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#3 Daniele Rugani and Mattia Caldara (Italy)
Similar to the defensive axis that the Azzurri have had for a while (before Leandro Bonucci’s surprise move to AC Milan), Caldara and Rugani are expected to form the defensive base for club (Juventus) and country for the foreseeable future.
The pair who are owned by La Vecchia Signora (The Old Lady) as Juventus are known share the tall, rangy physique that the best Italian defenders (Alessandro Nesta and Bonucci) come to mind.
Caldara has been majestic at the heart of an Atalanta side that has been wow-ing Serie A and he is expected to move back to parent club Juventus after the World Cup.
While both players are excellent in the air and possess the typical Italian centre-back assets; intelligence, aggression and organizational skills, Caldara is the more rugged type while Rugani is more of an organiser and is regarded as having the higher ceiling of the pair.
With current stalwarts, Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli expected to retire after the Mundial, expect the Caldara-Rugani pair to become the centre-backs of choice alongside Bonucci.
Rugani has earned 4 senior caps while Caldara is yet to don the senior Azzurri blue.
