Italy will play Romania in a friendly that has brought an old issue to the forefront.
Cristian Ledesma's inclusion in the Italian squad to face Romania in tomorrow's friendly in Klagenfurt, Austria has, not for the first time, revived an old debate: should the oriundi represent Italy. Oriundi are foreigners who have Italian ancestry, and have historically comprised many successful Italian sides. For example, Luis Monti played in the Italy side that was victorious at the World Cup in 1934, just four years after he represented Argentina (FIFA rules now state that a player can ever only represent one country). In recent memory, Mauro Camaronesi was in the 2006 Italy squad that won the World Cup in Berlin.
Italian football has had an ambivalent relationship with foreigners that often has been a function of how well the national team does at tournaments.
After the 1966 World Cup debacle, for example, all foreigners were banned in the Italian league due to the fear that they were holding back Italian talent. Impassioned debates after the 2002 World Cup also broached the banning of foreigners topic, even if it was impossible given the far more inclusive ethic that governs football today.
The oriundi however are a special case. Even if the most tenuous link to Italian ancestors is amplified for cynical reasons by officials, some of the public remains unconvinced of an oriundo's allegiance and his inclusion in the team over domestic talent. Lazio's Ledesma, who is Argentinian, is an excellent player, and he has tried to win over the Italian public by insisting that he "feels Italian" and that he will "sing the national anthem." Indeed, Camaronesi was deluged with criticism at not singing the national anthem, so Ledesma has already gotten off on the right foot. It remains to be seen how he performs under so much scrutiny.
Prandelli's picks
Alongside Ledesma, Palermo's Federico Balzaretti, Genoa's Andrea Ranocchia, and Brescia's Alessandro Diamanti are also included for the first time in the national team. Coach Cesare Prandelli is expected to start with Mario Balotelli and Giuseppe Rossi up front. Playing behind them will be Diamanti in a playmaking role, while Ledesma, Stefano Mauri, and Alberto Aquiliani will operate in midfield.
The defence will consist of Davide Santon, Ranocchia, Leonardo Bonucci, and Balzaretti. Emiliano Viviano will keep guard in goal.
No Mutu for Romania
Romania forward Adrian Mutu suffered an injury in Fiorentina's 1-0 win over Cesena during the weekend, so he will not figure for his country. However, Cristian Chivu will be the prominent presence in defence, as Romania look to upset Italy in Austria.
Prediction
Italy have an enthusiastic look about them, and they should comfortably win by a 2-0 scoreline. Prandelli has already emphasized that he expects attractive and adventurous football, and his team should live up to his expectations.
This game is a good chance to test out new faces, and Prandelli should be praised for his openness to do so. Italy sit top on 10 points in their Euro2012 qualifying group, but some debutants may lay a strong claim to be included in the team.
Italian football has had an ambivalent relationship with foreigners that often has been a function of how well the national team does at tournaments.
After the 1966 World Cup debacle, for example, all foreigners were banned in the Italian league due to the fear that they were holding back Italian talent. Impassioned debates after the 2002 World Cup also broached the banning of foreigners topic, even if it was impossible given the far more inclusive ethic that governs football today.
The oriundi however are a special case. Even if the most tenuous link to Italian ancestors is amplified for cynical reasons by officials, some of the public remains unconvinced of an oriundo's allegiance and his inclusion in the team over domestic talent. Lazio's Ledesma, who is Argentinian, is an excellent player, and he has tried to win over the Italian public by insisting that he "feels Italian" and that he will "sing the national anthem." Indeed, Camaronesi was deluged with criticism at not singing the national anthem, so Ledesma has already gotten off on the right foot. It remains to be seen how he performs under so much scrutiny.
Prandelli's picks
Alongside Ledesma, Palermo's Federico Balzaretti, Genoa's Andrea Ranocchia, and Brescia's Alessandro Diamanti are also included for the first time in the national team. Coach Cesare Prandelli is expected to start with Mario Balotelli and Giuseppe Rossi up front. Playing behind them will be Diamanti in a playmaking role, while Ledesma, Stefano Mauri, and Alberto Aquiliani will operate in midfield.
The defence will consist of Davide Santon, Ranocchia, Leonardo Bonucci, and Balzaretti. Emiliano Viviano will keep guard in goal.
No Mutu for Romania
Romania forward Adrian Mutu suffered an injury in Fiorentina's 1-0 win over Cesena during the weekend, so he will not figure for his country. However, Cristian Chivu will be the prominent presence in defence, as Romania look to upset Italy in Austria.
Prediction
Italy have an enthusiastic look about them, and they should comfortably win by a 2-0 scoreline. Prandelli has already emphasized that he expects attractive and adventurous football, and his team should live up to his expectations.
This game is a good chance to test out new faces, and Prandelli should be praised for his openness to do so. Italy sit top on 10 points in their Euro2012 qualifying group, but some debutants may lay a strong claim to be included in the team.
