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| Thursday 2 October, 2008 |
| Blog: Azzurri option |
| Fabrizio Miccoli last played for Italy four years ago, but Antonio Labbate believes it may be time for an international recall |
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When Marcello Lippi names his latest Italy squad on Sunday for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers, the name of Fabrizio Miccoli may or may not appear. Yet what is for certain is that for the first time in a significant period, the striker is at the very least in contention for a place in the party which will take on firstly Bulgaria and then Montenegro.
The Palermo bomber has enjoyed a scintillating start to the season. With four goals in four games, he’s the new darling of the Barbera faithful who were forced to inevitably say goodbye to Amauri over the summer. But while the Brazilian waits for his Italian passport, Fabrizio already has his paperwork in order.
Capped on 10 occasions for La Nazionale in the past, Miccoli last played for his country in November 2004. With Lippi at the helm, who also bossed the Lecce native at Juventus, the then Fiorentina forwarded secured his second goal for the Azzurri in a 1-0 friendly win over Finland.
“I’m at Lippi’s disposal,” recently noted the man likened to Paolo Rossi, Toto Schillaci and Romario. “The Coach knows me well after the time we’ve spent together in the past. It’ll all come down to what I can achieve on the field of play.”
His work so far this term hasn’t been too shabby. With his eye-pleasing tricks and flicks, the 29-year-old has rekindled memories of that exciting Perugia potential whose dream switch to Juventus became problematic when he had the strength to take on the ruthless Luciano Moggi.
Later dogged by fitness issues in Tuscany and then at Benfica, Miccoli’s first campaign in Sicily last term was also disturbed by injuries as he played in just 22 games. Nevertheless, he bagged eight times and is already well on the way to achieving his aim of beating his record of 12 top-flight goals in a single Serie A campaign.
So why shouldn’t Lippi consider him? The walking tattoo parlour [he has 13 so far] – who has named his son Diego in honour of Maradona – is arguably in better shape right now than Alex Del Piero, while the tactician still seems to have doubts over the complex character of Antonio Cassano.
While it may be premature to put Miccoli up there with the best of them in the Italian game – just as it was untimely to write off Milan and Roma after their troublesome starts to 2008-09 – Miccoli is capable of doing a job for not just his club, but also for his country. And after Italy’s last two displays, Miccoli may just be worth a closer look.
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I think Lippi should consider Miccoli. He has been fantastic this season for Palermo and the Azzurri should pick players who are on form. I have said this before and I will say it again but the likes of Pirlo, Toni, Ambrosini and Panucci should be nowhere near the Azzurri set up.
Milan have picked up their performances because Pirlo is not playing. Players who are too slow do not get my vote. Giovinco was a breath of fresh air on Tuesday for Juve and with players like Miccoli, Giovinco and Balotelli even being on the bench would give the Azzurri something if they get into trouble. The next two games are really important for the squad but very winnable.
Davide Longo
I agree he may be due for a recall. If not this coming week, then definitely next time around. He was unlucky with injury last season but showed moments of brilliance and isn't that what Marcello would want coming off the bench in a tight game?
With a bit of luck this season he will remain healthy and hopefully prove his worth to Palermo and tune his ability which is definitely there. I also rate his integrity as a person off the field, as not many people have had minerals to stand up to the corruption of Italian football politics like he has.
Miccoli, Cassano and Gilardino may be our hope in two years time instead of Del Piero, Totti and Toni. Not to slander those great players, but Italia needs fresh blood if we are to go back to back.
Murgia
I’ve never discounted Miccoli from the Azzurri set up, even when he went to Benfica. He has much more impact than Del Piero and a much better shot in general play. His free-kicks are fantastic and he is a team player. Forza Miccoli, I hope you get the call up. You would be great alongside any striker.
David Ferrini
I’d not really thought about this subject until reading the blog. I’ve always liked Miccoli, he’s a real gem of a player who was unlucky at Juventus to find people against him. I don’t think I would necessarily start him in games for Italy right now, but I think he deserves another shot at the Azzurri level.
Perugia Paul
I've seen Miccoli twice, once for Juve, once for Fiorentina, and on both occasions he frightened the life out of the opposing defence. He's a "pocket battleship" who, on his day, has the potential to change any match. If he's in any kind of form, he should definitely be fast-tracked back to the Azzurri set-up.
Michael, Folkestone
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