Thursday 14 July 2011
Blog: The mark of a champion
Antonio Labbate explains why the season ahead will perhaps be the most crucial yet in the career of Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio
It was December 4, 1994. The Stadio Delle Alpi in Turin hosted an eagerly anticipated clash as Juventus entertained Fiorentina. With a minute left of normal time in a pulsating game that stood at 2-2, the ball was headed out wide to Alessandro Orlando on the left hand side of the pitch just inside the Viola’s half.
The left-back controlled the sphere, looked up and, seeing Alessandro Del Piero’s run, hoisted it forward. With no hesitation, the young attacker outrageously volleyed the ball over the outstretched right hand of Francesco Toldo. “That was the best goal I have ever conceded,” the goalkeeper would later remark.
The stadium understandably erupted at the end of a game that the Old Lady, who were 2-0 down after 36 minutes, had turned around. Amongst the faces in the crowd was a young Claudio Marchisio. He witnessed not only a sensational game of football that day; he saw history in the making.
It was on that cold afternoon that Del Piero became Del Piero, that a champion was born, and it was a victory that turned La Vecchia Signora on the right path to what would be a sensational era of success under Marcello Lippi.
The Turin native will return to the Delle Alpi this season, albeit under its new guise, but things will have substantially changed from the last time he was at that soulless arena. He’ll no longer be watching from the stands, he’ll be present on that field of play, fighting for his beloved Bianconeri as they look to live up to their giants’ status.
It won’t be an easy year for an evolving Juventus or for the player himself. Undoubtedly blessed with talent, Marchisio will be hoping that what lies ahead is the campaign of his consecration, a season where his capability can be transformed into a defined role within the team’s structure.
Marchisio was handed a new contract recently in an act of gratitude that he deserved, given his graduation from Juventus’ youth ranks to becoming a full Italian international. But what the club can’t offer him in 2011-12 is a guaranteed first team shirt, especially following the appointment of Antonio Conte and his elastic 4-4-2. This even led to suggestions of a possible sale.
“Conte appreciates the abilities of Claudio and he intends to make use of them,” Juve transfer chief Beppe Marotta stated recently. “But situations in football are constantly evolving. I wouldn’t talk about Marchisio as a problem, though. It is only logical analysis.”
The 2010 World Cup player, in all probability, will remain. Juventus would be close to committing suicide if they were to let go of someone whose versatility saw him play in 41 games last season – only four of the squad appeared in more. Yet it is that same flexibility which is hampering his progress.
Around this time last year, Gigi Del Neri spoke of his plans to field a central midfield partnership of Felipe Melo and Marchisio. Alberto Aquilani then arrived and the former Empoli player spent most of the campaign in a left-midfield role that he doesn’t aspire to. Although Aquilani has now left, Andrea Pirlo wouldn’t have joined without first team assurances.
At some stage over the next 12 months, Marchisio has to convince Conte that he is worthy of a place in the centre, either alongside Pirlo or at his expense. The latter was 23 when he was transformed into the deep midfield playmaker that has excelled in the Italian game for almost a decade. Marchisio is already two years older.
As Del Piero and Pirlo have proved, sometimes it takes just one instance of divine inspiration or one tactical switch to turn potential into performance. Marchisio knows as much, he’s seen it with his own eyes, but time is already running out. Another year spent out of position, or on the bench as a luxury reserve, and Marchisio may no longer be a fixture on the pitch or in the stands at whatever the new Delle Alpi will be called.
Sincerely & Fuck the Haters,
Hustini
Blog: The mark of a champion
Antonio Labbate explains why the season ahead will perhaps be the most crucial yet in the career of Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio
It was December 4, 1994. The Stadio Delle Alpi in Turin hosted an eagerly anticipated clash as Juventus entertained Fiorentina. With a minute left of normal time in a pulsating game that stood at 2-2, the ball was headed out wide to Alessandro Orlando on the left hand side of the pitch just inside the Viola’s half.
The left-back controlled the sphere, looked up and, seeing Alessandro Del Piero’s run, hoisted it forward. With no hesitation, the young attacker outrageously volleyed the ball over the outstretched right hand of Francesco Toldo. “That was the best goal I have ever conceded,” the goalkeeper would later remark.
The stadium understandably erupted at the end of a game that the Old Lady, who were 2-0 down after 36 minutes, had turned around. Amongst the faces in the crowd was a young Claudio Marchisio. He witnessed not only a sensational game of football that day; he saw history in the making.
It was on that cold afternoon that Del Piero became Del Piero, that a champion was born, and it was a victory that turned La Vecchia Signora on the right path to what would be a sensational era of success under Marcello Lippi.
The Turin native will return to the Delle Alpi this season, albeit under its new guise, but things will have substantially changed from the last time he was at that soulless arena. He’ll no longer be watching from the stands, he’ll be present on that field of play, fighting for his beloved Bianconeri as they look to live up to their giants’ status.
It won’t be an easy year for an evolving Juventus or for the player himself. Undoubtedly blessed with talent, Marchisio will be hoping that what lies ahead is the campaign of his consecration, a season where his capability can be transformed into a defined role within the team’s structure.
Marchisio was handed a new contract recently in an act of gratitude that he deserved, given his graduation from Juventus’ youth ranks to becoming a full Italian international. But what the club can’t offer him in 2011-12 is a guaranteed first team shirt, especially following the appointment of Antonio Conte and his elastic 4-4-2. This even led to suggestions of a possible sale.
“Conte appreciates the abilities of Claudio and he intends to make use of them,” Juve transfer chief Beppe Marotta stated recently. “But situations in football are constantly evolving. I wouldn’t talk about Marchisio as a problem, though. It is only logical analysis.”
The 2010 World Cup player, in all probability, will remain. Juventus would be close to committing suicide if they were to let go of someone whose versatility saw him play in 41 games last season – only four of the squad appeared in more. Yet it is that same flexibility which is hampering his progress.
Around this time last year, Gigi Del Neri spoke of his plans to field a central midfield partnership of Felipe Melo and Marchisio. Alberto Aquilani then arrived and the former Empoli player spent most of the campaign in a left-midfield role that he doesn’t aspire to. Although Aquilani has now left, Andrea Pirlo wouldn’t have joined without first team assurances.
At some stage over the next 12 months, Marchisio has to convince Conte that he is worthy of a place in the centre, either alongside Pirlo or at his expense. The latter was 23 when he was transformed into the deep midfield playmaker that has excelled in the Italian game for almost a decade. Marchisio is already two years older.
As Del Piero and Pirlo have proved, sometimes it takes just one instance of divine inspiration or one tactical switch to turn potential into performance. Marchisio knows as much, he’s seen it with his own eyes, but time is already running out. Another year spent out of position, or on the bench as a luxury reserve, and Marchisio may no longer be a fixture on the pitch or in the stands at whatever the new Delle Alpi will be called.
Sincerely & Fuck the Haters,
Hustini
Conte: "l giocatore di oggi in cui mi rivedo di più? Per le caratteristiche direi Marchisio, ma credo che Claudio sia più forte di me."
Translation: In which player of today's squad do you see yourself the most? For the characteristics I say Marchisio, but I think Claudio is better than me.
What a compliment! Forza Conte, Forza Marchisio!!
Translation: In which player of today's squad do you see yourself the most? For the characteristics I say Marchisio, but I think Claudio is better than me.
What a compliment! Forza Conte, Forza Marchisio!!
