May be some truth to the rumours. Interesting that he was "rested" for the next league game when many of the others from the CL tie were not.
Balotelli hoping to get a peak into Ventura's side for the upcoming matches. Belotti is far and away the starting center forward for the national team going forward, but Balotelli has alway performed for the national team (13 goals in 33 appearances) and wouldn't be a bad tertiary option behind the likes of Immobile/Gabbiadini. Balotelli's club shenanigans aside, he has always comported himself civilly while on duty with the national team. Plus, the numbers for Balotelli this season aren't anything to balk at -- 10 goals in 16 Ligue 1 matches is more than Zaza, Pavoletti, and Eder can put their name to this season. The likes of Falcinelli, Inglese, etc. just aren't proven enough even at club level to be called into the national team at this time. For now, I don't see why Balotelli isn't considered more than qualified to be the 3rd or 4th option.
If Ventura is going to take 4 Center Forwards, then Balotelli should make the squad. But I don't see the need for more than three (unless 4 2 4 or 3 5 2 is deployed)...and Belotti, Immobile, and Gabbiadini are all more deserving. I think Balotelli's latest troubles with teammates/coaches has sealed his fate anyway. Zaza will be the fourth guy if Ventura goes down that route unfortunately. I'm calling it now.... Gagliardini will become a better player than Verratti. I hate praising any Inter guys, but he's the real deal.
With 4 goals (and a really nice [no pun intended] assist) in his last 4 games, he's at least putting his name in the hat.
....So France just had an 18 and 19 year old both score today in the CL game for Dortmund and Monaco.....I fear this team will be unstoppable and I hate France.
http://app.football-italia.net/?referrer=http://www.football-italia.net/Azzurri#article/footballitalia-103226&menu=news-all Montolivo is back for the Azzurri y'all. woot woot
Insigne has been absolutely superb this season. Hopefully Ventura uses him the right way, rather than have him run up and down the flank.
He could have gone to Atletico Madrid and even won right away. His parents wanted him to get his diploma. I think he made the right decision as playing abroad for a 18-20 year old is not all peaches and cream. He turns 21 in a few days and its nice to see him celebrate with the national team.
I believe that he will be our starter next year. He is a very capable goalkeeper and has a boatload of potential. He is still only 20. Not sure he will get any game time, but it is still a great learning experience for him
Kinda disappointed Roberto Soriano (Villareal) didn't make the cut. He had a solid season at the Spanish club.
I watched the U20s last night for the first time this tourney and I was very impressed. They showed a high level of technical ability with their crisp and pinpoint passing being a definite standout v France. The two goals for example were from sublime crosses and a third goal was ruled out for a very tight but correct offside call. Italy were the better and more dominant side in possession when the game was in the balance and it was only when France went behind that they were allowed to get a look in. France were dangerous with the one on ones, typical big negro athletic types who were prepared to take on their opponent and often beat their player. Most of their shots were power shots were from well outside the area although there was a couple of scares. The Italian keeper put in a memorable performance with a terrific match and really looked in control of his area.
Most nations take the Under 20 World Cup seriously. We never have. We prioritize the Euro Under 21 tourney much more. So, theoretically, the talent on the Under 20 roster is never as good as the U-21s. I have to say though that those kids really impressed me yesterday. I don't get to see a lot of them because they are in Serie B. I obviously knew about Orsolini. He's pure class. Mandragora is a stud too. But, Panico and Favilli played very well this tourney. Panico is a dart. Pezzella I believe is on Palermo and that kid can really play fullback. Finally, I was really impressed with Zaccagno in goal. He didn't play well vs Japan but otherwise has been a stud this tournament. He's not big but his reflexes and leaping ability are top notch. Reminds me a bit of Gianluca Piagluca for those of you old enough to remember.
I'm not sure the Euro Under 21 outweighs both the Under 20 WC and the U23 Olympics. To me they should all be equally important but I guess its whatever the clubs say that goes. Looking at rosters in the last few weeks alone, you see very many Under 20 year old's starting for their teams and it makes you wonder why they were never picked for this tournament? Obviously, the Serie A comes first.
http://m.goal.com/s/en-us/news/55/m...-says-balotellis-italy-omission-is-due-to-non I'm not sure I get what he is alluding to?!? Does he get sandbagged for issues in the past forever?!?