The 'magic' of Materazzi

There was still a chance that Inter could snatch a place in the group stages of the Champs League without having to play qualifying ties until their star man stepped in. Up came Marco Materazzi with one of the most spectacular long-range own goals ever seen. In one act he saved Empoli from relegation, condemned Inter to the qualifying stages and gave the rest of us a right good laugh.

All of this on the same day that Marcello Lippi called up his squad for the latest training stage. Roma and Inter players were left out because of their cup final commitments but, surely, the Mister would be best to tell Materazzi his invitation has been lost for good. We will never tire of saying it here - the man is a liability for both club and country. He will either make a blunder or get sent off. Neither of which is a good thing.

On the same note, we notice our power has seen Inzaghi called up to the squad (nothing to do with his goals of course). Also in there a few surprises. Looks like Amelia is favourite for the third goalkeeper spot (although De Sanctis is in there too). Fiorentina's Gamberini gets a call up (a good player and a great seafood dish), so does Semioli (Chievo have been going great) and Tavano (his goals deserve it). I think Lucarelli might still end up being more likely to get a spot - particularly if Vieri cannot go. No big shocks but still hope for a few outsiders to sneak in at the end.

Good to see Daniele De Rossi in such good form from the point of view of the Nazionale and Simone Perrotta. Plus will be watching Totti through the week to see how he goes. Of the Inter omissions, well, there is only really the aforementioned Materazzi and I think you all know what I think of him...