For the first time in a long time I'm optimistic about the national team.
A few players worth noting:
Insigne: Sure Insigne isn't Del Piero, but he is very good. IMO, he is as good as guys like Marco Reus, Douglas Costa, Philippe Coutinho, Christian Eriksen. People always think Giovinco because of the obvious size comparisons. But Insigne is a very different player than Giovince. Insigne is much more of a playmaker, and much more comfortable in a deeper role, while Giovinco is only comfortable if he is playing striker. He is a more intelligent player than Giovinco but dribbles less. Insigne usually averages over 80% pass accuracy , while Giovinco usually averages sub 80%.
Bernardeschi - Very good Winger, awesome workrate, dribbling and left foot.
Belotti - Dream striker: Mandzukic but more clinical.
I'd love to see something in the next tournament like this:
------------------------------Belotti------------------------------
-------------------Insigne-----------Berardi---------------------
Bernardeschi--------Verratti----Gagliardini------------Florenzi
--------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------Romagnoli---Bonucci---Rugani---------------------
-------------------------Donnarumma-----------------------------
I think we'll need more experience than that since the next tournament is just a year away. Buffon, Candreva, Marchisio, De Rossi, Immobile, Chiellini, Barzagli will be in the conversation. If Ventura continues with the 4-4-2, I would like to see the option of a 4-4-1-1 with Bernardeschi in the hole.
-------------------Belotti---------------------------------
Insigne------------------Bernardeschi---------Candreva
--------------De Rossi-----------Verratti-----------------
Antonelli------Chiellini--------Bonucci-------Zappacosta
------------------------Buffon-----------------------------
With Immobile, El Shaarawy, Berardi, Gagliardini, Marchisio, Petagna, Parolo, Romagnoli, Barzagli, De Sciglio, Darmian, Donnarumma, Perin on the bench.
Looks like a great team imo. It depends on how Florenzi and Bonaventura come back ofc.
Also Petagna can be swapped with whichever CF is most on form (Falcinelli, Pavoletti, Caprari, Lapadula, Borriello, Balotelli).