| |
| | Spotlight: Aussie Rules |
Monday 21 January, 2008
|
| Football Italia rounds up the winners and the losers from Week 19 of the Serie A season |
|
 |
|
|
The winners…
Zeljko Kalac (Milan)
Handed a rare start due to a Nelson Dida injury – rather than because of a Brazilian clanger – the big Australian responded with an accomplished performance against the multi-talented attacking Udinese. Kalac looked at ease from his first touch of the ball and his numerous saves throughout the 90 minutes were just as important as Alberto Gilardino’s late goal.
Cristian Zapata (Udinese)
Again recently linked with a move to Juventus and it is easy to see why after another towering display. Considered one of Serie A’s most promising defenders, the Colombian illustrated his ability by bringing Alexandre Pato back down to earth in what was a frustrating afternoon for the teenager. Zapata didn’t deserve to be on the losing side.
Marek Hamsik (Napoli)
One of Napoli’s most technically gifted players, the youngster came to his side’s rescue with a late equaliser in their heated 2-2 draw with Lazio. Having given his side the lead with what was nothing more than a neat pass into the back of the net, the former Brescia starlet was a constant threat for Marco Ballotta in the Biancocelesti goal.
The losers…
Hasan Salihamidzic (Juventus)
His anonymous performance for Juventus on Sunday was a defeat for everyone – himself, his Coach and the club. Unwisely fielded as a central midfielder by a desperate Claudio Ranieri, the Bosman signing from Bayern Munich was like a fish out of water against Sampdoria. How bad can Tiago Mendes and Sergio Almiron be?
Christian Obodo (Udinese)
There are just a matter of minutes left and your team is holding Milan to a 0-0 draw when the ball comes to you on the edge of the box. What do you do? We’re guessing you should look for a pass or clear the danger. Unfortunately for Udinese, Obodo used such an incident to test out his dribbling skills, he lost the ball and Milan scored.
Edy Reja (Napoli)
After going out of the Coppa Italia in midweek and only just netting a point against Lazio in a game which saw him dismissed, Napoli boss Edy Reja chose the worst possible time to have a heated post match verbal exchange with President Aurelio De Laurentiis. His Azzurri adventure could soon be coming to an end…
The goals…
Cristian Ledesma (Lazio)
If this guy hits it from distance then don’t be surprised if the ball ends up in the back of the net. Already renowned for his long-range shooting, the Argentine added another to his collection at the San Paolo. A poor clearance found him outside of the area and he didn’t need to think twice about blasting it low into the corner of the goal.
Andrea Gasbarroni (Parma)
Every now and again, Andrea Gasbarroni reminds everyone of the player he could have been. Although consistently inconsistent, the former Juventus youth product gave Parma an unexpected lead against Inter with a cheeky free-kick. It was basically nothing more than a short corner, but it ended up in the top corner of Julio Cesar's near post.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Inter)
Ibra’s goal at first glance doesn’t really seem that special, but it was. Instead of opting to head Julio Cruz’s late cross towards the net, the super Swede had the confidence and composure to perfectly chest the ball down to the ground before firing home the winner.
The numbers…
Pen pals
Week 19 saw eight penalties awarded – the highest number so far this season. Of those spot kicks, seven were scored by Christian Vieri (Fiorentina), Adrian Mutu (Fiorentina), Cristiano Doni (Atalanta), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Inter), Ciccio Tavano (Livorno), Daniele De Rossi (Roma) and Fabrizio Miccoli (Palermo). The latter also missed one yesterday when his first effort against Siena hit the woodwork.
Double hundred
Christian Vieri’s penalty in Fiorentina’s controversial 2-1 win over Torino was his 200th goal with an Italian club side. His other peninsula outfits were Torino, Pisa, Ravenna, Venezia, Atalanta, Juventus, Lazio, Inter and Milan.
U done good
Milan’s impressive run of form at Udine’s Stadio Friuli continues. Yesterday’s win was their third in a row after 3-0 and 4-0 triumphs in previous campaigns. Ironically, Alberto Gilardino scored in all three of those Rossoneri victories.
|
|
| Words: Antonio Labbate |
|
Past Spotlights
A unique review of each round of the 2007-08 Serie A campaign. More |
|
| |
| |
