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| Week 38 Spotlight: Super Dario |
Monday 15 May, 2006
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 Player of the Week: Dainelli (Fiorentina)
In a season that has brought unexpected success to the Stadio Artemio Franchi, Dario Dainelli has been something of an unsung hero. A rock at the heart of defence, the Viola captain has not only brought stability to the Fiorentina rearguard, he has also helped mould a team of talented individuals into a powerful unit in only his second season at the club.
However, while 31-goal Capocannoniere Luca Toni and sought-after tactician Cesare Prandelli have become household names, Dainelli has quietly gone about his business and largely avoided the media glare.
How fitting then that it was Dainelli who popped up to head the Viola’s second goal in their 2-0 win over Chievo on Sunday, securing a Champions League spot for next season. The Pisa-born centre-back’s first of the campaign sparked a celebratory pitch invasion as euphoria gripped the 13,000 travelling fans at the Stadio Bentegodi, and was a deserved reward for a season of hard work at the other end of the pitch.
While Toni’s goals have been vital, so has the vast defensive improvement shown this term – Fiorentina conceded 51 goals during the 2004-05 season, but this time around have only let in 41.
Evidence of the Dainelli effect is irrefutable. Despite making 27 Serie A appearances, the ex-Brescia stopper was present for only two of the Viola’s eight defeats this term. In fact the Gigliati never lost when their captain played all 90 minutes – Dainelli was dismissed in Week 25’s derby defeat against Livorno and limped off early against Sampdoria in Week 20’s 3-1 humbling.
Despite his best efforts, it appears that Dainelli’s summer plans will not include a trip to Germany. The 26-year-old’s only Azzurri experience to date was an unpleasant one – giving away a penalty against Ecuador in a friendly last June – and with Alessandro Nesta, Fabio Cannavaro, Marco Materazzi and even teammate Alessandro Gamberini all vying for the role, he won’t be sitting by the phone.
However, there are exciting times ahead for the Viola skipper. Next season will offer him his first taste of Champions League football - should he rise to the challenge, a place in the 2008 European Championship squad is by no means an unrealistic target.
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Goal of the Week: Solari (Inter)
While Inter may have had nothing to play for against Cagliari at the Stadio Sant’Elia, Santiago Solari was not short of motivation. Unlike teammate Esteban Cambiasso, Solari was not named amongst Argentina’s 16 definite choices for the World Cup, and took the chance to give Jose Pekerman a timely reminder of his abilities with this stunning solo effort that levelled the game at 2-2. Picking up the ball on the edge of the box, Solari effortlessly jinked past three Rossoblu defenders before firing a rocket past Antonio Chimenti, beating the ex-Juventus ‘keeper at his near post. |
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Number of the Week: 29
Juventus’ 2-0 win over Reggina at Bari’s Stadio San Nicola secured the Bianconeri’s 29th Scudetto. However, with the Old Lady at the centre of match-fixing allegations, there are suggestions – the most vocal coming from Milan patron Silvio Berlusconi - that 27 may be a more accurate figure. Celebrations in Turin may be a little muted as the Delle Alpi club face an uncertain summer of recriminations. |
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| Words: Paul Watson |
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Past Spotlights
A unique review of each round of Serie A 2005-06, including Player of the Week, Goal of the Week and Number of the Week. More
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