By Guest Writer Nina


Being a colossal Azzurri fan and someone who grew up loving and living for the National squad, I have taken a great interest in watching not only the senior team, but also the junior team of Italy or Azzurrini as they are nicknamed.

We all know that to secure continuous success of the Azzurri, the supply line between the youth teams and the senior squad has to continue its flow of young talent. After the glorious 2006 World Cup, I’m sure most Italian football fans have asked the question of what is next. Who will replace these veterans? Will the legacy of the Azzurri continue?

Well, maybe not everyone was so concerned, but the Azzurri fanatic that I am, I have asked myself these questions, and the answers I found were enchanting, and delightful. Despite Italy’s far from perfect youth system foundation, and despite the big clubs sending their youngsters on long loan spells on the claim that they need experience, and bringing players of the same age from South America to take their places in their home teams, we are comparatively on the right track and the results are palpable in success of our National team.


Watch the video from Sebastian Giovinco with Italy Under-21, our Azzurrini.

Falling in love with Italy’s under 21- squad wasn’t a hard task, as they are full of promising talent who are an absolute pleasure to watch. In addition to their flawless style of play that brings tears to your eyes, this team is so effective in the sense that it has a cure for all the illnesses the senior team is suffering from, and in every department.

The success of the Azzurrini in the past is undeniable having produced legends like Paolo Maldini, Roberto Baggio in the late 80s, and in more recent years, world cup winners such as, Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi, Alberto Gilardino. Among the most notable recent graduates are Italy’s best defender of UEFA Euro 2008 Tournament, Giorgio Chiellini, and Roman midfielder Alberto Aquilani.


The current Italy under- 21 squad is no different from previous ones either. I didn’t want to bore you guys with an extremely long post so I only reported on the defense and goalkeeping departments.

God knows it will take forever if I start talking about midfielders and strikers which include my all time favorite such as Luca Cigarini, Sebastian Giovinco, G.Rossi, P. Osvaldo, and I.Abate.


Click here to watch the video from Fabiano Santacroce during the Serie A Week 28 match
Juventus 1 - 0 Napoli.  "Santacroce is our new Sandro Nesta doing what he does best, defending."

In the center of defense we have Fabiano Santacroce of Napoli, a player nicknamed the new “Alessandro Nesta” and for a good reason when you watch him play.

Alongside him there is Lino Marzoratti also another promising central defender from Milan youth system, currently on loan with Empoli. There is also Lorenzo De Silvestri a right back from Lazio youth system who was impressive enough to get called to the first team 2 seasons ago.

In the left back there is Paolo De Ceglie (from Juventus’s youth system) who was also called back after having a superb season with Sienna. Domenico Criscito who is currently on loan with Genoa, but owned by Juventus is also another Remarkable defender. Francesco Pisano a left back who plays for Cagliari has great pace, and his well timed tackles are often compared to those of Paolo Maldini.

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In between the sticks we have Davide Bassi who currently plays for Empoli. Davide was named the goalkeeper of the tournament in the recent Toulon competition and was huge factor in the Azzurrini lifting the trophy.

I think it would be an absolute joy to watch these youngsters all grown up and playing in the 2010 World Cup, having followed them since their early days.


What do you think of  our Italy Under-21 Azzurrini?