The Best And Worst Of Serie A 2004-2005
Thursday June 09 2005
THE BEST
Esteban Cambiasso
The Argie midfielder with the notably thinning fringe and thighs like tree trunks arrived in Italy in a less than pleasing way. Out of contract at Real Madrid, he was basically used as bargaining chip in the deal which saw Ronaldo go to Spain. (And you don’t want to be any kind of chip when Ronie the fat genius is around….because you will get eaten). Unwanted by the Galacticos, he was farmed out to Inter. However, he has thrived in Serie A, playing remarkably well as an intelligent stopper, a breaker with a brain. He is often on TV speaking in his typically chirpy Argentine accent with a smile and a self-effacing gag. His two goals this season were another unexpected bonus. Cuchu (Great nickname) has performed so consistently that he has kept Edgar Davids out of the side. Expect to see him in running things in sky blue and white stripes in the world cup next summer. If you can’t wait that long, have a look at his website “cuchu.com”. (and yes, it is in Spanish)
Udinese
By finishing fourth, Zico’s former club will be in the Champions League next year. They play very exciting attacking football, with some very special talents, in particular Di Michelle and Iaquinta. One doubts whether they will make much of an impact in Europe, but their quick style of play should be a joy to behold. There is only one catch though…the manager Spalletti is about to resign and go to Roma. The chances are they will also lose a load of their leading lights and have to start from scratch. But whatever happens, they have given us a super show this season.
Adriano
Power, speed, strength and a nice personality. This man is what would result if you crossed Ronaldo and Shevchenko in a crazy football lab. He scores with his head, both feet, from snap-shots inside the area, one on ones, massive, mazy runs and from the spot if need be. In short the future of Brazilian football. However…..
THE WORST
Adriano (part two)
The second half of the season saw the effect of non-stop football take hold. The chunky ace went from miracle to knackered donkey after Christmas. When will the authorities and sponsors realize that if you keep squeezing every last drop out of players, they will suffer and eventually become useless like tired old bodybuilders. The Coppa America, Serie A, the Champions League, match after match, Inter’s star striker yielded to the pressure and lost his shine, effectively ending Inter’s hopes of serious silverware.
Juventus’ latest dodgy title
One or two decisions go the way of the big clubs in every country. It is normal…Mendes’ “goal that never was” at Old Trafford this year, Pires’ evil dive against Portsmouth the year before, the list is long. That is the nature of football. But the Black and Whites of Turin take the mickey. They had the fewest penalties given against them, and committed the most fouls in Serie A this season. They won some ridiculous spot kicks, and had some valid goals against chalked off. The further proof that Serie A protects them and makes them look better than they are came in the Champions League where they were pants, only winning one game (at home obviously) in the knockout stages. With their doping trial still ongoing, only their hardcore fans can truly turn a blind eye to the shadowy nature of this famous club and its success. Written by Sheridan Bird:fero:
Thursday June 09 2005
THE BEST
Esteban Cambiasso
The Argie midfielder with the notably thinning fringe and thighs like tree trunks arrived in Italy in a less than pleasing way. Out of contract at Real Madrid, he was basically used as bargaining chip in the deal which saw Ronaldo go to Spain. (And you don’t want to be any kind of chip when Ronie the fat genius is around….because you will get eaten). Unwanted by the Galacticos, he was farmed out to Inter. However, he has thrived in Serie A, playing remarkably well as an intelligent stopper, a breaker with a brain. He is often on TV speaking in his typically chirpy Argentine accent with a smile and a self-effacing gag. His two goals this season were another unexpected bonus. Cuchu (Great nickname) has performed so consistently that he has kept Edgar Davids out of the side. Expect to see him in running things in sky blue and white stripes in the world cup next summer. If you can’t wait that long, have a look at his website “cuchu.com”. (and yes, it is in Spanish)
Udinese
By finishing fourth, Zico’s former club will be in the Champions League next year. They play very exciting attacking football, with some very special talents, in particular Di Michelle and Iaquinta. One doubts whether they will make much of an impact in Europe, but their quick style of play should be a joy to behold. There is only one catch though…the manager Spalletti is about to resign and go to Roma. The chances are they will also lose a load of their leading lights and have to start from scratch. But whatever happens, they have given us a super show this season.
Adriano
Power, speed, strength and a nice personality. This man is what would result if you crossed Ronaldo and Shevchenko in a crazy football lab. He scores with his head, both feet, from snap-shots inside the area, one on ones, massive, mazy runs and from the spot if need be. In short the future of Brazilian football. However…..
THE WORST
Adriano (part two)
The second half of the season saw the effect of non-stop football take hold. The chunky ace went from miracle to knackered donkey after Christmas. When will the authorities and sponsors realize that if you keep squeezing every last drop out of players, they will suffer and eventually become useless like tired old bodybuilders. The Coppa America, Serie A, the Champions League, match after match, Inter’s star striker yielded to the pressure and lost his shine, effectively ending Inter’s hopes of serious silverware.
Juventus’ latest dodgy title
One or two decisions go the way of the big clubs in every country. It is normal…Mendes’ “goal that never was” at Old Trafford this year, Pires’ evil dive against Portsmouth the year before, the list is long. That is the nature of football. But the Black and Whites of Turin take the mickey. They had the fewest penalties given against them, and committed the most fouls in Serie A this season. They won some ridiculous spot kicks, and had some valid goals against chalked off. The further proof that Serie A protects them and makes them look better than they are came in the Champions League where they were pants, only winning one game (at home obviously) in the knockout stages. With their doping trial still ongoing, only their hardcore fans can truly turn a blind eye to the shadowy nature of this famous club and its success. Written by Sheridan Bird:fero:
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