There have been many great players to grace Serie A in recent times, but one of the most outstanding is Czech midfielder Pavel Nedved. A legend at Juventus after initially being brought to the peninsula by Lazio, he won Scudetti, Coppa Italia and numerous European honours, in addition to the plentiful array of personal accolades he collected during his nineteen year career.
He started his career with Dukla Prague in his home nation and made his debut at the age of 19 and after a number of impressive performances he was picked up by city rivals Sparta Prague, the most successful club in the Czech Republic.
After spending three years with Sparta, winning the Czechoslovak League in his first year then after the split of Czechoslovakia, adding the Czech Gambrinus Liga on a couple of occasions along with the Czech Cup. It was Nedved who propelled the club to these three back-to-back titles with consistent and influential performances.
The form he showed with Sparta Prague caught the attention of the national team boss DuĊĦan Uhrin and in June 1994 he debuted in a 3-1 victory over Rep. of Ireland. Consequently, it was the form he showed for the national side that brought him to worldwide attention especially in UEFA Euro ’96, where he was part of the Czech Republic side that reached the final, only to be beaten by Germany as Oliver Bierhoff scored the first ever golden goal in football.
Nedved did have an agreement to join PSV Eindhoven 1996 but after these excellent performances Lazio came calling. Awash with money thanks to Sergio Cragnotti, Lazio were keen on buying the worlds best players and Nedved was of course one of this elite band.
Lazio then embarked on one of the most successful periods in the clubs history with Nedved at the heart, he won his first competition with the Biancocelesti during his second season with the club – a 3-2 victory over AC Milan in the 1998 Coppa Italia Final.
Further success was to come for Nedved and Lazio in the Cup Winners’ Cup during the 1998/99 season. This was the final year of the competition before it was to be disbanded in favour of an expanded Champions League and UEFA Cup. Lazio reached the final against Real Mallorca and Pavel Nedved scored the last ever goal in the competition as Lazio went on to win 2-1.
He added another Coppa Italia a year later but the crowning glory of his Lazio career has to be the Scudetto win in 1999/2000. This was his sides holy grail having only won the title once before in their history. In addition, Nedved won the Italian Super Cup twice and helped defeat Manchester United in 1999 to win the European Super Cup.
The Scudetto triumph under Sven Goran Eriksson was to be the high point of a glittering Lazio career because Cragnotti had essentially run the club into the ground and with the vast pools of money drying up, the Aquile were forced to sell players.
Juventus were to come calling in 2001 after Zinedine Zidane moved to Real Madrid, Juve were therefore looking for a playmaker and Nedved was the perfect fit. A transfer fee of €41 million was agreed between the two clubs and Nedved went on to become an integral part of a very successful Juventus side.
He won Scudetto with Juve in 2001/02, 2002/03, 2004/05, and 2005/06 (negating the Calciopoli scandal).
Nedved was instrumental in leading Juventus into the 2003 Champions League final against AC Milan, but was forced to sit out the final because of accumulation of yellow cards, after being booked in the semi-final for tackling Real Madrid midfielder Steve McManaman.
It is said if Nedved played in this final, a drab nil-nil draw, he could and would have been the difference between the two sides, as Milan only won on penalties and Nedved was instrumental in Juve’s run to the final. In the Semi-Final he tormented the Real Madrid backline and scored the goal that took Juventus to the final.
At the end of the year, he won the Ballon D’Or, as well as the Serie A Footballer and Foreign Footballer of the Year awards.
When Juventus were relegated as a result of the Calciopoli scandal in 2006 speculation was rife about the future of Nedved, but as a Bianconeri symbol he stayed loyal to the club. Juventus bounced back and Nedved was an integral part of the Serie B winning side.
In his final season with Juve he wracked up 44 games in all competitions, at the age of 36 this was a great achievement. After putting off his retirement for a year he finally retired at the end of the 2009 season, captaining Juventus in their final match against former team Lazio. He was substituted before the final whistle and was given a standing ovation by both sets of supporters. After the match ended, the other Juventus players formed a guard of honour and Nedved did a lap of honour to thank the fans. Later, club-captain Alessandro Del Piero presented him with a commemorative shirt.
Known for his combative style, he was given the nickname Furia Ceca – The Czech Fury. His technique was exemplary, capable of using both feet, he was a nightmare for defenders, pin-point crosses reigned in from his right and left foot. He also possessed a thunderous shot and was a set-piece specialist.
Pace, power and vision kept him at the top of world football for many years and he is undoubtedly one of the greatest players of the modern game.
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
Bayern Munich vs Manchester United: Preview
Not a moment after the magnificent victory over Bolton, the quest for a fourth Champions League trophy and third successive final gets underway. Manchester United travel to Munich and the Allianz Arena to face Bayern Munich in the Quarter-Finals of this years competition.
AS Roma Reignite Title Race With Win Over Inter
The joy on the faces of all Romanista was a delight to see after the victory over Internazionale at the Olimpico on Saturday night, giving the Claudio Ranieri fairytale the chance to reach a magical end.
For most of the season it was felt that AC Milan would be the main protagonists to challenge Inter for the Scudetto, but as the Milanese giants have wilted in recent weeks, AS Roma have gone on an amazing run, before the match twenty games unbeaten in Serie A.
It must be said that Serie A has been crying out for a title race, every other aspect of the league has been exciting other than the fact it was almost a near certainty that Inter would go on to lift another Scudetto.
Roma now have the wind in their sails, producing an excellent first half display against the Nerazzurri led by the superlative Daniele De Rossi. Despite Inter having the best of the play after the break, hitting the woodwork a number of times, Roma held on and even when Inter equalised, the Giallorossi show tremendous sprit and character to find the winning goal.
With only seven rounds remaining, each week becomes more and more important, but it has been said by many that Roma do have the less taxing run of fixtures.
Coming up at the weekend for Ranieri is a tricky away tie in Bari, a place where the home side have only lost twice this season and is somewhat of a fortress. Thus, Roma will have to be at the top of their game if Saturday was a mere flash in the pan result.
Following the trip to Bari, Ranieri and his gladiators face Atalanta at home, Lazio in the Rome Derby, relegation threatened Udinese, Champions League chasing Sampdoria, a Parma team safe from relegation and not in contention for Europe, Cagliari and finally the mighty Chievo at the fortress Bentegodi on the final day of the season.
Some tough fixtures indeed but ones that are all winnable. Some also of note, Roma captain and talisman Er Pupone, Francesco Totti has not been in the fold due to injury, forcing players such as Luca Toni, De Rossi and the magnificent David Pizzaro to step into the breach and provide inspiration when needed.
Roma can also count on the fact Inter have a number of tough fixtures still to contend with, such as a trip to Florence, a Juventus team struggling to get into fourth spot, a resurgent Lazio, along with ties against Bologna, Atalanta, Chievo and Siena.
This coupled with involvement in both the Coppa Italia and the Champions League will surely make Roma favourites for the Scudetto.
Jose Mourinho’s side are of course still the strongest side in Italy, one defeat does not change that, but their priority is European glory, which again could play into the hands of Claudio Ranieri and Roma.
We have a relegation dogfight, a race for fourth place featuring a five or six side and now thanks to Roma we have a title race to speak of.
Could we ask of any more from Serie A?
For most of the season it was felt that AC Milan would be the main protagonists to challenge Inter for the Scudetto, but as the Milanese giants have wilted in recent weeks, AS Roma have gone on an amazing run, before the match twenty games unbeaten in Serie A.
It must be said that Serie A has been crying out for a title race, every other aspect of the league has been exciting other than the fact it was almost a near certainty that Inter would go on to lift another Scudetto.
Roma now have the wind in their sails, producing an excellent first half display against the Nerazzurri led by the superlative Daniele De Rossi. Despite Inter having the best of the play after the break, hitting the woodwork a number of times, Roma held on and even when Inter equalised, the Giallorossi show tremendous sprit and character to find the winning goal.
With only seven rounds remaining, each week becomes more and more important, but it has been said by many that Roma do have the less taxing run of fixtures.
Coming up at the weekend for Ranieri is a tricky away tie in Bari, a place where the home side have only lost twice this season and is somewhat of a fortress. Thus, Roma will have to be at the top of their game if Saturday was a mere flash in the pan result.
Following the trip to Bari, Ranieri and his gladiators face Atalanta at home, Lazio in the Rome Derby, relegation threatened Udinese, Champions League chasing Sampdoria, a Parma team safe from relegation and not in contention for Europe, Cagliari and finally the mighty Chievo at the fortress Bentegodi on the final day of the season.
Some tough fixtures indeed but ones that are all winnable. Some also of note, Roma captain and talisman Er Pupone, Francesco Totti has not been in the fold due to injury, forcing players such as Luca Toni, De Rossi and the magnificent David Pizzaro to step into the breach and provide inspiration when needed.
Roma can also count on the fact Inter have a number of tough fixtures still to contend with, such as a trip to Florence, a Juventus team struggling to get into fourth spot, a resurgent Lazio, along with ties against Bologna, Atalanta, Chievo and Siena.
This coupled with involvement in both the Coppa Italia and the Champions League will surely make Roma favourites for the Scudetto.
Jose Mourinho’s side are of course still the strongest side in Italy, one defeat does not change that, but their priority is European glory, which again could play into the hands of Claudio Ranieri and Roma.
We have a relegation dogfight, a race for fourth place featuring a five or six side and now thanks to Roma we have a title race to speak of.
Could we ask of any more from Serie A?
Saturday, 27 March 2010
Bolton Wanderers vs Manchester United: Preview
Manchester United make the short trip to the Reebok Stadium today to face Bolton Wanderers, knowing that by the time they kick off, both Arsenal and Chelsea could have leapfrogged the reigning champions due to their three o’clock starts. It is therefore imperative we get the three points against the Trotters and reassert our dominance over our title rivals.
Saturday, 20 March 2010
Manchester United vs Liverpool: Preview
Manchester United welcome great rivals Liverpool to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon just over a year from the 4-1 result last season.
At that time Liverpool were real title challengers to United but in the end finished only four points behind the eventual champions. However, this time round Rafa Benitez’s side are way of the table–toppers’ pace, which could see them fail to finish fourth, thus missing out on the Champions League.
At that time Liverpool were real title challengers to United but in the end finished only four points behind the eventual champions. However, this time round Rafa Benitez’s side are way of the table–toppers’ pace, which could see them fail to finish fourth, thus missing out on the Champions League.
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Legend of Calcio: Roberto Donadoni
Mention the name Roberto Donadoni to most people and the first thought that would creep into their mind is ‘incompetent coach’, but many forget he was a great winger and one of the reasons AC Milan dominated Serie A and Europe during the late eighties/early nineties.
Born on 9th September 1963 in Bergamo, he was picked up by local side Atalanta where his glittering career began and after an outstanding season with the Atalanta youth side he made the step up to the first team in 1982 while they were playing in Serie B. Helping Atalanta to promotion in 1984, he managed a further two seasons in Serie A with the Orobici.
Donadoni was a winger, not just any winger a superlative winger, he was known for his wonderful technique and ability to run with the ball. He could dribble, cross and finish to as high a standard as any player of his day. He owned the right side of midfield and his bursts of pace legendary.
His big move came in 1986, when Silvio Berlusconi personally brought Donadoni to the recently acquired AC Milan side. Berlusconi did the negotiating himself and Donadoni was his first capture as new Milan owner.
There was controversy surrounding the capture as Juventus, it seemed were in pole position to sign the right-winger from Atalanta and allegedly had an agreement in place with Atalanta before Silvio swooped. This was the first time a player ‘promised’ to Juventus had not made the move to Turin.
His time in Milan was awash with silverware; Donadoni was a vital cog in a team that won five Serie A titles, three European Cups, three European Super Cups, and two Intercontinental Cups. Possibly his finest hour came in the 1989 European Cup semi-final where he was instrumental in the 5-0 drubbing dished out to Spanish giants Real Madrid, scoring the final goal in the rout.
Playing under with Arrigo Sacchi and with Fabio Capello he was a stalwart in the Milan side for ten years, winning everything there was to win with the Rossoneri. So in 1996, Donadoni moved across the Atlantic and joined NY/NJ Metrostars of the newly formed American MLS (Major League Soccer). In this first season he was voted into the Best XI for that particular year.
After two years in the USA he returned to AC Milan and played a further two seasons for the Rossoneri and won his final Scudetto in 1999 under Alberto Zaccheroni.
Emigrating to Saudi Arabia to play in 'Al-Ittihad, he won the last championship of his decorated career during his only year with the club. He retired in 2000.
Coupled with a glittering club career he was also key for the Azzurri side. Winning 63 caps between 1986 and 1996, playing in the European Championships of 1988, and 1996. Unfortunately his national career will forever be remembered for his penalty miss in the 1990 semi-final. He was also part of the team the lost on penalties to Brazil in the 1994 World Cup Final.
Since his retirement from playing, Donadoni has gone on to coach a number of sides in the Italian lower leagues. He began his coaching career with Serie C1 side Lecco in 2001; he took over the top job at Livorno in 2002. A brief stint at Genoa during the 2003/04 season resulted with Donadoni returning to Livorno in 2005. It was here he made his name as a coach when he amazingly led the Tuscan team to sixth place in Serie A. But he handed in a shock resignation during February 2006, after Amaranto chairman, Aldo Spinelli, denounced Donadoni’s tactics after a 2-2 draw with Messina during a television interview. Donadoni was wounded and felt this was not the way he wanted to be treated and he immediately quit the club. A bigger job was to come calling soon after.
After Marcelo Lippi resigned from the Italian national job following the 2006 World Cup triumph, Roberto Donadoni was his chosen successor.
His reign at the helm of La Nazionale was disastrous to say the least, only months after taking the job Italian newspaper La Nazione's front page featured "How to reduce Lippi's masterwork to pieces in just three weeks," following some embarrassing EURO 2008 qualifier performances, though Italy did qualify for the tournament.
During EURO 2008, Donadoni was handed the biggest defeat for Italy's national team in over 25 years by former Milan team-mate Marco van Basten: a 3–0 loss to the Netherlands. He was castigated in the media for his choice of players and tactics during the tournament. As a result of Italy’s dismal showing he was relieved of his duties in June 2008.
On 10 March 2009, Napoli announced the appointment of Donadoni, he lasted 18 games, winning just four.
Roberto Donadoni may not have the best record as a coach, but he is one of the most decorated players ever to play the beautiful game. He captivated audiences and was part of an invincible AC Milan side, holding his own with the likes of Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard.
Born on 9th September 1963 in Bergamo, he was picked up by local side Atalanta where his glittering career began and after an outstanding season with the Atalanta youth side he made the step up to the first team in 1982 while they were playing in Serie B. Helping Atalanta to promotion in 1984, he managed a further two seasons in Serie A with the Orobici.
Donadoni was a winger, not just any winger a superlative winger, he was known for his wonderful technique and ability to run with the ball. He could dribble, cross and finish to as high a standard as any player of his day. He owned the right side of midfield and his bursts of pace legendary.
His big move came in 1986, when Silvio Berlusconi personally brought Donadoni to the recently acquired AC Milan side. Berlusconi did the negotiating himself and Donadoni was his first capture as new Milan owner.
There was controversy surrounding the capture as Juventus, it seemed were in pole position to sign the right-winger from Atalanta and allegedly had an agreement in place with Atalanta before Silvio swooped. This was the first time a player ‘promised’ to Juventus had not made the move to Turin.
His time in Milan was awash with silverware; Donadoni was a vital cog in a team that won five Serie A titles, three European Cups, three European Super Cups, and two Intercontinental Cups. Possibly his finest hour came in the 1989 European Cup semi-final where he was instrumental in the 5-0 drubbing dished out to Spanish giants Real Madrid, scoring the final goal in the rout.
Playing under with Arrigo Sacchi and with Fabio Capello he was a stalwart in the Milan side for ten years, winning everything there was to win with the Rossoneri. So in 1996, Donadoni moved across the Atlantic and joined NY/NJ Metrostars of the newly formed American MLS (Major League Soccer). In this first season he was voted into the Best XI for that particular year.
After two years in the USA he returned to AC Milan and played a further two seasons for the Rossoneri and won his final Scudetto in 1999 under Alberto Zaccheroni.
Emigrating to Saudi Arabia to play in 'Al-Ittihad, he won the last championship of his decorated career during his only year with the club. He retired in 2000.
Coupled with a glittering club career he was also key for the Azzurri side. Winning 63 caps between 1986 and 1996, playing in the European Championships of 1988, and 1996. Unfortunately his national career will forever be remembered for his penalty miss in the 1990 semi-final. He was also part of the team the lost on penalties to Brazil in the 1994 World Cup Final.
Since his retirement from playing, Donadoni has gone on to coach a number of sides in the Italian lower leagues. He began his coaching career with Serie C1 side Lecco in 2001; he took over the top job at Livorno in 2002. A brief stint at Genoa during the 2003/04 season resulted with Donadoni returning to Livorno in 2005. It was here he made his name as a coach when he amazingly led the Tuscan team to sixth place in Serie A. But he handed in a shock resignation during February 2006, after Amaranto chairman, Aldo Spinelli, denounced Donadoni’s tactics after a 2-2 draw with Messina during a television interview. Donadoni was wounded and felt this was not the way he wanted to be treated and he immediately quit the club. A bigger job was to come calling soon after.
After Marcelo Lippi resigned from the Italian national job following the 2006 World Cup triumph, Roberto Donadoni was his chosen successor.
His reign at the helm of La Nazionale was disastrous to say the least, only months after taking the job Italian newspaper La Nazione's front page featured "How to reduce Lippi's masterwork to pieces in just three weeks," following some embarrassing EURO 2008 qualifier performances, though Italy did qualify for the tournament.
During EURO 2008, Donadoni was handed the biggest defeat for Italy's national team in over 25 years by former Milan team-mate Marco van Basten: a 3–0 loss to the Netherlands. He was castigated in the media for his choice of players and tactics during the tournament. As a result of Italy’s dismal showing he was relieved of his duties in June 2008.
On 10 March 2009, Napoli announced the appointment of Donadoni, he lasted 18 games, winning just four.
Roberto Donadoni may not have the best record as a coach, but he is one of the most decorated players ever to play the beautiful game. He captivated audiences and was part of an invincible AC Milan side, holding his own with the likes of Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard.
Sunday, 14 March 2010
Manchester United vs Fulham: Preview
After an imperious display in the Champions League against AC Milan, it’s back to the bread and butter of the Premier League as Fulham make the trip up north to face Manchester United, a team they inflicted a 3-0 drubbing to, in December.
Confidence will surely be sky-high following the 4-0 victory over Milan and Wayne Rooney will be looking to add to his 30 goal tally this season. The omens are good for United as Fulham have only won once at Old Trafford in 47 years, that was a 3-1 victory in 2003.
Confidence will surely be sky-high following the 4-0 victory over Milan and Wayne Rooney will be looking to add to his 30 goal tally this season. The omens are good for United as Fulham have only won once at Old Trafford in 47 years, that was a 3-1 victory in 2003.
Thursday, 11 March 2010
AC Milan Crushed By Magnificent Manchester United in the Champions League
AC Milan crumbled 4-0 to Manchester United in the second round of the Champions, the seven time European Cup winners were an embarrassment to so many great Milan sides of the past as United completely dominated and overwhelmed the Serie A side resulting in a number of serious questions for the Milan giants.
Many would have expected defeat after the 3-2 first-leg result at the San Siro, but surely you would think Milan would at least put up something of a fight. This was not to be the case. Even Vice-President Adriano Galliani admitted he knew they would lose the tie, “I knew it was going to go badly yesterday afternoon. We had taken Alexandre Pato, Alessandro Nesta and Luca Antonini in the squad, but all three of them pulled out with injuries on Tuesday,” he stated.
“Without such important players and taking on a Manchester United side of such quality, it was always going to be extremely difficult.”
If I was being optimistic I would say the game could have been very different had Ronaldinho put away his early header, though Klaas-Jan Huntelaar also spurned a number of chances to put the Diavolo ahead, at the same time making his case for a prolonged stay in Milan all the more difficult. All the talk was of David Beckham and his return to Old Trafford, but even the introduction of D-Beck could not inspire any sort of fight from his adopted team.
Leonardo’s comments after the match told of a man gracious in defeat but also in full realisation of Milan’s problems: he said, “In all honesty, straight after the home game I had a strong belief, as the way we played was very good, aside from the result,”
“Here the game started in a strange way and we were faced with a team on a great night with real talent who expressed themselves. The 4-0 has to be tied to the fact we needed three goals and so the belief drained out of us. “He continued.
“I chose my line-up for Roma, but we also had in mind to experiment something that could be useful this evening. We needed to score early, get back from a deficit and make a real impact without Pato.
“I don't think it was a tactical issue tonight, as many things happened over the last couple of days that affected our preparation.”
On the decision to bring on Clarence Seedorf, the Brazilian stated, “We were losing 1-0 and knew we had to score three. I introduced Seedorf, who is not fit to play 90 minutes yet, to push the team up. Bonera got an injury, so he had to be one of them and I opted to put Massimo Ambrosini in defence so we wouldn't lose any more substitutions.”
The flaws Milan have were cruelly and brutally exposed by Manchester United, Alessandro Nesta was sorely missed at the back both as the defensive leader and calming influence on Thiago Silva. The full backs were run ragged by Antonio Valencia and Nani, while Wayne Rooney was his imperious best, though gifted a header by Daniele Bonera that all but killed the tie.
The reluctance of Milan to counter-attack was woeful. A desire to slow the play down and pick killer passes was clearly not effective against a Manchester United team full of hunger and desire. Ji-Sung Park and Darren Fletcher were wonderful in the central midfield area, giving no time and space to Andrea Pirlo at all. One thing that stood out for me was the distance between defence and midfield lines which allowed the United attack an age in which to play the killer ball. All too often Milan failed to close Manchester United players down.
For all the Rossoneri out there, lets hope Silvio Berlusconi was watching as it is obvious that his beloved AC Milan need investment; it should have been carried out last summer but if any challenge for silverware is to ensue in the future then Silvio needs to get his Euro’s out.
Many would have expected defeat after the 3-2 first-leg result at the San Siro, but surely you would think Milan would at least put up something of a fight. This was not to be the case. Even Vice-President Adriano Galliani admitted he knew they would lose the tie, “I knew it was going to go badly yesterday afternoon. We had taken Alexandre Pato, Alessandro Nesta and Luca Antonini in the squad, but all three of them pulled out with injuries on Tuesday,” he stated.
“Without such important players and taking on a Manchester United side of such quality, it was always going to be extremely difficult.”
If I was being optimistic I would say the game could have been very different had Ronaldinho put away his early header, though Klaas-Jan Huntelaar also spurned a number of chances to put the Diavolo ahead, at the same time making his case for a prolonged stay in Milan all the more difficult. All the talk was of David Beckham and his return to Old Trafford, but even the introduction of D-Beck could not inspire any sort of fight from his adopted team.
Leonardo’s comments after the match told of a man gracious in defeat but also in full realisation of Milan’s problems: he said, “In all honesty, straight after the home game I had a strong belief, as the way we played was very good, aside from the result,”
“Here the game started in a strange way and we were faced with a team on a great night with real talent who expressed themselves. The 4-0 has to be tied to the fact we needed three goals and so the belief drained out of us. “He continued.
“I chose my line-up for Roma, but we also had in mind to experiment something that could be useful this evening. We needed to score early, get back from a deficit and make a real impact without Pato.
“I don't think it was a tactical issue tonight, as many things happened over the last couple of days that affected our preparation.”
On the decision to bring on Clarence Seedorf, the Brazilian stated, “We were losing 1-0 and knew we had to score three. I introduced Seedorf, who is not fit to play 90 minutes yet, to push the team up. Bonera got an injury, so he had to be one of them and I opted to put Massimo Ambrosini in defence so we wouldn't lose any more substitutions.”
The flaws Milan have were cruelly and brutally exposed by Manchester United, Alessandro Nesta was sorely missed at the back both as the defensive leader and calming influence on Thiago Silva. The full backs were run ragged by Antonio Valencia and Nani, while Wayne Rooney was his imperious best, though gifted a header by Daniele Bonera that all but killed the tie.
The reluctance of Milan to counter-attack was woeful. A desire to slow the play down and pick killer passes was clearly not effective against a Manchester United team full of hunger and desire. Ji-Sung Park and Darren Fletcher were wonderful in the central midfield area, giving no time and space to Andrea Pirlo at all. One thing that stood out for me was the distance between defence and midfield lines which allowed the United attack an age in which to play the killer ball. All too often Milan failed to close Manchester United players down.
For all the Rossoneri out there, lets hope Silvio Berlusconi was watching as it is obvious that his beloved AC Milan need investment; it should have been carried out last summer but if any challenge for silverware is to ensue in the future then Silvio needs to get his Euro’s out.
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Manchester United vs AC Milan:Preview
The Champions League rolls around once more and Manchester United will host an AC Milan side looking to overturn a 3-2 deficit from the first leg in the San Siro.
United should start with a very familiar back five. Edwin van der Sar will continue in goal after a steady performance against Wolves. He will be behind a back four of Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Rafael. The young Brazilian will get the nod ahead of Gary Neville as Wes Brown is out for six weeks with a broken foot.
United should start with a very familiar back five. Edwin van der Sar will continue in goal after a steady performance against Wolves. He will be behind a back four of Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Rafael. The young Brazilian will get the nod ahead of Gary Neville as Wes Brown is out for six weeks with a broken foot.
Saturday, 6 March 2010
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester United: Preview
After picking up the first trophy of the season in last weekends Carling Cup final, in the process retaining the trophy and becoming the first side ever to do so. The week has since been littered with talk of the Glazers and a possible takeover from ‘the Red Knights’. Whether this will emerge as a reality remains to be seen, but one thing is certain, Wolves will be looking to take full advantage of any post-trophy winning complacency and financial speculation surrounding the club.
After midweek international duty many of the players will now have to focus on the game at Molineux against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
After midweek international duty many of the players will now have to focus on the game at Molineux against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
AS Roma vs AC Milan: Preview
Undoubtedly, the most important match in Serie A this weekend takes place at the Olimpico in Rome. Third place AS Roma host second place AC Milan. Roma are three points behind Milan, who are in turn a further four behind, league leaders and defending champions Inter. Can Roma close the gap or will Milan become the only realistic challengers to Inter? After tonight’s game a lot of questions will be answered.
Roma are in superlative form in Serie A, unbeaten in the league since a 2-1 defeat to Udinese on 28th October 2009. Though a few recent results haven’t helped the Giallorossi. Two 3-2 defeats against Panathinaikos in the Europa League resulted in elimination from the competition and the last gasp equalizer from Marek Hamsik gave Napoli a well-deserved draw against Roma last weekend. So Claudio Ranieri will be looking to prove his sides title credentials against another of Italy’s form teams.
The derby hangover has well and truly been shaken off in Milanello. Leonardo’s men have notched up four consecutive victories in Serie A. A very fortuitous victory in Florence and defeat in the Champions League against Manchester United have show all Milan’s weaknesses, as if we didn’t know about them already.
With Roma very impressive at home, 11 victories from 13 games, it would take an almighty performance from Milan to get all three points. Though they are highly capable of such a display.
Roma should welcome back Luca Toni, who has been out with a calf problem, but David Pizarro is doubtful, along with Mexes, De Rossi and Perotta. Er Pupone, Francesco Totti has been ruled out as well.
Milan will have to cope with the absence of Pato who has a thigh injury. Not as bad as first feared it looks as if he will be out for at least 10 days. Former Roma winger looks likely to step into the void left by Pato and will hope to reproduce the form that made him so feared while in Rome. Gattuso is suspended, so David Beckham will probably step in to full Rino’s boots.
A very tight game will ensure with both side desperate for the points, Milan will look to Ronaldinho who has been in scintillating form and Roma could do with some Toni magic, if he can play to the level he was before his injury then Nesta will be in for a torrid evening.
Roma are in superlative form in Serie A, unbeaten in the league since a 2-1 defeat to Udinese on 28th October 2009. Though a few recent results haven’t helped the Giallorossi. Two 3-2 defeats against Panathinaikos in the Europa League resulted in elimination from the competition and the last gasp equalizer from Marek Hamsik gave Napoli a well-deserved draw against Roma last weekend. So Claudio Ranieri will be looking to prove his sides title credentials against another of Italy’s form teams.
The derby hangover has well and truly been shaken off in Milanello. Leonardo’s men have notched up four consecutive victories in Serie A. A very fortuitous victory in Florence and defeat in the Champions League against Manchester United have show all Milan’s weaknesses, as if we didn’t know about them already.
With Roma very impressive at home, 11 victories from 13 games, it would take an almighty performance from Milan to get all three points. Though they are highly capable of such a display.
Roma should welcome back Luca Toni, who has been out with a calf problem, but David Pizarro is doubtful, along with Mexes, De Rossi and Perotta. Er Pupone, Francesco Totti has been ruled out as well.
Milan will have to cope with the absence of Pato who has a thigh injury. Not as bad as first feared it looks as if he will be out for at least 10 days. Former Roma winger looks likely to step into the void left by Pato and will hope to reproduce the form that made him so feared while in Rome. Gattuso is suspended, so David Beckham will probably step in to full Rino’s boots.
A very tight game will ensure with both side desperate for the points, Milan will look to Ronaldinho who has been in scintillating form and Roma could do with some Toni magic, if he can play to the level he was before his injury then Nesta will be in for a torrid evening.
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