A Round of Applause for our Youngsters

By Contributor Writer NINA

Hardly any attention in the media is given to the success of youth teams and there isn’t enough coverage on their achievements even if they surpass the senior squads.

Take Italy’s Azzurrine for example, they were recently crowned European champions after beating Norway in the final. While the papers were full of the least significant news about Ronaldihno and Mourinho, there was only a tiny picture of our little ladies being crowned European champs.

The same was true for Italy u-19 squad for men who also reached the final of the tournament. I don’t entirely fault the newspapers, because after all they only write what they predict will be sold at the newsstands and people are interested in unknown athletes regardless of achievements. Well, there are always few people who are an exception to the rule and your Azzurrini obsessed friend Nina is among them!

I would like to applaud our little ladies for their achievements which is an honor to any Italian football fan, and also talk a little bit about the Azzurrini who are getting ready to face Germany in the under -19 European Championship’s final today.

The Azzurrini qualified to the European championship after going through two stages of qualifiers. First they were drawn in group 13 which in addition to the Azzurrini included Croatia, Malta, and Montenegro. They were then placed in an elite group with Sweden, France, and Switzerland which served as the second and the last stage of the qualifiers. Our U-19 squad qualified with flying colors winning all their games. They have struggled a little bit once in the European championship, but they nonetheless managed to be the top of their group and qualified to the quarterfinal where they beat the Czechs 4-3 and then the semis where they similarly won against Hungary 1-0.


Click the video to watch Alberto Paloschi's goal in the match MILAN - SIENA

Francesco Rocca, a former AS Roma player during the 70s and early 80s is the coach for the u-19 squad, and though suffering lack of assistance from the Italian teams which he pointed out several days ago, he has done wonders with the kids. U-19 squad is full of promising players just like the U-21 team.Fernando Forestieri from Genoa (currently on loan with sienna), Roma’s Stefano Okaka Chuka , Milan’sAlberto Paloschi, and Silvano Raggio Garibaldi who is also a Genoa youth product are my favorite guys. Each of these guys has different characteristics.

For example, Fernando Forestieri is in my opinion the most naturally gifted player, he dribbles, he passes, he scores, and a nutshell, he has it all. Okaka has great pace and technique and is physically strong. Paloschi is more of an out and out striker with an excellent finishing touch and Garibaldi is the one with the great vision and excellent passing ability, sort of their little Pirlo. Massimiliano Tagliani, the captain of the squad and he is very optimistic about the team’s chances winning. In an interview to UEFA, he said that it would be honor to bring the trophy back to Italy.

Today is the big day for the kids, and while they might not make the front pages of newspapers, and no matter what the outcome of the game is, I will be rooting for them and will be very proud of the fact that they are representing la nostra Italia at the highest levels of the competition for their age group in the continent. Well done guys!


Posted by Anna Italia at 7/26/2008 11:48 AM
Categories: Italy U-19
 
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  • 7/26/2008 11:58 AM Nina wrote:
    Well,we have lost the match 3-1,but I'm still proud of the kids and their coach Francesco Rocca for reaching the final and being the runner ups.The experience of playing in such tournament is priceless and I'm glad that they reached the final after being unbeaten in 2 stages of the qualifiers.Congrats to Germany,the new champs of Europe(U-19)
    Reply to this
  • 7/26/2008 12:02 PM Mark wrote:
    Congrats Nina for this post. All the information I did not know. Too bad they are losing but they made it to the end.

    Paloschi is a promise for Italian football and hope you guys keep him in Milan.
    Reply to this
  • 7/26/2008 12:05 PM Pietro wrote:
    Nina but the YOUNGSTERS as you call them deserve that ROUND APPLAUSE and a big PO PO PO PO PO PO PO PO

    Anna do your cheerleading dance too.

    Forza.
    Reply to this
    1. 7/26/2008 12:16 PM Nina wrote:
      Mark,and Pierto,you guys are absolutely right. The Azzurri didn't even reach the quarterfinals or semifinals, so we should clap for the kids.
      Mark,I heard that Paloschi was going out on loan, but hopefully he will be back once he gains experience. Thank you guys for the words of encouragement, and I hope I didn't bore you guys with all this info about the u-19.
      In the future look forward for Stefano Okaka with Rome,Paloschi with Milan and Foriestieri and Garbaldi will be playing with Sienna and Genoa respectively. I Can't wait for serie a kick off to follow their progress.
      Reply to this
      1. 7/26/2008 12:25 PM Pietro wrote:
        PO PO PO PO PO PO PO PO
        That's my best salute to the Azzurrini for reaching the final.

        We are learing with your information girl, we usually only follow the big guys but the Azzurrini will be part of those big guys, man LOL

        Paloschi and Forestieri I am more fmiliar. Man, forza Italian football.

        PPO PO PO PO PO PO
        Reply to this
  • 7/26/2008 12:11 PM Anna Italia wrote:
    Mark, Pietro, Nina, yes, let's give our support and round applause to tour Youngsters

    PO PO PO PO PO PO PO

    I have been reading your comments in the newspapers but am going crazy with the live results and all the matchs going on at the same time barely time to breathe.

    Thanks God Nina is covering the Azzurrini.
    Reply to this
    1. 7/26/2008 12:19 PM Nina wrote:
      Anna,thank you dear.What is going on with Napule and Juve?
      Reply to this
      1. 7/26/2008 1:14 PM Anna Italia wrote:
        Good lunch Nina with your Interista sister LOL.

        Napoli up to the 50th minute draw, Roma lost terrible! Palermo a draw.

        Well.... I join Pietro Juventus seem the favorite from the Italians to win the Champions league.
        Reply to this
    2. 7/26/2008 12:19 PM Mark wrote:
      We understand Anna you were busy updating the results. We enjoyed reading the newspaper and Pietro kindly allowed me to take the lead LOL. Today everything went fine with my Inter.

      Too bad hte Azzurrini lost today. Nina you should be happy, all of us should be happy for the Azzurrini reaching the final becasue the Azzurri did not even make it to the Semifnal.

      Pietro, I join you PO PO O PO PO PO PO PO POPO

      Will check hte blog later because got to go with the family, will post before on the other results.
      Reply to this
      1. 7/26/2008 12:48 PM Nina wrote:
        Take care Mark,I'm going for lunch with my Interista sister too,and we will probably be at each others throat when calcio is mentioned lol.see you later guys.
        Reply to this
  • 7/26/2008 8:04 PM Milan99 Azzurri Girl wrote:
    Nice Post Nina! I agree with u its not the media fault its us the fans because we care about those who are already known to the fans and who cares about the new young and talented ones I join u and give a round of applause to our Youngsters even though they lost!!!
    Reply to this
    1. 7/26/2008 9:07 PM Nina wrote:
      Thank you Milan,Where have you been all day girl?
      Reply to this
      1. 7/26/2008 9:22 PM Milan99 Azzurri Girl wrote:
        Welcome Nina! I have such a bad luck when I come 2-5 I'd hardly find anyone so I thought I should come very late! are u still on Nina?
        Reply to this
        1. 7/26/2008 9:29 PM Nina wrote:
          Yeah,I'm on Milan.
          Reply to this
          1. 7/26/2008 9:43 PM Milan99 Azzurri Girl wrote:
            I'm on too but u know my computer I just commented on the newspaper reading!
            Reply to this
        2. 7/27/2008 12:43 AM Anna Italia wrote:
          Milan99, I thought to find you today earlier and instead I found Pietro, Mark and Nina and you were missing today. I was here and missed you when you arrived at night.
          Reply to this
          1. 7/27/2008 3:19 PM Milan99 Azzurri Girl wrote:
            Anna, I don't have luck to be with u guys I was on at night yesterday buy there was only Nina and I had problems with my computer I hope to find someone on right mow!
            Reply to this
  • 7/26/2008 9:21 PM Monica 08 wrote:
    Excellent article Nina!
    Reply to this
    1. 7/26/2008 9:33 PM Nina wrote:
      Thanks Monica, it was just my usual blabber about Italian youth teams,I seriously wouldn't mind getting a job cutting sandwiches for them,cleaning after them,or even driving them around.
      Reply to this
      1. 7/27/2008 12:51 AM Anna Italia wrote:
        Twin sister I pass the offer and let it to you. I take the big guys from the Serie A and even assistant to Galliani LOL So you got the job for the Azzurrini. Admissions for Galliani assistant are closed. LOL.
        Reply to this
        1. 7/27/2008 9:01 AM Nina wrote:
          Anna,you had me laughing, my family is wondering if I'm ok or not lol.I would prefer the kids to the old ones though lol.As for Galliani,I'll pass that too,we might end up fighting on his signings starting with dihno and sending the kids on loan lol.
          Reply to this
          1. 7/27/2008 12:13 PM Pietro wrote:
            Nina and Anna you are out of this world, man, at least you won't be fighting over a job. I also prefer to work with the old ones and for Galliani, man, can you believe it being present during negotiation? What's your take?
            Reply to this
            1. 7/27/2008 12:18 PM Pietro wrote:
              Nina forgot to add your family might not be wrong after all LOL. Man, but while you take care of the boys until they grow, i will be with the big guys. LOL
              Reply to this
              1. 7/27/2008 12:43 PM Nina wrote:
                Pierto, I'm laughing so hard reading your comments lol. You are right my family might be right after all. I can imagine you with D&G suit preparing all the latest details on the transfer market and arranging secret meeting in Paris or London between Galliani and players’ agent's lool. As for me, I will just be happy working for the kids, preparing breakfast, making wake up calls for training, doing laundry and getting outfits ready. Having Gianfranco Zola and Casiraghi around and occasionally getting visits from the big man Lippi himself wow. That would be my dream job. Yours seems more glamorous, but I’ll be content with mine as well. We have lost it! looooooooool
                Reply to this
                1. 7/27/2008 12:49 PM Pietro wrote:
                  Nina i am doing my marathon day LOL, catching up with you guys with your comments LOL. Arranging secrets meeting LOL, i will have to battle with Anna for the position LOL. Though, i can work in Milanello too with Ancelotti.

                  I might let Anna do the traveling with Galliani. LOL Man, after all she is the one battling here in the blog LOL.
                  Reply to this
                  1. 7/27/2008 12:57 PM Nina wrote:
                    Pierto, I'm glad you are on today, I know it is difficult with work and all to check all the comments during the week. As for the job, maybe you and Anna can do like the apprentice where the person who wins gets the job lool.
                    It sure will be fun to get a job at Milanello too.
                    Reply to this
                    1. 7/27/2008 1:11 PM Pietro wrote:
                      Nina that's why on Sunday i usually do a marathon and my family know i need this time for my well being LOL

                      Man, i keep reading the blog during breaks but cannot comment because i am working but then i try to catch up LOL. I send Anna emails LOL .

                      The apprentice, for Milanello i can let milan99 do the honor for the summe job, the kid deserves it for being one of the pioneers in this blog. For Galliani, i won't even dare to battle with Anna, she also deserves that honor. Man, I might take the big shot with Berlusconi, i think Anna will let me take this deal LOL. Right Anna?

                      I don't think Mark will apply for the job? LOL
                      Reply to this
          2. 7/27/2008 3:28 PM Milan99 Azzurri Girl wrote:
            LOL, Nina, I agree with Pietro your family might not be wrong lol jk
            Reply to this
  • 7/27/2008 12:48 PM Nina wrote:
    Oh,and Mark as our friend who will be working for the Moratti family will try to snoop around Pierto and Anna to see if there are any good deals Milan is trying to close in on so he can make is move to make a better offer lool.Mean while Milan99 will volunteer during the summer at Milanello to work with Ancelotti while school is closed lol.
    Reply to this
    1. 7/27/2008 12:52 PM Pietro wrote:
      LOL Milan99 can take that summer job in Milanello LOL maybe for extra credit.

      Oh man don't even joke about me getting a job with Moratti, i am having a headache just at the thought! I let Mark take the job gladly!
      Reply to this
      1. 7/27/2008 12:54 PM Pietro wrote:
        Thinking about Mourinho, i think Anna will take the job with Mourinho since she used to visit them every year while they tour in California. Anna, what's your take on this, will you work for Mourinho, in Inter?
        Reply to this
        1. 7/27/2008 1:01 PM Nina wrote:
          I was saying that Mark will be the one working for Mourinho and Moratti and while you work for Berlusconi and Galliani,he will try to find all the secrets of your latests transfer market deals looool including the place of the secret meetings you would arrange for Galliani lol.Just imagine that lol.
          I think Anna will rather work at Milan with you lol.
          Reply to this
          1. 7/27/2008 1:14 PM Pietro wrote:
            Mark LOL i can take him to lunch give him some drinks and i will find out their secrets LOL. Anna will prefer to be in Milaneelo watching the trainings and doing i think the Abs? You can stay with the boys LOL we take care of the big guys.
            Reply to this
            1. 7/27/2008 1:33 PM Nina wrote:
              I had a blast dreaming for a little bit today about our dream jobs,I wished Mark,Anna and Milan where here.I'll catch up with you later if you are still one.I won't be here Monday morning for our usual meeting,I have training,but I'll be back later on tonight.Take care Pierto.
              Forza Our Milan
              Reply to this
              1. 7/27/2008 2:20 PM Pietro wrote:
                sorry you won't be here for our Coffee morning reading. You can leave your comments after you come back from training. I let Mark and Anna know you won't be here.Ok girl, see you later, i might not make it tonight. I already did my marathon LOL and don't want to be late tomorrow for the newspaper.
                Reply to this
              2. 7/27/2008 3:33 PM Milan99 Azzurri Girl wrote:
                Nina, Pietro, Anna and Mark u guys sure had a blast! sorry I missed all that Nina dreaming is the best thing to do its part of the passion I hope to catch u guys later!
                Reply to this
          2. 7/27/2008 2:30 PM Mark wrote:
            LOL what is this thing going on? I am missing the job fair? lOL, wait, where do i post my resume for the executive assistant for Moratti? Just checking in quick and saw these posts with the job applications. LOL

            Moratti: yes, i will work for Moratti
            Mourinho: I will battle with Anna for the position.
            Galliani: In your dreams! You guys can keep the application.
            Azzurrini: No, that's not for me, I stay with the big guys too.
            Milanello: Let milan99 the summer job. She will come to appiano only for Crespo LOL.
            Anna: I give her the preference if she applies for the position with galliani, sorry Pietro, but Anna takes the lead here LOL. You can work with your Ancelotti.
            LOL
            Reply to this
            1. 7/27/2008 2:33 PM Pietro wrote:
              Mark, man, good you are here, you missed Nina earlier she was asking for you. LOL I see your preferences. Ok man, I also let Anna the choice to work for Galliani LOL, I stay with "Father Ancelotti" and my assistant milan99 to run errands in Milanello between our guys.

              You keep your Moratti's position i won't even dare to apply.
              I migth take you to lunch wiht a good bottle of wine LOL
              Reply to this
              1. 7/27/2008 2:34 PM Mark wrote:
                LOL we can do a business lunch before the Milan derby? LOL I won't accept the invititon LOL only after the derby to celebrate Inter's victory

                Forza Inter
                Sempre Inter
                Solo inter
                Reply to this
                1. 7/27/2008 2:36 PM Pietro wrote:
                  We can suggest Anna a post on dreamed jobs? This was for the Azzurrini, man, and we got carried away with the jobs. Funny you called it "Job fair" LOL.

                  I am signing off, did my marathom already. See you tomorrow for the Coffee morning reading. don't be late man. Nina won't make it.
                  Reply to this
                  1. 7/27/2008 2:39 PM Mark wrote:
                    Ok, I was just glancing and got stuck to this job fair. LOL. Sorry you won't be tonight, I will try to make it. Tomorrow, I will be on time for the newspaper and with my cup of cappucino. Good day

                    Forza Inter
                    Sempre Inter
                    Solo Inter
                    Reply to this
                2. 7/27/2008 3:47 PM Milan99 Azzurri Girl wrote:
                  LOL @ MARK, WHO DID U SAY WILL WIN THE DERBY? MILAN! THAT'S RIGHT MAN MILAN WILL!!!

                  FORZA MILAN!!!
                  Reply to this
              2. 7/27/2008 3:55 PM Milan99 Azzurri Girl wrote:
                Pietro, I'll be honored to be your assistant Man life would be PERFECT to live in Milanello and work there for our beloved Milan! btw guys is it true that the city of Milanello is split in half between Milan and Inter fans? if its true then it'll be hard to see Mark
                Reply to this
            2. 7/27/2008 3:45 PM Milan99 Azzurri Girl wrote:
              Mark u bet man, Milan and Crespo fan 4EVER!!! Nice jobs! I think it'll be great if Anna make a post for our DREAMS JOBS!!!!!
              Reply to this
    2. 7/27/2008 3:24 PM Milan99 Azzurri Girl wrote:
      Nina, Pietro and Mark I sure take the job gladly! Man that would be an HONOR to work for my Milan!!!
      Reply to this
  • 7/27/2008 3:13 PM Milan99 Azzurri Girl wrote:
    I SURE MISSED A LOT IS ANYONE STILL ON???
    Reply to this
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