Italy have finally settled on a roster for the Confederations
Cup and a number of Calcio fans will likely voice their
disappointment, as on a player-by-player basis, it surely cannot match
favourites Brazil or Spain.
Since Lippi re-took the reins of La Nazionale, his
selections have constantly been criticised.
The former Juventus and Napoli boss had already revealed 13
players he would take to South Africa and added 10 more on Thursday to round
out the quota. Some are deservedly included like starlet Davide Santon, but
others are unjustifiably omitted.
The CassaNO Saga
First
and foremost, many have argued that Sampdoria talisman
Antonio Cassano should be included, but he’s been ignored match after
match by the coach. His talent is undeniable, his attitude flimsy.
While I may not necessarily
agree with his exclusion, I comprehend it. Lippi thrives on having a
unit, not
a one-man show – and Cassano is contradictory to that philosophy. Lippi
won a
World Cup with a hard-working and selfless squad, where no one player
stole the spotlight.
Based on his performances, Cassano deserves to be plying his
trade in the Azzurri colours, an unjust decision, but an understandable one.
The only way ‘Fantantonio’ will be included is if Lippi feels he has no chance
of winning without him. In this Confederations Cup, a deep run will prove Lippi
right and a disappointing display will prove him wrong.
Great Job, Now Stay
Home
Nonetheless, Cassano isn’t the only one who can feel hard
done by. Two
midfielders, Udinese’s Gateano D’Agostino and Roma’s Matteo Brighi, finally
fulfilled their potential this season, both having breakout years, but neither
have been taken.
D’Agostino’s sparkling performances may have guaranteed him
a move to Juventus, but his form is not sufficient for Lippi. What
is more puzzling is that the Zebrette playmaker is the ideal replacement for
Andrea Pirlo (in case of injury or suspension) in the deep-lying midfield role.
He is capable of dictating the play, has great vision, and is an excellent
set-piece taker.
Brighi was ever-present for Roma and arguably their best
player this season, making 40 appearances for the Giallorossi and even featuring
in Italy’s World Cup qualifying group, but Lippi has now snubbed him as well.
Instead, the ‘Paul Newman lookalike’ calls up Blucerchiati
hard-man Angelo Palombo and Fiorentina’s Riccardo Montolivo, who although adept
in their roles, have been largely inconsistent in 2008-09 and never shown they
are even adequate on the international stage.
The confirmation of Simone Pepe and Mauro Camoranesi indicates
Italy could continue with a 4-3-3 formation, but if so, why not at least incorporate
Lazio winger Pasquale Foggia as well, who is more than capable in a
wide-attacking role?
Luca Toni is another who has fallen from his previous lofty
standards, his goal-scoring tally dipping considerably for Bayern Munich and
the Azzurri, the free-scoring Giampaolo Pazzini should have been called in his
place.
Also,
what pressing need is there to include Liverpool left-back and bench
warmer Andrea Dossena, when you already have seven defenders at your
disposal, including two other left backs? One of the aforementioned
more dynamic
midfielders could be there instead, as they can offer something
different.
Young Guns Ineligible
Budding talents like Sebastian Giovinco, Mario Balotelli,
Claudio Marchisio, Marco Motta and Domenico Criscito may be worthy of a chance, but were
never truly in consideration. Keep in mind that they are part of the Under-21
squad and will be involved in the European tournament in Sweden this summer
under Azzurrini coach Pierluigi Casiraghi.
You may disagree by pointing out that Santon was chosen,
but the 18-year-old just burst onto the scene in late January and thus never
had the chance to be part of Casiraghi’s qualifying plans and that is why he was free for selection to the senior squad.
Marcello Lippi may very well be one of the top five coaches
in the world, he transformed Italy before, in time for the World Cup 2006, so there
is always the possibility he could do it again. However, shouldn’t he be doing
it with players who justify their presence on the pitch?
Did Lippi select the
right players? Who should be in the squad that was omitted? Who should be left
out? How will Italy perform at the Confederations Cup? Goal.com wants to know
what YOU think?
Adam Scime, Goal.com
Calcio Debate: Italy's Confederations Cup Squad - Old, Slow & Predictable
