Lets give Andrea Barzagli some credit, no?

If you are a calcio fan and someone asks you who is your favourite Italian centre back almost 99% of the time Nesta, Cannavaro or Materazzi's names will be mentioned. And half the time no one else knows any other Italian central defenders. Those three players are three of the best defenders in the World. They have risen above the occasion countless times, and one can understand why they are always chosen. I for one choose Nesta as my favourite Italian centre back, but that doesn't mean there are other players that are going unnoticed.

Andrea Barzagli, one of the most underrated Italian defenders, he has had to live under the shadow of Nesta, Cannavaro and Materazzi for a few years now yet even when he did make the odd appearance for Italy, he was as strong as ever.

Barzagli went unnoticed in the World Cup as he made two appearances for the Azzurri. He came on against Australia when Materazzi got sent off and he held his wit on such a tense affair. Due to Materazzí serving his one match ban Barzagli stepped up and played a solid game against a tough Ukrainian side. His nerve never seemed to crumble under pressure and he has put in some fine defensive displays in Serie A too.

Due to Nesta's retirement from the National team and Materazzi being injured, there was only one choice to replace the Inter man and that was Barzagli.... you would think. However, the press still didn't seem to have faith in the youngster and they named every other center back to be replace Materazzi expect for him. It eventually got too much for the Tuscan and he came out and said: "In Italy there is only Nesta, Materazzi and Cannavaro! No one else!"

However, Dondadoni held his faith and started Barzagli in one of the most tense games since the world cup final. Barzagli put in a fantastic display last night, where he kept his cool and defended beautifully including making one or two crucial saves for the Azzurri.

His calm presence in defense saw Italy keep a clean sheet and he will surely be a starter for next week's game against Ukraine, where he will face them again a year after the world cup. I think it is about time Andrea earned some credit, he has come into the line-up in tricky situations, where no one had faith in him, and yet he has always held his nerve. If Fabio Capello can praise him why can't anyone else?

BRAVO ANDREA!!