Speaking of improved players...
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Playerwatch 2006: Italy
Wednesday, 28 December 2005
by Paolo Menicucci
Italian defenders have always enjoyed a great reputation but the Azzurri have been waiting a long time for someone to challenge Alessandro Nesta and Fabio Cannavaro for a place in the national team.
Bright futures
However, there is a new generation of young defenders who are just starting their Serie A careers and are expected to have a bright future. None are playing with the top clubs but that situation will certainly change should they continue to perform as they have in the first part of the season.
Canini promise
The most promising of them is arguably Cagliari Calcio's 20-year-old centre-back Michele Canini, a key player both for his club and for the Italian Under-21 side tipped to defend their European title next summer. Canini, a product of Atalanta BC's famed academy, has everything a modern defender needs. He is strong physically, good in the air, and has a fine technique and great sense of position.
Coda conclusion
Another defender who is impressing during his first Serie A spell is Empoli FC's Andrea Coda. Taller than Canini, Coda is stronger in the air, if not as quick. However, the 20-year-old has already been linked with several top Serie A clubs, and Juventus have reportedly obtained an option to sign the player next summer. "I'm enjoying magic moments," the defender said. "We are achieving great results with Empoli and I have been called into the Under-21 national team. I don't think about the future, at the moment I'm only focused on helping Empoli avoid relegation."
Motta potential
Udinese Calcio right-back Marco Motta is still settling in after joining from Atalanta last summer but many observers are ready to bet on his future. One of them is AC Milan talent scout Cesare Maldini who has labelled the 19-year-old as the new Paolo Maldini, some praise coming from the father of the legendary defender. "It was a great joy because Paolo Maldini is my idol," Motta said.
Rossi prospect
Another highly-rated defender is Parma FC centre-back Marco Rossi. The 18-year-old has already made his Serie A debut and is widely considered a hot prospect. Parma also boast promising young midfielders like Filippo Savi and Daniele Dessena, both 18, who are already known in Europe after their brilliant performances in the UEFA Cup last season.
Palladino performance
As regards forwards it is impossible not to mention Raffaele Palladino, the 21-year-old attacking partner of Cristiano Lucarelli at AS Livorno Calcio, who scored on his Serie A debut against US Lecce this season. Blessed with pace, technique and an eye for goal, Palladino is on loan from Juventus and is surely destined to wear the Bianconeri shirt one day, especially if he keeps up his nascent top-flight form.
Gasbarroni breaking through
Andrea Gasbarroni, another product of Juve's youth system, is finally starting to realise his potential. The former Italy U21 right-winger, now 24, had a brilliant start of the new season with UC Sampdoria after a couple of unfortunate spells at US Città di Palermo. “Gasbarroni is a fantastic player," said Sampdoria coach Walter Novellino. "He has all he needs to become the best in his role for many years."
Tavano improvement
Another forward to watch in 2006 is Empoli's Francesco Tavano. He may not be a youngster any more, but the 26-year-old has made a sudden Serie A breakthrough. He scored eight goals in the first eleven league games and Empoli coach Mario Somma has already warned Italy coach Marcello Lippi to keep an eye on him ahead of the FIFA World Cup finals.
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