In the latest soccer news, Gisuseppe Rossi is called up for Italian friendly against Brazil confirming to doubters who said that Rossi would have a better chance to develop for the USA. If it doesn't already frustrate you that Rossi has scored ten goals in the league and 11 goals overall this season, Rossi is receiving call-ups earlier than most had expected by Coach Marcello Lippi. This past weekend against Numancia, Rossi scored twice to lift Villareal to the victory allowing them to stay in Champions League contention. It does not hurt his case that Rossi had a good Olympics and showed well contributing to the Azurri positively.
This soccer video features Rossi scoring two goals against Numancia.
According to Rossi's official Website, Rossi has been called in for the Brazilian friendly. Will he start? Probably not, but he should have a chance to earn some playing time and display his skill against some of the world's best players. Although it is disappointing to see Rossi playing for another team, we should be reminded that Rossi spent part of his time in the USA and the other time in Italy with the Parma youth system. As with Subotic and Rossi , most people including US soccer did not foresee these two players make such a quick rise to stardom on the international club level which allowed them to be considered for their other international options Serbia and Italy.
Did US soccer drop the ball? Probably. After both players showed interest to play at the full national level, US soccer should have let them know that they would be a big part of their future. Unfortunately both players lost interest through alienation and comments made by youth coaches and former national coaches. Losing two players of their caliber can incrementally diminish the depth of a national team's player pool. Although we lost out on these two talents, US soccer can learn from their mistakes and work to secure upcoming players with dual citizen ships.
With most Mexican fans and media not knowing that Rossi is a quasi US product and believing that the USA does not produce quality offensive field players, it is also safe to say that Mexico has yet to produce a player in this generation that is producing offensively at the European club level like Rossi has. Does that mean that Dos Santos and Vela will not produce at this level. No, but, it does suggest that the USA does have the capabilities and resources to produce high level offensive talent.
Although the USA did not secure Subotic and Rossi's services, it will be a matter of time before the next big player with dual citizenship will sign with the USA. Don't worry Subotic and Rossi. There are no hard feelings. As they say in Sales, for every, No, that you receive you are getting closer to that, Yes. That special player does exist for the USA and he will say Yes. He just doesn't know yet.
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2 Responses
Rossi never showed interest in playing for the US, he was set that he wanted to play for Italy for his entire life, which is why he went over there… Subotic turned his back on the US after the youth system gave him his shot… Good riddance to both… Rossi is nasty, Subotic is overrated, he’s a great athlete, but has suspect skills
Posted on February 13th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Rossi had contact with Bruce Arena six months before the 2006 World Cup expressing his interest to play for the National team in the World Cup. However, Arena stated that [How am I going to bring an 18 year old to the World Cup if he is not even going to be my starter]. You are right that his interest was luke warm, but after those statements I think Rossi has second thoughts about playing for the USA. In addition, Arena preferred using veterans that he could trust. He had little knowledge of Rossi. Adu and Bradley received time in the training camp but were not selected.
Oh well, It is over. I wish him the best of luck.
Posted on February 13th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
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