The Importance of Davide Santon To See More Playing Time

There is currently a dearth of Italian talent and the recent showing of the Azzurri in South Africa can only lead one to this conclusion. In addition, Italy, the 2006 World Champions, are also in 13th position, behind the likes of Egypt, Greece, Croatia, and Chile.

The current period is a difficult one for the Azzurri and the future is not so certain with the much publicised issue of the lack of up and coming talent on the peninsula.

While there can be no arguing that there is a distinct lack of talented young Italian players coming through, there is another side to the problem. It has been noted and it is clearly evident that the young talent that is available to Italian coaches is not being given the chance to develop.

Sebastian Giovinco is one such player that has been at the centre of this argument for some time. Now at Parma following a disappointing stint at Juventus, where he was given few chances to prove himself, whether this once highly rated youngster will ever come good is now very much uncertain.

Of course, Giovinco is not the only one. Inter’s young Italian starlet, Davide Santon, is in a similar situation. Soon to be 20-years-old, Santon has barely featured for the Nerazzurri with the likes of Javier Zanetti, Maicon, and Christian Chivu instead being preferred by former coach Mourinho and now current coach Rafa Benitez.

While it is understandable that Javier Zanetti and Maicon remain above the pecking order at Inter, it is curious as to why Christian Chivu continues to keep Santon on the bench.

Chivu is the Achilles heel for Inter at the back. This was clearly evident in last season’s Champions League Final when Chivu was run ragged by Dutch star, Arjen Robben.

Again, against Juventus last week, it was Milos Krasic who schooled Chivu. These are just two recent examples, but this has often been the case when Chivu has been pitted against strong opposition.

Davide Santon is regarded by many, including Marcello Lippi, as the next Paolo Maldini. A big billing indeed by one of Italy’s greatest ever coaches; however, it is not one without foundation.

Santon is an immensely talented footballer. His maturity belies his years. As a fullback, he possesses the defensive capabilities along with offensive abilities to become one of the best fullbacks in the world.

It can be argued that Santon is the most talented young Italian at the moment. This is why it is so unfortunate that he is not been given the required playing time to develop. It is crucial for this young player, or any promising young player for that matter, to be given the experience needed to fulfil their promise.

Last week against Juventus, after Santon came on to replace Chivu at fullback, he showed that he can subdue some of the best by quelling the threat of Krasic. Something that Chivu so helplessly failed to do in the first half.

Following this performance, hopefully Benitez will give Santon more opportunities to prove himself.

For Santon and for Italy, it is essential that Santon’s situation changes for the better soon. He may just be the next great Italian fullback and, unfortunately, the only one.