Player of the Week: Flachi (Sampdoria)
Monday 21 February, 2005
If Sampdoria qualify for the Champions’ League this season then they are going to have to thank Francesco Flachi. The striker again highlighted his importance to the outfit in Week 25 after he grabbed a hat-trick in the 3-2 win over Reggina, a victory which sees Doria join Udinese in fourth place.
Flachi is a late developer in the game after starting his career at home-town club Fiorentina. A massive Viola fan, it wasn’t until he joined Samp in 1999 that he finally delivered the performances that his potential always suggested.
The now 29-year-old only netted five times in his first Marassi term but would go on to score big in his next three Serie B campaigns, eventually leading the club to promotion in the summer of 2003.
Last season was his first ‘real’ top-flight experience given that his previous 27 games had come mainly as a substitute with the Viola, when he was still just a baby at the Artemio Franchi.
Flachi formed a stunning ‘little and large’ partnership with Fabio Bazzani, an understanding that almost saw the Blucerchiati qualify for Europe in their first season back amongst the big boys of Italian football. The pint-sized attacker eventually netted 11 in 28 games.
That wasn’t a bad total but he’s already matched that tally this term, perhaps surprisingly as Bazzani has now left the club following a difficult six months in Genoa. Yet Flachi has managed to survive without Bazzani’s flick-ons, suggesting that Italy boss Marcello Lippi was right to call-him up to the Italy squad last August.
Week 25 was also a good one for Francesco Totti. The Roman has had a mixed season so far but he was back to his inspirational best against Livorno. He set-up Vincenzo Montella’s 19th of the season, before making sure of the points with a splendid solo effort. He again netted with a delightful chip but was unfortunate to see that one ruled out for offside.
Another No 10 who made an impact at the weekend was Alessandro Del Piero. He finally showed Juve boss Fabio Capello, who has left him out recently, of what he can do with some sublime touches that rolled back the years at Messina. Unfortunately he was the only Bianconeri player who shined as the 0-0 draw cost the club lone leadership of the standings.
Palermo striker Luca Toni did his reputation no harm as the high-flying Sicilians defeated Lecce 3-2. Toni was a tower of strength in attack, a target man who is key to the Rosaneri’s hopes of a great future in Italian football.
Meanwhile, Siena finally got their first win under boss Gigi De Canio after six successive draws. The 1-0 victory over Fiorentina was collected thanks to a Tore Andre Flo goal but goalkeeper Alex Manninger, a former Viola No 1, was outstanding for the home side. They wouldn’t have won without him.
Words: Antonio Labbate
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