Why Lorenzo Insigne Was Italy's Star Man Against Argentina

As often the case in August friendlies for the Italian National Team, Cesare Prandelli’s men looked lethargic and out of rhythm against a motivated Argentinian side.

While great goals from both Gonzalo Higuain and Ever Banega put the South Americans up 2-0, it was the display from 22-year-old Lorenzo Insigne which stirred headlines in the Italian media.

The diminutive Napoli striker sailed a beautiful curler from the edge of the box into the top corner, giving Italy a late consolation strike to use for a spark of positivity.

Lorenzo Insigne has widely been viewed as the future of both Italy and Napoli since joining the Partenopei after a scintillating campaign in Italy’s Serie B with Pescara. After scoring 18-goals with the Delfini, Insigne managed five in a mainly super-sub type role with Napoli last season.

It was clear from his teenage days that Insigne was destined for greatness, as he displayed a vision and understanding of the game far beyond his years.

He’s a player that operates best on the left of a 4-3-3, where he can use his bursts of acceleration to cut in to his right foot and shoot with finesse. Insigne is also blessed with vision and dribbling, and loves taking on his defender on the flank.

As the World Cup in Brazil approaches, displays of this sort from Insigne will be sure to win him a place in Prandelli’s starting XI. However, continuity will be needed domestically and he’ll have to fight to earn a place with Napoli now that they’ve added plenty of quality attackers throughout the summer.

It’ll be interesting to see how Napoli coach Rafael Benitez uses Insigne as he has adopted a 4-3-3 rather than the 3-4-3 from last season. Either way, the pride of Naples has all the tools to become a true Italian hero for both club and country.