I felt almost compelled to do this after reading the feature in Calcio Italia magazine, where they chronicle their top 25, including the now departed Valeri Bojinov and 'overseas' Giuseppe Rossi.
I thought I would make my own.

Index

1) Yoann Gourcuff
2) Raffaele Palladino
3) Valon Behrami
4) Alessandro Potenza
5) Marco Motta
6) Daniele Dessena
7) Antonio Nocerino
8) Dias Felipe
9) Marco Andreolli
10) Giampaolo Pazzini
11) Bosko Jankovic
12) Stefano Okaka Chuka
13) Michele Canini
14) Marek Hamsyk
15) Giorgio Chiellini
16) Emiliano Viviano
17) Leandro Grimi
18) Robert Acquafresca
19) Alessandro Rosina
20) Edison Cavani
21) Paolo Sammarco
22) Fernando Forestieri
23) Matteo Paro
24) Aleandro Rosi
25) Anthony Vanden Borre
26) Domenico Criscito
27) Alberto Aquilani
28) Asamoah Gyan
29) Goran Slavkovski
30) Salvatore Foti
31) Francesco Lodi
32) Samir Handanović
33) Cristían Zapata
34) Andrea Coda
35) Sebastian Giovinco
36) Papa Waigo N'Diayè
37) Claudio Marchisio
38) Arturo Lupoli
39) Mourad Meghni
40) Francesco Pisano
41) Fernando Damian Tissone
42) Ezequiel Lavezzi
43) Victor Obinna
44) Ahmed Apimah Barusso
45) Riccardo Montolivo
46) Raffaele De Martino
47) Michele Paolucci
48) Daniele Paponi
49) Alexandre Pato
50) Samuel De Carmine
51) Luca Cigarini
52) Ondrej Mazuch
53) Gianluca Curci
54) Takayuki Morimoto
55) Antonio Mirante
56) Lorenzo De Silvestri
57) Aleksandar Kolarov
58) Paolo De Ceglie
59) Walter Gargano
60) Reto Ziegler


1) Yoann Gourcuff - A.C. Milan



At such a young age Gourcuff has a huge weight of expectation on his shoulders. When he arrived at Milan he had already been dubbed 'Le Petit Zidane' and his every move in the Milan shirt has been analyzed with that in mind. While he didn't set the San Siro alight in his first season, the ex-Rennes midfielder enjoyed a successful campaign and could have made a greater impression had he not spent significant periods on the treatement table. Undoubtebly there are flashes of genius, as shown against AEK Athens in the Champions League, and for a 21-year-old it is an achievement in itself to be challenging Clarence Seedorf for a place in the side.
Next season will surely see Gourcuff given more playing time and he can only continue to grow playing alongside Kaka. These are early days, but we could well be witnessing the start of something special.


2) Raffaele Palladino - Juventus



Highly thought of attacking prodigy who was nicknamed 'Palladinho' by Juventus chief Giovanni Cobolli Gigli last term. The Neapolitan second striker underlined why he is so valued by netting some crucial goals in the Serie B title win and could be their secret weapon in the 2007-08 season.
Said to have the movement of Patrick Kluivert, Raul's eye for goal, the touch of Ibrahimovic and the dribbling ability of Alex Del Piero. If you believe the hype then this kid is going to be a great.


3) Valon Behrami - S.S. Lazio



The Kosovo-born Swiss international has started his career in the fast lane. At the age of just 22, Behrami has already spend two season in Serie A and played in a World Cup. Injury has slowed the ex-Verona winger's progress, but if he can keep himself fit he should be a regular for the Biancocelesti next term and add to his seven caps. Despite his defensive roots, Coach Delio Rossi often gives Behrami free reign to go forward and he has an uncanny flair for finding space in the opposition area.


4) Alessandro Potenza - Fiorentina



The Azzurrini's woeful defending at the European Under-21 Championship was distinctly un-Italian. Pierluigi Casiraghi must have rued the late withdrawal through injury of his captain. The Fiorentina right-back looks set for an exciting future, showing the necessary qualities to be a starter for club and country. A graduate of Inter's youth system, he has plenty of Serie A experience and has also played in Spain.


5) Marco Motta - Udinese



A product of the revered Atalanta youth system, Motta is a right-back who can not only defend well but is also effective going forward with his speed and excellent delivery.
Initially a mainstay in the Bergamascan side before their relegation in the summer of 2005, his performances alerted a number of clubs and it was Udinese who came calling and rescued him from Serie B football.
His cameo performances at the European Under-21 Championship were impressive and he now faces a battle with ex-Atalanta teammate Damiano Zenoni for a starting place at the Friuli outfit.

6) Daniele Dessena - Parma



A midfielder from the Parma production line who played alongside Giuseppe Rossi and Arturo Lupoli in the Primavera winning side, Dessena is still finding his feet at senior level. However, anyone who say his curling drive against Chievo last December will know exactly what he is capable of.
Although he didn't get a chance to impress at the European Under-21 Championship this summer he may have a big future in the Azzurri shirt.


7) Antonio Nocerino - Juventus



With all the tricks of Ronaldinho, it is something of a surprise to see Nocerino play in his midfield enforced role. Earmarked as the next Gennaro Gattuso, the Neapolitan will be hoping that this is the year that he gets in Juventus' first team after spending last term on loan in an impressive season at Piacenza. However with Sergio Almiron and Tiago Mendes already added to the Bianconeri's centre it will be a fight to break into Claudio Ranieri's plans.


8) Dias Felipe - Udinese



An injury-plagued 2006-07 season may have put the brakes on his move to a big club for the time being, but Felipe is still one of the most impressive young defenders on the market. The Brazilian has worked his way through the ranks at Udinese and is the figurehead of the new breed of defender. Uncompromising in the tackle and comfortable on the ball, the Zebretti have high hopes for Felipe this year.


9) Marco Andreolli - A.S. Roma



Places in the Inter starting lineup may have been hard to come by, but Andreolli already has Champions League football under his belt. Although the versatile defender disappointed at the European Under-21 Championship, that could push him to fulfill his promise at new club Roma, who purchased the defender in a co-ownership deal which say Cristian Chivu go in the opposite direction.
With regular football he could find a place in the Nazionale, as a replacement for the outgoing Alessandro Nesta or the ageing Fabio Cannavaro and Marco Materazzi.


10) Giampaolo Pazzini - Fiorentina



With the departure of Luca Toni from the Viola, 'Pazzo' has the chance to fulfill the high expectations of his adoring Viola faithful.
His potent combination of a poacher's instinct in the box and fierce shot from outside make him very hard for defenders to deal with, as was shown with his fantastic hat-trick for the Under-21 side in the opening game at the new Wembley stadium.
He may not have shown prolific form in front of goal in Serie A so far but being the focal point in a strong Fiorentina side he will be looking to rival the top hitmen in Italy.
His excellent understanding with fellow young star Riccardo Montolivo and guidance of coach Claudio Prandelli will be an important factor if he is to propel himself into a Serie A goleador and replace Toni as Italy's number nine.

11) Bosko Jankovic - Palermo



One of Europe's most exciting youngsters, Palmero swooped for his services despite interest from Valencia and Barcelona. And attacking midfielder with as much skill as vision, his dribbling ability will be welcomed by the Barbera fans. Having won the double twice at Red Star Belgrade, he joined Mallorca in 2006 where he impressed with nine goals in La Liga. Scored on his senior Serbia debut against Portugal in March.


12) Stefano Okaka Chuka - Modena



This 17-year-old striking prodigy is considered to have a great future at parent club Roma. Loaned out to Serie B side Modena for the 2007-08 campaign to gain more first team experience, Okaka burst onto the scene in the Primavera championship as a 15 year old, several years ahead of his peers. At 16 he made his debut for Roma in the UEFA Cup against Aris, becoming the youngest Italian to appear in an international competition. He made his Serie A debut later that year and troubled some of the best defences in the country with his size, direct running and skill.
Born in Italy to Nigerian parents, he has committed his immediate future to the Azzurri, and many see him as a potential number nine.


13) Michele Canini - Cagliari



One of the most promising young Italian central defenders, Canini is seen as a replacement for Azzurri captain Fabio Cannavaro in the coming years. At 22 he has already played regular professional football for three years, having progressed through the famed Atalanta academy, he was then loaned to Serie C1 side Sambenedettese for the 2004-05 campaign. Having impressed Cagliari purchased half of his contract for the 2005-06 season before making this deal permanent at the end of the season.
A serious knee njury disrupted his progress in the 2006-07 season but the commanding centre-back returned to aid the Sardinians towards the end of the season. Linked with a move to one of Italy's biggest sides before his injury, if he can stay injury-free he will surely be snapped up, such is the demand for genuine quality Italian defenders.


14) Marek Hamsyk - Napoli



You don't get chased by the likes of Barcelona, Chelsea, Juventus and Manchester United if you are short on talent. A central-midfielder with an eye for goal, the Slovakian international has already been likened to his hero Pavel Nedved. Arriving at Brescia as a 17-year-old, he has now graduated to Serie A after joining Napoli for £5m. Only time will tell if he is worth the hype, but the early signs suggest he could be the kind of star missing in Naples since a certain tubby Argentine departed...


15) Giorgio Chiellini - Juventus



At the age of 22, Chiellini has already enjoyed four seasons as a first-team regular and that experience is obvious for all to see. He regularly shows a sense of positioning and determination that belies his young age and underlined his maturity as captain of the Italy Under-21's this summer. He can also boast a versatility that makes him equally dominant in the centre of defence or on either flank. However his public spat with Juventus has clouded his future, even though coach Claudio Ranieri has declared he will remain at the club.

16) Emiliano Viviano - Brescia



Widely-considered as a future Azzurri goalkeeper, the 21-year-old continues to prove himself as one of the best goalkeepers in Italy's second division. Thrown in at the deep end during Italy Under-21's European Championship campaign following an injury to first choice Gianluca Curci, Viviano had one or two scary moments behind a shaky Italy defence but also produced a number of top quality saves.
Imposing and athletic, a good shot stopper who is good in the air, it surely won't be long before he is playing in Serie A, whether that is with Brescia remains to be seen.


17) Leandro Grimi - Siena



Leandro Grimi arrived in Milan in January 2007 from Racing Avellaneda following a string of impressive performances in Argentina's Apertura Championship. Able at both left-back and in the centre, Milan see him as a potential replacement for Paolo Maldini when the legendary defender retires. The 22-year-old will spend this season on loan at Tuscan side Siena, where he will be looking to get a number of games under his belt and learn his football education in an excellent environment.


18) Robert Acquafresca - Cagliari



Making a name for himself thanks to his pace and eye for goal, Acquafresca netted 12 times for Serie B side Treviso last term and persuaded owners Inter that he belongs in the top flight. The Turin-born marksman gets his first chance on the big stage with Cagliari on a season's loan where he will hope to cement his Azzurrini place. Having lost David Suazo and Mauro Esposito, the pressure is on Acquafresca to step up for the Isolani.


19) Alessandro Rosina - Torino



Parma youth product Rosina secured a place on several Serie A shopping lists last term when he was the driving force behind the Granata's survival. Having excelled in Toro's promotion campaign from the Cadetti, the man nicknamed 'Rosinaldo' seemed far from intimidated by the spotlight and finished as his side's Capocannoniere with a nine-goal haul. Blessed with a deft touch and enviable acceleration, Rosina can also strike from distance and is guarenteed to score some classics.


20) Edison Cavani - Palermo



With two goals in his first two games, this 20-year-old striker looked like he would be the spark to revive Palermo's waning season last time out until injury struck. With his summer only slightly indented by the Under-20 World Cup, we should hopefully see a full campaign from the Uruguayan star. Palermo will be refreshed and revived under new Coach Stefano Colantuono and the prospect of seeing Cavani in a fit and healthy partnership with fellow South American ace Amauri is mouth-watering.

21) Paolo Sammarco - Sampdoria



24-year-old central midfielder Sammarco is a product of the Milan academy. Over the past few seasons numerous loans have followed, culminating in the player spending three seasons on loan at Chievo Verona. A defensive-minded midfielder by nature, Sammarco was a member of the Chievo side who were relegated last season. However Sampdoria were impressed enough to warrant the purchase of half of his contract from Milan and he will spend next season with the Blucerchiati. This is his chance to show what he can do in a decent Serie A side, and his future at Milan is not over.


22) Fernando Forestieri - Siena



Dubbed the 'Genoese Messi' during his time at the club, Forestieri is a wide attacker who also hails from Argentina but plays his football for Italy. His Sicilian parents wanted him to live the Italian lifestyle and at 16 Genoa took advantage of a legal loophole to purchase the wonderkid from Argentine giants Boca Juniors. He starred for the successful Primavera youth side of the Genoese and caught the attention of scouts across Italy.
Now 17, Forestieri will surprisingly not play at the newly-promoted Grifoni but instead Siena purchased him in a co-ownership deal. With regular games he could become a very important player for them, and time will tell if he has what it takes to play for one of the countries' giants.


23) Matteo Paro - Genoa



Paro is a product of the successful Juventus youth academy, and now at 24 he is finally beginning to show the ability to play in Serie A. He has had somewhat of a nomadic career to date, having been loaned and co-owned to around the country. Following Juventus' demotion in the summer of 2006 the club purchased all of his contract from Siena and he went on to be a key figure in gaining promotion, winning over the fans with his all-action displays and forming a good partnership with the experienced Crisitiano Zanetti. Inevitably Juventus had to significantly strengthen the squad on promotion and Paro has found himself as a peripheral player again. Genoa took note of the situation and have taken him on a co-ownership deal, costing the club €1.5m. His future is uncertain, but he will now get the chance to impress in Serie A again after his stint in Siena.


24) Aleandro Rosi - A.S. Roma



A right sided midfielder able to play both wide and centrally, Rosi first came to prominence across the country with some cameo performances in the 2005-06 season aged just 19. He initially made his debut in the previous season. Now 20, Rosi is a regular in Roma's first team squad, and has a big fight on his hands to claim a regualr starting spot given the amount of young talent available in this area for the Giallorossi.
Rosi has been capped twice by the Azzurrini, and will be hoping to improve on his useful substitute to see if he can progress to the full national side.


25) Anthony Vanden Borre - Fiorentina



The European Under-21 Championship is a great way for the continent's youth to showcase their skills. Fortunately, Fiorentina acted before the tournament to sign this Anderlecht youngster, who proceeded to show why the Viola have developed an eye for talent in recent years with some stunning performances. A snip at just £2m, the DR Congo-born ace can play anywhere in defence or midfield and is already a full international.

26) Domenico Criscito - Juventus



Having made his Serie B debut aged 16 for Genoa, Criscito is already a man of experience. His transfer to Juventus for the 2007-08 season will likely see him thrown straight into the Turin side's back four alongside new signing Zdenek Grygera. However, if La Vecchia Signora cannot find a role for him he already has an offer to return on loan to Genoa, so one way or another the Under-21 international will get his chance to test his abilities in Serie A this term.


27) Alberto Aquilani - A.S. Roma



It is perhaps easy to forget Aquilani has been on the Italian football scene since 2003 when he made his Roma debut. However he didn't break into the first team until the 2004-05 season. There have already been many highlights, such as his goal in the Rome derby, the sublime rabola pass to Amantino Mancini against Milan and his strikes for the Azzurrini this summer.
However, fans of the 23-year-old believe there is still a lot more to come. Injury robbed him from Roma's services for over half of last season, shortly after he made his full debut for Italy against Turkey in November. It will have been frustrating to watch from the sidelines, but that disappointment will surely be the spir for a great 2007-08.
With the Olimpico side already congested in midfield there will be a real battle for opportunities. But with Daniele De Rossi there as a role model to emulate, it would be no surprise if 'AA' can win his place in Spaletti's side and resume his efforts to break into Donadoni's plans in time for Euro 2008.
With another Champions League challenge and a level Serie A field to compete with, there is every reason to believe that this is going to be his breakout year.


28) Asamoah Gyan - Udinese



Udinese's scouting system first spotted Gyan playing in Ghana for Liberty Professionals, and in 2003 they brought him Italy. His pace and direct style troubled defenders and with loan club Modena he racked up a tally of 15 goals in two seasons in Italy's second division.
Udinese brought him back in 2006 and by the time the World Cup arrived he was nearing his best form.
His peformances in Germany alerted Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow. Gyan was all set to sign for $10.5m in 2007 but Udinese had to cancel the deal as they could not find a striker to replace him.
Now back in the first team fold at the Friuli outfit, 21-year-old Gyan has a chance to fight for a place in the starting eleven alongside rising superstar Fabio Quagliarella and veteran Antonio Di Natale. If he succeeds he has the ability to go further.


29) Goran Slavkovski - Internazionale



A tall Swedish-born striker of Macedonian roots, Slavkovski has been dubbed the 'new Ibrahimovic' due to his mixed Swedish-Balkan roots, physique and skill on the ball. Inter coach Roberto Mancini recently declared that he would be the 'world's best player in seven years'.
His future at international level had been in doubt with Sweden, Macedonia and even Croatia vying for his services, though he chose to play for Macedonia and made his Under-21 debut in March 2007.
Chances may prove limited at Inter this season, but at 18 he still has years to prove his worth and it is possible he could spend the next season on loan to gain more match experience.


30) Salvatore Foti - Vicenza



A young striker with a bright future. Still only 18, the tall left-footer can also play in a wide attacking role and will spend next season on loan to Serie B side Vicenza. Co-owned by Sampdoria and Udinese, the striker was purchased as a 16-year-old by Samp from the Venezia youth side when Venezia Calcio were disbanded in 2005.
He scored his first goal for Sampdoria at 17 and was hailed as the 'new Ibrahimovic' amongst others. Though he hasn't scored since, he has lots of time to improve in front of goal and a season in Serie B will toughen him up.

31) Francesco Lodi - Frosinone



Now 23, Neopolitan forward Lodi is somewhat of a veteran in comparison to when he first made his debut for Empoli as a 16-year-old. Initially an attacking midfielder but also used as a second striker or striker, Lodi racked up nearly fifty games for Empoli between 2000 and 2003. Next season will be spent on loan at Serie B minnows Frosinone, but the work ethic of the club will ensure that Lodi is not allowed to rest on his laurels - a trait which has afflicted him in the past - and if he can show his creative license against the hatchet men of Serie B then he can finally kick on with his Serie A career.
A very promising player in a key position, he has a real battle to win a future Azzurri shirt given the other talent around.


32) Samir Handanović - Udinese



A giant Slovenian goalkeeper, the 23-year-old Handanović signed for Udinese in 2003 from Slovenian club Domžale, howvere his appearances were fleeting behind the excellent Morgan De Sanctis, and following equally unsuccessful spells on loan at Treviso and Lazio he spent the 2006-07 season on loan to Rimini in Serie B. He excelled during this spell, and won rave reviews for his performances, especially against the bigger sides in the division. Following De Sanctis' departure to Sevilla, Udinese recalled Handanović from Rimini and he has a good chance of claiming a starting shirt this season.


33) Cristían Zapata - Udinese



A robust and imposing stopper who is on his way to succeeding Inter's Ivan Cordoba as Colombia's best defender. Having been picked up by Udinese's legendary scouting system, he arrived at the Stadio Friuli in August 2005 and hasn't looked back. Although prone to the odd bit of inexperience, he reads the game well and is tough in the tackle. Already on the radar of Fiorentina, Juventus and Milan, it won't be long until he is snapped up.


34) Andrea Coda - Udinese



Andrea Coda is strong, powerful and almost unbeatable in the air, providing a formidable presence at centre-back. He was a regular for Empoli as they won promotion in 2005 and then consolidated in Serie A, prompting Udinese to move for him in 2006. In 2005 he was also a key figure in Italy's Under-20 side at the FIFA World Youth Cup.
Coda has been linked to both Juventus and Milan, but for injuries this move would have taken place already. If he fights off the challenge for a shirt at Udinese and continues to grow as a defender then a glittering career at the heart of the defence for Italy and one of it's giants beckons.


35) Sebastian Giovinco - Empoli



The pint-sized forward has drawn massive acclaim for his peformances in Juventus' dominant Primavera side, and such was his progression that he found himself in the first team squad and even made a few cameo appearances during Juve's Serie B title win. Standing only 1.65m tall, Giovinco has an eye-catching combination of pace, trickery and vision to go with his repertoire of skills, and despite his height is rarely pushed off the ball.
Given the battle for a starting shirt up front for Juventus, the club wisely decided to loan him out to an Empoli side who will play UEFA Cup football next season as well as domestic. Dubbed the 'new Del Piero', Giovinco has a lot to live up to but is many people's choice to surprise next season.

36) Papa Waigo N'Diayè - Genoa



An eccentric and unpredictable forward player, the 23-year-old Senegalese Papa Waigo has the ability to both bamboozle defences and frustrate fans. Best used in a free role where he likes to attack the fullbacks on either flank, he is not a goalscorer as such but his speed, trickery and aerial ability make him a potential match-winner. Still, his goals record of 20 in 73 games in Serie B for Cesena on top of his numerous assists saw him become one of the most important players in the division. Newly promoted Genoa, having seen first hand his ability, purchased him for the 2007-08 season and he will be looking to show he can do it at the top level.


37) Claudio Marchisio - Empoli



Another of the impressive youth players at Juventus, like Giovinco, Marchisio finds himself on loan at Tuscan side Empoli for the coming season. A dynamic midfielder who likes to put himself about, get forward and shoot from distance, fans christened him 'baby Gerrard' for his style of play. He has also been compared in style to Italy and Juventus legend Marco Tardelli. A regular in Serie B last season, Marchisio is another who found himself on the fringes following Juventus' promotion, but he has shown enough in recent times to suggest he will be at home in the engine room of Empoli's midfield.
Also a current Italian Under-21 international, the Turin native will be looking to keep his place in the Azzurrini squad.


38) Arturo Lupoli - Fiorentina



A product of the same Parma youth system as Giuseppe Rossi, but the Brescia-born striker's time in England soured after Arsenal loaned him to Derby County. Back in Italy with an exciting Fiorentina side looking for someone to fill a Luca Toni-sized void in their attack, this should be the chance for him to show what he can do. Netted hatfuls of goals for Arsenal's reserves - can he replicate that for the Viola in Serie A?


39) Mourad Meghni - S.S. Lazio



A skillful Frenchman of Arabian origin, is it any wonder that the Lazio new-boy has been likened to Zinedine Zidane? Benefitting from Carlo Mazzone's expertise in his early Bologna days, Meghni's rise has been slower than he would have likes. However, the Under-17 Youth Championship Player of the Tournament has shown he has the ability and with Delio Rossi guiding him, at 23 this is his chance to finally live up to his potential.


40) Francesco Pisano - Cagliari



Pisano can play as a left-back or left wing-back. His impressive performances this season (an ever present for Cagliari in the league) have earnt him a call up to the Italy Under-21's in December and he has two caps to his name.
Pisano is recognisable for his incredible pace. Whilst at school he competed for Italy not for his football but for his running ability. He featured for the Under 16's and can run 100 metres in under 10.2 seconds. Pisano is a tough tackler and the belief of many is that he could develop into as fine a left back as Paolo Maldini. Comparisons have been made and his link up play and bursting runs down the left side have been a trademark the past season.
Francesco Pisano was voted second by Cagliari's fans in the Player of the season awards for 2006-7, behind goal machine David Suazo, and with the Honduran now on the books of Inter we will see if the 21-year-old flyer can establish himself as the star man for the Isolani.

41) Fernando Damian Tissone - Atalanta



Tissone is an Argentine central midfielder with a good engine, range of passing and long-range shot. The 21-year-old was brought to Italy from Lanús in his homeland in 2005 by the Udinese scouts, but could not quite break into the first team fold and only made a number of substitute appearances. In 2006 Atalanta took him to Bergamo and he has starred in the midfield alongside the other young guns, making himself a mainstay with 33 appearances and 3 goals. He is still finding his feet and occasionally shows his inexperience but to be a regular midfielder in Serie A at his age is an achievement in itself and he is being followed closesly by the bigger sides.


42) Ezequiel Lavezzi - Napoli



Lavezzi shot to fame at the age of 19 in the Apertura 2004 tournament, he scored six goals in total, the most notable was a spectacular effort against River Plate at the El Monumental. Lavezzi scored in the 69th minute to give San Lorenzo a famous victory and seriously damage River's title challenge.
Lavezzi has been likened to famous Argentinian striker Carlos Tevez because of his somewhat similar appearance and playing style and as a result has often been labelled the 'New Tevez'.
Lavezzi has finished 4th in the Argentine top scorers list on two occasions Apertura 2004 with 6 goals and Apertura 2005 with 8 goals.
He made his international debut for the Argentinian national team team against Chile, on the 18th of April, 2007.
It was a real coup for Napoli to claim his signature on promotion to Serie A, and many will be looking for Lavezzi to fill the big boots of their legendary Argentinian attacker. Now 22 he is coming to the age where he can make a name for himself, he could be a huge star.


43) Victor Obinna - Chievo Verona



A pint-sized attacking sensation who can be brilliant on his day. Brought to Italy by Inter, the Nigerian youngster was sent to Chievo where he won comparisons with Obafemi Martins for his peformances and acrobatic goal celebrations. Admittedly still a little raw tactically, he could have a stunning career once he hones his dribbling skills and eye for goal. The right summer move may see the 20-year-old strike back after a forgettable 2006-07.


44) Ahmed Apimah Barusso - A.S. Roma



A bruising Ghanaian central midfield player, the 23-year-old Barusso was brought to Italy be minnows Manfredonia where he helped propel the side three divisions to Serie C. A move to fellow Serie C side Rimini beckoned, and he became a mainstay of their promotion to Serie B. He then helped propel the minnows up the league, with Serie A a real possibility. Rimini didn't make it, but Barusso did, transferring to giants A.S. Roma in a co-ownership deal following intense speculation from many big clubs across Europe, particularly Milan.
Similar in style to compatriot Michael Essien, he just needs to control himself and be a bit more aware tactically and Roma have a very strong player on their hands. However, the battle for a shirt will be intense.


45) Riccardo Montolivo - Fiorentina



Unsurprisingly nurtured in the world-reknowned Atalanta youth sector, this young star is now in the perfect environment to turn his prestigious talents into something special following his move to Fiorentina in 2005. The club is openly giving youth a chance and boss Cesare Prandelli has a magnificent track record of developing bright young things - just look at what he did for Adriano and Alberto Gilardino before their San Siro moves.
Although likened in the past to Roberto Baggio and Francesco Totti, Montolivo is more realistically in the Andrea Pirlo envelope. Similar in style, the accomplished Under-21 international is now being used in a deeper central-midfield role like the Milan man, despite both starting their careers as No. 10's. A potential world-beater, Montolivo should soon be entering the mind of Italy boss Roberto Donadoni.

46) Raffaele De Martino - Udinese



21-year-old De Martino is approaching the 'make or break' point in his career. A central midfielder by nature, De Martino is a product of the reknowned Roma youth academy. In 2004 though his career looked to be heading in the wrong direction following a falling out with the club, resulting in the player opting to join Swiss side Bellinzona in a co-ownership deal. Eventually matters were settled and De Martino returned to Roma, but soon found his way north to Udine.
Now fighting for a place in the midfield at the Friuli, he made several appearances last season. With the arrival of Tomas Sivok towards the end of last season it seemed his chances would be doomed, but the sale of Sulley Muntari has opened up a space for him in the side and this year observers will be looking for De Martino to step up and look to progress from a promising Under-21 international to a player in the thoughts of Donadoni.


47) Michele Paolucci - Udinese



Another of the young stars who make up the Udinese squad, Paolucci is actually on loan from Juventus for the season having been one of only a handful to impress in a mediocre Ascoli side last term. He is joined in Udine by fellow ex-Juventus Primavera player Viktor Boudianski.
Now 21, it was as a teenage where Paolucci;s name first arose, breaking all manner of scoring records in the Juventus youth sides. His loan to Ascoli finally came about, and a return of 6 in 19 starts was impressive for a young player in a struggling side.
Now at Udinese, in part because of the transfer of Vincenzo Iaquinta in the other direction, Paolucci has to compete with Antonio Floro Flores for a starting spot as the teams' centre-forward. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top, and how the Under-21 international can fair at a bigger club.


48) Daniele Paponi - Parma



Considered one of the most talented young strikers in Europe, 19-year-old Paponi made his debut in Europe in the UEFA Cup 2006-07 campaign, scoring also two goals. His first Serie A goal came in an away league match played against Messina on December 20, 2006, and ended in a 1-1 draw: Paponi's equaliser goal, a reversed bicycle kick immediately dubbed as the "scorpion kick", was saluted among the finest scored in the league season.
Even given his young age, Paponi will continue in the great Parma tradition of giving young strikers a chance to shine. The club that created Giuseppe Rossi, Arturo Lupoli and Alberto Gilardino to name a few will now have another young bandiera. Expect his to play his fair share of games this season, and this lad is a real goalscorer. A potential Nazionale regular.


49) Alexandre Pato - A.C. Milan



A brand new arrival to the peninsular. Pato, nicknamed the 'Duck' (his name translated in Portuguese - his hometown), has yet to turn 18 but he already has a huge reputation. Often compared to other Brazilian forwards past and present, Pato has officially signed to Milan but cannot make his debut under Brazilian and Italian rules until January, after he has turned 18 in September. Milan will be the perfect environment for the youngster, given the number of fellow Brazilians in the side including superstar Kaka, from whom the teenager will benefit a great deal. Milan fought off interested from virtually every European giant to secure the 17-year-old and over the coming seasons we will undoubtedly see why.
Blessed with excellent technique, dribbling ability, pace and an eye for goal he could become a global superstar.


50) Samuel Di Carmine - Fiorentina



Only 19-years-old, we have not seen much of Di Carmine in Serie A action so far but his exploits at youth level are well documented where he became one of the most prolific scorers at this level at around 17.
He made two fleeting appearances last term, but with Luca Toni now in Germany and Pazzini as the main centre forward, the stocky striker will surely get more minutes under his belt and be another young star to roll off the Fiorentina production line.

Took me a while, but you can post now

Thoughts?

Who are you looking forward to seeing over the next season and beyond?

Who do you think will make it into a top star (one of the best players in the world in that position)?

Some look destined to be champions, others will have to work that bit harder. The talent is clearly there though.

There are also other I could have added, fee free to add any of your own.

The ones I've heard and read about most are Montolivo, Gourcuff, Obinna, Okaka, Vanden Borre and Cavani. I've seen Gourcuff play and liked his movement and vision; quite keen to see how he continues to develop at Milan.

I do sort of have this fascination with quick, clever African strikers (Eto'o's successors), so I suppose I'd really like to watch some of Obinna and Okaka. Hopefully they can finish better than the likes of Martins or Adebayor.

Oh, and I would love to see Hamsyk succeed, naturally.

He was arguably the best player on the pitch against Germany (from both teams) about two months ago in the Euro qualifiers, and I've read nothing but admiration for him, so I'm pulling for him.

Another thing: I remember reading about a young midfield maestro named Mourad Meghni in some football magazine in 1999 or something like that and how everyone thought he'd be so brilliant and then I didn't hear much about him and thought he'd just vanished like so many promising players tend to do when their expectations are morbidly high.

Good to see him doing well, though I suppose he's quite a ways off that "Zidane" tag.

Yes, he suffered a lot at Bologna through relegation and the loss of coach Carlo Mazzone, but given the right circumstances he could flourish.

Apart from the three obvious ones, I'm interested in how Hamsyk performs with his new club. Another one would be Vanden Borre, heard of him but never got to see him play.

Another one I'm curious about is Graziano Pellè, although he isn't on the list.

Graziano Pellè and Giuseppe Rossi are two abroad who are particularly worth keeping an eye on, in fact they are really the only two young Italians abroad.

Forgot it was young players in Italy. Sorry.

Reading the list, and I am proud that there are a lot of young Roma players in your list. What I also loved about this list is that there are actually YOUNG Italians in the list! We've got a lot of good prospects for the NT further down the track, so our national success is bound to continue!

Where's Digao?

Indeed Sophie, one of the best things about calcio is the number of Italian players who get a chance to play at the top level.
Atalanta are a prime example, they have one of probably the top 3 youth academies in the world, Serie A is scattered with their players.
The same goes for other sides, but to a lesser extent. I think the co-ownership deal is a big factor in this, as even the big sides full of 20 internationals can send players out to other Serie A and B sides and they can come back better players if they are good enough or given the right chances.

An odd exception to the rule is Udinese, who have this worldwide network of scouts and they seem to be able to grab gems from all four corners of the planet. However they also have a core of Italians, so it is a good mix.

I just have a teeny complaint about your list. Now I know you can't include every single player, but why is there no Gianluca Curci in your list? U21 Goalkeeper, and touted as being the next Buffon......

Heh. I was going to mention goalkeepers. There seems to be not much talk about up and coming ones.

I was going to include more, I could have included Mirante and Curci as well, perhaps we could extend it to top 75 if you come up with enough suggestions

More you say?


51) Luca Cigarini - Parma



21-year-old Cigarini is a playmaker who likes to orchestrate the play from just in front of the defence. Technically assured, he is comfortable with both feet and possesses a lethal shot from distance. His style of play is often compared to that of Andrea Pirlo.
He plays this midfielder role for both Parma and the Azzurrini.
He is one of the youngest notable youth products in the current Parma squad, alongside Daniele Dessena and Daniele Paponi.
He signed a new five year contract with Parma in summer 2007.


52) Ondrej Mazuch - Fiorentina



At 6'3" and thirteen stone, Mazuch is a beast of an eighteen-year-old. He has impressed scouts in the last six months with his displays for the Czech Under-19 side. Having been rumoured to join many big clubs around Europe (the central defender was reportedly close to signing for both Bayer Leverkusen and then Arsenal) it was Fiorentina who eventually brought both Mazuch and teammate Jan Hable from Brno in their homeland.
He will not play regularly this season in a defence packed with experience, but he is one to look for over the coming seasons.


53) Gianluca Curci - A.S. Roma



Curci is a product of the world famous A.S. Roma youth academy. At only 19, he became the club's first choice goalkeeper for the second half of the 04/05 season after injuries to fellow goalkeepers Ivan Pelizzoli and Carlo Zotti. Despite being replaced in the 05/06 season by new Brazilian keeper Doni, great things are still expected of him. Some are even calling him the next Gianluigi Buffon as the youngster excelled as goalkeeper for the Under 21 side until he passed the age limit.
Curci wil have to bide his time at Roma, and it may be that a loan move away will suit him. Either way, Curci is battling with Livorno's Marco Amelia to be the immediate replacement for Buffon when he retires, however this is still some years away.


54) Takayuki Morimoto - Catania



Morimoto burst onto the football scene aged just 15 when he made his debut for Tokyo Verdy 1969 in May 2004. Just days before his 16th birthday he scored his first senior goal against Jubilo Iwata, both are J-League records. Later that year he was awarded the J-League young player of the year award and drew attention from many European scouts. It was Catania who brought him to the continent on a one year loan deal from Verdy in 2006 and despite a serious injury that ruled him out for a large part of last season, the striker impressed his Italian employers greatly, and they made the move a permanent one in the summer of 2007.
Likened to Brazilian legend Ronaldo for his physical appearance, explosive style and finishing technique, we will see Morimoto in many more cameo roles this season with the Sicilians. Now 19, Morimoto already has Serie A experience behind him and he is ready to surpass Shunsuke Nakamura as the most successful Japanese export to the peninsular.


55) Antonio Mirante - Sampdoria



Now 24, the Neopolitan native has seized his chance to star for a competitive Serie A side having spent the previous years on the bench at Juventus and on loan to smaller first and second division clubs.
Perenially benched behind Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon at Juve, Mirante first shot to prominence at Tuscan side Siena in the 2005-06 season where several virtuoso performances kept the struggling side in the game and division. The following summer saw many top division sides interested in his services, but following Juventus' demotion in the aftermath of the Calciopoli scandal and the ensuing uncertainty of Buffon's future, the club kept hold of Mirante for the Serie B campaign and he did well in his handful of games.
Now in Serie A and with the goalkeeping positions certain, he finds himself on loan at Sampdoria where he will be keen to make his mark in both Serie A and in Europe.

56) Lorenzo De Silvestri - S.S. Lazio



19-year-old De Silvestri is a very promising defender who was given a chance due to the fallout from Lazio's financial crisis. A product of their youth side which also includes the impressive Italy U-19 captain Alessandro Tuia in the centre of defence, the right back was promoted to the A team of the club, but it was first in 2007 that he got the chance to play. He came on twice as a substitute, and he impressed with a offensive style of play showing excellent natural pace. The season of 07-08 will probably be even more successful for Lorenzo, as he now will be the second choice right back for Lazio, behind Lionel Scaloni who is ten years his senior. However it won't be long before De Silvestri claims the shirt as his own and continues in the legacy of attacking fullbacks left by Massimo Oddo.


57) Aleksandar Kolarov - S.S. Lazio



This Serbian 21-year-old plays as a left back and has represented Serbia at Under-21 level.
Kolarov has been nicknamed the 'Serbian Roberto Carlos' due to his long-range strikes, surging forward runs and similar free-kick abilities to the Brazilian footballer, as seen in the decisive goal scored in the 2007 Under-21 semi-final match against Belgium. Kolarov also has good size, unlike the Brazilian dynamo. He formerly played for FK Čukarički and OFK Beograd before signing a four-year deal with Lazio in 2007, the team he attests to have long supported. He was named in the 'UEFA Team of the tournament' of the 2007 Under-21 European Championship held in the Netherlands where the Serbs finished second. Kolarov has also been compared to fellow Serb Sinisa Mihajlovic for his great free kicks.


58) Paolo De Ceglie - Siena



Seen my some as the heir to Pavel Nedved at Juventus, the left sided 20-year-old will spend the season at provincial side Siena where he will be hoping to get many games under his belt. Given the impending retirement of the Czech legend over the next couple of seasons, the young Italian Under-21 international has a real chance of grabbing a place in the Juventus side if he impresses enough.
A left midfielder by nature with a great engine, excellent crossing ability and decent shot, De Ceglie can also play as a wingback or fullback and impressed in his appearances last season in Juve's Serie B campaign, even scoring as a substitute against Lecce with an angled drive.
One of the standout players in the last two Primavera championships, hopefully he can find a place amongst the experienced players at Siena.


59) Walter Gargano - Napoli



A much sought after midfielder from the reknowned youth ranks of Uruguayan giants Danubio, Gargano recently joined Napoli for a fee of around £2m and fans at the San Paolo will be hoping he is another South American import to make an impact.
23-years-old but already a regular in the full Uruguyan national team, Gargano can play in numerous midfield positions. His small frame and high workrate enable him to buzz around the pitch constantly, and also he has a great ability to find room in very small spaces.
Highly recommended by compatriot and new teammate Mariano Bogliacino, we will see plenty of the little centrocampista this season.


60) Reto Ziegler - Sampdoria



An already experienced player at 21-years-old, this Swiss left midfielder has five season of preofessional football under his bet. He became soght after as an 18-year-old at Grasshoppers Zurich where he was a first team regular. His cavalier attacking style, cultured left foot and powerful long-range shot convinced Tottenham Hotpsur to sign him in 2005 after he decided not to renew his contract at Grasshoppers. Also capable of playing at left back, the teenager became a regular in the first team of the Premier League side under Jacques Santini. However the arrival of new coach Martin Jol coincided with a lack of playing time, and following two unsuccessful loans to Hamburg and Wigan Athletic he ended last season on loan at Sampdoria. Playing fifteen times and scoring once, Ziegler convinced the Genoans to sign him on a permanent deal.
Sometimes criticised for his poor attitude, Ziegler stated on arrival at Sampdoria that he enjoyed life on and off the field better than in England. This may be his final chance to make an impession in a top league and gain a regular place in his national side.

Whenever one of these young players does something of note in Italy this season I will add a note, so we can follow their progress.

Woah superb thread JuveJay great work. If only someone oculd do it for the English and Spanish.

Not sure about Spanish but the thing about English is that they simply won't get a chance. Managers like Sven would rather buy some random French player than let his English kids play.

Umm... Logan,Richards,Johnson all played last week as well as their youth keeper Kasper.....

Tell me: besides Micah Richards, are you gonna say any in that list are going to be any good? Plus Schmeichel is hardly English?

Kasper came throught heir youth system and it was in the papers they were thinking of calling him up for the english under 21's. And I cant predict the future Im not sure how Johnson and Ishmael Logan will turn out, they got potential especially Daniel Sturridge.

Juve have a good list of players in there

Kind of sad that there are none of any Catania players. I love Catania and defintely would love to get a hat, prefirably Armando Pantanelli's.
Nevermind, I see my man Morimoto though. He should be good in the future if he hopefully stays with Catania.

I could add Juan Vargas too mate.

BTW can we stick to topic, I might trim this thread a bit so don't get upset if your posts disappear.

Rosina great chip goal v Lazio (week 1):



Shame he plays for Toro, not much longer I hope

Aquilani amazing goal v Palermo (week 1):

Wow, those 2 are both real beauts.

Please post clips of Qua...(spelling) if you see any good ones in the future, I would love to learn more about this player.

I will in his thread: http://football-chat.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=1765

He is still only 24, but an established player now so I didn't include him.

Some more players to look out for:

61) Daniele Cacia - Fiorentina - Striker
62) Juan Vargas - Catania - Left-back
63) Simone Padoin - Atalanta - Central/left midfield
64) Marco Mancosu - Cagliari - Central midfield
65) Alessandro Matri - Cagliari - Forward
66) Nicola Pozzi - Empoli - Striker
67) Attila Filkor - Inter - Attacking midfield
68) Francesco Bolzoni - Inter - Central midfield
69) Nico Pulzetti - Livorno - Central midfield
70) Will Aubemeyang - Milan - Striker
71) Erminio Rullo - Napoli - Left-back
72) Emil Hallfredsson - Reggina - Left midfield

Another Aquilani stunner, this time against Siena:


Nice goal by Lavezzi, in Napoli's destruction of Udinese:

He is supposed to be the 'new Tevez'.

Chiellini's winning header against Cagliari:


Rosina with another goal in here, against Reggina:

Sebastian Giovinco (Empoli/Juventus) has been man of the match in the Italy U21's last two matches, and is drawing reported interest from CSKA Moscow for £10m.

Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli) is trying to play down comparison with the legendary Diego Maradona. That's what you get for being smaller, Argentine, gifted and play for Napoli, the lad does look very good though, he could be the difference between a good or average season for them.

If anyone has any other related young player news post it here.

Just about everyone in Italy is talking about Alessandro Rosina (Torino) these days, he could be a top world star if his career continues in this vain. Not bad for the Parma youth player who was allowed to leave for £2m. Torino will be fending off bids from everyone at the end of this season, watch this space.

Alexandre Pato scored a looping header during a good performance in his friendly debut as Milan drew 2-2 in Kiev.

Just to update this somewhat, Alberto Aquilani is now facing two months on the sideline with a muscle tear having been injured in the game against Man Utd. Shame for him because he was one of the star men, and he is in my fantasy team

Apparently Barcelona had scouts watching Sebastian Giovinco and Andrea Raggi, two of Empoli's young stars in last nights UEFA Cup match. Giovinco is Juve-owned and it is unlikely they would sell for anything, even a massive fee, he is seen as a future regular.

Alessandro Rosina is still discussing a new contract with Torino, but many big clubs over Europe want him, imo he should try his luck at a big Italian side as Torino seem to be standing stil no matter what Cairo says.

Marek Hamsík has been linked to Man Utd for a second time after the young Slovakian's impressive start at Napoli.

Victor Obinna was involved in a 'miraculous' escape from death following a severe car crash, he suffered only several bruises. His future at Chievo is still uncertain with the player looking to leave Serie B in January.

Cristian Zapata has been a very solid performer for me this season, although Udinese's form seems to fluctuate and in a young defence he could do with an experienced head instead of being the leader.

Gig has his say on the goalkeeping situation;



I'm not worried, with Curci, Amelia, Viviano, Mirante and Consigli we are better off than most countries. Goalkeeping is a crucial position though, teams tend to go for experience. They need to remember even the best started out somewhere young.

do you know much about Gabriel Ferarri, Jay? i know he doesn't play much for Sampdoria, but was wondering if you've heard anything on him.

Yeah I know a bit about him, he came up in another thread on here a while back, American-Italian striker. He hasn't played at all I don't think this season but he is in the first team squad. Samp give a lot of time for home grown players and have many Italians so I am sure he will get some playing time soon.

Brescia's young keeper Emiliano Viviano has been linked to both Fiorentina and Milan, for around £7m.
Brescia have confirmed several teams are interested.