[ITA] Serie A 2007/2008 (15 Viewers)
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Serie A Preview: Inter - Udinese
Who: Inter vs Udinese
When: Sunday, 26th August 2007, kick-off 15:00 CET
Where: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Milan
Inter Kick Off Against Bogey Team Udinese
Italian champions and on-paper Scudetto favorites Inter take on Udinese, a side who have caused them no few problems in past years, in their first game of the new Serie A season. Indeed, in last year’s record-breaking season, it was Udinese who put an end to the Nerazzurri’s amazing run of 17 consecutive victories with a 1-1 draw at San Siro, and they were the only side not to lose against them last year.
The Bianconeri club have signed a number of impressive players like Azzurri hero Fabio Quagliarella, who scored a brace in the recent game in Lithuania for Italy, Antonio Floro Flores, Giandomenico Mesto, among others. They will want to do everything in their power to make the fans forget about the underachievement of the last two seasons, when despite having some very impressive squads available, they finished in 10th place twice in succession.
With ambitious attack-minded coach Pasquale Marino coming over from Catania, they seem to have recruited a man who fits in perfectly with the club’s philosophy. Certainly it will not be an easy debut against Inter, but considering the often positive results Udinese have achieved recently against the Nerazzurri, a surprise may be on the cards at San Siro.
Will Inter Continue Where They Left Off?
After winning 97 points out of 114 last season, an absolute record, it’s logical that Inter are considered favorites in this new Serie A season. With the high-profile signings of striker David Suazo, who had an impressive pre-season, from Cagliari, and Roma defender Christian Chivu, it would seem the Nerazzurri have become even more unbeatable. However, as we know football is not an exact science, and that was proved in last weekend’s “curtain-raiser” to the Italian season, the Supercup final against Roma, in which Inter deservedly lost 1-0 against the Coppa Italia holders.
It was quite a subdued performance from the Nerazzurri, who could have conceded more than once in the first half had new Roma purchase Ludovic Giuly not missed a couple of sitters. In the first half they were completely outplayed, and seemed to suffer from a typical case of over-confidence, raising many questions about their mentality and attitude. At times it seemed as if Inter had gone back to their period under coach Hector Cuper, considering their highly defensive and negative approach to the game.
Ultimately Roma won the match thanks to a penalty converted by Daniele De Rossi. Old ghosts seemed to haunt the Inter squad throughout this match. There is the feeling that the team might suffer the intense pressure that surrounds them once again this year. While last season was indeed a triumphant one for Inter, that included many convincing displays and victories against top teams like Roma, Milan, Lazio, and Fiorentina, it’s undeniable that the penalisations inflicted to the latter three teams after “Calciopoli” facilitated Inter’s task hugely (although it must be said that Inter showed they were the best by winning all the direct encounters against these teams except for the home game against Roma).
From January on, perhaps even earlier, it was clear that the gaps between Inter and other teams in the league were massive and there was no real competition for them. This season, all teams start level and Juventus are back, although it’s hard to see this newly assembled team competing for the Scudetto already, even if they have the “advantage” of not playing in the Champions League. Also teams with a proud tradition like Napoli and Genoa have found their way to the top flight again. So it’s likely Inter will have to keep their concentration high throughout the season and many crunch encounters are bound to take place even in the final months of the season.
High Level Of Competitiveness
It’s a much different situation compared to last year, and Inter will have to show they are able to cope with it. Under coach Luciano Spalletti, Roma are more and more a force to be reckoned with, and having signed the likes of Giuly, Juan, Mauro Esposito, and most recently Cicinho, they now have the squad depth required to compete for a long tournament like the Serie A (although they might suffer from a lack of an out-and-out striker, and the squad is still not quite as big as Inter’s).
Milan, meanwhile, come off the back of a morale-boosting, and somewhat unexpected, Champions League victory. After a season in which their competitiveness in Serie A was dimished due to the points deduction and a shoddy pre-season preparation (as they had to suddenly come back from vacation when they learned they had to play a Champions League qualifier), the Rossoneri will want to show that they are not inferior to Inter and that they have the consistency to win in Italy as well. Particularly the two derby defeats Milan suffered last season have not gone down well and they are thirsty for revenge.
Another potential problem, and it is not a minor one, is the serious injury occurred to defender Marco Materazzi during last Wednesday’s international friendly. The Italian international was monumental last season, even managing to score 10 goals, but above all his defensive displays were faultless. Whereas before the last World Cup he was prone to the odd howler and silly outbursts of rage that frequently got him sent off, after playing such an important part in Italy’s triumph in Germany, his growth as a player and also in his attitude has been exponential. He was the true leader of this Inter team, a player who with his grit and determination set an example to all his team mates, and was exactly the type of character the club were looking for.
Especially for his inspirational presence on the pitch, he will be a massive loss for Inter in the first few months of the season. It remains to be seen just how Inter coach Roberto Mancini will handle this situation, whether he will opt to play Walter Samuel and Ivan Cordoba in the center of the defence or move Christian Chivu to that position. In any case, the Inter defense will definitely suffer severely from the absence of Materazzi.
All in all, it promises to be an exciting three-way battle for the title, with teams like Juventus and Fiorentina potentially capable of inserting themselves in the race at various stages of the season.
TEAM NEWS
Inter
Materazzi is the only player out injured.
Probable Formation (4-3-1-2): Julio Cesar; Maicon, Cordoba, Samuel, Chivu; Zanetti, Cambiasso, Vieira; Stankovic, Suazo, Ibrahimovic.
Udinese
No injury worries for the Friulani.
Probable formation (4-3-3): Handanovic; Mesto, Coda, Zapata, Felipe; Pinzi, Obodo, Felipe; Quagliarella, Floro Flores, Asamoah.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
David Suazo (Inter)
The Honduran striker has had an impressive pre-season after being a very hyped up signing from Cagliari, even though in the first “official” match, the Italian Supercup, he didn’t quite set the world alight. Nevertheless, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s skill and vision combined with Suazo’s speed and physical strength could make for a lethal combination in attack. In any case, the player has already become a hero to the Inter fans after refusing to sign with Milan, who also made an offer for him, after he had already given his word to the Nerazzurri.
Fabio Quagliarella (Udinese)
Last season this 23-year-old Italian international made the headlines thanks to a series of spectacular goals with Sampdoria. At the end of last season he made his starting debut with the Azzurri in an away game against Lithuania, and became a national hero after scoring two brilliant goals in what was a crucial qualifying match. He was being followed by a number of major clubs both Italian and foreign, but in the end it was Udinese who opted to buy out the other half of his contract from Sampdoria, and perhaps it is good for Quagliarella to play another season or two in a solid team like Udinese to confirm himself and continue his development. He still has a lot of time.
PREDICTION
Inter to start off the season with a suffered victory.
Inter-Udinese 2-1
goal.com
Who: Inter vs Udinese
When: Sunday, 26th August 2007, kick-off 15:00 CET
Where: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Milan
Inter Kick Off Against Bogey Team Udinese
Italian champions and on-paper Scudetto favorites Inter take on Udinese, a side who have caused them no few problems in past years, in their first game of the new Serie A season. Indeed, in last year’s record-breaking season, it was Udinese who put an end to the Nerazzurri’s amazing run of 17 consecutive victories with a 1-1 draw at San Siro, and they were the only side not to lose against them last year.
The Bianconeri club have signed a number of impressive players like Azzurri hero Fabio Quagliarella, who scored a brace in the recent game in Lithuania for Italy, Antonio Floro Flores, Giandomenico Mesto, among others. They will want to do everything in their power to make the fans forget about the underachievement of the last two seasons, when despite having some very impressive squads available, they finished in 10th place twice in succession.
With ambitious attack-minded coach Pasquale Marino coming over from Catania, they seem to have recruited a man who fits in perfectly with the club’s philosophy. Certainly it will not be an easy debut against Inter, but considering the often positive results Udinese have achieved recently against the Nerazzurri, a surprise may be on the cards at San Siro.
Will Inter Continue Where They Left Off?
After winning 97 points out of 114 last season, an absolute record, it’s logical that Inter are considered favorites in this new Serie A season. With the high-profile signings of striker David Suazo, who had an impressive pre-season, from Cagliari, and Roma defender Christian Chivu, it would seem the Nerazzurri have become even more unbeatable. However, as we know football is not an exact science, and that was proved in last weekend’s “curtain-raiser” to the Italian season, the Supercup final against Roma, in which Inter deservedly lost 1-0 against the Coppa Italia holders.
It was quite a subdued performance from the Nerazzurri, who could have conceded more than once in the first half had new Roma purchase Ludovic Giuly not missed a couple of sitters. In the first half they were completely outplayed, and seemed to suffer from a typical case of over-confidence, raising many questions about their mentality and attitude. At times it seemed as if Inter had gone back to their period under coach Hector Cuper, considering their highly defensive and negative approach to the game.
Ultimately Roma won the match thanks to a penalty converted by Daniele De Rossi. Old ghosts seemed to haunt the Inter squad throughout this match. There is the feeling that the team might suffer the intense pressure that surrounds them once again this year. While last season was indeed a triumphant one for Inter, that included many convincing displays and victories against top teams like Roma, Milan, Lazio, and Fiorentina, it’s undeniable that the penalisations inflicted to the latter three teams after “Calciopoli” facilitated Inter’s task hugely (although it must be said that Inter showed they were the best by winning all the direct encounters against these teams except for the home game against Roma).
From January on, perhaps even earlier, it was clear that the gaps between Inter and other teams in the league were massive and there was no real competition for them. This season, all teams start level and Juventus are back, although it’s hard to see this newly assembled team competing for the Scudetto already, even if they have the “advantage” of not playing in the Champions League. Also teams with a proud tradition like Napoli and Genoa have found their way to the top flight again. So it’s likely Inter will have to keep their concentration high throughout the season and many crunch encounters are bound to take place even in the final months of the season.
High Level Of Competitiveness
It’s a much different situation compared to last year, and Inter will have to show they are able to cope with it. Under coach Luciano Spalletti, Roma are more and more a force to be reckoned with, and having signed the likes of Giuly, Juan, Mauro Esposito, and most recently Cicinho, they now have the squad depth required to compete for a long tournament like the Serie A (although they might suffer from a lack of an out-and-out striker, and the squad is still not quite as big as Inter’s).
Milan, meanwhile, come off the back of a morale-boosting, and somewhat unexpected, Champions League victory. After a season in which their competitiveness in Serie A was dimished due to the points deduction and a shoddy pre-season preparation (as they had to suddenly come back from vacation when they learned they had to play a Champions League qualifier), the Rossoneri will want to show that they are not inferior to Inter and that they have the consistency to win in Italy as well. Particularly the two derby defeats Milan suffered last season have not gone down well and they are thirsty for revenge.
Another potential problem, and it is not a minor one, is the serious injury occurred to defender Marco Materazzi during last Wednesday’s international friendly. The Italian international was monumental last season, even managing to score 10 goals, but above all his defensive displays were faultless. Whereas before the last World Cup he was prone to the odd howler and silly outbursts of rage that frequently got him sent off, after playing such an important part in Italy’s triumph in Germany, his growth as a player and also in his attitude has been exponential. He was the true leader of this Inter team, a player who with his grit and determination set an example to all his team mates, and was exactly the type of character the club were looking for.
Especially for his inspirational presence on the pitch, he will be a massive loss for Inter in the first few months of the season. It remains to be seen just how Inter coach Roberto Mancini will handle this situation, whether he will opt to play Walter Samuel and Ivan Cordoba in the center of the defence or move Christian Chivu to that position. In any case, the Inter defense will definitely suffer severely from the absence of Materazzi.
All in all, it promises to be an exciting three-way battle for the title, with teams like Juventus and Fiorentina potentially capable of inserting themselves in the race at various stages of the season.
TEAM NEWS
Inter
Materazzi is the only player out injured.
Probable Formation (4-3-1-2): Julio Cesar; Maicon, Cordoba, Samuel, Chivu; Zanetti, Cambiasso, Vieira; Stankovic, Suazo, Ibrahimovic.
Udinese
No injury worries for the Friulani.
Probable formation (4-3-3): Handanovic; Mesto, Coda, Zapata, Felipe; Pinzi, Obodo, Felipe; Quagliarella, Floro Flores, Asamoah.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
David Suazo (Inter)
The Honduran striker has had an impressive pre-season after being a very hyped up signing from Cagliari, even though in the first “official” match, the Italian Supercup, he didn’t quite set the world alight. Nevertheless, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s skill and vision combined with Suazo’s speed and physical strength could make for a lethal combination in attack. In any case, the player has already become a hero to the Inter fans after refusing to sign with Milan, who also made an offer for him, after he had already given his word to the Nerazzurri.
Fabio Quagliarella (Udinese)
Last season this 23-year-old Italian international made the headlines thanks to a series of spectacular goals with Sampdoria. At the end of last season he made his starting debut with the Azzurri in an away game against Lithuania, and became a national hero after scoring two brilliant goals in what was a crucial qualifying match. He was being followed by a number of major clubs both Italian and foreign, but in the end it was Udinese who opted to buy out the other half of his contract from Sampdoria, and perhaps it is good for Quagliarella to play another season or two in a solid team like Udinese to confirm himself and continue his development. He still has a lot of time.
PREDICTION
Inter to start off the season with a suffered victory.
Inter-Udinese 2-1
goal.com
good results! good to see we're still on top! a great place to start!
Yeah cordoba tried ducking but it hit his head, I think Asamoah will try claming it. I watched the match on channel 5, It was really an even game in the first half and they didnt deserve to take the lead. Udinese tried to make their way back in the game and Asamoah was proberly the most closest with a free header. Quagliarella made his usual runs but didnt seem as sharp and was quite tired by the end of the game. Julio Cesar got sent off for handballing outside the area as asamoah was gonna get behind him. Udinese had fair amount of possision but really couldnt create anything stern and there crosses were awful. However ironically a decent cross from a corner zapata headed it forward and it came of cordoba's head. Its really the least udinese deserved and at one point I never thought it would come. Anyway its a great result for us.
On the note of those who watched the same match on channel5, what did they think of the show? I thought it was awful, cheesy music at the start some italian hardcore milan woman presenting it who didnt know anything about football, mark chapman heck couldnt even pronounce the players. Cudicini seemed in his own world and john barnes commentary
. But what the heck its free so aint complaining.
On a side note our next weeks opponents beat napoli, I think we will be in with one heck of a match.
On the note of those who watched the same match on channel5, what did they think of the show? I thought it was awful, cheesy music at the start some italian hardcore milan woman presenting it who didnt know anything about football, mark chapman heck couldnt even pronounce the players. Cudicini seemed in his own world and john barnes commentary
. But what the heck its free so aint complaining.On a side note our next weeks opponents beat napoli, I think we will be in with one heck of a match.
It looks like our old friends the Perdenti are BACK IN BUSINESS!! Woohoo! Red card, own goal, crap performance, what more could you ask for? 
Oh, the look on Moratti's face at the end was priceless.
Ok, I'm just taking the piss...they'll rack up the points soon enough, just get rid of Cordobo, field Chivu, reshuffle the midfield a bit, and wait till Ibra rediscovers his magic- all he needs is one goal.
But for now...Forza Perdenti!!!!
Oh, the look on Moratti's face at the end was priceless.
Ok, I'm just taking the piss...they'll rack up the points soon enough, just get rid of Cordobo, field Chivu, reshuffle the midfield a bit, and wait till Ibra rediscovers his magic- all he needs is one goal.
But for now...Forza Perdenti!!!!
Serie A: Post-Match Comments
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Fiorentina 3-1 Empoli
Cesare Prandelli: “We started again with enthusiasm, hunger and hard work, despite the fact it really is impossible to play in this heat. In the second half there was an improvement and we managed to make the most of our chances. We have to give a sense of consistency from last season to this and I am convinced we have a winning project here.”
Gigi Cagni: “It was a strange game affected by the heat. It is crazy to play at 15.00 in August and then in the evening in January. People complain there isn’t enough spectacle in football, but how can there be in these conditions? Fiorentina have great technique and my team fell apart after the opening goal.”
Genoa 0-3 Milan
Gian Piero Gasperini: “Milan came here in good shape and the result emerged from unlucky incidents for us. Our performance was impressive, though. The problem is we thought more about defending than attacking, even if we still had several good chances. Santos and Alessandro Lucarelli did particularly well among the new faces.”
Carlo Ancelotti: “I did not expect a win like this. I was afraid that the team had not yet found the right competitive approach, but they had a great attitude today. Ronaldo and Emerson will play in the European Super Cup. As for the fans, we tried to calm the situation and the decision to ban visiting supporters was good common sense.”
Inter 1-1 Udinese
Roberto Mancini: “It was a good performance, but the real pity is we were unable to seal the victory in the first half when we had the clear-cut chances. If we had not been left with 10 men, we would not have drawn this match.”
Pasquale Marino: “We are happy with the performance, even if I think none of the teams can be at the top of their game so early into the season. If we were, there’d be reason to worry for the future. It is hot and that affects the players, as we weren’t as sharp and aggressive as we’d like. It is not easy to play football in these conditions.”
Parma 2-2 Catania
Mimmo Di Carlo: “I am the first to apologise for setting a poor example. Perhaps the heat set something off in Silvio Baldini’s brain, but now he has to apologise as well. As for the game, it’s a shame we didn’t win, as Parma had the upper hand. We were unable to take our chances, but it is the first round and we can only improve.”
Catania President Antonio Pulvirenti: “It was not a nice gesture and certainly the wrong way to react, but Baldini does regret what he did. There’s no need to take any further action, let us close the matter here.”
Napoli 0-2 Cagliari
Edy Reja: “It was incredibly hot, we had to introduce new players, but despite the result it didn’t go too badly. We had the chances, but didn’t take them. The Cagliari goalkeeper did very well and Napoli did not deserve such a heavy defeat. We have to work, but the transfer market is closed for us and the squad is competitive.”
Marco Giampaolo: “We did well to take the initiative and make the most of the opportunities Napoli allowed us. However, we mustn’t get ahead of ourselves, as one match does not set the tone for an entire campaign. There is a long way to go.”
Reggina 1-1 Atalanta
Massimo Ficcadenti: “We created several dangerous situations and I think my squad deserved the victory for what they did on the field. The penalty incident was a debatable one that robbed us of two points. I don’t think Atalanta looked too convinced it was a spot-kick either.”
Gigi Del Neri: “It was a very difficult, tough game. Reggina created a great deal, but we moved well in defence. True, we were not as effective in attack as I would have liked, but it’s not easy with this heat. The draw is the right result looking at the way the two teams played.”
Siena 1-2 Sampdoria
Andrea Mandorlini: “This is the rule of football – if you make a mistake, you pay for it. We deserved something more than even a point, but at the crucial moment we conceded that chance to a champion like Vincenzo Montella and were punished.”
Walter Mazzarri: “We took control of the match, although once again we were imprecise in our final ball. It was a good performance and we already have an identity, always trying to play the ball to feet. Now we will try to improve and look ahead.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiorentina 3-1 Empoli
Cesare Prandelli: “We started again with enthusiasm, hunger and hard work, despite the fact it really is impossible to play in this heat. In the second half there was an improvement and we managed to make the most of our chances. We have to give a sense of consistency from last season to this and I am convinced we have a winning project here.”
Gigi Cagni: “It was a strange game affected by the heat. It is crazy to play at 15.00 in August and then in the evening in January. People complain there isn’t enough spectacle in football, but how can there be in these conditions? Fiorentina have great technique and my team fell apart after the opening goal.”
Genoa 0-3 Milan
Gian Piero Gasperini: “Milan came here in good shape and the result emerged from unlucky incidents for us. Our performance was impressive, though. The problem is we thought more about defending than attacking, even if we still had several good chances. Santos and Alessandro Lucarelli did particularly well among the new faces.”
Carlo Ancelotti: “I did not expect a win like this. I was afraid that the team had not yet found the right competitive approach, but they had a great attitude today. Ronaldo and Emerson will play in the European Super Cup. As for the fans, we tried to calm the situation and the decision to ban visiting supporters was good common sense.”
Inter 1-1 Udinese
Roberto Mancini: “It was a good performance, but the real pity is we were unable to seal the victory in the first half when we had the clear-cut chances. If we had not been left with 10 men, we would not have drawn this match.”
Pasquale Marino: “We are happy with the performance, even if I think none of the teams can be at the top of their game so early into the season. If we were, there’d be reason to worry for the future. It is hot and that affects the players, as we weren’t as sharp and aggressive as we’d like. It is not easy to play football in these conditions.”
Parma 2-2 Catania
Mimmo Di Carlo: “I am the first to apologise for setting a poor example. Perhaps the heat set something off in Silvio Baldini’s brain, but now he has to apologise as well. As for the game, it’s a shame we didn’t win, as Parma had the upper hand. We were unable to take our chances, but it is the first round and we can only improve.”
Catania President Antonio Pulvirenti: “It was not a nice gesture and certainly the wrong way to react, but Baldini does regret what he did. There’s no need to take any further action, let us close the matter here.”
Napoli 0-2 Cagliari
Edy Reja: “It was incredibly hot, we had to introduce new players, but despite the result it didn’t go too badly. We had the chances, but didn’t take them. The Cagliari goalkeeper did very well and Napoli did not deserve such a heavy defeat. We have to work, but the transfer market is closed for us and the squad is competitive.”
Marco Giampaolo: “We did well to take the initiative and make the most of the opportunities Napoli allowed us. However, we mustn’t get ahead of ourselves, as one match does not set the tone for an entire campaign. There is a long way to go.”
Reggina 1-1 Atalanta
Massimo Ficcadenti: “We created several dangerous situations and I think my squad deserved the victory for what they did on the field. The penalty incident was a debatable one that robbed us of two points. I don’t think Atalanta looked too convinced it was a spot-kick either.”
Gigi Del Neri: “It was a very difficult, tough game. Reggina created a great deal, but we moved well in defence. True, we were not as effective in attack as I would have liked, but it’s not easy with this heat. The draw is the right result looking at the way the two teams played.”
Siena 1-2 Sampdoria
Andrea Mandorlini: “This is the rule of football – if you make a mistake, you pay for it. We deserved something more than even a point, but at the crucial moment we conceded that chance to a champion like Vincenzo Montella and were punished.”
Walter Mazzarri: “We took control of the match, although once again we were imprecise in our final ball. It was a good performance and we already have an identity, always trying to play the ball to feet. Now we will try to improve and look ahead.”
I'd like to see how Colantuono handles Palermo during this game, and throughout the season also. - Status