Last years list:
Green - improved
Black - no change/rating
Red - decreased
1) Yoann Gourcuff (now at Bordeaux)
2) Marco Motta
3) Daniele Dessena
4) Sebastian Giovinco
5) Alexandre Pato
6) Stefano Okaka Chuka
7) Mario Balotelli
8) Davide Santon
9) Edison Cavani
10) Fernando Forestieri
11) Domenico Criscito
12) Claudio Marchisio
13) Michele Paolucci
14) Daniele Paponi
15) Luca Cigarini
16) Ondrej Mazuch
17) Takayuki Morimoto
18) Lorenzo De Silvestri
19) Paolo De Ceglie
20) Daniele Capelli
21) Andrea Consigli
22) Andrea Mantovani
23) Stevan Jovetic
24) Luigi Vitale
25) Simon Kjaer
26) Fernando Muslera
27) Mauro Zaraté
28) Pablo Osvaldo
29) Jeremy Menez
30) Davide Lanzafame
32) Francesco Bolzoni
33) Zdravko Kuzmanović (now at Stuttgart)
34) Felipe Mattioni
35) Stefan Radu
36) Michele D'Alessandro
37) Ignazio Abate
38) Fabiano Santacroce
39) Lorenzo Ariaudo
40) Alexis Sanchez
41) Vincenzo Fiorillo
42) Salvatore Bocchetti
43) Angelo Ogbonna
44) Mauricio Isla
45) Alberto Paloschi
46) Andrea Costa
47) Davide Di Gennaro
48) Antonino Barillà
49) Mathías Cardacio
50) Andrea Esposito
Full Version: Best young players in Italy
2009-10
1) Andrea Consigli (Atalanta, ITA, 22)
2) Robert Acquafresca (Atalanta, ITA, 21)
3) Miguel Layún (Atalanta, MEX, 21)
4) Yago Falqué (Bari, SPA, 19)
5) Andrea Ranocchia (Bari, ITA, 21)
6) Daniele Dessena (Cagliari, ITA, 22)
7) Mikhail Sivakov (Cagliari, BLR, 21)
8) Takayuki Morimoto (Catania, JAP, 21)
9) Savio Nsereko (Fiorentina, GER, 20)
10) Stevan Jovetić (Fiorentina, MNE, 19)
11) Lorenzo De Silvestri (Fiorentina, ITA, 21)
12) Domenico Criscito (Genoa, ITA, 22)
13) Stephan El Shaarawi (Genoa, ITA, 16)
14) Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Genoa, GRE, 21)
15) Andrea Espositio (Genoa, ITA, 23)
16) Salvatore Bocchetti (Genoa, ITA, 22)
17) Davide Santon (Inter, ITA, 18)
18) Lorenzo Crisetig (Inter, ITA, 16)
19) Mario Balotelli (Inter, ITA, 19)
20) Marko Arnautović (Inter, AUT, 20)
21) Martín Cáceres (Juventus, URU, 22)
22) Sebastian Giovinco (Juventus, ITA, 22)
23) Lorenzo Ariaudo (Juventus, ITA, 20)
24) Paolo De Ceglie (Juventus, ITA, 22)
25) Luca Marrone (Juventus, ITA, 19)
26) Ştefan Radu (Lazio, ROM, 22)
27) Fernando Muslera (Lazio, URU, 23)
28) Alexandre Pato (Milan, BRA, 20)
29) Gianmarco Zigoni (Milan, ITA, 18)
30) Davide Di Gennaro (Milan, ITA, 21)
31) Erwin Hoffer (Napoli, AUT, 22)
32) Fabiano Santacroce (Napoli, ITA, 23)
33) Marek Hamšík (Napoli, SVK, 22)
34) Luca Cigarini (Napoli, ITA, 23)
35) Javier Pastore (Palermo, ARG, 20)
36) Edinson Cavani (Palermo, URU, 22)
37) Simon Kjær (Palermo, DEN, 20)
38) Salvatore Sirigu (Palermo, ITA, 22)
39) Abel Hernández (Palermo, URU, 19)
40) Davide Lanzafame (Parma, ITA, 22)
41) Blerim Džemaili (Parma, SUI, 23)
42) McDonald Mariga (Parma, KEN, 22)
43) Alberto Paloschi (Parma, ITA, 19)
44) Alessio Cerci (Roma, ITA, 22)
45) Jérémy Menez (Roma, FRA, 22)
46) Stefano Okaka Chuka (Roma, ITA, 20)
47) Andrea Poli (Sampdoria, ITA, 19)
48) Vincenzo Fiorillo (Sampdoria, ITA, 19)
49) Albin Ekdal (Siena, SWE, 20)
50) Gonçalo Brandão (Siena, POR, 22)
51) Mato Jajalo (Siena, HRV, 21)
52) Rafael Romo (Udinese, VEN, 19)
53) Cristián Zapata (Udinese, COL, 22)
54) Juan Guillermo Cuadrado (Udinese, COL, 21)
55) Alexis Sánchez (Udinese, CHL, 20)
56) Kwadwo Asamoah (Udinese, GHA, 20)
1) Andrea Consigli (Atalanta, ITA, 22)
2) Robert Acquafresca (Atalanta, ITA, 21)
3) Miguel Layún (Atalanta, MEX, 21)
4) Yago Falqué (Bari, SPA, 19)
5) Andrea Ranocchia (Bari, ITA, 21)
6) Daniele Dessena (Cagliari, ITA, 22)
7) Mikhail Sivakov (Cagliari, BLR, 21)
8) Takayuki Morimoto (Catania, JAP, 21)
9) Savio Nsereko (Fiorentina, GER, 20)
10) Stevan Jovetić (Fiorentina, MNE, 19)
11) Lorenzo De Silvestri (Fiorentina, ITA, 21)
12) Domenico Criscito (Genoa, ITA, 22)
13) Stephan El Shaarawi (Genoa, ITA, 16)
14) Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Genoa, GRE, 21)
15) Andrea Espositio (Genoa, ITA, 23)
16) Salvatore Bocchetti (Genoa, ITA, 22)
17) Davide Santon (Inter, ITA, 18)
18) Lorenzo Crisetig (Inter, ITA, 16)
19) Mario Balotelli (Inter, ITA, 19)
20) Marko Arnautović (Inter, AUT, 20)
21) Martín Cáceres (Juventus, URU, 22)
22) Sebastian Giovinco (Juventus, ITA, 22)
23) Lorenzo Ariaudo (Juventus, ITA, 20)
24) Paolo De Ceglie (Juventus, ITA, 22)
25) Luca Marrone (Juventus, ITA, 19)
26) Ştefan Radu (Lazio, ROM, 22)
27) Fernando Muslera (Lazio, URU, 23)
28) Alexandre Pato (Milan, BRA, 20)
29) Gianmarco Zigoni (Milan, ITA, 18)
30) Davide Di Gennaro (Milan, ITA, 21)
31) Erwin Hoffer (Napoli, AUT, 22)
32) Fabiano Santacroce (Napoli, ITA, 23)
33) Marek Hamšík (Napoli, SVK, 22)
34) Luca Cigarini (Napoli, ITA, 23)
35) Javier Pastore (Palermo, ARG, 20)
36) Edinson Cavani (Palermo, URU, 22)
37) Simon Kjær (Palermo, DEN, 20)
38) Salvatore Sirigu (Palermo, ITA, 22)
39) Abel Hernández (Palermo, URU, 19)
40) Davide Lanzafame (Parma, ITA, 22)
41) Blerim Džemaili (Parma, SUI, 23)
42) McDonald Mariga (Parma, KEN, 22)
43) Alberto Paloschi (Parma, ITA, 19)
44) Alessio Cerci (Roma, ITA, 22)
45) Jérémy Menez (Roma, FRA, 22)
46) Stefano Okaka Chuka (Roma, ITA, 20)
47) Andrea Poli (Sampdoria, ITA, 19)
48) Vincenzo Fiorillo (Sampdoria, ITA, 19)
49) Albin Ekdal (Siena, SWE, 20)
50) Gonçalo Brandão (Siena, POR, 22)
51) Mato Jajalo (Siena, HRV, 21)
52) Rafael Romo (Udinese, VEN, 19)
53) Cristián Zapata (Udinese, COL, 22)
54) Juan Guillermo Cuadrado (Udinese, COL, 21)
55) Alexis Sánchez (Udinese, CHL, 20)
56) Kwadwo Asamoah (Udinese, GHA, 20)
More like a list of players Chelsea cant sign
Most of them are about 5 years too old for Chelsea's scouts.
When did Savio leave West Ham 
They swapped him for Manuel Da Costa
QUOTE(Proud to be Leeds @ Sep 3 2009, 09:55 PM) 
When did Savio leave West Ham
Swapped him for some defender from Fiorentina
Are these lists in order of some kind? I figure Santon should be near the top of any list right now. The guy plays like a NT veteran.
In club order.
QUOTE(JuveJay @ Sep 3 2009, 09:46 PM)
7) Mikhail Sivakov (Cagliari, BLR, 21)
Still no appearances?
Nope, isn't getting around the squad yet either. Then again he is young and playing in Italy, seems to be a very selective process. I assume he will be loaned in January, along with others on this list.
Quite a few players have come out recently saying how young Italians can't get a game, which is true to an extent (they are focusing really on Santon and Balotelli, now Giovinco as he is fit) but not really definitive. I would extent it to any young players, just happens that most are Italian. It's just the nature of the game, very tactics based.
Sivakov looked good in the games I saw him live, but getting a chance is hard to start with.
Quite a few players have come out recently saying how young Italians can't get a game, which is true to an extent (they are focusing really on Santon and Balotelli, now Giovinco as he is fit) but not really definitive. I would extent it to any young players, just happens that most are Italian. It's just the nature of the game, very tactics based.
Sivakov looked good in the games I saw him live, but getting a chance is hard to start with.
Who says whether they have improved or not? You? Are you God?
Blog: The boy’s a bit special
Antonio Labbate urges Italy boss Marcello Lippi to call up a kid from Bari – and he’s not talking about Antonio Cassano…
Forget about Antonio Cassano. Marcello Lippi won’t call him up. He should do, but he won’t. He’s a Goiello di Bari Vecchia that the Coach believes he can do without. However, there is a jewel from the new Bari that could be of some use to the tactician before World Cup 2010. Who? Andrea Ranocchia.
It’s no secret that Italy are short of options at the back when it comes to alternatives for Fabio Cannavaro and Giorgio Chiellini. Milan’s Sandro Nesta is still good enough to challenge for a first team shirt, but he’s reluctant to come out of international retirement for one last hurrah.
It leaves Lippi with a conundrum. Fiorentina’s Alessandro Gamberini and Nicola Legrottaglie of Juventus have been a part of the Giro Azzurro since Marcello’s return, but they don’t offer the assurances that an international centre-back should give. Options are therefore limited.
That’s why it wouldn’t be a crazy thought to take a closer look at Ranocchia, 21, for November’s friendlies against Holland and Sweden. Although it would rob Pierluigi Casiraghi of one of his few untouchables in the Under-21 side as they attempt to get their Euro 2011 qualification campaign back on track, this is one of the last chances for Lippi to assess the youngster’s ability for himself.
Ranocchia, currently on loan from Genoa, is in his first Serie A season and is making quite an impression. Part of a Bari backline which is the youngest in the Division, the southern minnows incredibly have the best defensive record in the land after 11 games with just seven goals conceded.
That feat is clearly not all down to Ranocchia but he, and 22-year-old teammate Leonardo Bonucci, have been the Galletti’s stand-out players at the back so far this term. So much so that if the Italian side was selected based purely on the average marks out of 10 given by Italy’s sporting Press, Ranocchia and Bonucci would both make the team. Nesta and Chiellini, for the record, would too.
Ranocchia is perhaps a little too raw to win a place in Lippi’s 23-man squad for the next World Cup, but he has potential that should be analysed at the very least. Cannavaro is the past and the present, for Italy and Juventus, Ranocchia could just be the future.
http://www.football-italia.net/blogs/al112.html
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He has certainly been very good and will surely be in the squad in the future, he has progressed well through the youth teams, but I think it is a bit early for him. There are good enough defenders in place for this tournament, but future places are certainly up for grabs alongside Chiellini.
Antonio Labbate urges Italy boss Marcello Lippi to call up a kid from Bari – and he’s not talking about Antonio Cassano…
Forget about Antonio Cassano. Marcello Lippi won’t call him up. He should do, but he won’t. He’s a Goiello di Bari Vecchia that the Coach believes he can do without. However, there is a jewel from the new Bari that could be of some use to the tactician before World Cup 2010. Who? Andrea Ranocchia.
It’s no secret that Italy are short of options at the back when it comes to alternatives for Fabio Cannavaro and Giorgio Chiellini. Milan’s Sandro Nesta is still good enough to challenge for a first team shirt, but he’s reluctant to come out of international retirement for one last hurrah.
It leaves Lippi with a conundrum. Fiorentina’s Alessandro Gamberini and Nicola Legrottaglie of Juventus have been a part of the Giro Azzurro since Marcello’s return, but they don’t offer the assurances that an international centre-back should give. Options are therefore limited.
That’s why it wouldn’t be a crazy thought to take a closer look at Ranocchia, 21, for November’s friendlies against Holland and Sweden. Although it would rob Pierluigi Casiraghi of one of his few untouchables in the Under-21 side as they attempt to get their Euro 2011 qualification campaign back on track, this is one of the last chances for Lippi to assess the youngster’s ability for himself.
Ranocchia, currently on loan from Genoa, is in his first Serie A season and is making quite an impression. Part of a Bari backline which is the youngest in the Division, the southern minnows incredibly have the best defensive record in the land after 11 games with just seven goals conceded.
That feat is clearly not all down to Ranocchia but he, and 22-year-old teammate Leonardo Bonucci, have been the Galletti’s stand-out players at the back so far this term. So much so that if the Italian side was selected based purely on the average marks out of 10 given by Italy’s sporting Press, Ranocchia and Bonucci would both make the team. Nesta and Chiellini, for the record, would too.
Ranocchia is perhaps a little too raw to win a place in Lippi’s 23-man squad for the next World Cup, but he has potential that should be analysed at the very least. Cannavaro is the past and the present, for Italy and Juventus, Ranocchia could just be the future.
http://www.football-italia.net/blogs/al112.html
----------------------------
He has certainly been very good and will surely be in the squad in the future, he has progressed well through the youth teams, but I think it is a bit early for him. There are good enough defenders in place for this tournament, but future places are certainly up for grabs alongside Chiellini.
How is Simone Colombi rated?
The Atalanta keeper? Pretty highly, he is first choice for the Italy U19. I saw him at the youth tournament, he reminds me of Marco Amelia, he is more in that mould of him and Peruzzi. I haven't seen him this season, think he is on loan to a lower division side currently but he is a baby.
Abel Hernandez is a superstar in the making. We first saw him tear up the Primavera championship where he virtually single-handedly won it for Palermo, now he is a key player for the first team and it may even convince Palermo to sell Cavani, as this lad will be leading their line next year. A player to keep your eye on.
Obviously Andrea Ranocchia has had a storming season at Bari but has now had a serious injury as mentioned, he is supposedly joining Inter next year and his defensive partner Leonardo Bonucci is another young defender who looks to be moving to a bigger club.
Other than guys who are clearly going to be stars or already there, like Jovetic, Hamsik, Zapata and Pato, I like Andrea Consigli the Atalanta goalkeeper, he is playing in a poor team but has made the shirt his own mostly and looks a good shout for the national side in the future.
McDonald Mariga has also earned himself a big move, from Parma to Inter. He really suits their big physical role and will be the first high profile Kenyan, and another African under Mourinho.
Finally one lesser known player that I really like is Juan Cuadrado the Udinese fullback, he is very exciting and looks like he could be an important player.
Khouma Babacar, 17 year old Senegalese striker at Fiorentina.
He has been tearing it up in the Primavera with his ability and physique, but has just scored his first league goal for the Viola against Genoa. He also scored in the Coppa Italia previously.
One to keep an eye on.
Salvatore Sirigu - excellent year for the young Palermo keep, he forced his way into the Azzurri provisional World Cup squad and looks like he will be a good bet for the Azzurri future in the longer term. Very good shot stopper.
Palermo have a lot of talented young players:
Edinson Cavani, Javier Pastore and Simon Kjær have price tags of around €25m, €25m and €15m respectively. All three look like they could be world class players in a couple of years. Pastore in particular looks a fantastically talented player.
Blog: Samp’s star of tomorrow
Amid the panic over the state of Italy’s youth, Rob Paton insists there is one Italian midfielder set for a bright future
“He is proof that it doesn't matter what age you are as long as you have the quality.” Luigi Del Neri’s words last season could have been a counter-argument to the current commotion over the state of Italy’s youth, but instead they were for Andrea Poli, the first of an anticipated wave of emerging talent at the Luigi Ferraris.
The fact Del Neri and director general Giuseppe Marotta, now at Juventus, are among the many interested parties eager to sign the 20-year-old speaks volumes for the impact he made in his first full season in Serie A – and the growing expectations surrounding his future.
Having come through the ranks at Treviso, Poli was spotted by Marotta’s assistant at Samp, Fabio Paratici – also now at Juve – and based on his recommendation the club snapped up the youngster, 17 at the time.
Poli made his debut for Doria in the 2007-08 season before being shipped out to Sassuolo on a season-long loan for the following campaign. For 2009-10, Del Neri had no hesitations in bringing him into the first-team squad off the back of his performances in Serie B.
Poli’s game is based on a good passing ability and a sagacity on the ball that belies his tender age. He is savvy too, being fouled on more occasions than he gave away free-kicks last year.
His tactical understanding and positioning has also been crucial to his early success, as has been his ability to link up with the more experienced members of the team to good effect. This in particular allowed for a strong partnership with Angelo Palombo to develop, one that last term formed a central unit Del Neri was able to build his preferred wing-based attacking system on.
Samp tied Poli down to a four-year deal in May and the club remain eager to ward off potential suitors as they prepare for their European campaign. The player is currently valued at €15m and although he is thought of as a key member, it is generally considered an offer of €8m to co-own the Under-21 international could surprisingly still be considered.
There remain aspects of his game that Poli needs to work at, notably his fitness, only finishing nine of the 22 games he started last season, and he is fairly lightweight for his position. Last year also showed he is still learning, with his worst performances coinciding with times the side was shorn of experienced heads across the back.
Italian media are predicting bright things for Poli in 2010-11 and his is a name to follow, regardless of where he may be playing come September 1.
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He's a really classy, technical midfielder with energy and a small stature, more like a Spanish midfielder. They call him Samp's star of the future but Juve desperately want him, now we have sold Almiron, Poulsen, Tiago (to go) and sent the kids Marrone and Ekdal for more schooling it leaves us with only 3 central midfielders. A very difficult transfer but if they keep giving the kid games he could become top class.
Amid the panic over the state of Italy’s youth, Rob Paton insists there is one Italian midfielder set for a bright future
“He is proof that it doesn't matter what age you are as long as you have the quality.” Luigi Del Neri’s words last season could have been a counter-argument to the current commotion over the state of Italy’s youth, but instead they were for Andrea Poli, the first of an anticipated wave of emerging talent at the Luigi Ferraris.
The fact Del Neri and director general Giuseppe Marotta, now at Juventus, are among the many interested parties eager to sign the 20-year-old speaks volumes for the impact he made in his first full season in Serie A – and the growing expectations surrounding his future.
Having come through the ranks at Treviso, Poli was spotted by Marotta’s assistant at Samp, Fabio Paratici – also now at Juve – and based on his recommendation the club snapped up the youngster, 17 at the time.
Poli made his debut for Doria in the 2007-08 season before being shipped out to Sassuolo on a season-long loan for the following campaign. For 2009-10, Del Neri had no hesitations in bringing him into the first-team squad off the back of his performances in Serie B.
Poli’s game is based on a good passing ability and a sagacity on the ball that belies his tender age. He is savvy too, being fouled on more occasions than he gave away free-kicks last year.
His tactical understanding and positioning has also been crucial to his early success, as has been his ability to link up with the more experienced members of the team to good effect. This in particular allowed for a strong partnership with Angelo Palombo to develop, one that last term formed a central unit Del Neri was able to build his preferred wing-based attacking system on.
Samp tied Poli down to a four-year deal in May and the club remain eager to ward off potential suitors as they prepare for their European campaign. The player is currently valued at €15m and although he is thought of as a key member, it is generally considered an offer of €8m to co-own the Under-21 international could surprisingly still be considered.
There remain aspects of his game that Poli needs to work at, notably his fitness, only finishing nine of the 22 games he started last season, and he is fairly lightweight for his position. Last year also showed he is still learning, with his worst performances coinciding with times the side was shorn of experienced heads across the back.
Italian media are predicting bright things for Poli in 2010-11 and his is a name to follow, regardless of where he may be playing come September 1.
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He's a really classy, technical midfielder with energy and a small stature, more like a Spanish midfielder. They call him Samp's star of the future but Juve desperately want him, now we have sold Almiron, Poulsen, Tiago (to go) and sent the kids Marrone and Ekdal for more schooling it leaves us with only 3 central midfielders. A very difficult transfer but if they keep giving the kid games he could become top class.
2010-11 list by club (players 23 and under at start of season)
Marco D'Alessandro (Bari, 20) - wing talent on loan from Roma, small but skillful and fast
Jaime Romero (Bari, 20) - another loanee, from Udinese, Spanish midfielder who shone in his brief appearances
Rene Krhin (Bologna, 20) - rangey Slovenia central midfielder from the Inter academy
Bartosz Salamon (Brescia, 19) - giant Polish midfielder who has already played many games at Serie B level
Ádám Vass (Brescia, 21) - Brescia blood them young, already has 100 games and Hungary caps to his name
Perparim Hetemaj (Brescia, 23) - Finnish midfielder who was hyped and needs to get his career back on track
Lorenzo Ariaudo (Cagliari, 21) - co-owned with Juve, looking to build on last season
Davide Astori (Cagliari, 23) - made the last Italy squad, very impressive recently
Daniele Ragatzu (Cagliari, 18) - a baby but already has games and goals under his belt, small and sharp striker
Takayuki Morimoto (Catania, 22) - coming along nicely, but would like to score a few more
Błażej Augustyn (Catania, 22) - big Polish defender who they picked up from nowhere, became important last season
Ezequiel Schelotto (Cesena, 21) - versatile oriundo who has had bigger clubs take a look, skillful and energetic
Yuto Nagatomo (Cesena, 23) - impressive Japan left back who will be looking to make a name for himself
Odion Ighalo (Cesena, 21) - Nigerian striker on loan from Udinese, he destroyed the Segunda last year with a spell at Granada
Stevan Jovetić (Fiorentina, 20) - out for eight months but a brilliant talent that will be missed
Khouma Babacar (Fiorentina, 17) - a monster potentially, he should feature a lot more this year if his mentality stays in check
Adem Ljajić (Fiorentina, 18) - Mihajlovic see him as the guy to fill in for Jovetić, the two together could be superb
Haris Seferović (Fiorentina, 18) - highly rated Swiss striker who has some way to go but needs games
Domenico Criscito (Genoa, 23) - decent in the World Cup, now fully owned by Genoa and making steady progress
Mattia Destro (Genoa, 19) - striker on loan from Inter, I'm not sure how much I'll play but much is expected of him in the future
Andrea Ranocchia (Genoa, 22) - co-owned with Inter, great hope of the Italian defence who is on the way back from serious injury
Salvatore Bocchetti (Genoa, 23) - Italian international but in danger of stagnating, needs a good season
Gianmarco Zigoni (Genoa, 19) - co-owned with Milan, like Destro he is highly rated in this age group, maybe this season is too soon
Mattia Perin (Genoa, 17) - only a kid still but already in the squad, the Italy U17 keeper is highly rated
Franco Zuculini (Genoa, 19) - Argentine midfield who underachieved in his year at Hoffenheim, on loan and could play a good part
Chico (Genoa, 23) - Spanish defender who impressed last year at Getafe, another youngster who Genoa have taken a chance on
McDonald Mariga (Inter, 23) - strong Kenyan midfielder who is looking to establish himself under a new coach
Philippe Coutinho (Inter, 18) - thought of as a Brazilian wonderkid, attacking midfielder who could well feature strongly
Davide Santon (Inter, 19) - still the big fullback prospect for Italy, just needs games, huge talent
Jonathan Biabiany (Inter, 22) - lightning fast French forward who really impressed at Parma last year
Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus, 23) - looking to establish himself alongside Chiellini for club and country, strong last year
Albin Ekdal (Juventus, 21) - Swedish midfielder who will end up at Bologna, one of Siena's better players last season
Davide Lanzafame (Juventus, 23) - looking to build on an impressive season at Parma, looks to have made left wing his own for now
Ştefan Radu (Lazio, 23) - 'new Chivu' defender from Romania, has played a fair part but still needs to improve
Davide Brivio (Lecce, 22) - standout Serie B left back and Italy U21, like all in that position he has a strong chance for Italy caps
Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Milan, 22) - defender who has steadily improved and gets a big chance now
Ignazio Abate (Milan, 23) - established himself under Leonardo, now needs to continue as he had a breakout year
Dominic Adiyiah (Milan, 20) - big U20 talent who has only just arrived, one for the future
Luigi Vitale (Napoli, 22) - left back who has a fight to establish himself in Napoli's system, technically good
Edinson Cavani (Napoli, 23) - an established striker now who has his big move, a decent World Cup and could become a big player
Marek Hamšík (Napoli, 23) - another who is already a big name, one of the better midfielders in the league and could play at the top
Ezequiel Muñoz (Palermo, 19) - just picked up from Boca, defender who has been linked to others but the rosanero took the plunge
Abel Hernández (Palermo, 20) - Uruguayan wonderkid who gets better all the time, great pre season too
Javier Pastore (Palermo, 21) - one of the most naturally talented players in the league who just needs a bit more output
Salvatore Sirigu (Palermo, 21) - just made his Italy debut and a great prospect, has a little bit of Buffon about him
Alberto Paloschi (Parma, 20) - still co-owned with Milan, he has broken through now and is becoming a dangerous forward
Sebastian Giovinco (Parma, 23) - on loan from Juve, and at his age he now really needs to play and impress to reach his potential
Stefano Okaka Chuka (Roma, 21) - amazing he is still only 21, seems to be more of a nuisance than a goal threat, looking for form
Guillermo Burdisso (Roma, 22) - brother of Nicolas, has had teams watching him for a while but Roma made the move
Vladimir Koman (Sampdoria, 21) - Hungarian midfielder who grew at Bari last year, needs games in a club that could have many
Andrea Poli (Sampdoria, 20) - mentioned above, big talent who likes to play the ball, a big hope for the future
Vincenzo Fiorillo (Sampdoria, 20) - keeper and Italy U20 captain who didn't have an easy time in Serie A but much is expected of him
Guido Marilungo (Sampdoria, 21) - last seasons spell at Lecce did him good, showed his speed and eye for goal
Mauricio Isla (Udinese, 22) - Chilean talent who impressed at the World Cup, versatile, has lots of skill and energy
Alexis Sánchez (Udinese, 21) - everyone saw his immense talent in South Africa, he just needs to learn the simpler things
Kwadwo Asamoah (Udinese, 21) - Ghanaian midfielder who has a European eye for creativity, very sought after
Fernando Forestieri (Udinese, 20) - another oriundo who is a second striker, did decent at Malaga but still very young and improving
Antonio Candreva (Udinese, 23) - impressed a lot of people at Juve, very versatile, quick, skillful and with lots of energy
Marco D'Alessandro (Bari, 20) - wing talent on loan from Roma, small but skillful and fast
Jaime Romero (Bari, 20) - another loanee, from Udinese, Spanish midfielder who shone in his brief appearances
Rene Krhin (Bologna, 20) - rangey Slovenia central midfielder from the Inter academy
Bartosz Salamon (Brescia, 19) - giant Polish midfielder who has already played many games at Serie B level
Ádám Vass (Brescia, 21) - Brescia blood them young, already has 100 games and Hungary caps to his name
Perparim Hetemaj (Brescia, 23) - Finnish midfielder who was hyped and needs to get his career back on track
Lorenzo Ariaudo (Cagliari, 21) - co-owned with Juve, looking to build on last season
Davide Astori (Cagliari, 23) - made the last Italy squad, very impressive recently
Daniele Ragatzu (Cagliari, 18) - a baby but already has games and goals under his belt, small and sharp striker
Takayuki Morimoto (Catania, 22) - coming along nicely, but would like to score a few more
Błażej Augustyn (Catania, 22) - big Polish defender who they picked up from nowhere, became important last season
Ezequiel Schelotto (Cesena, 21) - versatile oriundo who has had bigger clubs take a look, skillful and energetic
Yuto Nagatomo (Cesena, 23) - impressive Japan left back who will be looking to make a name for himself
Odion Ighalo (Cesena, 21) - Nigerian striker on loan from Udinese, he destroyed the Segunda last year with a spell at Granada
Stevan Jovetić (Fiorentina, 20) - out for eight months but a brilliant talent that will be missed
Khouma Babacar (Fiorentina, 17) - a monster potentially, he should feature a lot more this year if his mentality stays in check
Adem Ljajić (Fiorentina, 18) - Mihajlovic see him as the guy to fill in for Jovetić, the two together could be superb
Haris Seferović (Fiorentina, 18) - highly rated Swiss striker who has some way to go but needs games
Domenico Criscito (Genoa, 23) - decent in the World Cup, now fully owned by Genoa and making steady progress
Mattia Destro (Genoa, 19) - striker on loan from Inter, I'm not sure how much I'll play but much is expected of him in the future
Andrea Ranocchia (Genoa, 22) - co-owned with Inter, great hope of the Italian defence who is on the way back from serious injury
Salvatore Bocchetti (Genoa, 23) - Italian international but in danger of stagnating, needs a good season
Gianmarco Zigoni (Genoa, 19) - co-owned with Milan, like Destro he is highly rated in this age group, maybe this season is too soon
Mattia Perin (Genoa, 17) - only a kid still but already in the squad, the Italy U17 keeper is highly rated
Franco Zuculini (Genoa, 19) - Argentine midfield who underachieved in his year at Hoffenheim, on loan and could play a good part
Chico (Genoa, 23) - Spanish defender who impressed last year at Getafe, another youngster who Genoa have taken a chance on
McDonald Mariga (Inter, 23) - strong Kenyan midfielder who is looking to establish himself under a new coach
Philippe Coutinho (Inter, 18) - thought of as a Brazilian wonderkid, attacking midfielder who could well feature strongly
Davide Santon (Inter, 19) - still the big fullback prospect for Italy, just needs games, huge talent
Jonathan Biabiany (Inter, 22) - lightning fast French forward who really impressed at Parma last year
Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus, 23) - looking to establish himself alongside Chiellini for club and country, strong last year
Albin Ekdal (Juventus, 21) - Swedish midfielder who will end up at Bologna, one of Siena's better players last season
Davide Lanzafame (Juventus, 23) - looking to build on an impressive season at Parma, looks to have made left wing his own for now
Ştefan Radu (Lazio, 23) - 'new Chivu' defender from Romania, has played a fair part but still needs to improve
Davide Brivio (Lecce, 22) - standout Serie B left back and Italy U21, like all in that position he has a strong chance for Italy caps
Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Milan, 22) - defender who has steadily improved and gets a big chance now
Ignazio Abate (Milan, 23) - established himself under Leonardo, now needs to continue as he had a breakout year
Dominic Adiyiah (Milan, 20) - big U20 talent who has only just arrived, one for the future
Luigi Vitale (Napoli, 22) - left back who has a fight to establish himself in Napoli's system, technically good
Edinson Cavani (Napoli, 23) - an established striker now who has his big move, a decent World Cup and could become a big player
Marek Hamšík (Napoli, 23) - another who is already a big name, one of the better midfielders in the league and could play at the top
Ezequiel Muñoz (Palermo, 19) - just picked up from Boca, defender who has been linked to others but the rosanero took the plunge
Abel Hernández (Palermo, 20) - Uruguayan wonderkid who gets better all the time, great pre season too
Javier Pastore (Palermo, 21) - one of the most naturally talented players in the league who just needs a bit more output
Salvatore Sirigu (Palermo, 21) - just made his Italy debut and a great prospect, has a little bit of Buffon about him
Alberto Paloschi (Parma, 20) - still co-owned with Milan, he has broken through now and is becoming a dangerous forward
Sebastian Giovinco (Parma, 23) - on loan from Juve, and at his age he now really needs to play and impress to reach his potential
Stefano Okaka Chuka (Roma, 21) - amazing he is still only 21, seems to be more of a nuisance than a goal threat, looking for form
Guillermo Burdisso (Roma, 22) - brother of Nicolas, has had teams watching him for a while but Roma made the move
Vladimir Koman (Sampdoria, 21) - Hungarian midfielder who grew at Bari last year, needs games in a club that could have many
Andrea Poli (Sampdoria, 20) - mentioned above, big talent who likes to play the ball, a big hope for the future
Vincenzo Fiorillo (Sampdoria, 20) - keeper and Italy U20 captain who didn't have an easy time in Serie A but much is expected of him
Guido Marilungo (Sampdoria, 21) - last seasons spell at Lecce did him good, showed his speed and eye for goal
Mauricio Isla (Udinese, 22) - Chilean talent who impressed at the World Cup, versatile, has lots of skill and energy
Alexis Sánchez (Udinese, 21) - everyone saw his immense talent in South Africa, he just needs to learn the simpler things
Kwadwo Asamoah (Udinese, 21) - Ghanaian midfielder who has a European eye for creativity, very sought after
Fernando Forestieri (Udinese, 20) - another oriundo who is a second striker, did decent at Malaga but still very young and improving
Antonio Candreva (Udinese, 23) - impressed a lot of people at Juve, very versatile, quick, skillful and with lots of energy
Scouting Italia
Emiliano Viviano
Date of birth: December 1, 1985
Club: Bologna (co-owned by Inter)
Height: 1.95m
Weight: 91kg
Nationality: Italian
Position: Goalkeeper
Physical attributes...
Emiliano Viviano is an energetic shot-stopper, with an athleticism that contradicts his tall frame. It allows him to provide a large base of cover between the sticks, but surprisingly he remains less than confident when it comes to dealing with crosses.
The former Brescia man is athletic, able to improvise with fast reflexes when the moment requires it, pulling off reaching saves and instinctive blocks. His height provides a menacing frame for strikers, which combined with his physical strength offers his defenders a solid last line of defence. He has been compared to Francesco Toldo.
Technical attributes...
Combined with his physical stature, Viviano’s awareness of his angles ensures he is always well positioned to deal with efforts on goal, and is rarely beaten at his near post or from distance.
The former Fiorentina youth is adept at also minimising the risk of follow-up efforts, regularly managing to push any shots he cannot hold a good distance away from play. His frame, combined with his acute reactions ensures he is also strong in one-on-one situations and penalties.
Tactical attributes...
There are still areas for the ‘keeper to work on that give away his young age and tactically affect the way the team set up. The 24-year-old is still learning to reign in a tempestuous side to his nature that sees him occasionally rush off his line at impromptu moments.
He also still maintains a fragility at set-plays, failing to command his penalty area or to come for crosses as often as someone of his height can do. That aside, his kicking and overall distribution is consistent and an advantage that could be used more effectively in initiating counter-attacks.
Character...
The man is fearless, but with an impetuous edge that in the past has seen him fall foul of instinct taking over. Having broken on to the scene at a young age however, Viviano has also expressed a higher level of maturity to match his talent, and has remained unfazed in his flight through football so far. He has also worked hard on areas considered to be weaknesses resulting in his marked improvement year on year.
Market valuation...
Viviano has attracted the interest of Fiorentina and Arsenal this summer, but it is Inter, the club that co-own him, who are keeping him in mind for an eventual return to San Siro to push Julio Cesar in their goal. The player is currently valued at around the £10m mark, a figure representative of his growing status and the fact both teams that co-own him value him greatly.
Rob Paton, August 2010
Emiliano Viviano
Date of birth: December 1, 1985
Club: Bologna (co-owned by Inter)
Height: 1.95m
Weight: 91kg
Nationality: Italian
Position: Goalkeeper
Physical attributes...
Emiliano Viviano is an energetic shot-stopper, with an athleticism that contradicts his tall frame. It allows him to provide a large base of cover between the sticks, but surprisingly he remains less than confident when it comes to dealing with crosses.
The former Brescia man is athletic, able to improvise with fast reflexes when the moment requires it, pulling off reaching saves and instinctive blocks. His height provides a menacing frame for strikers, which combined with his physical strength offers his defenders a solid last line of defence. He has been compared to Francesco Toldo.
Technical attributes...
Combined with his physical stature, Viviano’s awareness of his angles ensures he is always well positioned to deal with efforts on goal, and is rarely beaten at his near post or from distance.
The former Fiorentina youth is adept at also minimising the risk of follow-up efforts, regularly managing to push any shots he cannot hold a good distance away from play. His frame, combined with his acute reactions ensures he is also strong in one-on-one situations and penalties.
Tactical attributes...
There are still areas for the ‘keeper to work on that give away his young age and tactically affect the way the team set up. The 24-year-old is still learning to reign in a tempestuous side to his nature that sees him occasionally rush off his line at impromptu moments.
He also still maintains a fragility at set-plays, failing to command his penalty area or to come for crosses as often as someone of his height can do. That aside, his kicking and overall distribution is consistent and an advantage that could be used more effectively in initiating counter-attacks.
Character...
The man is fearless, but with an impetuous edge that in the past has seen him fall foul of instinct taking over. Having broken on to the scene at a young age however, Viviano has also expressed a higher level of maturity to match his talent, and has remained unfazed in his flight through football so far. He has also worked hard on areas considered to be weaknesses resulting in his marked improvement year on year.
Market valuation...
Viviano has attracted the interest of Fiorentina and Arsenal this summer, but it is Inter, the club that co-own him, who are keeping him in mind for an eventual return to San Siro to push Julio Cesar in their goal. The player is currently valued at around the £10m mark, a figure representative of his growing status and the fact both teams that co-own him value him greatly.
Rob Paton, August 2010
Scouting Italia
Adem Ljajic
Date of birth: September 18, 1991
Club: Fiorentina
Height: 1.81m
Weight: 74kg
Nationality: Serbian
Position: Attacking midfielder
Physical attributes...
Ljajic is strong for his age group, cutting an imposing image for a player of his position. The Serbian possesses a natural burst of pace that combined with his build, makes him not only tough to win the ball off of in a straight run, but effective at tracking back too. Ljajic plays with his head up whilst there is little in his body language to indicate when in possession which way he might turn his marker.
Technical attributes...
Ljajic is good in the air, able to make late runs into the box and usually hits the target. Predominantly right-footed, the 18-year-old can finish accurately and has a strong shot to him. The youngster is also able to keep the ball close to feet when running with it and combines step-overs and sharp turns with a final product. At Fiorentina, in training they say he is the only one to match the quality and consistency of Coach Sinisa Mihajlovic when it comes to free-kicks, which is testament to his ability from dead-ball situations.
Tactical attributes...
Ljajic’s confidence with the ball at his feet and his all-round attacking style sees him capably deployed in any of the front positions, either on the wings or as a second striker. He tends towards the left side of midfield, enjoying cutting inside and testing opposition goalkeepers with long-range efforts. His positioning is excellent as is his timing of runs into the box to latch on to crosses. When placed on the wings he sits right on the line to draw his marker out of position and then use his pace to run into the space behind him. Fiorentina have ideas of deploying him behind Alberto Gilardino in their 4-2-3-1 formation.
Character...
Intelligent and hard-working, Ljajic has a naturally determined approach. Combined with his ability on the ball, it sees him able to out-think opponents without losing his cool, drawing free-kicks from opponents and prepared for the knocks he inevitably gets from defenders. He learned the hard way that nothing can be taken for granted, seeing a move to Manchester United collapse before Fiorentina came in for him.
Market valuation...
Fiorentina signed Ljajic in January 2010 for a fee in the region of €8m. The club has mentioned Ljajic as the ideal replacement for the injured Stevan Jovetic, with Mihajlovic speaking of giving Ljajic a first team berth even before Jovetic’s long-term injury. The club will be reluctant to part ways with the youngster even for an amount similar to that they paid for him.
Rob Paton, September 2010
Adem Ljajic
Date of birth: September 18, 1991
Club: Fiorentina
Height: 1.81m
Weight: 74kg
Nationality: Serbian
Position: Attacking midfielder
Physical attributes...
Ljajic is strong for his age group, cutting an imposing image for a player of his position. The Serbian possesses a natural burst of pace that combined with his build, makes him not only tough to win the ball off of in a straight run, but effective at tracking back too. Ljajic plays with his head up whilst there is little in his body language to indicate when in possession which way he might turn his marker.
Technical attributes...
Ljajic is good in the air, able to make late runs into the box and usually hits the target. Predominantly right-footed, the 18-year-old can finish accurately and has a strong shot to him. The youngster is also able to keep the ball close to feet when running with it and combines step-overs and sharp turns with a final product. At Fiorentina, in training they say he is the only one to match the quality and consistency of Coach Sinisa Mihajlovic when it comes to free-kicks, which is testament to his ability from dead-ball situations.
Tactical attributes...
Ljajic’s confidence with the ball at his feet and his all-round attacking style sees him capably deployed in any of the front positions, either on the wings or as a second striker. He tends towards the left side of midfield, enjoying cutting inside and testing opposition goalkeepers with long-range efforts. His positioning is excellent as is his timing of runs into the box to latch on to crosses. When placed on the wings he sits right on the line to draw his marker out of position and then use his pace to run into the space behind him. Fiorentina have ideas of deploying him behind Alberto Gilardino in their 4-2-3-1 formation.
Character...
Intelligent and hard-working, Ljajic has a naturally determined approach. Combined with his ability on the ball, it sees him able to out-think opponents without losing his cool, drawing free-kicks from opponents and prepared for the knocks he inevitably gets from defenders. He learned the hard way that nothing can be taken for granted, seeing a move to Manchester United collapse before Fiorentina came in for him.
Market valuation...
Fiorentina signed Ljajic in January 2010 for a fee in the region of €8m. The club has mentioned Ljajic as the ideal replacement for the injured Stevan Jovetic, with Mihajlovic speaking of giving Ljajic a first team berth even before Jovetic’s long-term injury. The club will be reluctant to part ways with the youngster even for an amount similar to that they paid for him.
Rob Paton, September 2010
Scouting Italia
Philippe Coutinho
Date of birth: June 12, 1992
Club: Inter
Height: 1.72m
Weight: 72kg
Nationality: Brazilian
Position: Midfielder
Physical attributes...
Philippe Coutinho Correia, to give him his full name, is an exciting, attacking midfielder who can pass and shoot equally as well with both feet. At five feet seven inches small he may not be the biggest player but what he lacks in stature he certainly makes up for in heart. Yet the former Vasco da Gama teenager’s height has several advantages as he is blessed with a low centre of gravity, which apart from affording him a supreme balance also allows him to turn on a ten-lira coin.
Technical attributes...
A typical Brazilian playmaker, in that he can deliver deadly balls, loves to pass his man and with the ball at his feet likes to thrill fans with various tricks. He has vision, movement, close control and possesses a tremendous shot, which he ably demonstrated when he scored his first Nerazzurri goal on Inter’s tour of the US this summer. Coming on as a sub in the game against Panathinaikos, he struck home a powerful volley that absolutely flew into the net. In many ways he recalls a young Wesley Sneijder, his immediate rival in the Nerazzurri first team, while for others he is the new Lionel Messi. Yet despite all the hype there is no doubting the kid’s ability to electrify fans.
Tactical attributes...
Of course he is still only 18 and has a lot to learn but he has already been called up into the national squad. Playing alongside some of Brazil’s and Inter’s experienced footballers can only benefit him in the long run. He can play anywhere in the midfield but says he feels his best position is just behind two strikers, where he played for Vasco.
Character...
Like many young South Americans he is utterly fearless and totally uncompromising, considering his slight physique. He sees himself extremely lucky to be playing alongside national heroes like Julio Cesar, Douglas Maicon and Lucio – legends he could only have dreamed about playing with when watching them on TV not too long ago. He admits he is a quiet person who doesn’t like to go out much, preferring to stay at home with his family, his friends and girlfriend.
Market valuation...
Philippe actually cost Inter £3m in 2008, but because of FIFA rules concerning players under 16 he stayed on loan with Vasco da Gama until this summer. Since his move he has been called up into the full Brazilian squad. With the departure of Mario Balotelli for £23m to Manchester City, Inter President Moratti has been quoted as saying that the sale of Balotelli isn’t a problem for Inter because they have other young talents like Coutinho. So what does that make the youngster worth? Who knows at this time?
Dave Taylor, September 2010
Philippe Coutinho
Date of birth: June 12, 1992
Club: Inter
Height: 1.72m
Weight: 72kg
Nationality: Brazilian
Position: Midfielder
Physical attributes...
Philippe Coutinho Correia, to give him his full name, is an exciting, attacking midfielder who can pass and shoot equally as well with both feet. At five feet seven inches small he may not be the biggest player but what he lacks in stature he certainly makes up for in heart. Yet the former Vasco da Gama teenager’s height has several advantages as he is blessed with a low centre of gravity, which apart from affording him a supreme balance also allows him to turn on a ten-lira coin.
Technical attributes...
A typical Brazilian playmaker, in that he can deliver deadly balls, loves to pass his man and with the ball at his feet likes to thrill fans with various tricks. He has vision, movement, close control and possesses a tremendous shot, which he ably demonstrated when he scored his first Nerazzurri goal on Inter’s tour of the US this summer. Coming on as a sub in the game against Panathinaikos, he struck home a powerful volley that absolutely flew into the net. In many ways he recalls a young Wesley Sneijder, his immediate rival in the Nerazzurri first team, while for others he is the new Lionel Messi. Yet despite all the hype there is no doubting the kid’s ability to electrify fans.
Tactical attributes...
Of course he is still only 18 and has a lot to learn but he has already been called up into the national squad. Playing alongside some of Brazil’s and Inter’s experienced footballers can only benefit him in the long run. He can play anywhere in the midfield but says he feels his best position is just behind two strikers, where he played for Vasco.
Character...
Like many young South Americans he is utterly fearless and totally uncompromising, considering his slight physique. He sees himself extremely lucky to be playing alongside national heroes like Julio Cesar, Douglas Maicon and Lucio – legends he could only have dreamed about playing with when watching them on TV not too long ago. He admits he is a quiet person who doesn’t like to go out much, preferring to stay at home with his family, his friends and girlfriend.
Market valuation...
Philippe actually cost Inter £3m in 2008, but because of FIFA rules concerning players under 16 he stayed on loan with Vasco da Gama until this summer. Since his move he has been called up into the full Brazilian squad. With the departure of Mario Balotelli for £23m to Manchester City, Inter President Moratti has been quoted as saying that the sale of Balotelli isn’t a problem for Inter because they have other young talents like Coutinho. So what does that make the youngster worth? Who knows at this time?
Dave Taylor, September 2010
Scouting Italia
Davide Astori
Date of birth: January 7, 1987
Club: Cagliari
Height: 1.88m Weight: 80kg
Nationality: Italian
Position: Centre-back
Physical attributes...
Standing over 6ft tall, Davide Astori can best be described as a defensive wall. He is strong and long-legged, with a good jump on him. Combined, these attributes see him capable of keeping some of Serie A's best strikers quiet for entire games. The Cagliari man has the ability to read passages of play and react quickly, which combined with his imposing figure sees him able to keep up with and battle tricky forward play.
Technical attributes...
Astori is usually ready with a well-timed intervention, moving out of the defensive line to intercept attacking moves with intelligence and accuracy. The 23-year-old has good basic technique, rarely makes a mistake in possession and is intelligent in knowing which way to send opponents and to minimise danger from opposition forward play.
Astori's biggest strength comes from his physical traits presenting a formidable barrier to opponents on the ground and in the air. Cagliari's No 13 is still prone to the occasional error in judgment, be that getting too close to opponents who then turn him easily or draw a foul.
Tactical attributes...
His physical and technical attributes see him best placed in his preferred position of centre-back, where he represents a tough battle for any centre-forward. Tactically at Cagliari he finds himself on the left of the centre-back pairing and prefers acting as the deeper-lying of the two, marshalling the others in the line, and often using insight to intercept passes rather than press attackers into mistakes. He closely resembles Alessandro Nesta in his playing style and positioning on the pitch, a player he cites as his role model.
After a tricky introduction to Serie A in 2008-09, last year also saw Astori work on his positioning in relation to his teammates, something that has seen him grow in confidence. However, it remains an area of his game to work on, as he can still be drawn out of position leaving gaps for runners in behind. He also currently fails to make the most of his height from set-pieces, both in defending and attacking.
Character...
Not only through his physical presence and strong attributes shown on the pitch, but also with his behaviour off it, Astori is primed as a natural leader. He leads a grounded, focused lifestyle off the pitch to complement his progress on it. He is driven and confident, with an intelligence that sees him unphased by the level of opponents he may face. He remains modest, open and determined to the cause, be that the one of his team Cagliari, or his personal one for breaking into the team he supported as a boy, Milan.
Market valuation...
Current Milan Coach Massimiliano Allegri is a great admirer, having worked closely with Astori at the Stadio Sant'Elia. He has been earmarked for a return to Milan in summer 2011 when many of the old guard are expected to leave as contracts run down. Another good season under his belt could see his valuation exceed the €10m mark, but Milan will be reluctant to part with him and the player himself wants a chance at San Siro.
Rob Paton, September 2010
Davide Astori
Date of birth: January 7, 1987
Club: Cagliari
Height: 1.88m Weight: 80kg
Nationality: Italian
Position: Centre-back
Physical attributes...
Standing over 6ft tall, Davide Astori can best be described as a defensive wall. He is strong and long-legged, with a good jump on him. Combined, these attributes see him capable of keeping some of Serie A's best strikers quiet for entire games. The Cagliari man has the ability to read passages of play and react quickly, which combined with his imposing figure sees him able to keep up with and battle tricky forward play.
Technical attributes...
Astori is usually ready with a well-timed intervention, moving out of the defensive line to intercept attacking moves with intelligence and accuracy. The 23-year-old has good basic technique, rarely makes a mistake in possession and is intelligent in knowing which way to send opponents and to minimise danger from opposition forward play.
Astori's biggest strength comes from his physical traits presenting a formidable barrier to opponents on the ground and in the air. Cagliari's No 13 is still prone to the occasional error in judgment, be that getting too close to opponents who then turn him easily or draw a foul.
Tactical attributes...
His physical and technical attributes see him best placed in his preferred position of centre-back, where he represents a tough battle for any centre-forward. Tactically at Cagliari he finds himself on the left of the centre-back pairing and prefers acting as the deeper-lying of the two, marshalling the others in the line, and often using insight to intercept passes rather than press attackers into mistakes. He closely resembles Alessandro Nesta in his playing style and positioning on the pitch, a player he cites as his role model.
After a tricky introduction to Serie A in 2008-09, last year also saw Astori work on his positioning in relation to his teammates, something that has seen him grow in confidence. However, it remains an area of his game to work on, as he can still be drawn out of position leaving gaps for runners in behind. He also currently fails to make the most of his height from set-pieces, both in defending and attacking.
Character...
Not only through his physical presence and strong attributes shown on the pitch, but also with his behaviour off it, Astori is primed as a natural leader. He leads a grounded, focused lifestyle off the pitch to complement his progress on it. He is driven and confident, with an intelligence that sees him unphased by the level of opponents he may face. He remains modest, open and determined to the cause, be that the one of his team Cagliari, or his personal one for breaking into the team he supported as a boy, Milan.
Market valuation...
Current Milan Coach Massimiliano Allegri is a great admirer, having worked closely with Astori at the Stadio Sant'Elia. He has been earmarked for a return to Milan in summer 2011 when many of the old guard are expected to leave as contracts run down. Another good season under his belt could see his valuation exceed the €10m mark, but Milan will be reluctant to part with him and the player himself wants a chance at San Siro.
Rob Paton, September 2010
Blog: A Divine Fairytale?
A lack of young talent in Italian football? Brescia think they have the new Roberto Baggio and he’s just 15. Antonio Labbate reports
On Monday afternoon, fresh from recalling 33-year-old Gianluca Zambrotta to the Italy squad for the upcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers, Cesare Prandelli bemoaned the lack of young Italians whom he can build the new national side around. “The Italian championship is rich for everyone else, but poor for me,” he argued.
Rejuvenating an ageing team is high on the tactician’s list of priorities after the Azzurri’s shameful World Cup experience in South Africa. As reigning champions, they failed to win a single game and came bottom of a group which consisted of Paraguay, Slovakia and New Zealand.
Under-21 boss Gigi Casiraghi, who managed to convince the former Fiorentina tactician to leave him Lorenzo De Silvestri and Andrea Ranocchia this week for their vital Euro 2011 play-off ties against Belarus, responded to Prandelli’s angst by insisting new stars would eventually emerge. “Young talent is not lacking, but patience is needed,” he argued.
Ask Genoa patron Enrico Preziosi who that young talent is and he’ll tell you it is Stephan El Shaarawy. “He’s already ready for Prandelli,” was the claim made by the Marassi chief. A Rossoblu midfielder who is currently on loan at Serie B side Padova, the Little Pharaoh – he has an Egyptian father – made his Serie A debut for the club as a 16-year-old in December 2008.
But El Shaarawy isn’t the only young bright thing in Italian football that a Serie A President is banking his future on. Around 200km north-east of the port city, Brescia commander Gino Corioni believes he has the new Roberto Baggio in his ranks. It’s a bold claim, an even bolder one when you take into account that Lorenzo Tassi is still just 15. “He is not normal, he is out of that bracket,” Corioni raved.
Tassi, who lives in the Bovezzo part of town, is a fantasista who has been used as an attacking midfielder, a second striker and as a deeper central midfield playmaker so far during his youth level career. Blessed with class and vision which makes him stand out from his peers, there is already talk in the northern industrial city that this kid is what Italians call a predestinato, a genius which football unearths only once every decade.
Brescia’s technical staff insist they haven’t seen talent like his since the days of Andrea Pirlo. Gigi Maifredi, the Coach whose trademark champagne football went decidedly flat at Juventus in 1990, where he worked with Baggio, is also a fan after viewing him at close quarters while assisting the Rondinelle. “Taking everything into account, I consider Tassi to be a child prodigy.”
Other clubs like what they see too. Inter have already had a bid for the youngster turned down, a failure experienced by city rivals Milan who went as high as €5m for a boy who won’t turn 16 until February 12, 2011. Instead of cashing in, Corioni, who perhaps still regrets selling Pirlo as a teenager, sent Tassi to train with the first team during pre-season.
“It went well and I enjoyed it,” Lorenzo stated. “I have to admit that it was hard work, but it was an important period for me to just taste the atmosphere of the first team squad and to gather that experience.
“The Coach, Giuseppe Iachini, didn’t really say anything to me in particular, but he did advise me to keep my head on my shoulders. It is important to stay humble if you want the road ahead to be a long and successful one.”
Iachini himself was impressed. “He is a boy with great quality,” said the tactician. “I was eager to see how he would do alongside players with much greater experience. If he proves himself to be ready then he will be taken into consideration.”
Despite his recognised talent, there are concerns that Tassi may be rushed into an arena of expectation which could burn his ability. But the kid has had to grow up quickly over the last five years. As a boy he was regularly used in a League against players who were three years older, he’s already represented Italy at Under-16 and U-17 level, while at the age of 14 he had to deal with the death of his father.
Despite talk of Baggio and Serie A, Tassi is just focusing on the here and now – that being Brescia’s youth team. And in Week 1 of the new Primavera season, he again underlined his ability by grabbing the only goal of the game against Albinoleffe.
“I’m honoured to have been compared to a champion like Baggio, a player who was my idol,” he declared. “But I must still demonstrate a lot over the years ahead. My targets for now are the Primavera side and I want to do well for Italy at the Under-17 European Championship. Should I debut in Serie A too this term, well, that would just be a bonus…”
*Who is the youngest player to debut in Serie A? Roma’s Amedeo Amadei in 1937 at the age of 15 years, nine months and six days.
------------------------
It's unfair to call Tassi predestitano, just puts pressure on him, but it's great to see such talent coming through. The reports of Italy not having youth products is massively exaggerated, it's just that coaches don't play them early enough.
A lack of young talent in Italian football? Brescia think they have the new Roberto Baggio and he’s just 15. Antonio Labbate reports
On Monday afternoon, fresh from recalling 33-year-old Gianluca Zambrotta to the Italy squad for the upcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers, Cesare Prandelli bemoaned the lack of young Italians whom he can build the new national side around. “The Italian championship is rich for everyone else, but poor for me,” he argued.
Rejuvenating an ageing team is high on the tactician’s list of priorities after the Azzurri’s shameful World Cup experience in South Africa. As reigning champions, they failed to win a single game and came bottom of a group which consisted of Paraguay, Slovakia and New Zealand.
Under-21 boss Gigi Casiraghi, who managed to convince the former Fiorentina tactician to leave him Lorenzo De Silvestri and Andrea Ranocchia this week for their vital Euro 2011 play-off ties against Belarus, responded to Prandelli’s angst by insisting new stars would eventually emerge. “Young talent is not lacking, but patience is needed,” he argued.
Ask Genoa patron Enrico Preziosi who that young talent is and he’ll tell you it is Stephan El Shaarawy. “He’s already ready for Prandelli,” was the claim made by the Marassi chief. A Rossoblu midfielder who is currently on loan at Serie B side Padova, the Little Pharaoh – he has an Egyptian father – made his Serie A debut for the club as a 16-year-old in December 2008.
But El Shaarawy isn’t the only young bright thing in Italian football that a Serie A President is banking his future on. Around 200km north-east of the port city, Brescia commander Gino Corioni believes he has the new Roberto Baggio in his ranks. It’s a bold claim, an even bolder one when you take into account that Lorenzo Tassi is still just 15. “He is not normal, he is out of that bracket,” Corioni raved.
Tassi, who lives in the Bovezzo part of town, is a fantasista who has been used as an attacking midfielder, a second striker and as a deeper central midfield playmaker so far during his youth level career. Blessed with class and vision which makes him stand out from his peers, there is already talk in the northern industrial city that this kid is what Italians call a predestinato, a genius which football unearths only once every decade.
Brescia’s technical staff insist they haven’t seen talent like his since the days of Andrea Pirlo. Gigi Maifredi, the Coach whose trademark champagne football went decidedly flat at Juventus in 1990, where he worked with Baggio, is also a fan after viewing him at close quarters while assisting the Rondinelle. “Taking everything into account, I consider Tassi to be a child prodigy.”
Other clubs like what they see too. Inter have already had a bid for the youngster turned down, a failure experienced by city rivals Milan who went as high as €5m for a boy who won’t turn 16 until February 12, 2011. Instead of cashing in, Corioni, who perhaps still regrets selling Pirlo as a teenager, sent Tassi to train with the first team during pre-season.
“It went well and I enjoyed it,” Lorenzo stated. “I have to admit that it was hard work, but it was an important period for me to just taste the atmosphere of the first team squad and to gather that experience.
“The Coach, Giuseppe Iachini, didn’t really say anything to me in particular, but he did advise me to keep my head on my shoulders. It is important to stay humble if you want the road ahead to be a long and successful one.”
Iachini himself was impressed. “He is a boy with great quality,” said the tactician. “I was eager to see how he would do alongside players with much greater experience. If he proves himself to be ready then he will be taken into consideration.”
Despite his recognised talent, there are concerns that Tassi may be rushed into an arena of expectation which could burn his ability. But the kid has had to grow up quickly over the last five years. As a boy he was regularly used in a League against players who were three years older, he’s already represented Italy at Under-16 and U-17 level, while at the age of 14 he had to deal with the death of his father.
Despite talk of Baggio and Serie A, Tassi is just focusing on the here and now – that being Brescia’s youth team. And in Week 1 of the new Primavera season, he again underlined his ability by grabbing the only goal of the game against Albinoleffe.
“I’m honoured to have been compared to a champion like Baggio, a player who was my idol,” he declared. “But I must still demonstrate a lot over the years ahead. My targets for now are the Primavera side and I want to do well for Italy at the Under-17 European Championship. Should I debut in Serie A too this term, well, that would just be a bonus…”
*Who is the youngest player to debut in Serie A? Roma’s Amedeo Amadei in 1937 at the age of 15 years, nine months and six days.
------------------------
It's unfair to call Tassi predestitano, just puts pressure on him, but it's great to see such talent coming through. The reports of Italy not having youth products is massively exaggerated, it's just that coaches don't play them early enough.
Scouting Italia
Jonathan Biabiany
Date of birth: April 28, 1988
Club: Inter
Height: 1.75m Weight: 73kg
Nationality: French
Position: Forward
Physical attributes...
Jonathan Biabiany is not the tallest man in Serie A, but he makes up for a lack of height with an abundance of pace – he is one of the fastest forwards in the Italian game today. To compliment that he has strength and explosive power, allowing him to push and shove defenders, and blitz his way towards goal. Those qualities may be more suited to the pacey, rough and tumble Premier League, but it is his speed and unpredictability that makes him a top threat in Italy.
Technical attributes...
A gifted and natural talent, one who when on the pitch evokes memories of a rubber-legged Faustino Asprilla, who, like Biabiany, played for Parma and shares the same height as the French hitman. Biabiany's right foot is also lethal, with precision and powerful shooting making him a danger. Equipped with an eye for a pass, he also has a football brain and knows when to shoot and when to lay the ball off for a teammate. He is not a selfish striker by any means, preferring to work hard for the team.
Tactical attributes...
Able to play on either wing or up front as a support striker, he’s best placed in an attacking right flank role where he can still offer solidarity when needing men behind the ball. He has decent positional sense and likes to play off the shoulder which could potentially make him a vital link-up man. Ideally fielded wide so he can cut inside, run at defenders and supply ammunition for strikers. He’s been played in a similar role which Eto'o had under Jose Mourinho last season.
Character...
A modest hard worker who puts himself at the disposal of his teammates, he is determined, hungry and always ready to listen to senior players and coaching staff for his own development. Not shy on the field of play, his stellar season at Parma last term also gave him the maturity and discipline required to be in the first team of the European Champions. Also coped with the pressure of Champions League football after his impressive outing in the 4-0 win over Werder Bremen.
Market valuation...
If he continues like this then Biabiany is likely to remain beyond his 2014 contract at Inter. Parma were reluctant to lose him in the summer, but that was always inevitable. He is worth around €6.5m, but regular action and goals could see that figure almost double.
Jonathan Biabiany
Date of birth: April 28, 1988
Club: Inter
Height: 1.75m Weight: 73kg
Nationality: French
Position: Forward
Physical attributes...
Jonathan Biabiany is not the tallest man in Serie A, but he makes up for a lack of height with an abundance of pace – he is one of the fastest forwards in the Italian game today. To compliment that he has strength and explosive power, allowing him to push and shove defenders, and blitz his way towards goal. Those qualities may be more suited to the pacey, rough and tumble Premier League, but it is his speed and unpredictability that makes him a top threat in Italy.
Technical attributes...
A gifted and natural talent, one who when on the pitch evokes memories of a rubber-legged Faustino Asprilla, who, like Biabiany, played for Parma and shares the same height as the French hitman. Biabiany's right foot is also lethal, with precision and powerful shooting making him a danger. Equipped with an eye for a pass, he also has a football brain and knows when to shoot and when to lay the ball off for a teammate. He is not a selfish striker by any means, preferring to work hard for the team.
Tactical attributes...
Able to play on either wing or up front as a support striker, he’s best placed in an attacking right flank role where he can still offer solidarity when needing men behind the ball. He has decent positional sense and likes to play off the shoulder which could potentially make him a vital link-up man. Ideally fielded wide so he can cut inside, run at defenders and supply ammunition for strikers. He’s been played in a similar role which Eto'o had under Jose Mourinho last season.
Character...
A modest hard worker who puts himself at the disposal of his teammates, he is determined, hungry and always ready to listen to senior players and coaching staff for his own development. Not shy on the field of play, his stellar season at Parma last term also gave him the maturity and discipline required to be in the first team of the European Champions. Also coped with the pressure of Champions League football after his impressive outing in the 4-0 win over Werder Bremen.
Market valuation...
If he continues like this then Biabiany is likely to remain beyond his 2014 contract at Inter. Parma were reluctant to lose him in the summer, but that was always inevitable. He is worth around €6.5m, but regular action and goals could see that figure almost double.
Blog: The Fabbrini Factory
James Horncastle reports on Empoli’s thriving youth policy, as illustrated in the rise of Italian football’s latest starlet Diego Fabbrini
Diego Fabbrini is what you’d call ideal son-in-law material. The preppy 20-year-old Italian is nothing short of a model student. He recently enrolled on a law degree, espousing his interest in the private and constitutional aspects of a profession that has always held a high standing in society.
He is settled with Rachele, his girlfriend of over a year, and appears grounded with no ideas above his station, as exemplified in his modest taste in clothing and food. “Give me a pizza and you’ll always make me happy,” Fabbrini smiles. He admits that somewhere in his house there is an Xbox 360, but hastens to add it doesn’t get used too often and is probably gathering dust somewhere in a cupboard.
All things considered, one can draw the conclusion that Fabbrini isn’t your average footballer. “My model has always been Kaka,” he adds, which explains a lot about the Empoli starlet’s reserved and unassuming character. It appears his law degree has already taught him to watch what he says, for when asked to reveal the team of his heart, Fabbrini replied: “I’ve never had one.” When pressed on reported interest from Fiorentina, he simply said: “Next question, please.”
Make no mistake about it, though, Fabbrini is just as smart on the pitch too, and with a name like Diego it’s only natural that there is great expectation on the playmaker’s shoulders, especially in light of Cesare Prandelli’s recent claim that “there aren’t any talented youngsters around.”
Fabbrini must be an exception then. He hit the headlines earlier this month after inspiring the Italy Under-21s to a 2-0 victory over Belarus in the first leg of their European Championship play-off, supplying Mattia Destro with a sensational assist. His virtuoso performance against Siena on Monday only added to the hype surrounding his undoubted ability.
“Few players know how to beat their man in a one on one situation like he does. Diego is the best player in his age group after Mario Balotelli,” Fabbrini’s former mentor Salvatore Campilongo explained. “Call him the alchemist,” wrote La Gazzetta dello Sport’s Francesco Velluzzi. “Here is the classic example of a youngster who deserves a bigger stage.”
Fabbrini was afforded such an opportunity in the summer when instead of recruiting abroad like they have done in the past, Udinese went ‘against the grain’ in Italy by ‘courageously’ deciding to invest in a prospect from Serie B. They bought a 50 per cent stake in Fabbrini with a view to a permanent transfer. But knowing he would play more regular first team football at Empoli, he showed incredible maturity in saying: “Leave me in Serie B.”
It certainly looks to have been the right decision. Empoli have always had a strong tradition of bringing through young players, the most famous graduates of their fertile academy being Vincenzo Montella, Antonio Di Natale and Massimo Maccarone. So after missing out on promotion last season, the club’s owner Fabrizio Corsi went back to their roots. He got rid of veteran players like Ighli Vannucchi, and sold Eder and Gabriele Angella, the team’s stars, choosing instead to promote nine youngsters born either in 1990 or 1991.
“From an operating budget of €10.5m around 25 per cent is destined for the academy,” Corsi reveals. Empoli’s faith has been rewarded. Astonishingly, they are the only side yet to suffer defeat in Serie B and now lie fourth in the standings. “There are youngsters in Italy,” Empoli boss Alfredo Aglietti told Il Corriere della Sera. “You just have to play them. If you throw them into the mix once and then after the first mistake don’t allow them to return for two years, they’ll never mature.”
And therein lies the simple but often forgotten formula to successful youth development, one that Fabbrini has benefited from and one that Italy boss Prandelli needs to promote. “Thank you Totti and Del Piero,” wrote Luigi Garlando in La Gazzetta dello Sport. “But it’s better to spend Italy’s friendlies building a future rather than honouring the past. We have no time to waste, seeing, for example, Fabbrini stamp his genius on the Under-21s.”
As of now, the law student might not be ready for such a jump in class, but if there is to be a change of culture on the peninsula, an attitude like Empoli’s is absolutely necessary at every level.
http://www.football-italia.net/blogs/jh120.html
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noeL9w0Frmg
-----------------------
Thankfully there are clubs like Empoli still out there
James Horncastle reports on Empoli’s thriving youth policy, as illustrated in the rise of Italian football’s latest starlet Diego Fabbrini
Diego Fabbrini is what you’d call ideal son-in-law material. The preppy 20-year-old Italian is nothing short of a model student. He recently enrolled on a law degree, espousing his interest in the private and constitutional aspects of a profession that has always held a high standing in society.
He is settled with Rachele, his girlfriend of over a year, and appears grounded with no ideas above his station, as exemplified in his modest taste in clothing and food. “Give me a pizza and you’ll always make me happy,” Fabbrini smiles. He admits that somewhere in his house there is an Xbox 360, but hastens to add it doesn’t get used too often and is probably gathering dust somewhere in a cupboard.
All things considered, one can draw the conclusion that Fabbrini isn’t your average footballer. “My model has always been Kaka,” he adds, which explains a lot about the Empoli starlet’s reserved and unassuming character. It appears his law degree has already taught him to watch what he says, for when asked to reveal the team of his heart, Fabbrini replied: “I’ve never had one.” When pressed on reported interest from Fiorentina, he simply said: “Next question, please.”
Make no mistake about it, though, Fabbrini is just as smart on the pitch too, and with a name like Diego it’s only natural that there is great expectation on the playmaker’s shoulders, especially in light of Cesare Prandelli’s recent claim that “there aren’t any talented youngsters around.”
Fabbrini must be an exception then. He hit the headlines earlier this month after inspiring the Italy Under-21s to a 2-0 victory over Belarus in the first leg of their European Championship play-off, supplying Mattia Destro with a sensational assist. His virtuoso performance against Siena on Monday only added to the hype surrounding his undoubted ability.
“Few players know how to beat their man in a one on one situation like he does. Diego is the best player in his age group after Mario Balotelli,” Fabbrini’s former mentor Salvatore Campilongo explained. “Call him the alchemist,” wrote La Gazzetta dello Sport’s Francesco Velluzzi. “Here is the classic example of a youngster who deserves a bigger stage.”
Fabbrini was afforded such an opportunity in the summer when instead of recruiting abroad like they have done in the past, Udinese went ‘against the grain’ in Italy by ‘courageously’ deciding to invest in a prospect from Serie B. They bought a 50 per cent stake in Fabbrini with a view to a permanent transfer. But knowing he would play more regular first team football at Empoli, he showed incredible maturity in saying: “Leave me in Serie B.”
It certainly looks to have been the right decision. Empoli have always had a strong tradition of bringing through young players, the most famous graduates of their fertile academy being Vincenzo Montella, Antonio Di Natale and Massimo Maccarone. So after missing out on promotion last season, the club’s owner Fabrizio Corsi went back to their roots. He got rid of veteran players like Ighli Vannucchi, and sold Eder and Gabriele Angella, the team’s stars, choosing instead to promote nine youngsters born either in 1990 or 1991.
“From an operating budget of €10.5m around 25 per cent is destined for the academy,” Corsi reveals. Empoli’s faith has been rewarded. Astonishingly, they are the only side yet to suffer defeat in Serie B and now lie fourth in the standings. “There are youngsters in Italy,” Empoli boss Alfredo Aglietti told Il Corriere della Sera. “You just have to play them. If you throw them into the mix once and then after the first mistake don’t allow them to return for two years, they’ll never mature.”
And therein lies the simple but often forgotten formula to successful youth development, one that Fabbrini has benefited from and one that Italy boss Prandelli needs to promote. “Thank you Totti and Del Piero,” wrote Luigi Garlando in La Gazzetta dello Sport. “But it’s better to spend Italy’s friendlies building a future rather than honouring the past. We have no time to waste, seeing, for example, Fabbrini stamp his genius on the Under-21s.”
As of now, the law student might not be ready for such a jump in class, but if there is to be a change of culture on the peninsula, an attitude like Empoli’s is absolutely necessary at every level.
http://www.football-italia.net/blogs/jh120.html
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noeL9w0Frmg
-----------------------
Thankfully there are clubs like Empoli still out there
Scouting Italia
Abel Hernandez
Date of birth: August 8, 1990
Club: Palermo
Height: 1.85m Weight: 73kg
Nationality: Uruguayan
Position: Forward
Physical attributes...
Abel is just 20, but is already six foot plus. Known as La Joya – The Jewel – he is a multi-faceted athlete with pace, aggression and stamina to burn. Built like a cruiserweight boxer, his imposing presence sees him willing to put himself between the ball and the central defender without a second thought. Once on a run his strength and creativity make it difficult to knock him off the ball. He did have a heart problem when he arrived, but after surgery he appears back to full strength.
Technical attributes...
Prefers to use his left foot but equally as comfortable with his right and his deadly intuition in front of goal was witnessed with six strikes in 14 games last season. He has a rare explosive acceleration from a standing start and his lightning speed is a big part of his game, along with a superb dribbling talent. Yet there are a couple of things he could work on. His heading ability, for instance, for a player with his height could be much better. He can also be guilty of reacting rather than anticipating but experience will sort that out.
Tactical attributes...
Hernandez says he favours playing as a second striker and certainly his technique is better suited to having a partner alongside him. Yet he is adaptable and has also been a revelation as a central striker with Javier Pastore to his right and either Massimo Maccarone or Mauricio Pinilla to his left. Being predominately left-footed he can and does cut in on his right to confuse his opponents and leave them flat-footed. With the ball at his feet he radiates confidence and, while he is unafraid to take on his man, he can just as easily pass the ball with that nonchalance South Americans are renowned for.
Character...
Abel has that air of Brazilian confidence about him on and off the pitch and delights in playing football and scoring. He is young and eager, can articulate his thoughts and is unafraid to speak his mind. He appears intelligent and has the necessary personality, aggression and ability to fit easily into the team set up. The very fact that he returned from such a serious heart condition speaks volumes for the boy, especially after several doctors told him he would not be able to play football again.
Market valuation...
Hernandez joined Palermo as an 18-year-old in January 2009 for a reported fee of €3m and was one of the main reasons Edinson Cavani was allowed to leave this summer. He made his Serie A debut in March 2009, but was mainly used in the Primavera side that won the Giacinto Facchetti Trophy that season. He has caught the attention of the big clubs, with Arsenal showing an interest. People are talking of €15m, but that may be a little steep for now even if he could be worth that one day.
Abel Hernandez
Date of birth: August 8, 1990
Club: Palermo
Height: 1.85m Weight: 73kg
Nationality: Uruguayan
Position: Forward
Physical attributes...
Abel is just 20, but is already six foot plus. Known as La Joya – The Jewel – he is a multi-faceted athlete with pace, aggression and stamina to burn. Built like a cruiserweight boxer, his imposing presence sees him willing to put himself between the ball and the central defender without a second thought. Once on a run his strength and creativity make it difficult to knock him off the ball. He did have a heart problem when he arrived, but after surgery he appears back to full strength.
Technical attributes...
Prefers to use his left foot but equally as comfortable with his right and his deadly intuition in front of goal was witnessed with six strikes in 14 games last season. He has a rare explosive acceleration from a standing start and his lightning speed is a big part of his game, along with a superb dribbling talent. Yet there are a couple of things he could work on. His heading ability, for instance, for a player with his height could be much better. He can also be guilty of reacting rather than anticipating but experience will sort that out.
Tactical attributes...
Hernandez says he favours playing as a second striker and certainly his technique is better suited to having a partner alongside him. Yet he is adaptable and has also been a revelation as a central striker with Javier Pastore to his right and either Massimo Maccarone or Mauricio Pinilla to his left. Being predominately left-footed he can and does cut in on his right to confuse his opponents and leave them flat-footed. With the ball at his feet he radiates confidence and, while he is unafraid to take on his man, he can just as easily pass the ball with that nonchalance South Americans are renowned for.
Character...
Abel has that air of Brazilian confidence about him on and off the pitch and delights in playing football and scoring. He is young and eager, can articulate his thoughts and is unafraid to speak his mind. He appears intelligent and has the necessary personality, aggression and ability to fit easily into the team set up. The very fact that he returned from such a serious heart condition speaks volumes for the boy, especially after several doctors told him he would not be able to play football again.
Market valuation...
Hernandez joined Palermo as an 18-year-old in January 2009 for a reported fee of €3m and was one of the main reasons Edinson Cavani was allowed to leave this summer. He made his Serie A debut in March 2009, but was mainly used in the Primavera side that won the Giacinto Facchetti Trophy that season. He has caught the attention of the big clubs, with Arsenal showing an interest. People are talking of €15m, but that may be a little steep for now even if he could be worth that one day.
Scouting Italia
Marco Rossi
Date of birth: September 30, 1987
Club: Bari (on loan from Parma)
Height: 1.79m Weight: 75kg
Nationality: Italian
Position: Centre-back
Physical attributes...
Marco Rossi is a young but experienced defender having made his Serie A debut back in October 2005. He is a tall, left-footed centre-back with a quick burst of pace and quick direction change, enabling him to cover ground and atone for mistakes very quickly, as well as cover a large area of the back-line when required. His fitness levels are high allowing for a strong work-rate throughout games. However, despite a strong build, he is occasionally troubled by larger opponents who can outmuscle the defender for position.
Technical attributes...
Composed on the ball, Rossi is just as happy to play a searching ball forward as to pass back to the ‘keeper. He is highly competitive on the pitch, always wanting to win possession and then use it as best he can. When on top of his game, he is finely tuned, a defender aware of his position in the back-line and able to make accurate calls on when to stick with his marker or to push out, either for the offside, or to chase the ball. At the same time, there are issues brought up over his decision-making capacity against opponents who attack at pace, as they often are able to force the youngster into rushing out of position and give poor free-kicks away. His anticipation is such though that controlling his impulses could see him develop into an intelligent all-rounder.
Tactical attributes...
Rossi showed in last season’s spell at Sampdoria a willingness and ability to take instruction very well, adapting to Luigi Del Neri’s set-up very quickly, unphased for example in being asked to change in open-play and set-pieces to zonal marking when required, whilst remaining just as effective at man-marking. When he broke through at Parma, it was thought he was more comfortable as a left-back, but has since successfully shifted his overall dynamic to that of a centre-back where he has plied his trade for the past few seasons.
At Bari early comparisons have been with Leonardo Bonucci, and in terms of feeding off a more-experienced centre-half partner to boost his own performance, he does mirror the current Juventus defender. Similarly to Bonucci, Rossi can sometimes suffer from short lapses in concentration that tactically see him lose a marker in open play. Usually these go unpunished with his other abilities enabling him to make up for them, but against top-class opposition these instances have been punished.
Character...
Rossi exudes humility and ambition in equal measures. He asked to leave newly-promoted Parma to get regular football in 2009, and determinedly fought to make the most of the surprise move that came his way when Sampdoria took him on loan as Antonio Mirante moved the other way.
At a club with higher ambitions, Rossi worked hard and impressed in pre-season, bonding well with teammates before going on to play an active role in the first team for the opening half of the season. He eventually lost his place at Samp to Stefano Lucchini, but continued to make the most of further opportunities, deputising with distinguished aplomb in key games, such as a memorably impressive showing against Milan.
Every time he has received praise Rossi has chosen to reflect it on to the team and often chooses to thank his Coach for the playing time afforded him. The boy is always eager to learn, often talking of the role models he works closely with and striking up friendships wherever he goes. He describes himself as shy off the pitch and a gladiator on it, and like many centre-backs breaking through at the moment, cites Alessandro Nesta as an inspiration.
Market valuation...
The 2009-10 campaign at Sampdoria saw Rossi break through as one to take notice of, but the Genoa club surprisingly opted against keeping the youngster for 2010-11. Parma sent him out to Bari, a club that guarantees regular game-time for talented youth products if they work hard, and if he can impress there, his price could rise significantly. Parma agreed a deal that would see Bari buy a 50 per cent share in the player next summer should they wish. Rossi is currently worth in the region of €4m.
Rob Paton, November 2010
Marco Rossi
Date of birth: September 30, 1987
Club: Bari (on loan from Parma)
Height: 1.79m Weight: 75kg
Nationality: Italian
Position: Centre-back
Physical attributes...
Marco Rossi is a young but experienced defender having made his Serie A debut back in October 2005. He is a tall, left-footed centre-back with a quick burst of pace and quick direction change, enabling him to cover ground and atone for mistakes very quickly, as well as cover a large area of the back-line when required. His fitness levels are high allowing for a strong work-rate throughout games. However, despite a strong build, he is occasionally troubled by larger opponents who can outmuscle the defender for position.
Technical attributes...
Composed on the ball, Rossi is just as happy to play a searching ball forward as to pass back to the ‘keeper. He is highly competitive on the pitch, always wanting to win possession and then use it as best he can. When on top of his game, he is finely tuned, a defender aware of his position in the back-line and able to make accurate calls on when to stick with his marker or to push out, either for the offside, or to chase the ball. At the same time, there are issues brought up over his decision-making capacity against opponents who attack at pace, as they often are able to force the youngster into rushing out of position and give poor free-kicks away. His anticipation is such though that controlling his impulses could see him develop into an intelligent all-rounder.
Tactical attributes...
Rossi showed in last season’s spell at Sampdoria a willingness and ability to take instruction very well, adapting to Luigi Del Neri’s set-up very quickly, unphased for example in being asked to change in open-play and set-pieces to zonal marking when required, whilst remaining just as effective at man-marking. When he broke through at Parma, it was thought he was more comfortable as a left-back, but has since successfully shifted his overall dynamic to that of a centre-back where he has plied his trade for the past few seasons.
At Bari early comparisons have been with Leonardo Bonucci, and in terms of feeding off a more-experienced centre-half partner to boost his own performance, he does mirror the current Juventus defender. Similarly to Bonucci, Rossi can sometimes suffer from short lapses in concentration that tactically see him lose a marker in open play. Usually these go unpunished with his other abilities enabling him to make up for them, but against top-class opposition these instances have been punished.
Character...
Rossi exudes humility and ambition in equal measures. He asked to leave newly-promoted Parma to get regular football in 2009, and determinedly fought to make the most of the surprise move that came his way when Sampdoria took him on loan as Antonio Mirante moved the other way.
At a club with higher ambitions, Rossi worked hard and impressed in pre-season, bonding well with teammates before going on to play an active role in the first team for the opening half of the season. He eventually lost his place at Samp to Stefano Lucchini, but continued to make the most of further opportunities, deputising with distinguished aplomb in key games, such as a memorably impressive showing against Milan.
Every time he has received praise Rossi has chosen to reflect it on to the team and often chooses to thank his Coach for the playing time afforded him. The boy is always eager to learn, often talking of the role models he works closely with and striking up friendships wherever he goes. He describes himself as shy off the pitch and a gladiator on it, and like many centre-backs breaking through at the moment, cites Alessandro Nesta as an inspiration.
Market valuation...
The 2009-10 campaign at Sampdoria saw Rossi break through as one to take notice of, but the Genoa club surprisingly opted against keeping the youngster for 2010-11. Parma sent him out to Bari, a club that guarantees regular game-time for talented youth products if they work hard, and if he can impress there, his price could rise significantly. Parma agreed a deal that would see Bari buy a 50 per cent share in the player next summer should they wish. Rossi is currently worth in the region of €4m.
Rob Paton, November 2010
Scouting Italia
Ezequiel Schelotto
Date of birth: May 23, 1989
Club: Cesena (on loan from Atalanta)
Height: 1.87m Weight: 76kg
Nationality: Argentine/Italian
Position: Winger
Physical attributes...
At just over six foot and blessed with a physique that sees opposition defenders bounce off him, Schelotto has all the basics to be a top midfielder. Primarily a right-footed winger, although very discreet with his left foot, his superb pace and acceleration means he is very difficult to catch up with once he passes his man. Unafraid to work hard, his attitude recalls the old-fashioned box-to-box midfielder and he is equally at home defending and tracking back when needed.
Technical attributes...
Schelotto is highly skillful for his age and his physical strength gives him the energy to zip up the right flank and cross with real accuracy. Good at shielding the ball, he also keeps close control while outpacing the opposition. He can play deep on the right and can and does change into an out and out right-winger routinely during a game, to confuse opponents. His style has been likened to former Juve midfielder and fellow Italo-Argentine Mauro Camoranesi and that is no mean comparison. Able to move into top gear over just one or two yards, former Azzurri Coach Marcello Lippi once said of him: “Potentially, he is the best young right-flank player that Italy have at the moment, maybe of any nation in the world.”
Tactical attributes...
Schelotto’s pace is best suited to the right wing in Coach Massimo Ficcadenti’s 4-3-3, yet he can thrive in a 4-2-3-1 system, where his brilliance on the ball can really be highlighted. He has been used as a right-back on occasions too. One of his tricks is to stay out on the flank and draw his marker to him and, if this succeeds, he uses his speed to exploit the hole left by the defender for himself or one of his teammates to run into. Yet at times he relies too much on pace and although his skill is usually enough to get him out of tight spots, only experience will teach him not to get into trouble in the first place. He can also sometimes be guilty of holding on to the ball too long but all this will come with experience, as will a future with the full Italian national side after his Under-21 exploits.
Character...
Has grit and determination by the bucketful and has clear ideas about how to play his football. Simply put he goes out to win and nothing else seems to matter. Hard working and a bit precocious, he still appears to get on well with his teammates and seems very eager to learn. And although Ficcadenti says he has the potential to play for one of the big outfits, refreshingly the youngster says he intends to stay loyal to Cesena this term.
Market valuation...
Signed by Cesena in July 2008, he now totally belongs to Atalanta who bought 50 per cent stakes in him in 2009 and then 2010. The interest he’s attracting from various top clubs – Inter, Fiorentina and Juventus – means he may cost a little more than he is actually worth. Presently, he’s a €5-6m player.
Dave Taylor, November 2010
Ezequiel Schelotto
Date of birth: May 23, 1989
Club: Cesena (on loan from Atalanta)
Height: 1.87m Weight: 76kg
Nationality: Argentine/Italian
Position: Winger
Physical attributes...
At just over six foot and blessed with a physique that sees opposition defenders bounce off him, Schelotto has all the basics to be a top midfielder. Primarily a right-footed winger, although very discreet with his left foot, his superb pace and acceleration means he is very difficult to catch up with once he passes his man. Unafraid to work hard, his attitude recalls the old-fashioned box-to-box midfielder and he is equally at home defending and tracking back when needed.
Technical attributes...
Schelotto is highly skillful for his age and his physical strength gives him the energy to zip up the right flank and cross with real accuracy. Good at shielding the ball, he also keeps close control while outpacing the opposition. He can play deep on the right and can and does change into an out and out right-winger routinely during a game, to confuse opponents. His style has been likened to former Juve midfielder and fellow Italo-Argentine Mauro Camoranesi and that is no mean comparison. Able to move into top gear over just one or two yards, former Azzurri Coach Marcello Lippi once said of him: “Potentially, he is the best young right-flank player that Italy have at the moment, maybe of any nation in the world.”
Tactical attributes...
Schelotto’s pace is best suited to the right wing in Coach Massimo Ficcadenti’s 4-3-3, yet he can thrive in a 4-2-3-1 system, where his brilliance on the ball can really be highlighted. He has been used as a right-back on occasions too. One of his tricks is to stay out on the flank and draw his marker to him and, if this succeeds, he uses his speed to exploit the hole left by the defender for himself or one of his teammates to run into. Yet at times he relies too much on pace and although his skill is usually enough to get him out of tight spots, only experience will teach him not to get into trouble in the first place. He can also sometimes be guilty of holding on to the ball too long but all this will come with experience, as will a future with the full Italian national side after his Under-21 exploits.
Character...
Has grit and determination by the bucketful and has clear ideas about how to play his football. Simply put he goes out to win and nothing else seems to matter. Hard working and a bit precocious, he still appears to get on well with his teammates and seems very eager to learn. And although Ficcadenti says he has the potential to play for one of the big outfits, refreshingly the youngster says he intends to stay loyal to Cesena this term.
Market valuation...
Signed by Cesena in July 2008, he now totally belongs to Atalanta who bought 50 per cent stakes in him in 2009 and then 2010. The interest he’s attracting from various top clubs – Inter, Fiorentina and Juventus – means he may cost a little more than he is actually worth. Presently, he’s a €5-6m player.
Dave Taylor, November 2010
Scouting Italia
Frederik Sorensen
Date of birth: April 14, 1992
Club: Juventus (on loan from Lyngby)
Height: 1.94m Weight: 80kg
Nationality: Danish
Position: Defender
Physical attributes...
You cannot miss Frederik Sorensen on a football pitch. Standing well over six feet, with broad shoulders and long legs in an imposing frame, topped off with bright blond hair. Put together it represents a heavy presence for opponents to try to take on, either at centre-back or full-back where Sorensen has been deployed for Juventus this term. Sorensen is strong, with a good jump from a standing position and also covers the ground quickly when running.
Technical attributes...
The Dane is strong in the air, naturally inclined to a central defensive position where he has spent his youth career. He uses his physical stature to full advantage when challenging players for the ball and often ensures he gets enough of the ball or the player to break up play.
To complement this, he is capable with the ball at his feet and eager to initiate play in possession, either with attempted cross-field passes, or intelligently through short, quick releases to the central midfielders. In the games placed at right-back Sorensen also showed he is capable of supporting from the flank going forward but, due perhaps to an unfamiliarity in the full-back role, was caught tracking back too slow on occasion.
He also will need to lessen his eagerness to win the ball in every challenge, sometimes jumping in too heavily regardless of where he is on the pitch, at times in the penalty area or in corners of the field where it is either a risk or not necessary.
Tactical attributes...
Deployed in his preferred position of centre-back for his debut against Cesena in November, Sorensen performed admirably, using a no-nonsense approach and fitting into the defensive system alongside Leonardo Bonucci capably.
He then adapted well to a shift to right-back, with the experience in the centre of defence proving useful. Similar to Marco Motta he performed the unsung job of providing cover in the middle when required to allow for Bonucci’s tendency to drift out for the ball or in spite of it.
Luigi Del Neri’s tactics are complex as the team’s initial struggles to adapt show, particularly in defence where sometimes they are required to mark space rather than players. At right-back Sorensen was prone to drifting in field to his more natural position on occasion when it wasn’t required, leaving a gap on the flank. He also struggled to follow the defensive line correctly, either in implementing offside traps or as play moved up and down the pitch. He was also often caught ball-watching, but was covered well by teammates.
Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini took Sorensen under their wing and were able to communicate in a mixture of Italian and broken English, which although wasn’t ideal, worked enough to ensure a fluid understanding on the pitch came through.
Character...
Composed and calm, despite being thrown in at the deep end, Sorensen responded with assured performances that despite occasional lapses did not give the impression of a player making his first career appearances in first team competitive football.
Sorensen’s rise to the first XI was greeted by a humble amazement from the defender with 43 on his back and after his debut he took time to thank his teammates for their support and words of encouragement. However, he was also quick to point out his involvement in Luigi Del Neri’s plans came about through a mixture of ‘skill and luck’.
He is also learning Italian, studying six hours a week, reflective of his determination and focus to fit in at Juventus both on and off the pitch.
Market valuation...
Juventus signed Sorensen on loan after watching him play in a summer youth tournament, with the defender arriving having not yet played a first team game for Lyngby. The deal was an original €20,000 fee for a 12-month loan and an agreed further €130,000 fee to retain the player permanently, which given his early impressions as a strong, tactically intelligent and ball-playing defender, looks value for money.
The youngster’s inclusion in the senior set-up came as a surprise and was generally accepted as a last-ditch measure, but such was the composure displayed by the Dane, some fans were calling for his return to the team in Motta’s struggles at right-back.
Frederik Sorensen
Date of birth: April 14, 1992
Club: Juventus (on loan from Lyngby)
Height: 1.94m Weight: 80kg
Nationality: Danish
Position: Defender
Physical attributes...
You cannot miss Frederik Sorensen on a football pitch. Standing well over six feet, with broad shoulders and long legs in an imposing frame, topped off with bright blond hair. Put together it represents a heavy presence for opponents to try to take on, either at centre-back or full-back where Sorensen has been deployed for Juventus this term. Sorensen is strong, with a good jump from a standing position and also covers the ground quickly when running.
Technical attributes...
The Dane is strong in the air, naturally inclined to a central defensive position where he has spent his youth career. He uses his physical stature to full advantage when challenging players for the ball and often ensures he gets enough of the ball or the player to break up play.
To complement this, he is capable with the ball at his feet and eager to initiate play in possession, either with attempted cross-field passes, or intelligently through short, quick releases to the central midfielders. In the games placed at right-back Sorensen also showed he is capable of supporting from the flank going forward but, due perhaps to an unfamiliarity in the full-back role, was caught tracking back too slow on occasion.
He also will need to lessen his eagerness to win the ball in every challenge, sometimes jumping in too heavily regardless of where he is on the pitch, at times in the penalty area or in corners of the field where it is either a risk or not necessary.
Tactical attributes...
Deployed in his preferred position of centre-back for his debut against Cesena in November, Sorensen performed admirably, using a no-nonsense approach and fitting into the defensive system alongside Leonardo Bonucci capably.
He then adapted well to a shift to right-back, with the experience in the centre of defence proving useful. Similar to Marco Motta he performed the unsung job of providing cover in the middle when required to allow for Bonucci’s tendency to drift out for the ball or in spite of it.
Luigi Del Neri’s tactics are complex as the team’s initial struggles to adapt show, particularly in defence where sometimes they are required to mark space rather than players. At right-back Sorensen was prone to drifting in field to his more natural position on occasion when it wasn’t required, leaving a gap on the flank. He also struggled to follow the defensive line correctly, either in implementing offside traps or as play moved up and down the pitch. He was also often caught ball-watching, but was covered well by teammates.
Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini took Sorensen under their wing and were able to communicate in a mixture of Italian and broken English, which although wasn’t ideal, worked enough to ensure a fluid understanding on the pitch came through.
Character...
Composed and calm, despite being thrown in at the deep end, Sorensen responded with assured performances that despite occasional lapses did not give the impression of a player making his first career appearances in first team competitive football.
Sorensen’s rise to the first XI was greeted by a humble amazement from the defender with 43 on his back and after his debut he took time to thank his teammates for their support and words of encouragement. However, he was also quick to point out his involvement in Luigi Del Neri’s plans came about through a mixture of ‘skill and luck’.
He is also learning Italian, studying six hours a week, reflective of his determination and focus to fit in at Juventus both on and off the pitch.
Market valuation...
Juventus signed Sorensen on loan after watching him play in a summer youth tournament, with the defender arriving having not yet played a first team game for Lyngby. The deal was an original €20,000 fee for a 12-month loan and an agreed further €130,000 fee to retain the player permanently, which given his early impressions as a strong, tactically intelligent and ball-playing defender, looks value for money.
The youngster’s inclusion in the senior set-up came as a surprise and was generally accepted as a last-ditch measure, but such was the composure displayed by the Dane, some fans were calling for his return to the team in Motta’s struggles at right-back.
Scouting Italia
Simone Verdi
Date of birth: July 12, 1992
Club: Milan
Height: 1.71m Weight: 62kg
Nationality: Italian
Position: Trequartista / second striker / winger
Physical attributes...
Simone Verdi has been generating praise and followers over the past couple of years, excelling in Milan’s Primavera side and threatening to break into the first team set-up.
Physically not the tallest or the strongest, Verdi is sleight in frame, weighing lighter than Inter’s Philippe Coutinho, who is the same height, and only slightly heavier than the shorter Sebastian Giovinco. Verdi counters this current weakness with sharp pace and good balance. His running technique in possession is similar to that of Ricky Kaka, and just like the former Milan favourite, seemingly possesses ‘pace within a pace’, able to deceive defenders with sheer energy at top speed.
Technical attributes...
The 18-year-old’s style of play has drawn early comparisons to those of Brazilian footballers, his flicks and quick touches earning the nickname Verdinho. Predominantly right-footed but not afraid to use his left, whilst Verdi’s touch with a ball, particularly in full-flight running at defenders, closely resembles Kaka’s movement in a Milan shirt, the comparison is also favourable with Verdi’s ability and composure in front of goal, particularly from distance.
The player is confident in front of goal and last season formed a strong understanding with forwards Alexander Merkel and Gianmarco Zigoni, as well as regularly linking up through midfield with Rodney Strasser. The 2009-10 Primavera season saw Verdi net 16 times in League and Cup, as well as provide numerous assists.
Verdi’s tricks on the ball are not just for show, using clever footwork and accurate judgment to efficiently link-up with other players and maintain, if not generate, pace in attacking moves. He also strikes a mean free-kick. However, his physical attributes are currently one thing holding him back from the first team proper. Poor in the air, Verdi could find himself bullied out of games if he shows complacency on the ball.
Tactical attributes...
Thought of as a cross between a fantasista and winger, Verdi plays either behind the forward line as a trequartista or second striker, or on the flanks. His attributes and style of play generally see him occupy opposition full-backs, using his pace and neat touch on the ball to breeze past defenders, often providing accurate cut-backs and crosses to teammates in the box.
Verdi’s movement across the trequarti sees him hard to mark, whilst on the ball he likes to split defences with diagonal bursts either in-field from the wings, or centrally across the pitch. He remains just as capable of stretching defences with touchline-hugging runs.
Tactically should the player mature and gain top-flight experience, he represents another dimension for the Diavolo in attack, a genuine threat from wide, with creative foresight and an intuition to fit into 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 formations with ease.
Character...
The player’s agent has spoken of his delight in the progress the youngster has made in the past 12 months. Donato Orgnoni cites Verdi’s workrate and his personable character as key to his early success, two traits that put together have seen him impress on the field with the youth team at the same time as making many friends from teammates, and integrating very capably with the senior players when asked to train with them.
Market valuation...
July 2010 saw Verdi sign his first professional contract with Milan. It followed Adriano Galliani’s announcement that the player, along with three Primavera teammates, would join the first-team squad for 2010-11. However, despite spending pre-season with the senior players, Verdi’s promotion was put on hold with subsequent late summer transfer activity at the club.
It still shows, combined with featuring heavily again in the Young Player of the Year awards at the club, that the future for Verdi is with the Rossoneri. Current valuation due to limited age and experience cannot be put above €2m, but expect that to rise with every opportunity the youngster gets.
Rob Paton, December 2010
Simone Verdi
Date of birth: July 12, 1992
Club: Milan
Height: 1.71m Weight: 62kg
Nationality: Italian
Position: Trequartista / second striker / winger
Physical attributes...
Simone Verdi has been generating praise and followers over the past couple of years, excelling in Milan’s Primavera side and threatening to break into the first team set-up.
Physically not the tallest or the strongest, Verdi is sleight in frame, weighing lighter than Inter’s Philippe Coutinho, who is the same height, and only slightly heavier than the shorter Sebastian Giovinco. Verdi counters this current weakness with sharp pace and good balance. His running technique in possession is similar to that of Ricky Kaka, and just like the former Milan favourite, seemingly possesses ‘pace within a pace’, able to deceive defenders with sheer energy at top speed.
Technical attributes...
The 18-year-old’s style of play has drawn early comparisons to those of Brazilian footballers, his flicks and quick touches earning the nickname Verdinho. Predominantly right-footed but not afraid to use his left, whilst Verdi’s touch with a ball, particularly in full-flight running at defenders, closely resembles Kaka’s movement in a Milan shirt, the comparison is also favourable with Verdi’s ability and composure in front of goal, particularly from distance.
The player is confident in front of goal and last season formed a strong understanding with forwards Alexander Merkel and Gianmarco Zigoni, as well as regularly linking up through midfield with Rodney Strasser. The 2009-10 Primavera season saw Verdi net 16 times in League and Cup, as well as provide numerous assists.
Verdi’s tricks on the ball are not just for show, using clever footwork and accurate judgment to efficiently link-up with other players and maintain, if not generate, pace in attacking moves. He also strikes a mean free-kick. However, his physical attributes are currently one thing holding him back from the first team proper. Poor in the air, Verdi could find himself bullied out of games if he shows complacency on the ball.
Tactical attributes...
Thought of as a cross between a fantasista and winger, Verdi plays either behind the forward line as a trequartista or second striker, or on the flanks. His attributes and style of play generally see him occupy opposition full-backs, using his pace and neat touch on the ball to breeze past defenders, often providing accurate cut-backs and crosses to teammates in the box.
Verdi’s movement across the trequarti sees him hard to mark, whilst on the ball he likes to split defences with diagonal bursts either in-field from the wings, or centrally across the pitch. He remains just as capable of stretching defences with touchline-hugging runs.
Tactically should the player mature and gain top-flight experience, he represents another dimension for the Diavolo in attack, a genuine threat from wide, with creative foresight and an intuition to fit into 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 formations with ease.
Character...
The player’s agent has spoken of his delight in the progress the youngster has made in the past 12 months. Donato Orgnoni cites Verdi’s workrate and his personable character as key to his early success, two traits that put together have seen him impress on the field with the youth team at the same time as making many friends from teammates, and integrating very capably with the senior players when asked to train with them.
Market valuation...
July 2010 saw Verdi sign his first professional contract with Milan. It followed Adriano Galliani’s announcement that the player, along with three Primavera teammates, would join the first-team squad for 2010-11. However, despite spending pre-season with the senior players, Verdi’s promotion was put on hold with subsequent late summer transfer activity at the club.
It still shows, combined with featuring heavily again in the Young Player of the Year awards at the club, that the future for Verdi is with the Rossoneri. Current valuation due to limited age and experience cannot be put above €2m, but expect that to rise with every opportunity the youngster gets.
Rob Paton, December 2010
Michele Camporese, Fiorentina. Worth keeping an eye on, 18 year old central defender who Mihajlovic obviously had a lot of faith in. He's played 6 games in the last few weeks for a struggling Fiorentina side, when other coaches would have played a more experienced defender.
He has always been a leader since youth level, Mihajlovic likens him to Aldair.
I was impressed with Schelotto after the Cesena 2-0 win over Milan and tried to watch him more but i was surprised that Cesena ended his loan when they were struggelin and he happens to be a very promising talent
Lorenzo Insigne, plays for Pescara but owned by Napoli. Giovinco-like attacker who has done fantastically well in Zeman's ultra-attacking system at Foggia and now Pescara.
He looks Serie A quality already for sure, only small but full of skill and sees things that others don't.
Schelotto has done really well at Atalanta, can't be far away from being on the edge of the Italy squad, always liked him.
Biabiany is pants, athleticism and nothing else.
Biabiany is pants, athleticism and nothing else.
QUOTE(JuveJay @ Oct 6 2011, 04:11 PM)
Schelotto has done really well at Atalanta, can't be far away from being on the edge of the Italy squad, always liked him.
Biabiany is pants, athleticism and nothing else.
Biabiany is pants, athleticism and nothing else.
Schelotto is cool, and I would love to see him join Roma so we can have the hispanic-Italian team.
But who has the cooler hair, Osvaldo or Ezequiel?
QUOTE(JuveJay @ Oct 6 2011, 04:23 PM)
But who has the cooler hair, Osvaldo or Ezequiel?
it would be dangerous to have them both on the same squad. If Schelotto could improve his tackling and defensive positioning, I would make him our right back.
He looks the part.
no doubt.
2011-12
Ezequiel Schelotto
(Atalanta, MR, 22, ITA)
Bad mofo right winger who is versatile, plays somewhere between the styles of Zambrotta and Camoranesi, and is the latest oriundo to be on the fringes of the Italy squad having been reborn in Bergamo
Manolo Gabbiadini
(Atalanta, CF, 19, ITA)
Hasn't scored yet in Serie A but already tearing up with the U21's with 9 goals in 12 games. Classic centravanti with a nice left foot, reminds me of a less powerful and more mobile Christian Vieri. He'll get goals soon enough.
Guido Marilungo
(Atalanta, SS, 22, ITA)
Looked like he had found the form to go with undeniable talent in Lecce, but after a spell back at a dismal Sampdoria side and now on the fringes at Atalanta he might have to make a lowly move to restart his career.
Rene Krhin
(Bologna, CM, 21, SVN)
Another who impressed early on and has stuttered, he is co-owned by Bologna and Inter. Has impressive passing, size and technique but needs games.
Gastón Ramírez
(Bologna, LW, 20, URU)
The latest wonderkid to hit Serie A. Extremely skillful and agile winger who has all the big clubs at home and abroad watching him. He's also cocky, he's only been in Bologna 5 minutes and wants to move to a top side already.
Radja Nainggolan
(Cagliari, CM, 23, BEL)
Dynamic Belgian midfielder of Indonesian descent, we saw glimpses of his talent and now he looks ready to continue his quick ascent up the leagues.
Moestafa El Kabir
(Cagliari, CF, 23, MOR/NED)
Scored a lot of goals in Sweden last year but a bit of an unknown. Still, he has already scored in Serie A and looks to have a good touch around the area.
Albin Ekdal
(Cagliari, CM, 22, SWE)
Stylish pin up boy who seems to be carving a Serie A career for himself. He's not cemented in the team but has a nice balance of size and drive to go with his passing game.
Víctor Ibarbo
(Cagliari, WF, 21, COL)
New to calcio this season, he is already playing regularly and is a physical beast. At home in wide midfield or as a third forward, has an awful lot of pace and good strength to go with his natural skill on the ball.
Pablo Cepellini
(Cagliari, AM, 20, URU)
Another rated Uruguayan kid, plays in the number 10 role and has very nice technique, shooting and dribbling to make up for his slight stature. It'll be tough for him to get regular games, but looks to be a strong impact player.
Alejandro Darío Gómez
(Catania, AM, 23, ARG)
Another of these tiny but very skillful attacking midfielder/second strikers who seem to be finding a niche in modern football and calcio. Doesn't chip in with many goals but is a game changer and has several big Serie A sides watching him.
Keko
(Catania, WF, 19, SPA)
New signing this summer, I've seen him play for the Spain U17 and U19 teams and he always looked like a lively player, skillful and direct, but his career his stalled into a second tier player. He could do with 15+ games this season and Catania is a good place for him.
Dominque Malonga
(Cesena, CF, 22, FRA)
French forward who has finally started to look like a Serie A player. Can play off the wing, good amount of skill and athletic, he has improved steadily at Cesena and now they have signed him in a co-ownership.
Alberto Paloschi
(Chievo, CF, 21, ITA)
Milan-owned striker who came through as a wonderkid, fell away, and has now started to build up his career again. He needs an extended run as the Italy U21 striker can score goals.
Ezequiel Schelotto
(Atalanta, MR, 22, ITA)
Bad mofo right winger who is versatile, plays somewhere between the styles of Zambrotta and Camoranesi, and is the latest oriundo to be on the fringes of the Italy squad having been reborn in Bergamo
Manolo Gabbiadini
(Atalanta, CF, 19, ITA)
Hasn't scored yet in Serie A but already tearing up with the U21's with 9 goals in 12 games. Classic centravanti with a nice left foot, reminds me of a less powerful and more mobile Christian Vieri. He'll get goals soon enough.
Guido Marilungo
(Atalanta, SS, 22, ITA)
Looked like he had found the form to go with undeniable talent in Lecce, but after a spell back at a dismal Sampdoria side and now on the fringes at Atalanta he might have to make a lowly move to restart his career.
Rene Krhin
(Bologna, CM, 21, SVN)
Another who impressed early on and has stuttered, he is co-owned by Bologna and Inter. Has impressive passing, size and technique but needs games.
Gastón Ramírez
(Bologna, LW, 20, URU)
The latest wonderkid to hit Serie A. Extremely skillful and agile winger who has all the big clubs at home and abroad watching him. He's also cocky, he's only been in Bologna 5 minutes and wants to move to a top side already.
Radja Nainggolan
(Cagliari, CM, 23, BEL)
Dynamic Belgian midfielder of Indonesian descent, we saw glimpses of his talent and now he looks ready to continue his quick ascent up the leagues.
Moestafa El Kabir
(Cagliari, CF, 23, MOR/NED)
Scored a lot of goals in Sweden last year but a bit of an unknown. Still, he has already scored in Serie A and looks to have a good touch around the area.
Albin Ekdal
(Cagliari, CM, 22, SWE)
Stylish pin up boy who seems to be carving a Serie A career for himself. He's not cemented in the team but has a nice balance of size and drive to go with his passing game.
Víctor Ibarbo
(Cagliari, WF, 21, COL)
New to calcio this season, he is already playing regularly and is a physical beast. At home in wide midfield or as a third forward, has an awful lot of pace and good strength to go with his natural skill on the ball.
Pablo Cepellini
(Cagliari, AM, 20, URU)
Another rated Uruguayan kid, plays in the number 10 role and has very nice technique, shooting and dribbling to make up for his slight stature. It'll be tough for him to get regular games, but looks to be a strong impact player.
Alejandro Darío Gómez
(Catania, AM, 23, ARG)
Another of these tiny but very skillful attacking midfielder/second strikers who seem to be finding a niche in modern football and calcio. Doesn't chip in with many goals but is a game changer and has several big Serie A sides watching him.
Keko
(Catania, WF, 19, SPA)
New signing this summer, I've seen him play for the Spain U17 and U19 teams and he always looked like a lively player, skillful and direct, but his career his stalled into a second tier player. He could do with 15+ games this season and Catania is a good place for him.
Dominque Malonga
(Cesena, CF, 22, FRA)
French forward who has finally started to look like a Serie A player. Can play off the wing, good amount of skill and athletic, he has improved steadily at Cesena and now they have signed him in a co-ownership.
Alberto Paloschi
(Chievo, CF, 21, ITA)
Milan-owned striker who came through as a wonderkid, fell away, and has now started to build up his career again. He needs an extended run as the Italy U21 striker can score goals.
Stevan Jovetić
(Fiorentina, SS, 22, MNE)
This guy needs little introduction. Super skilled, his football brain works quicker than most players, and he is ready to explode as a global superstar with his next move.
Khouma Babacar
(Fiorentina, CF, 18, SEN)
Still only a baby but has played over 20 times for La Viola. A sensation at youth level, has a fantastic physique and considerable skill to match.
Matija Nastasić
(Fiorentina, DC, 18, SER)
Physical central defender who has just arrived, several clubs wanted the player, who is another off the Partizan production line. He is strong in the air and also has strong enough technique to create moves from the back.
Adem Ljajić
(Fiorentina, AM, 20, SER)
Another highly skilled attacker from the Partizan system, he clearly has ability and is young but still has more to show. He played a lot more under Mihajlović, so now we will see if he continues to improve.
Michele Camporese
(Fiorentina, DC, 19, ITA)
Anyone who is lining up in Serie A against the likes of Juventus as a first choice central defender aged 18 needs monitoring. Fiorentina have done well protecting him but you can see he has that bit of awareness that good defenders have, as well as the physique. Still a baby but we'll see more of him in the future.
Norberto Murara "Neto"
(Fiorentina, GK, 22, BRA)
I haven't seen much of him so far as he is second choice but he played a lot in Brazil and made the full national team aged 21, which is impressive for a goalkeeper. Brazilian observers rate him highly, we'll see what he can do when he gets a chance.
Federico Carraro
(Fiorentina, AM, 19, ITA)
Attacking midfielder who has always caught my eye playing for the Italy U20 team. He's on loan at Modena this season and playing regularly. He has a few tricks and sees the play well.
Cristóbal Jorquera
(Genoa, AM, 23, CHL)
Italy seems flush with South American attacking midfielders at the moment and he is another. He is a skillful number 10 with a good shot, fair amount of pace, and also has the body strength to hold off opponents when making space to dribble.
Alexander Merkel
(Genoa, MC, 19, GER)
Bustling all-action midfielder who is co-owned from parent club Milan, he has shown a lot of ability and spirit for his age, and looks like he could become a very good player.
Ricardo Álvarez
(Inter, AM, 23, ARG)
Thrown in at the deep end in a struggling Inter team, he has a couple of goals already which is good for his position and the fact he isn't a scorer. He has a lot of skill and is the type of player to give a lot of assists and create other chances. Could become a really good player in time.
Andrea Poli
(Inter, CM, 22, ITA)
Still remains one of the best young Italian midfielders when it comes to passing and vision, but this was a bad move for him and he will surely end up moving back down to a smaller side to play more regularly. Sitting on the bench for Sampdoria in the last two years has stalled him.
Andrea Ranocchia
(Inter, DC, 23, ITA)
He is thought of as one of the best Italian defensive prospects but he is still on a learning curve where he has made the odd mistake. We'll see in the next 2-3 years if he can grow into a world class defender or just another good defender.
Phillipe Coutinho
(Inter, AM, 19, BRA)
Burst onto the scene as a kid but he hardly plays right now. He'll surely go on loan in the near future. He certainly has a lot of skill and speed to destroy opponents, now he needs to refine his game more with games.
Luc Castaignos
(Inter, CF, 19, NED)
Highly rated striker who was another thrown into a struggling side off the bench, he looked very awkward at first but scored a crucial goal, and people in Italy and abroad think highly of him. Looks strong technically and has good size.
Marco Davide Faraoni
(Inter, RWB, 19, ITA)
Inter youth product who has broken through this season. He is competing with Maicon, Zanetti and Jonathan for a favourable position so he has it tough, but he is versatile and can play defense or midfield on the right. He's a real surprise this season.
Frederik Sørensen
(Juventus, DC, 19, DEN)
Gangly central defender who can also play at right back. He's not really a right back though, and can struggle with fast and skillful wide players. He looks like a very good prospect in the centre, he is very difficult to outfight and has a good calmness and pass. He'll probably be loaned or co-owned to play more often.
Luca Marrone
(Juventus, CM, 21, ITA)
Obviously I know the Juve youth players well, and I always consider this lad to be one of our best prospects. He has a very strong all-round game; he has a soft touch, good skill, size, a competitive edge and also a strong long shot. He could be another Marchisio for us if he gets a chance, which seems unlikely right now. A possible loanee, which is a shame.
I have to grudgingly hand it to Inter, they are gradually making their team younger, Faraoni scored a great goal yesterday, his first for Inter, albeit the 5th in a 5-0 rout of Parma.
I'm surprised Babacar hasn't featured more for la Viola, he truly is a beast. Got his autograph when Fiorentina came to Montreal a couple years ago. 
I'm surprised Babacar hasn't featured more for la Viola, he truly is a beast.
Got his autograph when Fiorentina came to Montreal a couple years ago.
I'm so impressed with how much Davide Santon is progressing already. His last 2 games he has been defensively perfect, an absolute rock. Added to the fact that for a youngster he's so composed on the ball, the only thing he needs to work on is his final ball into the box but even then I don't want to be too harsh because we're playing him at left back and he's right footed so he does tend to try and cut inside a lot. If it wasn't for the fact that we don't have a left back he'd be starting on the right ahead of Danny Simpson no problem.
QUOTE(Newcastle United Fan @ Jan 8 2012, 02:02 PM)
I'm so impressed with how much Davide Santon is progressing already. His last 2 games he has been defensively perfect, an absolute rock. Added to the fact that for a youngster he's so composed on the ball, the only thing he needs to work on is his final ball into the box but even then I don't want to be too harsh because we're playing him at left back and he's right footed so he does tend to try and cut inside a lot. If it wasn't for the fact that we don't have a left back he'd be starting on the right ahead of Danny Simpson no problem.
Good to hear that, I haven't been paying much attention to him this season, I assumed he was pretty much finished after his disastrous last season on loan with Cesena.
He's very strong one on one, he just needs to stay fit and play games and he'll be back in Prandelli's thoughts soon enough.
QUOTE(JuveJay @ Jan 8 2012, 02:26 PM)
He's very strong one on one, he just needs to stay fit and play games and he'll be back in Prandelli's thoughts soon enough.
Any chance of the Euro's if he holds down his place in our team?
I hope for Castaignos´sake that he gets loaned out, he needs games...should´ve never left really..
QUOTE(Newcastle United Fan @ Jan 11 2012, 01:17 AM)
Any chance of the Euro's if he holds down his place in our team?
Unlikely, because Balzaretti and Criscito are pretty nailed on at left back, with Maggio and Abate at right back. It's unlikely Prandelli would take more than 4 fullbacks in a 23 man squad, especially considering Chiellini can also play left back.
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