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Rising Italy could be unbeatable in years to come

27th March, 2013
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Inter Milan's Mario Balotelli celebrates after scoring, during the Serie A soccer match between Juventus and Inter Milan at the Olympic Stadium in Turin, Italy, Saturday, April 18 2009. AP Photo/Alberto Ramella
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27th March, 2013
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With Spain having a team in its prime, it’s no surprise they are hard to beat. But to say their form is sustainable is laughable.

One of the best young players in the world, Isco, has only made one appearance for the national team, despite the fact that in the next few years, he will have to be a pivotal part of the team.

The team ranked fifth in the FIFA rankings however has a very different future ahead, and here’s why.

El Shaarawy. Verratti. Balotelli. Santon. All of these players are known around the world already and all have an average age of 21 and have 36 International games between them.

But these players are the tip of the iceberg of a number of superstars Italy has coming through its ranks and playing in the national team.

Here is a look at how the potential future world number one team could line-up its players:

Goalkeeper

Mattia Perin
Age: 20
Club: Pescara
Caps: 0

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At such a tender age, Perin has been one of the shining stars in Pescara’s horror Serie A campaign.

He has received a call-up to the national team and despite not making an appearance, he is certainly an ideal replacement for Italy’s current legendary goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon.

Right back

Mattia De Sciglio
Age: 20
Club: Milan
Caps: 2

He can play on the left, or the right and is being talked up as the new Maldini.

Playing on the right, he can cross with incredible ability and playing on the left, he cuts inside in order to cross.

So far in both his Italian appearances he has played on the left, while Maggio and Abate dominate the right.

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However both will hold little competition of De Sciglio in the next few years.

Centre back

Andrea Ranocchia
Age: 25
Club: Inter
Caps: 9

He will certainly be a one of the senior members of the squad but in every squad experience is needed.

He will certainly be one of the best defenders in Italy in the next few years and should has been a great force for the Inter Milan defence this season.

He currently competes with many players for a start but with many of those players ageing, he should become an integral part of the squad soon.

Centre back

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Angelo Ogbonna
Age: 24
Club: Torino
Caps: 5

Although he is playing for Torino, a mid-table team, he is could break into the starting eleven for almost every team in the league.

Targeted by the likes of Milan and with a price tag of €20 million placed on a transfer for him, it is no surprise he will be a big part of Italy’s future.

He is strong and powerful and will be an asset for Italy in the years to come.

Left back

Davide Santon
Age: 22
Club: Newcastle United
Caps: 8

If he plays his cards right, Santon could regain the promise he had during his Inter Milan days.

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A transfer to Milan is a possibility and he could reap the benefits. He has great ability and has had more than 35 appearances for Newcastle this season.

His form is promising and could prove to be extremely useful in the years to come.

Defensive midfield

Andrea Poli
Age: 23
Club: Sampdoria
Caps: 2

Poli is playing well. And although he has had only two caps, his competition is ageing.

He has played 22 Serie A games despite an injury during the early stages of Sampdoria’s campaign.

He is being targeted by Juventus and could really be a pivotal of that team despite its current midfield composition.

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Centre midfield

Marco Verratti
Age: 20
Club: PSG
Caps: 3

Even with only three caps playing in the midfield, he has still managed to score a goal. He has an amazing ability and is a starting XI player at PSG despite it having some of the best players in the world.

Originally from Pescara several Italian teams could not secure his signature before PSG and the French team are now reaping the benefits of his incredible ability.

Centre midfield

Alessandro Florenzi
Age: 22
Club: Roma
Caps: 2

Even at just 22 he is a starting eleven player for Roma. He has played over 1800 minutes for Roma this season, scoring four goals. He has been a part of the Italian under 21 team, scoring two goals for them.

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Within his club he competes with the likes of Daniele De Rossi and Miralem Pjanic, regularly lining up beside them.

A few more starts for the national team and he will become very valuable property for Roma.

Right wing

Mattia Destro
Age: 22
Club: Roma
Caps: 4

Even with two injures this season that put him out for several games, Destro has racked up an impressive total of games for Roma.

He has great ability to play anywhere across the front line and has played in many positions along that line.

He is playing with great maturity for his age and would complement Balotelli and El Shaarawy well.

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Striker

Mario Balotelli
Age: 22
Club: Milan
Caps: 19

Eight goals in eight games since returning to Italy, he has no only regained his on-field form but also kept his off-field antics to a bare minimum.

He has a great power and ability to him and has really helped Milan fight for a Champions League spot next season.

He has racked up an impressive amount of appearances for Italy and really is one of the best strikers in the world when he’s on form.

He and El Shaarawy are working well for Milan and should reciprocate that for the national team.

Left wing

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Stephan El Shaarawy
Age: 20
Club: Milan
Caps: 6

If you were to nominate the greatest players under the age of 21 in the world at the moment, El Shaarawy would without a doubt be on the list.

Even as a left winger he has racked up an impressive goal tally.

After the arrival of Balotelli, he has turned provider, scoring less but putting in impressive displays none-the-less.

He is really an exciting prodigy and his abilities to play in Europe with no fear puts him in a higher league than the likes of Neymar, who has yet to prove himself against quality opposition.

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