Things to be excited about

February 13th, 2012 | by: samcalcio | Comments Off

As Guiseppe Rossi and Antonio Cassano’s respective ailments take their toll on the Azzurri selection process, the more cynical fans among us will be already preparing the finger pointing when Italy lack the firepower needed to overcome the likes of Spain and the Republic of Ireland, citing the duo’s absence as the forefront of a conglomerate of reasons why the Savoy Blue won’t decorate the trophy this summer.

In times like this, where our far and away most consistent, talented forwards(I mean it) are unavailable, then it’s time to consider options that perhaps wouldn’t be in contention in more forgiving circumstances. And in that case, it’s nice to see some budding stars doing some excellent things up top.

To start there’s Matthia Destro, a man whose energy and endeavour up front; not to mention the goals, have made Interisti wonder why it was he who was let go, especially as Inter have attempted to address their woes with Diego Forlan and Mauro Zarate. The Siena player has been a shining light in the relegation battler’s struggle to remain in Serie A and is surely destined for big things.

There is flavour of the month Stephan El Shaarawy, whose pace and quick wit in the final third gave Milan three points against Udinese, and has already been recommended for a Nazionale call up by none other than Juve legend Alessio Tacchianardi, who perhaps went a bit too far and compared the boy to Del Piero. Now, misplaced praise aside – the boy has talent.

The third musketeer is Fabio Borini, who at 20 is already a well travelled individual, having already played for Parma, Chelsea and Swansea, but seems to really be coming into his own as part of Luis Enriques progressing project at the capital, feeding off the starts and quality service a developing striker needs. His brace against Inter was proof of his talent, and could be an Azzurri option if he maintains his form.

Theres even Alberto Paloschi, who could be an option too. A

My point is, if we are to march on in summer without our two best forwards, then we have some back ups. The obvious choices like Pazzini, Balotelli and probably Matri aside, that leaves probably only two places to fill. Add a place for Giovinco past, and we are probably really only looking at one.

I’m not saying that they should be ushered into the Italy set up squinting into the spotlight with adolescent nerves, but in the future and emergencies like this, we have options, players that wouldn’t be risks as much as interesting choices.

If Guiseppe Rossi and Antonio Cassano aren’t fit, then I wouldn’t be too perturbed by if Prandelli chose to ask someone younger to fill their boots, even if more experienced players get the games.

All it takes is a bit of bravery.