++ [ originally posted by Andy ] ++
Since the Rapid Champions League match thread was closed due to imbecilic behavior, I will just do my match report here.
Against Rapid we were quite average for most of the match, and even for the first 15 minutes of the second half we were being matched and perhaps outplayed by RAPID WIEN at the Delle Alpi. I could not believe my eyes that they were actually getting chances against us...after a half of purely uninspiring football from the Austrians in the first half...make that from both sides. We really looked lackluster in the first half against a side that seemed as hopeless as Blasi trying to score a freekick.
Second half was more of the same nonchalant play and Rapid even came close to levelling the score in the first few minutes of the second 45. It was not until Capello brought on Mutu that we finally started to take the game to Rapid the way the best teams should. Mutu took a role on the left flank and the seemingly rejuvenated Nedved occupied the space Camoranesi vacated...basically a trident up top and Rapid could not handle us. Mutu scored his first goal with ease and finally Ibrahimovic scored his first this season after wasting quite a few chances earlier.
The trident with Mutu, Zlatan, and Alex looked great as we were able to move the ball around nicely and create a lot of chances, however that is what I would expect of Juventus against such inferior opposition. Both Juventus and Inter are coming off of lackluster displays in the midweek, however I think we should put these punks in their place of Sunday.
Personally I thought Thuram and Emerson had great games with Ibrahimovic, Mutu, and Nedved doing some nice things out there as well.
Nedved was very active and even though his touch was not all that great he is showing signs of improvement.
Ibrahimovic certainly played for himself out there and not the team and Capello is right with his comments after the match. The guy still played well though throughout most of the match.
Abbiati did not worry me this match....WOW.
And once the trident came on everybody looked better...thankfully.
Now lets own these Inter crybabies just like Lazio did in 2002.
Thank you Andy, you saved me a ton of typing !!!
Just to add, I thought Zlatan made some attempts to pass the ball, esp in the first half.
But, I think the pressure/greed took over in the second half, and thats why he didnt notice that DP or Mutu were on the field.
I think the real debate for who starts in this game is Blai/Pesso and Zlatan/Trez/DP/Mutu. Everyone elses spots are decided (CRAP could prove me wrong, though)
IMO, Pesso should get the start over Blasi. I think Blasi will be thrown to the wolves if he plays this game at RB, this isnt Parma were playing. Pesso has the experience and is more of a solid choice
Now to the main event, I think Trez and DP should start the game. If, by halftime we have struggled up top, then make a change....I think Zlatan has to mature a bit, both physically and mentally. He shouldnt always be the guaranteed starter, and could learn a thing or 2 from DP and the other teammates
Either way, I see this as a 2-1 Juve win (Inter is overrated !!)