It was the first game I have watched us play for many months, in which we looked at least equal to our opponents. Perhaps even better in some areas of the field. Which isn't to say that we looked decent...It was more a mixture of a lethargic cagilari showing and a welcome increase in solidity on our part.
It obviously adds hugely to the spine of the team having both Chiellini and Buffon back on the field, for they are both world class, and would improve any team they suddenly returned to. Both had fine games, especially Chiellini, who I am happy to see so fired up and fit.
Melo was looking decent and up for a fight, though did give away one or two weak passes, and succumbed to the same Hoof and Hope tendencies of his team-mates in the second half. Marchisio gave a decent showing. he seems to be improving technically, or becoming more confident on the ball.
Camo made a few wicked passes, and also had one quality effort on goal...but should have been rec carded for raising his elbow very obviously and intentionally into the face of an opponent. His attitude and inconsistency are aggravating to endure...but still...its obviously good for the team to have at least one player in midfield whose passing is, at times, very high quality.
Playing De Ceglie on the left flank is a stupid move. Because he finds it exceptionally hard to dribble past opponents, always ending up with his head down, protecting the ball. What he does have, which is useful at times like this, is determination, and fair pace. But his lack of offensive talents makes the side very unbalanced in midfield. Giovinco should have started, but perhaps, Zach, like me, see's it safer to play two poor left backs on the left flank, rather than one poor left back and a lightweight, but very skillful and pacy left winger.
Cannavaro did fine, Zebina worked hard and made no glaring errors. Iaquinta is very rusty, and Amauri seemed his usual useless self.
A draw may have been a more fair result...but...their only real chance came from a toepoke after a lucky rebound. Other than that, Buffon was not troubled...Whereas we COULD and perhaps SHOULD have scored more than just one.
Hardly a performance of promise and skill, but a definite improvement on last week's mauling at the hands of udinese.
Buffon 7, Zebina 6.5, Canna 6.5, Chiellini 7.5, Grosso 5, Melo 6.5, MArchisio 7, Camo 5.5, De Ceglie 5.5, Iaq 5, Amauri 5....Poulsen 6.5, Giovinco 6.5.
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