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One of the more heated arguements in Italian football these days is where you stand on the "Oriundi" debate. Or more specifically, should they be allowed to play for La Nazionale??
Oriundi is a term used to describe foreign players of Italian origin (at least one of whose ancestors emigrated from Italy) who then immigrate "back" to Italy. There was a time when Oriundi played a large part in the success of Azzurri, and from the sounds of it, they may play a large part once again... Perhaps there are lessons to be learnt from the past...
"If they can die for Italy, they can play for Italy" - Vittorio Pozzo
In fascist Italy of the 30s, many returning south american players were automatically given dual citizenship (ie no need for naturalization). At the risk of conscription, of course, which is how Pozzo justified his use of Oriundi in winning 2 World Cups. Most people recognize that the Oriundi played a critical role in winning the 1934 World Cup for the Azzurri, and it is quite likely that Italy would not have won without them. Orsi, Monti, & Guaita played a key role in the championship where the Italian squad had as many as 5 Oriundi. Later, there have been many other famous Oriundi including Sivori, Andreolo, Altafini, Schiaffino, etc as Italy benefited from their services till the 60's. I believe that most Italians are proud of their Oriundi and in my humble opinion, they should be. The rules at that time permitted the use of Oriundi in this fashion, so fair play. Great players are great players.
"For the loser now, will be later to win... for the times they are a-changing" - Bob Dylan
Pak Doo-Ik. That changed everything.
Continued at: http://footballspeak.com/post/2011/08/01/Oriundi-Reloaded!.aspx
Oriundi is a term used to describe foreign players of Italian origin (at least one of whose ancestors emigrated from Italy) who then immigrate "back" to Italy. There was a time when Oriundi played a large part in the success of Azzurri, and from the sounds of it, they may play a large part once again... Perhaps there are lessons to be learnt from the past...
"If they can die for Italy, they can play for Italy" - Vittorio Pozzo
In fascist Italy of the 30s, many returning south american players were automatically given dual citizenship (ie no need for naturalization). At the risk of conscription, of course, which is how Pozzo justified his use of Oriundi in winning 2 World Cups. Most people recognize that the Oriundi played a critical role in winning the 1934 World Cup for the Azzurri, and it is quite likely that Italy would not have won without them. Orsi, Monti, & Guaita played a key role in the championship where the Italian squad had as many as 5 Oriundi. Later, there have been many other famous Oriundi including Sivori, Andreolo, Altafini, Schiaffino, etc as Italy benefited from their services till the 60's. I believe that most Italians are proud of their Oriundi and in my humble opinion, they should be. The rules at that time permitted the use of Oriundi in this fashion, so fair play. Great players are great players.
"For the loser now, will be later to win... for the times they are a-changing" - Bob Dylan
Pak Doo-Ik. That changed everything.
Continued at: http://footballspeak.com/post/2011/08/01/Oriundi-Reloaded!.aspx