Marcelo Lippi’s current Italian squad has been criticised by several soccer pundits as being too old. The Italian team is undoubtedly old, with 30-year old Vincenzo Iaquinta, 31 year-old Andrea Pirlo, 32 year olds Gianluigi Buffon, Gennaro Guttuso, and Antonio Di Natale, 33 year-olds Mauro Camoranesi and Gianluca Zambrotta, and 36-year old Fabio Cannavaro all likely to have to be replaced by Lippi or Azzuri’s next manager by the Brazilian World Cup in 2014.
Lorenzo De Silvestri Defender (Fiorentina) Aged 22
De Silvestri, a former full back for Lazio, is slightly over six feet tall. When he moved to Fiorentina in 2009, De Silvestri came into his own in the form that served him in representing Italy from U16 to U21. De Silvestri’s power as a fullback may end up earning him a position on the national team in place of Zambrotta.
Davide Santon Defender (Inter) Aged 19
Able to play down either flank, Santon is a hugely talented young defender who made 28 appearances for Inter this season as well as five appearances already for the Azzuri. Santon’s energy is boundless; his energy on the pitch has earned him a comparison to Paolo Maldini by Italian head coach Marcelo Lippi. We can expect to see the immensely talented Santon in the Italy’s next few squads for major finals events.
Mario Balotelli (Striker) (Inter) Aged 19
Mario Batelli, though prone to fights and poor sportsmanship, may be one of the best attackers or wingers wearing the Italy soccer merchandise in upcoming games. Batelli’s run-ins with both fans and management only serve to distract from his excellent record: the player scored twenty goals in 59 games and notched 6 and 16 for the U21 Italian set. We can expect to see Batelli at the 2012 Euro qualifiers because Italy is going to need a brand new look strike force.
Federico Macheda (Striker) (Man Utd) Aged 18
Although he has yet to make the first team on a regular basis at Old Trafford, the signs are promising that Manchester United’s talented striker could have a big 2010-2011 season and perhaps even force his way into the thoughts of the Azzuri management team. Macheda’s strength as a striker coupled with his intelligence gives him a boost in scoring goals. Particularly good with his back to goal, he has already been capped at U21 level for Italy and if he can start to make a bigger impact in the United first team, full honours should soon follow.
Antonio Candreva (Midfielder) Udinese Aged 23
Finding a replacement for Andrea Pirlo may be the Italian sides greatest challenge in the next few years and one possible replacement could be Candreva. The Udinese midfielder follows in the footsteps of Pirlo’s creative play, owning any position on the midfield.
