What Can We Expect From Lippi And The Azzurri?

A Lot To Mull Over For Marcelo

Italians are commonly referred to as feisty and passionate people, and if the past two decades of Serie A is anything to go by, where footballing matters are regularly debated in the Italian Parliament, then it’s clear that these labels are justified. Italy are a strange entity though and they’re never short of controversy – if you’re an England fan and you think there’s drama in your side try being an Italian. Let us not forget, the reigning champions were at the centre of one of the most controversial World Cup moments in history, as in 2006 as Marco Materazzi forced Zinedine Zidane, arguably the greatest player of his generation, into a bizarre head butt to the chest in what was supposed to be Zizu’s swansong. A team that often just ‘gets the job done’ so many have said, this particular World Cup is one that is somewhat unpredictable for the team and the nation.

Italy are after all looking for the next generation of players to come through and Lippi, who will soon be relinquished of his duties after serving his nation well, has attempted to address this situation but it appears a difficult one to instantly solve instantly, as the prestige of the country demands a constant stream of success. Fabio Cannavaro, considered by many to be the greatest defender that ever played the game, has been brought into question as to whether he can still play at a top level and the likes of Francesco Totti are being urged to come out of international retirement to give Italy the best possible chance, showing the Azzurri are struggling to let go of their golden generation. Then there’s a brilliant, but seemingly unmanageable Antonio Cassano, whose outspoken nature has spoke him out of a place in the side. A player that could have been a world beater and a proven magician on the pitch, he has been wasted talent as Lippi appears rightly too stubborn to put up with his disruptive behaviour. Could you imagine how frustrating that must be if it happened to your nation?

This twilight period for the National team is showing, as the current champions currently sit 5th in the FIFA rankings, something that doesn’t seem all too impressive for a team who is supposed to be, in theory, the champions of the world. But the players are there, it’s just how to implement them in a correct manner and get the right team together. Mario Balotelli is a prime example of this, a player who has all the abilities, but is suffering his own personal problems currently, a situation that isn’t helping the potential of another great Italian side being formed to take on the world. But when you do consider a potential side for Italy, you have to admit they have unbelievable depth as they always have, they just lack the experience. Roma’s Daniele De Rossi could have a massive tournament for his country and in my opinion, if Italy can pull the performances together, will be a contender for player of the tournament as he just keeps on getting better. I will be writing a future article about De Rossi and the impact he can have on this World Cup.

Injuries will be a problem for the side as well. Whereas it’s OK to take a few knocks, a number of Italian players have suffered bad injuries this season, meaning a lack of match practice leading up to the tournament and the potential for these injuries to reoccur in the middle of the tournament. Players like Chiellini, Giovonco, Zambrotta, Buffon and Santon have all had injuries that have kept them out for months this season and these are all players that could arguably be in the starting line up of the side. Put on top of that Liverpool’s Alberto Aquilani lack of game time this season and their squad is somewhat depleted before the tournament has even begun. But despite all this, they will still take a strong and capable squad, and anyone that doubts this team shouldn’t be considered a football fan.

I’ve always had a bit of love for the Italian national team, as Sky’s dominance in England made it somewhat difficult to watch English football if you didn’t have one of their dish’s on your house, so the first football I ever watched was Italian and I always will love the league and their team. I hope Lippi uses this tournament to rebuild the side and give the new generation the chance to shine as the face of Italian football. I have a feeling the old brigade will still get the call up, as Lippi has a lot of faith in them, but it would be nice for the likes of Grosso, Camoranesi and Cannavaro to step aside and for Italy to move on. A new side may not be favoured to win it, but they can learn from the experience and become a better squad. I’d never count out Italy though, they seem to be in the shadow of the likes of Spain, England, Germany, Brazil and Argentina as favourites, but when you put their squad on paper, it is mightily impressive. Hopefully Lippi will take advantage of the depth at his disposal and take the responsibility away from the older generation and let the likes of Daniele De Rossi, Giuseppe Rossi and Giorgio Chiellini lead the line and have their chance to pose around in their underwear (if you’re not aware of this, get on Google images).