The biggest talents to look out for in Italy in the coming years

Date: 29th September 2022 at 7:51am
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The Italian national team has been in a semi-revolution of late. The successes of the old guard now look a distant memory, and the fans of the Azzurri can look forward to what the future holds based on the current crop of youth springing up daily.

Though the European giants are current holders of the Euros, their absences in the consecutive FIFA World Cups is a cause for concern, and this article aims to draw a list of potential stars for the Azzurri. You can now get a list of best bookies by Overlyzer, your reliable platform for football predictions.

Coach Roberto Mancini has overseen a steady but very visible transition from the old and rusty legs in the national team to more fluid and vibrant young players who can offer more to his team going forward.

However, this hasn’t come with some pitfalls. One of which has been their profligacy in front of goal. The Azzurri are not without some big names in attack, but for whatever reason, there is a dearth in goals. To put things into perspective, Ciro Immobile is the only Italian in the top eight of the goal standings for the Serie A. The striker is currently out injured and had to miss their last two fixtures.

New blood such as Samuele Ricci and Giacomo Raspadori are gradually staking a claim for themselves in the team with their impressive displays. The latter was single handedly responsible for the lone goal that downed the three lions in their penultimate UEFA Nations league fixture.

The Italians are known for their antique approach and selection of players, but if they are to get back to the glory days of old, surely a switch to the future could do no harm.

Here are some of the talents to watch out for in the Italian national team.

Giacomo Raspadori

The 22-year-old is fast becoming a hot sensation in Italy. His small frame allows him the ability to also play other attacking roles just as effectively as his preferred centre forward role.

The diminutive striker was called up to the Italian team Euro 2020 squad despite having no caps. Though he could only play one fixture in the tournament, he showed flashes of what he can do. He got his first Italian goal against Lithuania in a 5-0 rout.

He is currently on loan at Napoli from Sassuolo, and has been bright for his clubside in the opportunities afforded to him. He scored a wonderful goal some days ago to relegate the Three Lions of England and put Italy on course for a semifinal slot in the UEFA Nations League.

Raspadori is no doubt the future of Italian football, he can only get better from here.

Lorenzo Lucca

The tall forward cost his Serie B team, AC Pisa €2m to price him from the Serie D. Though he started the season very proficient, he has hit a snag and the goals have seemingly dried up. The towering forward is imperious aerially, and he has been likened to legendary Italian striker, Luca Toni.

Though he is yet to feature in the national team, his rise has been closely monitored and it could be only a matter of time.

Samuele Ricci

The 22-year-old midfielder was voted the best player in the Serie B last season, and since his signing for Torino he has been a revelation. Ricci is a blend of what the great Italian midfielders had and what they didn’t. He has the uncanny ability to pick wonderful passes, and slice open tight defences. His technical ability and awareness is also very high and will definitely be useful to the national team in a matter of years.

Nicolo Rovella

The 21-year-old defensive midfielder is quite tenacious and is always ready to stick a foot in to win the ball. His tenacity and aggression were quickly noticed by Juventus and they quickly paid a sizeable fee to secure him and loaned him back to Genoa. Though he has some work to do on his passing range and accuracy, he has all it takes to get to the highest level. He could be in the national team in a few years, if he continues to improve.

Wilfried Gnonto

The 18-year-old prodigy is such an exciting prospect for the Azzurri. He has already made his way into the national team after delivering strings of electric performances for his club. He recently joined Jesse Marsch at Leeds United, in what looks to be a perfect move for the youngster. The manager and the club is the perfect place for young players as game time looks certain and the environment is very friendly. Though there is a scarcity of goals in the Italian national team currently, players like Gnonto hold the key to unlocking the torrents of goals the fans have so longed to see.

The Italians are currently doomed to watch another World Cup without their beloved Azzurri. This could prove to be a defining moment for them, as it offers the opportunity to review and re-brand the national team. These players are certainly the way to go, if that is to be done.

Photo by Unsplash

 

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