Sol, Juve, and La Difesa

April 16th, 2006 | by: Jay | View Comments

In America, if a rumor seems to have some real fiber to it and the story behind the rumor is appealing, we say ‘the story has legs’. Well, the Sol Campbell to Juventus rumors are starting to grow tiny legs.

Even if the rumors don’t pan out, what does this have to do with the national side? I ask you this: why does one of the jewels of Italian football needs to look to England for a defender in the stage of his career that Campbell is at? The Campbell of 2002, surely. The Campbell of 2006? I don’t think so.

Granted, Juve field a huge squad and its not enough to survive on Zambrotta and Cannavaro. Perhaps its really down to clubs like Palermo who refuse to sell the Barzaglis and Grossos of the world, but I think we’re seeing the results of the larger issue– there is no great batch of liberos or center backs ready to hatch for Italy. Bonera, Chiellini and company haven’t shown all the promise they’re capable of. Guys like Matteo Ferrari disappeared altogether. Let’s hope that famous man-marker Claudio Gentile can brew some magic with the Under 21 defenders.