To many a casual observer of international football the names Pirlo, Balotelli and Buffon are the first that come to mind when the country of Italy is mentioned. They are the stars, the names which drive the sale of shirts. But what of the other members of the squad? Here is the tale of three prodigies united once more, poised to transition into international stardom.
It begins with none other than Zdeněk Zeman, one of the most polarizing figures in the world of football. Depending on who one asks, Zeman can be revered as a tactical genius, even as legendary for his contributions to the beautiful game or as an outspoken, outdated and arrogant failure who got lucky twice. The reality lays somewhere in between these two contrasting opinions – either way the man who sparked “Zemanlandia” on multiple occasions will have made his mark on three of the Azzurri’s burgeoning talents: Marco Verratti, Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne.
In case you are wondering what the term Zemanlandia is referring to, it was coined after the back to back promotions of Foggia to Serie A from the Italian third division back in the late 80’s. He took a squad consisting of relative youth and brought them to the UEFA Cup as it was known as back then. They played a Dutch-like style of high pressure defending and fast-passing action – almost akin to Barcelona’s “Tiki-taka” except for one notable difference: an all-out attack. Yet Zeman faded into obscurity after several miserable spells in the following years.
As a gamble, three years ago Italian Serie B side Pescara announced him as their new manager for the 2011-2012 season. They would go on to set the Serie B record for best goal differential ever in that season, winning the title on the final match day of the regular season and of course promotion to the top tier for the first time since the 90’s.
The key youngsters on this revival of “Zemanlandia”? Two players who were loaned in from Napoli and Juventus respectfully; Insigne and Immobile as well as a midfielder promoted from within – Verratti, who hails from Pescara himself. Immobile earned the title “Capocannoniere” as top goal scorer with 28 on the season, Verratti and Insigne serving as his playmakers. They were an unstoppable side who tore opposition apart with their high-flying attack; Verratti served as their playmaker in a deep-lying role similar to Pirlo, Insigne as the tricky attacking midfielder to feed Immobile as their focal point.
Their chemistry still has not worn off. In the last warmup fixture before the World Cup, Italy’s projected reserves took on Brazillian outfit Fluminense, winning 5-3. Defensive woes aside, Immobile did enough to ensure Cesare Prandelli has selection headaches for days to come – he netted three and provided the assists on two, both scored by none other than Insigne. All of this before the 60th minute it must be noted.
Where will this trio slot into Prandelli’s side?
The Pescara Connection
Ciro Immobile:
The alternative striker to Mario Balotelli, he will most likely play the role of the substitute. If Balotelli falters in the first match against England, look for Immobile to start against Costa Rica in order to impress his coach and all those who doubt his pedigree at this level
Lorenzo Insigne:
Another substitute role, can slot anywhere in midfield offensively or on the wings. Will most likely not start unless of injury.
Marco Verratti:
Rumoured to be starting Italy’s first group stage match versus England as the replacement for Montolivo. If so, this will be a prime occasion for the youngster to demonstrate his talents on the big stage for the first time. It is not difficult to visualize him linking up with Pirlo in the engine room shielding the defenders as well as providing penetrative through balls to attackers.
For the latest sports injury news, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @Aldo_Calcio. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Feel free to discuss this and other footy related articles with thousands of fans at r/football.
Main Photo:
