Making Donadoni’s Decision Tough

April 29, 2008

With Euro 2008 rapidly approaching and many of the domestic leagues (as well as international competitions) wrapping up shortly, Azzurri manager Roberto Donadoni will need to utilize his last chances to see possible national team players in action. While many expect the team to look similar to that of the 2006 World Cup winning squad, there are several players who are making a strong case for themselves this year that may have otherwise been excluded from Donadoni’s plans.

Alessandro Del Piero: Although he won with the team in 2006, ‘Alex’ had since fallen out of Donadoni’s squad. Already 33 years of age, many had felt Del Piero had passed his prime, but his recent form of late seems to indicate that he’s arguably as sharp as ever. With 13 goals and 30 appearances for Juventus this season, along with some highlight reel goals and performances (including a recent hat trick against Atalanta) Alex has clearly outlined his intentions to be a part of the Azzurri squad in June. And considering his popularity among fans and his tireless work ethic, along with his years of top flight experience, it is going to be a decision that may weigh heavily in manager Donadoni’s mind.

Antonio Cassano: Once touted as one of the brightest future stars of the Azzurri, Antonio has since fell out of favor with managers at both the club and international level, and for a while was deemed too risky for many coaches to bring him back on. However, Serie A outfit Sampdoria finally decided to give him another chance, and so far he’s stepped up his game with a string of solid outings along with 8 goals in 18 appearances to date. He’s made his desire to once again play for the Azzurri quite vocal, and with his speed and confidence, Antonio is another potentially valuable player that could perhaps be brought in for Euro 2008.

Marco Borriello: Naples born striker Marco Borriello has had a relatively quiet career until recent, being brought up in the AC Milan system but never quite finding a first team position. However, since arriving at Genoa CFC, he has been on fire in front of goal; one of the Serie A’s most prolific strikers this season, he’s hit 19 goals in 30 appearances while helping Genoa reach a respectable top-half table position. Although he only has two caps for the Azzurri—both friendlies—his deadly form of late may make him another individual who earns the right to play for Donadoni’s team in Austria and Switzerland.

Giuseppe Rossi: Although only 21 and uncapped at the senior level, Giuseppe Rossi might well represent the next generation of Italian footballers. Playing with La Liga’s Villareal this season he has 11 goals in 24 appearances, and has been well recognized for his pace, incisive runs into the defense, accurate crosses, and a powerful left foot. Although he hasn’t been called up for the Azzurri, he’s been a regular on the Azzurrini (Italy’s U-21 international team) and played for the U-18, U-17, and U-16 squads as well. If Donadoni decides to go for a younger, quicker team, this is one possible call up that might not be as unlikely as some may think – the pattern seems to indicate so, at least.

Needless to say, much thought will go into Roberto Donadoni’s Euro 2008 squad selection.

by Justin Barrie

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