Comuzzo and Savona who, dressed in blue, have eyes that shine. I’m in the national team, a dream that every young footballer has in their personal drawer. The first, Fiorentina’s jewel, is a 2005. The other, discovered by Thiago Motta in the Juventus Next Gen, is a 2003. In short, a breath of fresh air and, be careful, they are not the only ones in the “new” national team by Spalletti. From Pisilli (2004) to Udogie (2002), passing through Cambiaso (2000), Daniel Maldini (2001) and the good Kean. Oh yes, maybe it will seem strange to many but the Viola striker is a 2000. Having been around since time immemorial, he finally seems to have matured to the right point (the air of Florence is doing him good). How nice… Nothing against the “veterans”, those who push the cart and know what to do when the ball gets hot but, honestly, it’s nice to know that there is a new blue fringe that has enthusiasm and also quality. The two main forwards of the national team, namely Retegui and Kean, are 25 and 24 years old respectively. In short, they are still in the ascending phase regarding their career.
The Nations League interests me as much as the reproductive phases of a lizard but, at least, it gives Spalletti the opportunity to test new players and, indeed, several young players. I criticized the CT a lot, I even went so far as to ask for him to be removed but, honestly, I changed my mind. In his second phase as coach of the national team he is doing everything to his best. I’m not just talking about the (positive) results but about the approach to the role. He seems much wiser in his choices and more open in listening to other people’s opinions.
An encouraging sign, the demonstration that Spalletti is a true football man who knows how to evolve and, therefore, improve.
I don’t care whether we win the Nations League or not (the real event is the World Cup), however I hope that this contagious Italian enthusiasm can continue over time. Belgium and France are two tough opponents. Even if not aligned with the stars, they remain two battleships of European football with a lot of talent (especially in France). All the more reason to try to get a result, so as to have even more arguments to support a national team that we like more and more (at least to myself).
Stopping the championship at this point is a crime. Luckily the national team is not as disconcerting as in the past. So, let yourself be watched. It wasn’t a given at all. The credit goes to Spalletti, the young people, a more entertaining and unpredictable Italian football and the stars who, this time, seem perfectly aligned with the blue of the Italian shirt.
An off topic reflection… Enough with the story of Kean being better than Vlahovic. Context and trust do a lot, especially if you are a professional striker. Happy for Kean, very happy indeed, but the comparison makes no sense. Kean, at Juventus, had many opportunities but did not exploit them (partly through his own fault, partly due to the faults of others). Now it’s radiant in Florence and that’s fine. The past must be left behind… And then I would say that Vlahovic already has his problems to solve, right?