8 – Mauro German Camoranesi
An oriundo of Argentinean origin (sweetly echoing the great Luis Monti), Mauro Camoranesi was one of those specialist players who happened to be in the right place at the right time.
A traditional winger with a modern physique, Camoranesi took part in all of Italy’s international tournaments from 2004 to 2010, and was quite anonymous in most, but truly great in one. The year 2006 found him in his prime, and at a time when the Azzurri were rather short of wingers. He answered the call magnificently.
Camoranesi had excellent technique, good durability and a remarkable acceleration, even if his temperament was a little too hot for his own good. He could be trusted with taking care of the right wing, and in an age rather bereft of natural wingers, he was probably the best man to have interpreted this role for the Azzurri – even if he never did anything truly decisive.
One great tournament and three ho-hum ones is still better than four straight good ones, when it leads to winning the trophy, and he got too many call-ups not to be considered among Italy’s most important midfielders.
