| |
| | Week 6 Spotlight: Brilliant Bonazzoli | Monday 3 October, 2005 |
|
 Player of the Week: Bonazzoli (Sampdoria)
Emiliano Bonazzoli has enjoyed a superb start to his career with Sampdoria and his brace at Messina on Sunday underlined his emergence as more than just an unsung hero.
The lofty striker’s transfer from Reggina in the summer transfer window went pretty much unnoticed alongside the much-publicised moves of Alberto Gilardino and Patrick Vieira. Once the season began the early plaudits had been going to Adriano and Luca Toni for their work in front of goal – but people will surely stand up and take note now as Bonazzoli sits atop the scoring charts alongside Toni.
All six of Bonazzoli’s goals have come from open play. His double on Sunday consisted of an accurate drive into the far corner of the goal and a close range effort in injury time. For a side that arguably relied too heavily on the goals of Francesco Flachi last season, the arrival of a striker with the golden touch is a Godsend.
It may be too soon to hail Bonazzoli as the breakout star of 2005-06 though. The 26-year-old is already just two goals short of his all-time best Serie A tally. This could be a good indication that he has finally found the form and confidence to rack up a significant total in the Capocannoniere race. However, as the old saying goes ‘form is temporary, class is permanent.’
Bonazzoli’s career has never previously taken him to the heights he can achieve this season with the Blucerchiati. Spending most of his early career in Serie B with Brescia, it wasn’t until he joined Parma in the summer of 2000 that he got a shot at Serie A, as the Gialloblu loaned him to Verona. His seven goals at the Stadio Bentegodi gave him the opportunity to stake a claim for a first team jersey with the Tardini outfit, but in two seasons he managed just eight Serie A goals and was moved on to Reggina in the January 2003 transfer window.
After 16 goals in his two and a half years with the Amaranto, Bonazzoli was signed on loan by Walter Novellino to bolster Sampdoria’s attack as they embarked on Europe for the first time since 1997-98. If he can keep up the form that has seen him hit six Serie A goals in six appearances then the Marassi outfit could have an enjoyable European adventure to complement their Serie A campaign. And in a World Cup year, Bonazzoli might have a surprise holiday to Germany to consider next June.
|
|
Goal of the Week: Candela (Udinese)
Udinese needed to get themselves back on track following two consecutive Serie A defeats and a 4-1 mauling in the Nou Camp against Barcelona. The return of Vincenzo Iaquinta to the team had immediate results but his goal from the penalty spot, and that of Antonio Di Natale, were outshone by Vincent Candela’s injury time strike against Lazio.
The Frenchman wrapped up a 3-0 win for the Friuli side with a superb solo goal. The former Roma man would have taken extra delight at putting the finishing touch to a deserved win over the Biancocelesti. The full-back strode into the Lazio penalty area before placing a delicate chip over Angelo Peruzzi to give his side a memorable Week 6 win.
|
|
 Number of the Week: 2
Milan’s Paolo Maldini struck two goals for the first time in his career as Milan moved into second place in the Serie A standings. The legendary left-back hit his brace as the Rossoneri disposed of Reggina 2-1 to take their highest position so far this term. After his superb cross to set up Andriy Shevchenko’s goal in the Champions League match against Schalke 04 - not to mention his record-breaking 571st Serie A appearance against Treviso – it is clear to see that the Milan skipper is still very much able for life at the top level. |
|
| Words: Steve Wilson |
|
| | | |
