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| | Spotlight: Secure Sereni |
Thursday 28 February, 2008
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| Football Italia rounds up the winners and the losers from Week 25 of the Serie A season |
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The winners…
Matteo Sereni (Torino)
Another 90 minutes, another sublime goalkeeping display. If Torino collected a 0-0 against Juventus in the derby then he deserves a large slice of the credit. Gone are the days when Sereni was prone to the odd error, he’s now the custodian that many thought he would turn into while a promising youngster. Take note Roberto Donadoni.
Cristiano Doni (Atalanta)
The Atalanta captain was handed a standing ovation when replaced 10 minutes from time against Sampdoria and with just reason. The former Italian international was the star of the show as his current club destroyed his former 4-1. He not only bagged a brace, but he orchestrated much of the Nerazzurri’s attacking play in Bergamo. An inspiration.
Javier Zanetti (Inter)
A symbol of the Massimo Moratti era, it was perhaps only natural that he should score the goal which basically handed his club a third straight Scudetto. His late strike in the 1-1 draw against Roma not only saw his side avoid a first League defeat of the campaign, but rewarded the running man for another night of sacrifice. An example to all.
The losers…
Pavel Nedved (Juventus)
You have to take the good with the bad when it comes to Pavel Nedved. A supreme footballer who deservedly has a Golden Ball on his mantelpiece, he ruined his performance against Torino with a needless red card. His unjustifiable hair pull on Gianluca Comotto will leave his side short of quality in midfield when Fiorentina arrive on Sunday.
Marcos Cafu (Milan)
The Pendolino seems to be running out of steam. Fielded from the start in Milan’s delicate away trip to Catania, the former Brazil captain struggled to contain Juan Vargas. Understandably replaced by Massimo Oddo in the second half, we may have to come to terms with the fact that the sands of time have finally caught up with one of calcio’s good guys.
David Pizarro (Roma)
Asked to dictate Roma’s attacking threat, the Chilean playmaker wilted under the San Siro lights. He, more than any, would have wanted to impress against his former team but it just didn’t happen. The Giallorossi looked more of a force once the lively and direct Alberto Aquilani substituted Pizarro on the hour.
The goals…
Alexandre Pato (Milan)
Who would have thought of shooting from there? Having dribbled past a number of Catania defenders, Pato was still a good 30 yards from goal when he fired low into the bottom corner. The ball reacted like a stone skipping across a calm lake.
Javier Zanetti (Inter)
With the clock ticking down, Zanetti fired in what may have been the most important goal of the season. Situated centrally on the edge of the area, the Argentine volleyed a right-footed rocket which set up home in Alexander Doni’s net. “I know Zanetti, if he tried that shot another 10 times it wouldn't go in,” moaned Roma stopper Matteo Ferrari.
Sergio Volpi (Sampdoria)
It proved to be a disastrous night for Sampdoria, but it started out well and in some style for the Genoa club. They took the lead within three minutes at Atalanta thanks to a wonder strike from Sergio Volpi. He took control of the ball just outside of the box before smashing it into the ‘keeper’s top right corner.
The numbers…
Rare feat
Javier Zanetti hadn’t scored for Inter since a 2-0 win over Ascoli on November 5, 2006. His goal against Roma means his top-flight strike-rate now stands at 12 in 413 games. Francesco Totti, on the other hand, has scored four goals in his last three trips to the Meazza.
Cat fight
Catania have faced Milan four times this season between Serie A and the Coppa Italia, but remain undefeated. Both League fixtures have now ended 1-1, while they eliminated the Rossoneri in the fourth round of the Cup with a 2-1 win and another 1-1 draw.
Net busters
You seemingly can’t stop Atalanta from scoring. The Bergamo minnows have the fourth most prolific strike-force in the Division thanks to their 40 goals. Only the top three – Inter, Roma and Juventus – are more productive at rippling the net.
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| Words: Antonio Labbate |
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Past Spotlights
A unique review of each round of the 2007-08 Serie A campaign. More |
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