Youngsters at the San Siro

Despite three major summer aquisitions, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if a few of Inter’s most promising young stars were given a run out. Something Jose Mourinho wasn’t exactly renound for during his Chelsea days.

Mario Balotelli

The one that really stands out is ‘SuperMario’ Balotelli. The Italian striker of Gahnaian decent, who was only handed his first team debut in December of last year, but played a pivital role in last season’s title winning team, and has been promised that he is part of the manager’s plans for this season. He recently received Italian citezonship, but Marcello Lippi is yet to call him up into the senior team, although he has represented Italy at Under 21 level. He is a quick and powerful striker, and last season he helped both his former Primavera (Under 20s) team-mates to the title and the first team to the title. I fully expect him to be a huge player for the Nezzuri this season.

Key attributes: Power, pace, set-peices.

He plays like: Samuel Eto’o

Francesco Bolzoni

Bolzoni captained the Inter Primavera to the Scudetto in 2007, and in December 2007, he played the full 90 minutes in his first Chamions League match in a vital away game against PSV Eindhoven. The 19-year-old is a no nonsence defensive midfielder, who will be looking to get his fair share of first team matches this season. But, I think it is vital that he is at least given a decent amount of matches in the 18-man-squad, even if h doesn’t play, for that experience.

Key Attributes: Tackling, passing.

He plays like: Esteban Cambiasso

Enrico Alfonso

Alfonso has played a pivital part in Italy’s Under 21 side, but is yet to make a big impact at the San Siro. He has been loaned to Pisa for the 2008/09 season, but promises big things when he returns. The 20-year-old keeper stands at 6’3″, and made his senior debut in a Coppa Italia match in January 2008, a game in which he was forced into a few excellent saves. With Toldo and Orlandoni both nearing the end of their careers; Enrico Alfonso could be the long-term understudy to Julio Cesar, and one day replace him in that Inter goal. The loan move will give him invalubale experience, and when he returns I expect him to be given a decent number of first team matches, mainly in the Coppa Italia.

Key Attributes: Catching, shot stopping.

He plays like: Julio Cesar

That is just a few of the young stars set to emerge as first team players in the near future, if I have time I will write a part 2, including a few more youngstars.