Italian Marcelo Lippi has faced a number of soccer pundit jokes this season due to the age of his team. The Italian team is undoubtedly old, with 30-year old Vincenzo Iaquinta, 31 year-old Andrea Pirlo, 32 year olds Gianluigi Buffon, Gennaro Guttuso, and Antonio Di Natale, 33 year-olds Mauro Camoranesi and Gianluca Zambrotta, and 36-year old Fabio Cannavaro all likely to have to be replaced by Lippi or Azzuri’s next manager by the Brazilian World Cup in 2014.
Lorenzo De Silvestri Defender (Fiorentina) Aged 22
De Silvestri, a former full back for Lazio, is slightly over six feet tall. After a 2009 move to Fiorentina, De Silvestri has exemplified the form that set him apart whilst playing for Italy’s U16 and U21 teams. A marauding, powerful full back, he gets forward well and looks to be a possible long term replacement for Gianluca Zambrotta in the national team.
Davide Santon Defender (Inter) Aged 19
Able to play down either flank, Santon is a hugely talented young defender who made 28 appearances for Inter this season as well as five appearances already for the Azzuri. Santon’s energy is boundless; his energy on the pitch has earned him a comparison to Paolo Maldini by Italian head coach Marcelo Lippi. We can expect to see the immensely talented Santon in the Italy’s next few squads for major finals events.
Mario Balotelli (Striker) (Inter) Aged 19
Mario Batelli, though prone to fights and poor sportsmanship, may be one of the best attackers or wingers wearing the Italy soccer apparel in upcoming games. Despite his tender years and numerous run ins with fans and management at Inter, Balotelli has scored an impressive 20 goals in 59 games and has notched 6 in 16 for the Italian U21 side. Batelli is sure to see the Euro 2012 qualifiers, when the Italian team will be looking for a new strike force.
Federico Macheda (Striker) (Man Utd) Aged 18
Although he has yet to make the first team on a regular basis at Old Trafford, the signs are promising that Manchester United’s talented striker could have a big 2010-2011 season and perhaps even force his way into the thoughts of the Azzuri management team. Macheda is a strong, intelligent striker, who has an eye for goal. His particular talent is scoring with his back to the goal, and he has been capped at U21 for Italy; if Macheda makes a difference in the first team for United, he should end up with a spot on the Italian national squad.
Antonio Candreva (Midfielder) Udinese Aged 23
Candreva just may be the only replacement for Italy’s great Andrea Pirlo. The Udinese midfielder follows in the footsteps of Pirlo’s creative play, owning any position on the midfield.
