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| | Spotlight: Pazzmatazz |
Monday 21 May, 2007
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| Football Italia rounds up the winners and the losers from Week 37 of the Serie A season |
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The winners…
Giampaolo Pazzini (Fiorentina)
The Under-21 international striker was Fiorentina’s best player for the second week running. Despite his inexperience, the young bomber was a constant danger in the Messina area throughout. His first half performance, especially, deserved more than just his goal from the penalty spot. He has six strikes so far this term, expect many more next season.
Andrea Caracciolo (Palermo)
It’s been a season to forget for Andrea Caracciolo at Palermo, but he waved goodbye to the Barbera with a stunning display – undoubtedly his best of the campaign. His movement caused Siena problems throughout and he was constantly ready to sacrifice himself for his colleagues. The Rosanero could have done with more of that earlier this season.
Angelo Peruzzi (Lazio) & Alessandro Costacurta (Milan)
Just as the fans of Lazio and Milan did at the weekend, we pay tribute to two men who will call it a day at the end of the season. Both were given a well-deserved standing ovation and Billy even capped his last League game at the San Siro with a coolly taken penalty. They’ll both be missed.
The losers…
Hernan Crespo (Inter)
After six goals in his last three games, so much more was expected of the Hernan-ator at Bergamo. Instead, the Argentine struggled to get noticed. Although poorly served by his teammates, he rarely broke free of the close attention which the Atalanta players gave him.
Armando Pantanelli (Catania)
The veteran ‘keeper has delivered some highly impressive performances at times this term, yet his trip to Marassi will be remembered for the wrong reasons. Having already survived a scare when Gennaro Delvecchio struck the post, Cristian Zenoni’s effort badly caught him out as Catania went down 1-0.
Marco Storari (Milan)
The question has to be asked – why did Milan sign Marco Storari in January? He was at fault for two of the three goals which Udinese scored in their 3-2 win at the San Siro on Saturday night. You get the feeling he needs regular first team football to prove his worth and he’s not going to find that with the Rossoneri.
The goals…
Andrea Caracciolo (Palermo)
The striker silenced his many critics on Sunday with not only a fine display but with a goal of real quality. In what will probably turn out to be his last home appearance for the Rosanero, he rippled the top corner of the Siena net with a memorable 25-yard drive.
Ighli Vannucchi (Empoli)
The attacking midfielder is Empoli’s most technically gifted player as his goal against Reggina underlined. His right-footed curler from outside of the area kissed the far post before nestling into the back of the net. It had class written all over it.
Michele Marcolini (Chievo)
Chievo netted three crucial points in the race to stay in Serie A thanks to a sublime goal from Marcolini. The midfielder played a neat triangle with Erjon Bogdani to instantly smash the ball into the bottom corner against Ascoli from all of 30 yards.
The numbers…
Away the lads
Inter’s 1-1 draw at Bergamo means the champions have ended the season unbeaten on their travels. Only five sides before them had achieved such a feat: Fiorentina 1968-69, Perugia 1978-79 and Milan in 1987-88, 1991-92 and 1992-93.
Nil by mouth
Lazio’s 0-0 draw with Parma was their fifth scoreless tie of the campaign at the Olimpico this term. However, it has seen them move into third place – a position which they last finished in back in 2000-01.
Worth the wait
Billy Costacurta’s goal against Udinese was his first in Serie A since he scored in Milan’s 4-1 win over Roma back on November 3, 1991. His appearance on Saturday also saw him become the oldest outfield player to appear in the top-flight at the age of 41 years and 25 days.
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| Words: Antonio Labbate |
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Past Spotlights
A unique review of each round of the 2006-07 Serie A campaign. More |
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