Picking Premier League Clubs for the Azzurri's Star Names

Having reached a crucial juncture in the season, with the UEFA Champions League and domestic competitions all arriving at vital points, club football finds itself on the sidelines.

Yes, it's time for an international break once again. The games are largely low-stakes affairs compared to the compelling narratives awaiting once the club action returns, but the forthcoming games also present an opportunity to identify some interesting talent.

Perhaps nowhere is that more true than in Italy, where Azzurri boss Gian Piero Ventura has selected a squad full of bright new stars who have already attracted the attention of the continent's elite teams.

What follows is a look at six of those players called up to represent the four-time FIFA World Cup winners, identifying their strengths and picking the Premier League sides best suited to their particular skill sets.

Furthermore, each suggestion has been awarded a grade based on the likelihood of a move happening when the transfer window opens this summer, ranging from A (highly probable) to F (very unlikely).

Torino striker Andrea Belotti is the leading scorer in Serie A, with his return of 22 goals in 26 appearances by far the best of his career. As discussed in a previous post, the 23-year-old has become widely coveted, but his new contract with the Granata contains a steep buyout clause.

Now tied to the club until June 2021, the price is set at €100 million and is only valid for non-Italian clubs, per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN FC). Yet his form in front of goal is likely to see Torino's resolve tested soon.

In addition to his shooting prowess, Belotti is deceptively quick, hardworking and willing to press opposing defences for prolonged periods, perhaps making him the perfect long-term replacement for Diego Costa at Chelsea.

Watching him in action, Belotti is exactly the kind of striker Blues boss Antonio Conte admires, and it would be no surprise to see the youngster swap the Stadio Olimpico for Stamford Bridge this summer.

Grade: B

Don't be shocked if a big offer, not necessarily the buyout clause, tempted Torino to cash in.

If Belotti's form has piqued interest in him over the past few months, Lorenzo Insigne's contract issues with Napoli are almost certain to do the same. The forward plays for his hometown team and is loved by the Stadio San Paolo faithful, but recent weeks have seen problems surface.

The player has openly questioned his standing, using a recent interview with state broadcaster RAI (h/t Football Italia) to give his opinion on stalling contract talks:

My dream was to play in Serie A and win a major trophy with Napoli, and as long as I wear this shirt I will kill for this shirt. If someone wants to break my dream then I'll feel bad, but I'll move on. I'm waiting for them, now I'm focused on the national team.

If they want to meet, I'll always give my maximum availability. I have stated my position, if the President wants to continue the marriage then good, if not everyone will go their own way.

Playing on the left flank of coach Maurizio Sarri’s 4-3-3 formation, Insigne has been sensational in 2016/17, weighing in with 13 goals and seven assists, including an incredible strike away to Real Madrid.

His style would bring a much-needed cutting edge to the Arsenal attack, while he would also be a fine replacement should Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil move on this summer.

Grade: D

Insigne may be voicing his frustration in the media, but it's a way of securing an improved deal at Napoli.

Marco Verratti is a small, technically gifted midfielder with a fantastic eye for a pass and an overwhelming reluctance to shoot. If that doesn't make him sound like a perfect fit for Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola's style, then someone has clearly not been paying attention.

When he joined Paris Saint-Germain back in the summer of 2012, he had never played a single minute of top-flight football. But the 24-year-old is now perfectly at home pulling the strings in the French capital.

While his team recently capitulated at the hands of Barcelona, Verratti has proved his class year after year and has weighed in with two goals and six assists in all competitions this term.

His distribution remains the most notable feature of his play, with the player connecting with an average of 82.4 passes per game, according to WhoScored.com. Despite his importance to PSG, there is constant chatter about an exit, although his agent, Donato Di Campli, did look to downplay that recently.

"He has a contract until 2021 and therefore remains in France," Di Campli told reporters. "At the moment there are no doubts, especially as Marco is a person who respects contracts."

That makes a move difficult to imagine, but he would unquestionably be a great fit for Guardiola's City.

Grade: E

Verratti will move on in the near future, but not this summer.

More widely known for signing high-profile foreign stars, Inter Milan made a smart investment this January when they agreed a Matthew Scott of Goal-reported €25 million move for Roberto Gagliardini.

An Atalanta product, the 22-year-old had made just 14 top-flight appearances before that deal was struck, yet he settled instantly with the Nerazzurri and is a regular in their midfield.

He has scored twice and also averages 2.9 tackles and 2.3 interceptions per game, according to WhoScored.com. His all-action style has made him essential to coach Stefano Pioli's 4-2-3-1 formation and earned Gagliardini some lofty comparisons to great players.

"The new [Marco] Tardelli? The new [Steven] Gerrard? These compliments don't scare me," he told Premium Sport (h/t Football Italia) earlier in the year. "I'm someone who reads and listens, and yes, these compliments are pleasing. I don't attach too much importance to them, though. I need to be calm, comfortable and think about my game."

Gerrard's old club Liverpool could use a young, energetic version of their former captain, and Gagliardini would've been a handy January acquisition for Jurgen Klopp's men, who should rue missing out on him.

Grade: F

With Inter only signing the rising star in January, there's no way he will be sold in the summer.

Who, you ask? It's no surprise Leonardo Spinazzola has gone under the radar, with the young left-back thriving in obscurity at Atalanta while team-mates like Gagliardini and Franck Kessie dominate the headlines.

However, the youngster has proved to be a fine defender while also contributing to the attack with La Dea, whose 3-4-3 formation is not too dissimilar to the one used by Chelsea. Sadly, Juventus own Spinazzola, making a chance to become the backup to Marcos Alonso in west London unlikely.

Grade: E

A move is on the cards, but not to the Premier League. The black-and-white stripes of Juve could be Spinazzola's next shirt.

Here's a familiar name to football fans everywhere. AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma only turned 18 in February, yet he has been a regular since his debut back in October 2015.

His exploits need no introduction, and his agent, Mino Raiola, ensures that his name remains on everyone's lips. Milan's continued on-field struggles and doubts over their sale to a Chinese consortium rumble on, with their mediocrity making it difficult for a player of Donnarumma's calibre to remain at the San Siro long term.

With Manchester United No. 1 David De Gea often mentioned as a target for Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho's men could do much worse than look to acquire Donnarumma if the Spain international returns to his homeland.

It would be a difficult and expensive move, but with Raiola clients Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba already at Old Trafford, the Red Devils probably have a better chance than most of pulling it off.

Grade: C/D

Much depends on the future of De Gea, but should the Spaniard move on, then this deal could happen.