11 Candidates for the Backbone of the Italian National, the failure of the Italian national team to qualify for the 2022 World Cup is a disaster. But, that does not mean football is completely destroyed. Italy must look forward to building a new generation in order to be successful again in the future.

Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup in two successive editions. Failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup feels very complicated because they have the status of European champions aka Euro 2020.

A number of key Italian players entered the twilight period of their careers. Giorgio Chiellini can no longer be relied on at the age of 38 years. Leo Bonucci (34), Francesco Acerbi (34), Salvarore Sirigu (34) and Ciro Immobile (32) are also no longer young.

Roberto Mancini is certain to survive even though he failed to bring Italy to the 2022 World Cup. Mancini inevitably has to prepare a new generation to replace the names above in order to bring Italy back to glory.

So, who are the 11 Candidates for the Backbone of the Italian National after failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup?

Forget the Chiellini Generation! 11 Candidates for the Backbone of the Italian National Team in the Future

• Giacomo Raspadori
  Age: 22 years
  Position: Forward
  Current Club: Sassuolo

  Raspadori was included in the Italian squad when they won Euro 2020. Even though it only played for 15 minutes, it was a good experience. Raspadori scored twice in Italy’s win over Turkey. A sign that he is ready to take Immobile’s place on the Italian front.

• Gianluca Scamacca
  Age: 23 years
  Position: Striker
  Current Club: Sassuolo

  Together with Berardi and Raspadori, Scamacca had a good season at Sassuolo. So far, he has scored 13 goals in Serie A. If he continues to maintain his level, Scamacca could become a mainstay of the Italian national team.

• Sandro Tonali
  Age: 21 years
  Position: Midfielder
  Current club: AC Milan

  Tonali is growing rapidly with AC Milan for the 2021/2022 season. Tonali’s performance is increasingly consistent and is the key to Milan’s success in competing for the Scudetto title. Slowly but surely, he will play regularly with the Italian national team.

• Nicolo Zaniolo
  Age: 22 years
  Position: Striker/Winger
  Current club: AS Roma

  Zaniolo has long been believed to be the mainstay of the Italian national team. However, a severe injury suffered in the 2020/2021 season made him absent for a long time. Now, Zaniolo is working hard to get back to his best level.

• Nicolo Rovella
  Age: 20 years
  Position: Defensive midfielder
  Current club: Genoa

  Rovella is a Juventus player, but on loan at Genoa. His performance this season has been pretty good. Rovella is a player who is always included in the Italian national team squad at this age group. In fact, Rovella is believed to be the captain for the U-19 team.

• Manuel Locatelli
  Age: 24 years
  Position: Midfielder
  Current club: Juventus

  Locatelli’s performance in the 2021/2022 season has not been stable. However, the technical ability of the former Sassuolo player cannot be doubted. Locatelli is a complete midfielder and can play many roles.

• Alessandro Bastoni
  Age: 22 years
  Position: Central defender
  Current club: Inter Milan

  Bastoni is believed to be a mainstay of Italy in the future. His performance has been proven at the club and national team level. Bastoni ready to take over the baton from the hands of Giorgio Chiellini.

• Luiz Felipe
  Age: 25 years
  Position: Central defender
  Current club: Lazio

  Luiz Felipe showed consistent performance with Lazio. He is very flexible in tactics, either four or three at the back. Felipe could be an option to accompany Bastoni at the heart of the Italian defense. But, he had to compete with Gianluca Mancini.

• Gianluigi Donnarumma
  Age: 23 years
  Position: Goalkeeper
  Current Club: PSG

  Donnarumma has a very strong mentality. He has gone through many crucial moments throughout his career. Failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup could be a provision for Donnarumma to be stronger in the future.

• Nicolo Barella
  Age: 25 years
  Position: Midfielder
  Current club: Inter Milan

  Barella was an important part of the Italian squad when they won Euro 2020. Technically, Barella is a complete type of player. He can defend and attack equally well.

• Lorenzo Pellegrini
  Age: 25 years
  Position: Midfielder
  Current club: AS Roma

  Pellegrini is growing rapidly in the 2021/2022 season. Under Jose Mourinho, Pellegrini got a lot of experience and new things. He also began to be trusted captain at Rome. Pellegrini is an important asset to Italian football.