaccherini is a regular with the Italian national team.
