Five young strikers chasing their first Italy cap

Date: 17th February 2012 at 11:06am
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Roberto Baggio, Francesco Totti, Alessandro Del Piero, Filippo Inzaghi. The list of world class strikers who’ve come out of Italy in the past is long enough to rival any nation’s. And, I’m pleased to report, the attaccante production line is showing no sign of slowing down. I’ve compiled five strikers yet to don the famous Azzurri, but whose debuts are certainly on the horizon.

Fabio Borini, 20, Roma (on loan from Parma)

The former Chelsea reserves captain showed his class in a loan spell at Swansea in the second half of last season, helping the Jacks win promotion to the Premier League, netting six times in twelve games. Despite the impressive spell in Wales, few thought his career in Italian football would take off in quite the manner it has. Brought back to his homeland by Parma, Bologna-born Borini had barely enough time to unpack his bags before being shipped off to Roma on loan.

Now, having put in a string of impressive performances for the Giallorossi and scoring six times since the start of the season – including a brace against Inter, it seems likely that Borini won’t be heading back north to the Gialloblù. He’s a player who can fit nicely into Roma’s system, able to spearhead the attack or drift in from the flank. As part of the loan deal, Roma have the option to sign the 20-year-old on a permanent deal for €7 million, and, quite frankly, they’d be mad not to.

Stephan El Shaarawy, 19, AC Milan

Former Genoa striker Stephan El Shaarawy has recently been given a chance in the Milan first team, thanks to the eternally injured Alex Pato and the long-term absence of Antonio Cassano. He’s been a highlight of a somewhat difficult start to the season for Milan, bagging four goals.

A skilful, pacey player with a superb shot, El Shaarawy is also capable of playing deeper and fashioning chances for others, and has often been used off the bench this season by Max Allegri. He’s an exciting player with great talent, helping Padova to the Serie B promotion playoff finals last season, only for the Venetian club to be beaten by Novara.

Mattia Destro, 20, Siena (on loan from Genoa)

With Genoa signing Alberto Gilardino from Fiorentina recently, they’ve bolstered their attacking force. But, had they not let Mattia Destro go on loan to Siena at the start of the season, they may not have had to, as the former Inter striker has proved to be a key attacking force alongside veteran Emanuele Calaio.

Destro, a more traditional goalscorer who’s good in the air, quick and has a rocket shot, has scored five times this campaign, and will prove crucial in Siena’s battle against relegation. Il Grifone will be licking their lips at the prospect of Destro returning from his loan spell, Inter on the other hand may be ruing his €4.5 million sale.

Alberto Paloschi, 22, Chievo (on loan from AC Milan)

It seems a lifetime ago since Alberto Paloschi made his first professional appearance.  It was five years ago, but he is still a relatively young striker (born in 1990) chasing his first full cap for the Azzurri.

Paloschi has made over 20 appearances for the Azzurrini, but needs to improve his scoring record this season if he wants to catch the attention of Cesare Prandelli. He’s netted four times for Chievo this term, and whilst he’s certainly a capable striker, he’s yet to prove he has what it takes to make the step up to playing for the Rossoneri and the full national side.

Lorenzo Insigne, 20, Pescara (on loan from Napoli)

‘Il Messi dell’Adriatico’ Lorenzo Insigne has a goalscoring record enough to get anyone excited. Unsurprisingly yet to get a chance at his parent club Napoli considering their strike force, Insigne has spent the last few seasons out on loan in the lower divisions. He had a successful 2010-11 at Foggia, scoring 19 times throughout the season.

This year, he’s at Pescara in Serie B, and has scored nine times, helping the club to third place and a genuine chance of promotion to the top flight. At just 164 cm tall, Insigne is equally able to craft chances for others as scoring himself, using his pace and footwork to beat defenders before converting with a deadly accurate shot.

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4 responses to “Five young strikers chasing their first Italy cap”

  1. Il Mister says:

    Lorenzo Insigne could be absolutely phenomenal…

  2. Jack Sargeant says:

    Agreed. Looks astonishingly good. Reminds me of Giovinco, but could be much better than the Atomic Ant

  3. Rory Hanna says:

    Very interesting read Jack, as are all your articles. I’m especially excited about El Shaarawy, he looks just the player the Azzurri need.
    I don’t think Paloschi has quite the talent to break into the national team, but it’s not too late.

  4. Jack Sargeant says:

    Thanks a lot Rory! I agree about Paloschi, I’m certain he’ll make a decent Serie A striker at a team like Chievo (like Sergio Pellisier I suppose) but I agree, I don’t think he’s quite good enough for Milan/international football. As you say though, he’s still only 22 and there’s more than enough time for him to prove his worth.