COMMENT: Just as a prince inherits the king's throne, Marco Verratti is the heir to Andrea Pirlo's creative role for the Azzurri. Both the king and the prince's World Cup is over as Italy after defeat to Uruguay this week.
In a match where Pirlo pulled the strings and Verratti showed glimpses of why he will succeed the 35 year old, the castle of glass that was the Italian national team cracked in the second half when Verratti's compatriot Claudio Marchisio saw red for a studs-up challenge on Egidio Arevalo. Italy never recovered and were made to pay when Uruguay's Diego Godin ended their World Cup with a late headed goal.
Losing to Uruguay makes it consecutive World Cups that Italy have bowed out in the group stages, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel for them in young Marco Verratti.
The Paris Saint Germain midfielder was among the best on the field in their opener against England. He was sharp and aware on the ball, and linked up great with his teammates. England had no answer as he was dragging defenders away with his smart runs and inventive passing. Against Costa Rica, Italy lacked the energy Verratti offers, as his young dynamic approach was needed when the Italians suffered a shock loss to the Central Americans.
Verratti is a representation of the new generation of Italians ready to return them to glory. Along with him, AC Milan's trio of Mario Balotelli, Stephan El Shaarawy and Mattia Di Sciglio also offer hope, as does Lorenzo Insigne and Domenico Berardi. All have shone for their clubs over the past few seasons and look to be the new breed of Italian player; fast, agile and confident. By Euro 2016 and the World Cup in four years' time, this special six should be in their prime.
Pirlo has been a loyal servant to the Italian national team for many years, and will leave a void in the midfield. Verratti, though, has shown the potential he has, having played alongside the man he looks to replace and has looked an equal next to the living legend.
He, along with this new generation of Italian footballers, should refresh this tired Italian team, and can take the world by storm in the upcoming years.
