The Azzurrini (U21) Thread (15 Viewers)

[Salvatore]

Motta was actually really good at that level. Still, the other three are pretty good defenders.

Yeah, I remember being optimistic about Motta signing. I thought Bocchetti might be similar to what Bonucci is now, I still like him from what I've seen, which is very little at the national team.

Still have Balotelli scoring a beautiful goal before kicking a Swede and getting sent off as a clear memory. Morosini in that squad as well.

 

Buy on AliExpress.com

[Powis]

Motta was actually really good at that level. Still, the other three are pretty good defenders.

No stars though. Comparing to older Italy squads, they always had top players in defence. I can't see any of them in these new generations. There might be some really solid players, but clearly no new Maldini or Cannavaro.

 

[JuveJay]

Yeah, I remember being optimistic about Motta signing. I thought Bocchetti might be similar to what Bonucci is now, I still like him from what I've seen, which is very little at the national team.

Still have Balotelli scoring a beautiful goal before kicking a Swede and getting sent off as a clear memory. Morosini in that squad as well.

I remember that game as well, I was watching the game in a bar in Cyprus. The final was a bit of a joke, Italy were better than what turned out to be a great group of Germans.

 

[Dostoevsky]

Motta was actually really good at that level. Still, the other three are pretty good defenders.

THANK YOU!

 

[Hængebøffer]

I thought Motta was a really really good player back then too.

 

[JuveJay]

No stars though. Comparing to older Italy squads, they always had top players in defence. I can't see any of them in these new generations. There might be some really solid players, but clearly no new Maldini or Cannavaro.

That's true. I think the way players defend now means you are unlikely to see defenders like that, maybe ever again. They are more likely to be great football players than masterful defenders.

The one I see in this squad who looks like a 'proper' defender to me is Vasco Regini, but he is more Chiellini than Nesta or Cannavaro.

Keep an eye on Giuseppe Prestia who is owned by Palermo. He and Masi.

- - - Updated - - -

THANK YOU!

I was something of a fan, but he was always charging forward in a strong team. It's one thing having that role in U21 football, but asking someone to play as a normal right back for a top team showed his real level.

 

[Dostoevsky]

I was something of a fan, but he was always charging forward in a strong team. It's one thing having that role in U21 football, but asking someone to play as a normal right back for a top team showed his real level.

Yeah I really liked him back then, I was impressed in some matches and I can't believe how he failed later on. Rather disappointing.

 

[Joe]

Marrone played very well today.

He made many Pirlo-esque passes today. Verratti made a lot of passes, but Marrone's were more difficult and dangerous IMO.

 

[JuveJay]

England's panel on Sky Sports waxing lyrical about Verratti and Insigne. Worth noting how Italy dominated the midfield even with a man less in there.

Also we should consider that England could pick Wilshere, Wilfried Zaha, Tom Ince and Raheem Sterling for this tournament if they were fit. Those are players that would improve their quality.

 

[Trequartista]

England's panel on Sky Sports waxing lyrical about Verratti and Insigne. Worth noting how Italy dominated the midfield even with a man less in there.

Also we should consider that England could pick Wilshere, Wilfried Zaha, Tom Ince and Raheem Sterling for this tournament if they were fit. Those are players that would improve their quality.

El Shawarma, De Sciglio could also play for Italy, if they weren't at the Confederations Cup.

 

[AFL_ITALIA]

I hope Insigne starts regularly next season.

 

[JuveJay]

I know, but at least you would see them at least try to play football

 

[Bianconero_Aus]

I love how Jay is so fucking balanced with his views

Marrone, Verratti and Marrone were by far the best players tonight. V and M controlled the midfield well and barely gave England a sniff of the ball. Insigne was as busy and dangerous as ever with his off the ball runs, as well as his work on the ball. Tricky little player, too bad he is a Napoli player.

- - - Updated - - -

El Shawarma, De Sciglio could also play for Italy, if they weren't at the Confederations Cup.

Balotelli would also theoretically be available as well

 

[Hydde]

That quartet of Marrone, Verrati, Insigne Gabiaddini.....

lets hope they just destroy n this tournament. Marone needs this paytime badly too.

 

[AFL_ITALIA]

I love how Jay is so fucking balanced with his views

Marrone, Verratti and Marrone were by far the best players tonight. V and M controlled the midfield well and barely gave England a sniff of the ball. Insigne was as busy and dangerous as ever with his off the ball runs, as well as his work on the ball. Tricky little player, too bad he is a Napoli player.

- - - Updated - - -



Balotelli would also theoretically be available as well

Marotta....

 

[Trequartista]

I love how Jay is so fucking balanced with his views

Marrone, Verratti and Marrone were by far the best players tonight. V and M controlled the midfield well and barely gave England a sniff of the ball. Insigne was as busy and dangerous as ever with his off the ball runs, as well as his work on the ball. Tricky little player, too bad he is a Napoli player.

- - - Updated - - -



Balotelli would also theoretically be available as well

Marrone was so good that you mentioned him twice

 

[Del Piero Style]

I was in the game. Wearing Ale's Sydney shirt

 

[Bianconero_Aus]

Quiet you it's early morning here

 

[Joey Jokes]

Motta was actually really good at that level. Still, the other three are pretty good defenders.

I have a friend who is an Arsenal fan who doesn't watch much serie A other than Juve. He still thinks Motta is the second coming of Maldini because of that one wonder game he had for Roma vs Arsenal a few years back.

 

[piotrr]

Did you guys noticed that gk and the whole defence is from internazionale? Bardi; Donati, Bianchetti, Caldirola, Biraghi.
Italian squad dominated by inter, now that's unusual.