Italian football is beginning to once again produce excellent talents, and after the Azzurri’s loss last night, we take a quick look ahead to the future.
There are a few similarities between Giampiero Ventura and Antonio Conte, in terms of tactics and formation. But one key difference between the two is, the incoming coach tends to rely on youngsters rather than the old guard. Which at this time, may be a great idea considering the plethora of youngsters on the cusp of becoming stars.
FLORENCE, ITALY – APRIL 24: Daniele Rugani of Juventus FC in action during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Juventus FC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on April 24, 2016 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
1. Defender Daniele Rugani, Juventus, 21 years old
Almost a no-brainer to be called up to the Azzurri with Andrea Barzagli retiring and Rugani already playing at Juventus. The 21 year old has Champions League experience and played in the U-21 Euro last summer.
In addition, this will be his third Serie A campaign, which is rare given his age. I’d put stock in Daniele becoming a star for the Azzurri and for club.
Probability of a debut in the next year: 100%
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 21: Alessio Romagnoli of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Carpi FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 21, 2016 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
2. Defender Alessio Romagnoli, Milan, 21 years old
Another player who is a guarantee to be called up within the next few months. How Romagnoli hasn’t been called up is a greater mystery than whether he will be. He played the majority of games for Milan this year and was by far their best defender. He and Rugani are the next generation to the Italian defense.
He like Rugani has a lot of Serie A experience at the young age of 21.
Probability of a debut in the next year: 100%
AC Milan’s goalkeeper from Italy Gianluigi Donnarumma reacts at the end of the Italian Tim Cup final football match AC Milan vs Juventus on May 21, 2016 at the Olympic Stadium in Rome. Juventus won 0-1 in the extra time. AFP PHOTO / FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/ Getty Images
3. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, Milan, 17 years old
Gianluigi Buffon barring injury or an unforeseen drop off in form will be the captain and keeper for Italy in 2018. This shouldn’t concern Donnarumma too much because as of right now he is the true heir apparent to the Azzurri goal.
He’s the phenom of phenoms for young goalkeepers in the world. Claiming the Milan goal at just 16 years of age, an incredible feat.
By 2018, he should be Buffon’s undisputed backup, but it’s likely that Donnarumma will get his debut in a friendly within the next year.
Probability of a debut in the next year: 75%
FROSINONE, ITALY – MAY 08: Domenico Berardi of Sassuolo in action during the Serie A match between Frosinone Calcio and US Sassuolo calcio at Stadio Matusa on May 8, 2016 in Frosinone, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
4. Forward Domenico Berardi, Sassuolo, 21 years old
Another player you just have to scratch your head and ask why he hasn’t already been given a debut. For any other national team in Europe, a player like Berardi would have already had 10 caps by now. To put it into perspective. Romelu Lukaku is just two years older than Berardi but has 50 caps for the national team.
He’s scored 38 goals and 23 assists in 90 Serie A matches with a small team. However, to go along with that, he has picked up an astonishing 33 yellow cards. Immaturity has indeed plagued the Calabrian.
Many predicted that he would have been included in Conte’s roster, and that belief grew as he has received call ups to the senior side.
Probability of a debut in the next year: 100%
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 04: Marcos Alonso of ACF Fiorentina battles for the ball with Albverto Grassi of Atalanta BC during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Atalanta BC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on October 4, 2015 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
5. Midfielder Alberto Grassi, Napoli, 21 years old
Days after Grassi inked a deal with Napoli, he was injured in training. In fact, it may have been his very first session. But the fact that a side like Napoli believed in him enough to sign him at 21 years old is very impressive and speaks volumes about the belief they have in the Atalanta youth product.
He’s made 18 Serie A appearances, all with Atalanta and is yet to debut for Napoli, but if he can get match time, he can become a steady piece of both the Partenopei and the Nazionale in the near future.
Probability of a debut in the next year: 40%
GENOA, ITALY – MARCH 13: Andrea Belotti of Torino FC in action during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Torino FC at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on March 13, 2016 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
6. Forward Andrea Belotti, Torino, 22 years old
One of Ventura’s pupils and a bomber at the Italy U-21 level, Belotti is a safe bet to make his debut in the next year. Possibly as early as September as the search for new strikers will commence.
He’s scored 18 goals in 73 appearances in Serie A, which for a 22 year old Italian striker is quite an achievement. He was overlooked by Conte, but by the time he began to find his form, he had already made his choices.
No Italian scored more in the last six months of the season than Belotti.
Probability of a debut in the next year: 100%
GENOA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 03: Daniele Baselli of Torino FC keeps the ball during the Serie A match between UC Sampdoria and Torino FC at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on February 3, 2016 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
7. Midfielder Daniele Baselli, Torino, 24 years old
A more experienced youngster, and another product polished by Giampiero Ventura. He has 84 matches in Serie A under his belt and has really picked it up since his move to Torino.
A new wave of midfielders are expected to come through and Baselli is a blue-chip prospect among them. He may not be the youngest on this list, but he certainly is coming into his time where he can give a hand to the Azzurri.
Probability of a debut in the next year: 60%
PALERMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Adam Masina of Bologna in action during the Serie A match between US Citta di Palermo and Bologna FC at Stadio Renzo Barbera on February 28, 2016 in Palermo, Italy. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)
8. Defender Adam Masina, Bologna, 22 years old
The Moroccan born left back had an incredible debut season in Serie A under Roberto Donadoni. He stated his intentions of playing for Italy and has been capped a handful of times by the U-21 side.
He played in 33 Serie A games this past season and was highly touted as one of the best fullbacks in Italy. The fact that he has chosen Italy at a young age is a great sign that he can be a quick insertion into the Azzurri side.
Probability of a debut in the next year: 80%
At Coverciano on May 20, 2016 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/GETTY IMAGES)
9. Midfielder Marco Benassi, Torino, 21 years old
Yet another Torino prospect and for good reason. Marco Benassi has excelled not only in Serie A but also in the Europa League. He’s even scored 5 goals in 16 appearances with the U-21 Azzurrini.
He’s played 83 games in Serie A and 13 in Europe. His level of experience for such a young player in Italian football is nearly unparalleled, especially because he’s playing for a mid-table side.
He impressed last summer at the U-21 Euro, and I believe that’s only the beginning. Another player who is a virtual certainty to make his debut in the next 12 months. Benassi was even included in Conte’s pre-tournament squad before being cut for the final 23. An excellent prospect for Italy’s future.
Probability of a debut in the next year: 95%
CAORLE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 24: Federico Dimarco # 3 of Italy U 18 looks on during the international friendly match between Italy U18 and England U18 on September 24, 2014 in Caorle, Italy. (Photo by Mario Carlini / Iguana Press/Getty Images)
10. Defender Federico DiMarco, Empoli, 18 years old
A long shot, but hear me out. There’s not many left sided youngsters coming through the Italian ranks that possess the potential that DiMarco has.
Inter have recently loaned him out to Serie A side Empoli to get regular playing time, and this will be his baptism by fire. He’s made two appearances for Inter’s senior side. One in the Europa League and one in Serie A.
With Mario Rui likely leaving Empoli, and a newly signed 34 year old Manuel Pasqual all that is standing in his way, there’s no reason DiMarco shouldn’t make several appearances and even claim the spot for his own.
From what I’ve seen and read about the Inter youth product, he is a long term prospect that could pay dividends most likely in Euro 2020 or the World Cup in 2022.
Probability of a debut in the next year: 10%
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