Considering we were missing Buffon, Momo, Diego, Melo, Marchisio, Giovinco, Iaquinta, and I may as well add to this list Cannavaro and De Ceglie, whom some may consider possible first team starters in out best of the best ideal XI...considering we were missing those 9 players, we did fine. First game of the pre season. Some nice skill, well taken goals, and the one we conceded was a decent shot from distance. A strike which may have beaten any keeper, especially if he was blinded at all by the melee of players.
All the goals were enjoyable. And full marks to Ciro for getting the youngsters playing. Immobile and Esposito both look wicked. As others have suggested, perhaps this season, Ciro will have the bottle and footballing intelligence to do what Ranieri failed miserably to do...: If our better known players are in poor form, give a youngster the chance. To get experience. To remind the established stars that their places are not guaranteed.
I was happy mostly for Trezeguet, as I want him to stay and become a first team regular. I value his finishing as world class, as superior, in the 6 yard box especially, to every other striker on our books. And I equally revere his ability to ghost into goal scoring positions, unseen. World class finishing in the box as well a commanding presence in the air make him our most decisive forward. Zebina looks fit and fired up...As does Zanetti.
I look forward now to the Peace cup. maybe by then, we will be in a position to put out a first half team of something resembling our future ideal starting XI.