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| | Week 11 Spotlight: Gas explosion | Monday 7 November, 2005 |
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 Player of the Week: Gasbarroni (Sampdoria)
It may have taken longer than many expected, but Andrea Gasbarroni showed in Week 11 why so many people thought he would be playing for the Italian national side by now. Gasbarroni was the star of the show in Sampdoria’s 2-0 win at Palermo, a performance which could just kick-start a career which has so far failed to ignite.
The 24-year-old was considered as an Azzurri star of the future after some dazzling performances at Under-21 level. The youngster was one of numerous jewels at boss Claudio Gentile’s disposal and the future looked very bright, especially when you consider his rare talents.
Gasbarroni is an Italian winger with genuine dribbling ability, characteristics which were lacking in Serie A. After all, former national boss Giovanni Trapattoni had to convince the Argentine Mauro Camoranesi to swear allegiance to the Azzurri cause rather than his country of birth.
Born in Turin back in 1981, the boy learnt his trade in the Juventus youth system before being loaned out to Sampdoria in 2002 and Palermo in 2003. He enjoyed happy spells with both clubs as he helped the pair win promotion to Serie A in consecutive seasons.
Andrea finally got his first shot at top-flight football last term, spending six months with both outfits. However, it was basically a campaign to forget as two goals in 11 games for Doria was paired with just nine appearances in Sicily. "It was an odd campaign," said Gasbarroni. "I headed off to the Olympics and therefore missed pre-season. That affected me badly and I just never managed to find my best form."
Samp boss Walter Novellino has great faith in the youngster though and didn’t hesitate to have him inserted into his squad for the new campaign. Gasbarroni has repaid him for his belief, especially with his goal and display at the Barbera on Sunday night. "He can be very important to us when he is in this sort of shape," says Novellino. "Gasbarroni has real quality. He can take players on, which isn’t easy in today’s game at all. I knew it would be tough to win here but Gasbarroni was decisive for us."
Italy’s lack of options in wide midfield areas has inevitably led to suggestions that Gasbarroni could make a late bid for the 2006 World Cup squad. Although he hasn’t been selected for the forthcoming friendlies against Holland and the Ivory Coast, he hasn’t failed to rule out a call-up.
"I’m not thinking too much about the national team right now even if it is everyone’s dream to play for their country," he added. "I’m just focused on doing well for my club which is the most important thing. We’ll see what happens after that…"
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Goal of the Week: Totti (Roma)
Roma captain Francesco Totti bagged the Goal of the Week yet again with his stunning strike at Messina. The Italian, who is now a father after the birth of Christian last night, unleashed a precise rocket from 30 metres, with the outside of his right boot, which found the bottom corner past the outstretched hand of Marco Storari. |
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Number of the Week: 178
Alessandro Del Piero’s late goal in the 3-0 win over Livorno saw the captain become Juventus’ second highest scorer alongside current Vice-President Roberto Bettega. The No 10 is now on 178 strikes for the outfit, just four short of record holder Giampiero Boniperti. The latter scored 182 goals in 462 games.
David Trezeguet is tenth in the list. His goal in Week 11 was his 107 and is now seven behind ninth-placed man Federico Munerati.
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| Words: Antonio Labbate |
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