Azzurri Stars of the Future: Sampdoria

This was written before Lippi announced his call ups, but it gives us Rolf’s views on which Sampdoria players should be called up.

Giampaolo Pazzini

Are anyone going to argue that this isn’t the best CF in the world at the moment?

Pazzini has been a sensation at Sampdoria, scoring a grand total of 11 goals, two of those against Inter, another two against Roma, and one each against Juventus and Milan. Quick, strong, accurate shot and excellent technique, Pazzini combines the flair and power of Mutu with the killer instinct of Inzaghi. This was perhaps best displayed against the latter’s team, as Pazzini raced to the byline, spun around and cut past Senderos and Bonera before cracking a howitzer past Abbiati into the top corner.

Is this the new Vialli? He can’t be far off.

Antonio Cassano

If Pazzini is the new Vialli then it’s safe to assume Cassano has more than a few similarities with Roberto Mancini, Mr. Sampdoria himself.

A genius in every sense of the word, Cassano is the ultimate joker, the player who will burst into action from seemingly nowhere and deliver a killing blow to the oposition. Of course, everybody have known that for a long time. What’s new however, is that the demon who once entered Cassano weekly with diabolical consequences appears to be on vacation. He may still throw the odd fit, but the days of threatening referees sems long gone.

The best proof of Cassano’s genius is perhaps the build-up to Pazzini’s goal against Roma. Showing no mercy to his former club, Cassano somehow kept the ball in play at the byline before racing past Diamoutene and whipping the ball into the box, where Pazzini waited, floating in mid-air…which of course resulted in a goal.

Daniele Gastaldello

The Azzuri midfield is already packed with quality, so that rules Delvecchio out. However, the Azzuri may need reinforcements in defense, as Cannavaro and Materazzi are both approaching retirement, Nesta is injured and Barzagli and Legrottaglie both look somewhat shaky. So, to partner the great Chiellini, a 25-year old who has so far provided sterling service for Sampdoria.

He may not be the fastest player around, but with his great strength and 1.85 metres he’s handy on set pieces, and his tackling is precise and effective.

However, what makes Gastaldello special is his undying fighting spirit. This was best demonstrated against Juventus (where we drew 1-1), when Gastaldello flung himself at everything black-and-white approaching the Doria box. The price Gastaldello payed was a sprained knee, but the point and huge confidence boost made it worth it.

If given the opportunity, Gastaldello could have a decade of Azzuri glory ahead of him.

Pazzini proved to be a correct call, as Lippi has included him to play in our next two qualifiers. The exclusion of Cassano is baffling. As far as I’m concerned, he is currently the most talented Italian playing. Period. Hell, he might be one of the most talented players out there bar none, save for perhaps Lionel Messi. He just knows what to do with the ball and can dribble, something most Azzurri players can’t do. All that being said, Lippi is a crackhead for not calling him up.

That being said, we’re going to have to accept that under Lippi, he’ll likely never get called up.

Gastaldello is surely worth a run out in my humble opinion, as our defense could use younger guys. And let’s be honest- surely he’s worth a call up over Gamberini?

And that’s it. As of right now, these are all the replies I’ve gotten from the offside bloggers. If anyone else wants to cover a team that hasn’t been done yet, leave a comment and I’ll email you the details. We still need to go through both halfs of Milan, Udinese, Genoa, and most of the clubs fighting for relegation. Thanks in advance.