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| | Spotlight: Ron the march |
Monday 9 April, 2007
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| Football Italia rounds up the winners and the losers from Week 31 of the Serie A season |
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The winners…
Ronaldo (Milan)
The Brazilian opened the scoring in the Rossoneri’s 3-1 win over fellow European hopefuls Empoli, and then handed Alberto Gilardino the perfect assist for him to fire past Daniele Balli. His qualities can make the difference upfront and Milan will surely miss him in Wednesday’s Champions League tie with Bayern.
Mirko Vucinic (Roma)
Having scored the Champions League winner against Manchester United at the Stadio Olimpico, the Montenegrin international found the target again against Catania, confirming his ability to make a major impact whenever Luciano Spalletti hands him an opportunity.
David Suazo (Cagliari)
Cagliari’s key player netted a brace to help his side humiliate Palermo at the Stadio Barbera and move closer to securing Serie A safety. The Honduran striker was inspiring for the rest of the team and Cagliari fans hope that he will decide to stay this summer, despite the rumours pairing him with a move to a larger club.
The losers…
Gionatha Spinesi (Catania)
Many have been wondering what has happened to the Tuscan marksman after his dream start to the season. The Elefanti’s striking ace was a reported target for bigger clubs during the January transfer window, but his latest performances have been disappointing. Against Roma he incredibly nodded wide from point-blank range.
Adriano (Inter)
The Brazilian is struggling to recover his best physical condition and form, failing to impress in the Nerazzurri’s disappointing draw against relegation battling Reggina. The Emperor’s performance against the Amaranto confirmed that he has much to work on if he hopes to earn back Coach Roberto Mancini’s trust.
Victor Obinna (Chievo)
The Nigerian striker missed a vital penalty late on against Atalanta, allowing the Bergamaschi to win their first game in over two months. Chievo remain close to the drop zone and Coach Luigi Del Neri will need to do his best to help him rediscover his best form, as the striker might be decisive for the Verona-based club’s future.
The goals…
Giuseppe Rossi (Parma)
The on-loan Manchester United starlet earned a precious victory for the Gialloblu in injury time against Livorno thanks to a fantastic volley following a corner kick punched out to the edge of the area. The Golden Boy’s fourth goal for the Ducali allowed his side to climb to 18th place, just one point away from safety.
Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina)
The midfielder scored the second goal in the Viola’s 4-0 win over Ascoli, smashing a marvellous goal from almost 30 metres. The screamer, a drive into the top right-hand corner, confirmed the 22-year-old’s potential to be a Serie A star, while he also seems set to become a Viola idol.
Luca Saudati (Empoli)
The striker’s stunning goal was not enough to save the Tuscan side from a 3-1 defeat against Milan at the San Siro, but his supremely timed shot hit the headlines. The former Atalanta man equalised for Empoli just before the break, when Ighli Vannucchi cut a free-kick back to the edge of the area for an impressive volley.
The numbers…
Reggina rejoice
Reggina became the first team to take points off Inter away from the San Siro since October 22 in Udine, which was also the only other time when Roberto Mancini’s men failed to score. In any case, Inter’s undefeated run continues. They haven’t lost in 38 matches, with their last Serie A defeat dating back to April 30, 2006 against Empoli.
Sicilian crisis
The tragic derby between Catania and Palermo last February has seemingly set a curse on all the island’s clubs, seeing as Palermo, Catania and Messina have earned only four points in the last four matches. After the weekend’s defeat to Cagliari, the Rosanero have won only 10 points in the second half of the season.
Away we go
Roma finally returned to winning ways away from the Stadio Olimpico with the 2-0 victory over Catania at the neutral pitch of the Stadio Via del Mare in Lecce. The Giallorossi had yet to win away from home in 2007, their last victory coming agaainst Torino on December 20. After the Christmas break the capital city club had earned five draws and a 1-0 defeat in Empoli.
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| Words: Lara Mezzanotte |
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Past Spotlights
A unique review of each round of the 2006-07 Serie A campaign. More |
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