When major international football tournaments come around, Italy seem to be an ever-present challenger – regardless of the European nation’s form or team on paper.
The Azzurri seem to have a collective mental strength when competing in tournaments and as such the four-time World Cup winners should not be discounted at this summer’s competition in Brazil.
Cesare Prandelli’s current contingent may not be as star-studded as previous XI’s that have taken to the field, but there is no doubting that Italy have the ability to cause a shock or two this summer.
Over the years the Azzurri have had some world-class strikers in their midst. From Paolo Rossi to Roberto Baggio, Alessandro Del Piero to Filippo Inzaghi, Italy have always had a player leading their line that could strike fear into opposition backlines.
There is no shortage of strikers ready to take to the big stage in Brazil for Prandelli’s side, and selecting just who to take will be a major decision for the Italy coach.
A host of established stars will hold their hands up for inclusion, while a raft of young, talented-but-untested attackers are also waiting in the wings.
Mario Balotelli seems like a certainty to be included in the squad if available, despite his questionable temperament, but beyond that there are no real certainties.
Giuseppe Rossi looked to be getting back to his formidable best at Fiorentina earlier this term before cruelly being struck down with another serious injury – and now faces a race against time to be fit.
Alberto Gilardino was named in the last squad to take on Spain in a friendly fixture but is largely hot and cold, while a number of experienced wildcards exist. Fabio Quagliarella, Alessandro Matri, Antonio Cassano and even Luca Toni all could be brought in from the cold – while there are yet more that have been tested but failed to overly inspire.
Pablo Osvaldo’s record at national level is mediocre at best, Sebastian Giovinco nor Stephan El Shaarawy have not had game time at club level while Francesco Totti and Antonio Di Natale are surely now too old.
However, despite the sheer abundance of players that have been given their chance, a plethora of young stars are making their way in the game and should be in serious consideration to board the plane to Brazil.
Ciro Immobile has been a goalscoring hero for mid-table Torino this season and his link-up play with playmaker Alessio Cerci has been a joy to behold – both should be in the squad.
Lorenzo Insigne is immensely talented, with the diminutive attacker having characteristics similar to Del Piero or Totti – but is as yet untested. The 22-year-old could be a shrewd last man to call on if the Azzurri are in need of inspiration.
Mattia Destro has broken back into an impressive Roma side of late and has netted 10 goals in 11 Serie A starts for the Stadio Olimpico outfit.
Manolo Gabbiadini has been making strides at Sampdoria, while Domenico Berardi has been a revelation in his debut campaign in Serie A – scoring 12 goals for newly promoted Sassuolo.
Aged 24, 22, 23, 22 and 19, these five forwards have the class, skill and ability to fire Italy back into major contention. To date the five promising forwards have a mere eleven caps between them.
Every side goes through a period of transition and with lots of unconvincing options in attack, Italy seem ready to enter this phase.
With room for probably only four strikers in the contingent to Brazil, presuming Balotelli and Rossi take two of them the remaining spots should go to players with promise that have not yet been given their chance.
Forget Cassano, Gilardino and Osvaldo – their day is done. Prandelli should be brave; it is time for the likes of Immobile, Destro and Berardi to shine.
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