Azzurri Tracker: New Faces, New Excitement, New Italy
There has always been a stigma surrounding the Italian National Team. Similar to that of a gentlemen's club, ran by players who possess the most "seniority" and who have contributed the most caps to the blue and white. As a nation, Italy has always seemed to have slumped there way through the qualifying stages, giving their loyal fans unwanted hesitation and anxiety heading into major tournaments. However, to their credit, they have had quite a bit to show for over recent years (excluding their two most recent and horrible World Cup showings in both 2010 & 2014). Aside from their 2006 World Cup victory, the Italians have come very close in a number of International tournaments. In 2012, they reached the Euro Cup final only to lose 4-0 to a star studded Spanish side. Most recently, they put in a very impressive 2016 European Cup campaign reaching the Quarter Finals, losing in stunning fashion to Germany in a rather comical penalty kick performance. Granted, the Italians were missing vital players for the tournament in Marco Verratti, Daniele De Rossi, and Claudio Marchisio. However, even with that being said, the Italians lacked a killer instinct throughout the entire tournament. To be completely honest it was rather disappointing to see such a prominent football nation play such a defensive and systematic form of "on your heels" football. After hiring a new coach, and implementing a new system, the Italians have shown their fans that they are committed to rebuild a squad with high end young talent. The likes of Andrea Belotti, Marco Verratti, Davide Zappacosta, Alessio Romagnoli, Daniele Rugani, Domenico Berardi, and a number of others are poised to take over the reigns of the Azzurri's new look core. The Italians have even more to look forward to as it seems just like a matter of time before Mario Balotelli gets his much deserved recall to the national team. Over recent years, it was without a question that Balotelli was Italy's most prolific and polarizing striker. Unfortunately, his lavish lifestyle and antics off the field have lead to his regression. However, Balotelli has seemingly changed his attitude and the results are beginning to show as he continues to dominate at Nice in the French Ligue 1. In addition, with Gianluigi Buffon nearing his final major tournament, the Azzurri are already grooming the goalie of the future in Gianluigi Donnarumma, who seems to be developing into a star. The Italian Federation is only now beginning to realize what they have in their youth ranks. There are numerous players who continue to develop and continue to show glimpses of brilliance at their respective clubs. It is without a doubt, that the Italians have an amazing future for their football team. It is now just a matter of capitalizing on it.
