However, I think Rossi’s best bet is to go to the Olympics with his old buddy Giovinco and win something there. He’ll get his chance soon enough with the Azzurri, perhaps even in late 2008 and only someone treading the infinitesimally fine line between genius and insanity would insert him onto the senior squad this late into the game. Face it folks, the “Rossi to Euro 2008 plz” ship sailed a long time ago when Donadoni chose to test out bums (I kid, I kid) like Palladino and Rosina over Rossi, who arguably outperformed the first two at the U21 European Championships last year despite being the youngest member of the U21 squad and getting scraps in terms of playing time (although Palladino redeemed himself somewhat in my eyes by playing very well in the Portugal shellacking… er, friendly).

Rossi is deeply, exquisitely talented. I defy anyone to argue with that point. But he is also young, a crucial member of the Azzurrini contingent traveling to the Olympics (I believe many foreign publications have cited him as the most important member of the squad), and will get his chance on the senior squad in due time. The Azzurri will acquit themselves with honor in the upcoming Euros, with or without Rossi. Or Donadoni will be fired. That’s a win-win situation, isn’t it? So while I am one of the biggest Rossi supporters / defenders around, I’m counseling many of you to take a chill pill.

And if a lot of you had your way, Rossi and Giovinco would be stowaways in Luca Toni’s extra large suitcase on the plane to Austria and their pals Nocerino, Cigarini, Criscito, (every other member of the U21), et al would be wrapped up as traveling garden gnomes. Come on! It is the Italian way to force youngsters to prove themselves before allowing them to fail spectacularly on the biggest stages. And I daresay it has worked pretty well for us up until now. Heck, even Roberto Baggio had to wait until he was 22 (or so) until he got the Azzurri call up, and it certainly wasn’t to a World Cup or Euro caliber tournament either. Rossi must be absolutely nuts if he still thinks there’s a chance for him to debut in EURO freakin’ 2008 of all places!

Part IV of my rant is fuelled by the tone of the article in general. Instead of whining to the press about how you’re good enough to go to Euro 2008 (like a certain Juve captain who’s also grating on my nerves right about now), why don’t you try letting your performances do the talking for you, Rossi? Geez, sometimes I feel like slapping the guy. Like I did last weekend when watching the Villarreal – Real Betis game… YIKES!

My conclusion: Save Rossi for the future and, come June, let all of Europe tremble at the swarm of raging senior citizens known as Gli Azzurri! I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist… bad Bobo.

P.S. I would be very interested in getting a third party opinion on Rossi’s development and potential as a player. Strengths, weaknesses, etc. I find it quite shocking that no one has yet bothered to write a profile of him on the “Fenomeni” page at Goal.com… hint.

P.P.S. Does anyone else feel depressed that they’ll probably have a double chin before they see the Azzurri lift another World Cup?