I only managed to wake up in time for the second half. So Its pleasing to read virtually every match report talking of a solid showing in the opening 45 minutes.
What i noticed, about the 40 minutes or so I saw, was the following:>
Cannavaro still has undeniable class. Some of his tackling was impeccably timed and executed. I saw several tackles in which before he had even connected with the ball, I had no hesitation whatsoever that he was going to be strolling away with the ball at his feet moment later. To have a player capable of tackling with that supreme composure is a massive bonus for our rearguard. He was, at times, beautiful to watch. Fuck the idiots who call him a traitor...I don't see them as true juve supporters. They are more interested in asserting a show of personal indignation than welcoming a world class player back into our arms.
Diego likes to scrap, as much as create. But as the midfielders behind him were tired, he was often presented with a well marked amauri and iaquinta ahead of him, and 4-5 players for the 3 of them to take on. With Melo in the line-up behind him, he will have more support, in terms of bein able to find space and receive the ball further up the field, because his brazilian thug brother, can pass...When Momo returns also, even more physical reinforcement behind the attacking players, allowing diego to play more than fight. Though..its definitely a bonus that he enjoys crunching people. I just dont want to see him get stomped...Leave the stomping for the big boys.
Grygera was surely only playing because Zebina is not quite fit, and Caceres is not quite ready for a first team start. Before saying we must get a new right back, lets see how Zebina can do, as he looked decent in pre season. Also, there is Caceres...
Same applies to left back. De Ceglie did not have a long pre season. he is not yet near match sharpness, and it showed. Also, he doesn't look ready, tactically, for a starting berth...I would prefer to see Sali or Caceres starting there.
Poulsen was loathsome. Iaquinta and Amauri hard working, but too often pushed wide with only one in the middle to aim for.
It was pleasing to see Marrone...tough little character with decent feet. Credit for Ciro, for the interesting decision to bring him on when we were hardly in complete control...
From what I saw, our problems were the fullbacks, and fitness. We were also missing Del Piero, Melo, Momo, Zebina. Who I see as 4 definite first team starters...Chievo worked tremendously hard, but on this occasion, our quality and effort was enough to secure a solid victory.
No complaints...
(it was amusing to read the reports on here and notice a yankee write 'arm-ball'...do the americans seriously have terms like that to describe football, which aren't used anywhere else in the footballing world???? If so, it would not surprise me, but do they also say elbow-ball, or finger-ball???....)