Roundup: Young guns, Serie B and Lega Pro!

I thought today I would take a look at the wider parameters of Italian football. First the youngsters that have impressed me this season and not the obvious ones like Zarate, Pato and Balotelli as we all know what they can do, but the ones that are quietly going about their business for the smaller clubs in Serie A. Please excuse me if I forget some as there have simply been so many positives in this section.

Baby Serie A

Cagliari have bee a real revelation this year, and at the heart of this are youngsters Roberto Aquafresca, Alessandro Matri and Federico Marchetti. Aquafresca stand currently on 11 goals and Matri on 4 with Marchetti looking every inch the future Azzurri number one in the years to come. Despite a 5-1 beating on Sunday to Palermo, the Cagliari faithful must be pleased to see these players on their side every sunday afternoon. Aquafresca especially looks promising, and he may be recalled from his loan to Inter for next season at this rate. He has a cracking right foot and is good in the air also. One to watch if you have not seen him in action yet.

Although Napoli have struggled, they still house perhaps the best young midfielder in Serie A. Although slightly off the boil as of late Marek Hamsik still looks every inch a future world star. He can pass, shoot, head and has great vision. Although his confidence seems slightly drained, mirroring that of his club, expect him to bounce back soon.

Genoa have been a revelation this season, and although slightly older than some Rafaele Palladino has really impressed me of late. His dribbling skills have improved a lot and he is turning into a real menace down the left wing. His goal against Juve to win the match over Easter could seal his name in Grifone legend.

Udinese have done it again, as they have found another great player in the making in Kwadwo Asamoah. This guy in great. He can pick a pass, hold the ball well, tackle and shoot also. His goal against Fiorentina,I think, was sublime. Keep your eye on this one, hes destined for a big club at some point. Amazingly, hes just 20.

Serie B round up
Bari will have to wait for their return to Serie A, as a determined Empoli side held them to a 0-0 draw in Puglia. Parma were held as well 3-3 against Avellino, but Livorno kept up the pressure to win away from home 2-0 against Salernitana.

1. Bari 73 points
2. Parma 68 points
3. Livorno 62 Points
4. Brescia 60 Points
5. Sassuolo 59 Points
6. Grosseto 57 Points
7. Empoli 57 Points

Lega Pro
I was glancing at the Lega Pro 1A and 1B tables recently and was struck by home many clubs rotting in these divisions were at one point or another enjoying the high life of Serie A. Hellas Verona, Venezia, Foggia, Perugia, Cremonese, Reggiana etc etc. It was an interesting weekend in the Lega Pro. Pro Patria and Cesena remained tied at the top of Division 1A on 56 points with Gallipoli and Benevento occupying 1st and 2nd in 1B on 63 and 58 points respectively. In these divisions the first team in automatically promoted with the 2nd through to 5th placed teams entering into a playoff. Of the former Serie A teams Foggia in 1B and Reggiana, Padova and Hellas Verona are within touching distance of the playoffs to Serie B. Worryingly for Venezia fans, who once beat my side Lazio in Serie A, they look likely to drop off the face of the earth in Lega Pro Seconda division as they are rock bottom in 1A.

Who are your favourite youngsters in Serie A? Comment here please.