DAVIDE Grassi insists he can fill the void at Aberdeen FC left by Sone Aluko – after learning how to play in midfield from one of the game’s greats.

Grassi is traditionally a defender, but with Aluko away at the Under-20 World Cup with Nigeria, the Aberdeen FC star could again be on the wing tonight at Dundee.

The Italian was given his football education at Parma, at a time when the club was flooded with top talent.

While at the Ennio Tardini Stadium, after finishing his own training session, a young Grassi would study the first team in action.

It was there he watched Argentine ace Juan Sebastian Veron up close, offering valuable insight in how to play in midfield.

Grassi said: “When I was young at Parma, I went to see the first team training.

“There were good, attacking players I was able to learn from like Hernan Crespo and Enrico Chiesa.

“When I was very young, Tino Asprilla was there.

“In midfield, Veron was the big name.

“Veron is not the same type of player as Sone, but he is a good passer and crosses the ball well. I like him as a player. I learned a lot.”

With Aluko now away in Egypt for up to a month, Grassi was handed the chance to impress in the weekend win against St Mirren.

Dons boss Mark McGhee moved Aluko to the right-wing, giving Grassi his opportunity to stake a claim for the berth on the opposite flank.

The 23-year-old may be more used to playing in defence, but having spent time in training at Parma trying to stop the likes of Italian international forward Alberto Gilardino, Grassi knows what it takes to be successful going forward.

No more cup shame games for Aberdeen FC