Giuseppe Rossi: Should Inter Milan Make a Move for Him?

Allan JiangJun 7, 2018

Villarreal’s New Jersey-born Italian international Giuseppe Rossi represents an intriguing dilemma for a club like Inter Milan.

In March, Rossi's agent said:

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Giuseppe has never hidden the fact that he dreams of playing for a top club. We consider Inter to be a top top club, but he would like to play in the Champions League. However, that doesn't necessarily mean he would turn down Inter even if they don't qualify.
"

This article will explore the idea of Massimo Moratti taking a chance on the Villarreal forward.

Giuseppe Rossi's Situation

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When Giuseppe Rossi signed for Villarreal as a 20-year-old, he had successfully dealt with several events that tested his resolve.

He was a standout for Manchester United's reserve team and even with a goal-scoring record that Giorgio Chinaglia would be proud of, Rossi was never given a fair run with the first team.

There was the disastrous loan spell at Newcastle United, yet he took a more optimistic view:

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Everything you do in life is an experience, even if it's not all positive. Of course I would have liked to have played more games but the few appearances I did make definitely helped me progress and grow as a player. I got to know Obafemi Martins well—he's a top striker. He played in Italy for a couple of years so we talked a lot about Serie A.
"

Rossi has taken the high road when it comes to dealing with irrational United States supporters. Yes, he's a New Jersey boy but he received his chance because of an Italian scout. He was trained in Parma's youth system and he represented the Azzurri U-16, U-17, U-18, U-21 and Olympic sides.

Surprise, surprise—he decided to choose Italy over the U.S. It's disgraceful that parts of Team USA's fan base go out of their way to abuse Rossi with such vitriol that should only be reserved for someone as vile as El Hadji Diouf.

When Rossi did his cruciate ligament in a 3-0 loss to Real Madrid last October, at a time where he was playing the best football of his life, he had built up the mental fortitude to cope with the anxiety of such a serious injury—140 days later, he tore his ACL again.

Rossi's long-term absence heavily factored in Villarreal's relegation to the Segunda División.

What Makes Giuseppe Rossi Such a Classy Player

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It's not just Giuseppe Rossi's left foot, it's his balance and football intuition that have shaped his professional career.

Last January against Real Sociedad, Rossi and Santi Cazorla produced several moments of beautiful play—inevitably, both combined for Villarreal's two goals.

During the 2010-11 season, Rossi found himself in front of goal on plenty of occasions, as he averaged the fifth highest shots per goal in Spain. Having Cazorla, Borja Valero and Cani as teammates helped him accumulate 32 goals.

Rossi doesn't receive enough praise for playing incisive passes. He's a dual threat in that he finishes and creates goal-scoring opportunities.

Comparing Giuseppe Rossi to Inter Milan's Forwards

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Inter Milan owner Massimo Moratti currently has Antonio Cassano, Rodrigo Palacio and Diego Milito on the books.

Palacio had one great season but Giuseppe Rossi has a higher upside.

The ideal scenario is Rossi playing behind Milito, so the Italian can drop deep and dictate play.

Isn't that Cassano's role? Yes, but he'll always be a Cassanata, so it wouldn't be bold to bet on him leaving Inter within the next two seasons. Should he leave, Rossi would be an excellent replacement.