Monday, April 23, 2007

Too many issues to handle

It was the kind of weekend that provided topics of conversation by the bucketload in Serie A and beyond. Let's kick off, however, with the best stuff - a cracking match between Palermo and Parma. The Emiliani have been resurgent under Claudio Ranieri and fought tooth and nail against the struggling Sicilians. The lead switched back and forward with alarming regularity, Di Michele had a candidate for miss of the season, Palermo had a man sent off and the diminutive virtuosi - Morfeo, Rossi and Gasbarroni - had a field day. There are three names who it is worth paying the admission for alone. Felt a bit sorry for Palermo at the end as they were jeered by their fans but Parma are fighting brilliantly for survival.

I should probably have kicked off with Inter's Scudetto win but, for months, it has only been a matter of "when" not "if". We all have our take on just how much this title is worth. Certainly the elimination of Juve and handicap to Milan played a big part. Still, up until defeat by Roma you could not have asked the Nerazzurri to do any more. They will want to prove their credentials by winning again next year. Are they up to it? I remain to be convinced.

Finally, Milan go into battle for Italian honour against Man Utd on Tuesday. The Rossoneri have hit a run of form in Serie A in contrast to their opponents. A little bit of restored pride must be top of the agenda after the Roma debacle. I don't know if the old boys can do it, but I so hope so.

As a little extra, great smash and grab win for Fiorentina over Lazio. The Champions League may be gone but even UEFA Cup qualification would be amazing.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

E FORZA MILAN FACCI 7 GOL !!!!
haha :)

-Aussie Romanista

martinobhoy said...

I think Milan can do it but I said that about Roma so maybe I should just keep quiet.

Anonymous said...

I'm a Palermo fan, but Raneiri has totally won me over to his cause by the transformation in the Parma side. I loved him back in the Chelsea days and am thrilled he's making a difference again.

patcook said...

I really hope Rossi decides that he prefers playing in Italy. He did say that he enjoyed the different style of football played in Italy compared with England.

Anonymous said...

“I would also like more experience for my side, but when I look at Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo I can only think that the future lies ahead of us,” concluded Ferguson.

The man's a genius.
-AR

Red said...

I hope Milan kick Man U's pasty-white butt tonight...

Spangly Princess said...

for once, Red, I could barely agree more! Not least because I would love Maldini to get one more CL medal before finally sent to the knackers' yard

ginkers said...

AR

I would settle for one goal and concede nothing.

Martino

I admire your superstitious ways. I feel much the same myself.

Martha

Ranieri has done a good job so far at Parma and he has a lot of exciting players.

Pat

We need all the good players we can get in Serie A and Rossi is a thrilling prospect.

Red

It would be sweet, so sweet. Will you change your name to Red/Black if they do?

Spangly

It would be great to see Paolo guide them through. I don't know if he has the legs to do it but I surely hope so.

patcook said...

woo 2-1 half time, bring it on!

patcook said...

jeez

Anonymous said...

It was going so well at HT for Milan. Pity they seem incapable of a 90 minute performance in Europe, not sure if it was tactical or because of the injuries or because Man United stepped it up (possibly all 3 reasons) but the 2nd half performance was really poor. Never really kept sustained pressure of the ball, defended too deep and gave away cheap goals.

Still, It's a good result for Milan. Man United have been poor away from home so far in the CL, their counter attack is quite scary at times and in Rooney (even though I can't stand him, Ronaldo and Scholes they have match winners. I'm just hoping for a Kaka masterclass again and Gilardino to find his Parma form...

It's evenly poised, could go either way. If only Ronaldo wasn't cup-tied.. ;)

Anonymous said...

Due to my normal following I've never been a big Rino fan, but after he went off last night Man U ran all over the midfield. Lets hope he's back for the second leg. Lose 3-2 away, win 1-0 at home, it was good enough for us!!!!!