tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-249761502012-01-27T20:12:57.067Zginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.comBlogger3021100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-7431529335859224002010-06-02T10:30:00.001+01:002010-06-02T10:31:19.303+01:00

Just for a change, I have moved my blogging to Tumblr now. It's still in the experimental stage but hopefully it might work out as a one-stop shop for all the nonsense I write...http://giancarlorinaldi.tumblr.com/

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-17789356800948686652010-04-12T20:32:00.002+01:002010-04-12T20:33:54.498+01:00

From Bleacher ReportIn terms of prestige it is pretty much accepted that the Coppa Italia ranks somewhere between the European tiddliwinks championship and the World conkers title.It is almost always compared very unfavourably with its English equivalent, the FA Cup. Crowds are small, most big teams field understrength sides and you can count the number of shocks on the prongs of your pizza

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-5723188323304337462010-03-17T09:58:00.001Z2010-03-17T10:00:32.956Z

From Bleacher ReportThey celebrated as if they had won the trophy itself.Everyone at Inter Milan knew they had achieved an important result, knocking out one of the most fancied sides in the competition. In the process, they went some way to overturning their reputation as one of European football's biggest failures.Make no mistake, the Nerazzurri have a score or two to settle with the Champions

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-54112247550083598042010-02-10T11:49:00.001Z2010-02-10T11:51:00.871Z

They know how to say goodbye in Florence...

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-36478747672073526632010-01-28T16:29:00.001Z2010-01-28T16:31:07.641Z

I have always thought that when life gives you a second chance you should seize it.Think about Ebeneezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol who gets the chance to see how little the world would mourn his passing.You would cherish every day after that experience, wouldn’t you?And, more importantly, you would surely never make the same mistakes again.It struck me that the same was true for Fiorentina’s

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-47750195611231452442010-01-10T18:59:00.002Z2010-01-10T19:02:11.003Z

From bleacher reportInter Milan made a huge withdrawal from the Bank of Lucky on Saturday night.Or, if you prefer, Jose Mourinho pulled off another managerial masterstroke.Whatever your viewpoint, there is little doubt that the Milan giants completed one of the most amazing comebacks of the season to overcome Siena. The fact that they needed to produce such a performance is worthy of some

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-31855470220332131252009-12-22T16:38:00.002Z2009-12-22T16:41:38.786Z

From Bleacher ReportWatch out England, the Italians are taking over.The national team is in the hands of Fabio Capello, the league leaders belong to Carlo Ancelotti, and struggling West Ham is under the guidance of Gianfranco Zola.Now the biggest of your big spenders have Roberto Mancini.If things keep going at this pace, we’ll be able to change the Premiership brand into Serie A by the end of

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-9342935171639797972009-12-07T12:57:00.002Z2009-12-07T12:59:21.665Z

With his weekend goal against Atalanta, Alberto Gilardino made it 120 in Serie A.Not bad for a boy born in 1982 and likely to have some of the best years of his career ahead of him.I know Milan don't miss him but we're sure delighted in Florence that he made the move from the San Siro to the Artemio Franchi.Grazie Gila!

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-78325150066117234002009-11-23T12:16:00.001Z2009-11-23T12:17:02.080Z

From Calcio ItaliaCarlo Ancelotti has got it easy. While his new team Chelsea stroll past average opposition almost every week, his successor at Milan is having kittens. You can say what you like about Leonardo’s Rossonero regime, but definitely not that it is boring.Sunday’s rollercoaster display came against in-form Cagliari and the result was in doubt from beginning to end. Ultimately, it took

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-41096813832888871332009-11-10T20:09:00.004Z2009-11-10T20:35:25.456Z

It is only a number, I guess, but still a pretty significant one. No fewer than 300 times have I voiced my opinions on football through these columns. That's quite a lot of hot air - probably enough to burst a couple of fresh holes in the ozone layer.I thought I would go back to how it all began.I first fell in love with Italian football before I reached my teenage years. Fiorentina were "in

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-17011119574777180732009-10-26T21:21:00.001Z2009-10-26T21:23:30.646Z

I thought we were going to get a break from the action but no such luck.Serie A swings back into action on Wednesday and Thursday with a cracking run of fixtures.My personal highlights are here.

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-7262514934587017732009-10-10T22:23:00.003+01:002009-10-10T22:44:42.423+01:00

It was the draw we all expected but not, perhaps, in the tedious manner many predicted. A late, late Alberto Gilardino strike put the World champions on the plane to defend their title. However, it cannot be allowed to hide this side's deficiencies.At this moment in time, Italy would truly have their work cut out to make it very far in South Africa. The team still looks unsure of itself. And, too

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-24325017679212441702009-10-06T13:16:00.003+01:002009-10-06T13:28:50.396+01:00

It seems to me that Roberto Donadoni's tenure at Napoli is an instructive tale about the shortcomings of Italian football. The moral to the story, I think, is that if you don't know what you want, you will never get it. Certainly, the lack of direction in the San Paolo seems commonplace across the country.I remember voicing my misgivings at the time of Donadoni's appointment. Not because of his

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-76644233303212256682009-09-29T22:34:00.005+01:002009-09-29T22:58:17.271+01:00

Twenty years have passed since a frail-looking youngster with long dark curls lit up European nights in a purple shirt. His virtuoso performances put a huge smile on the faces of Fiorentina fans. I can feel echoes of Roby Baggio in Stevan Jovetic.Back in 1989 I was living in Borgo San Lorenzo about 20 miles from Florence and the city's visceral love for its idol emanated across Tuscany. The club

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-46298743143278656652009-09-28T11:56:00.002+01:002009-09-28T11:57:04.725+01:00

If ever you needed a feeling of impending doom, then our European candidates provided it at the weekend. Of all seven Italian sides involved in the Champions and Europa Leagues, just one of them recorded a victory. And that was courtesy of a Stevan Jovetic penalty.You could argue, I guess, that what is Europe’s loss is Serie A’s gain. The top of the table has an interesting look with Samp sitting

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-81964987889372535412009-09-24T14:55:00.001+01:002009-09-24T14:59:35.600+01:00

I admit, at first, I had some trepidation. I felt a bit like somebody on the rebound from a bad relationship not wanting to get hurt again. How could I know if their intentions were good?Over time, of course, Andrea and Diego Della Valle have won me over. Yet, at the outset, even their names caused me concern. I had just watched another set of double-barreled names almost kill the club I love. It

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-79127872799534627602009-09-21T14:51:00.003+01:002009-09-21T14:59:23.893+01:00

The evening was clear, the children in bed and a nice espresso sitting at my right hand. Everything in place for a sporting battle between Roma and Fiorentina. It was all going so well ... until the game started.Obviously, from a Giallorosso perspective it was a fine match. After a few setbacks, they are back on track in Serie A with a resounding victory. But the wheels came off the Viola

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-57262896276991247282009-09-15T12:12:00.006+01:002009-09-18T15:08:40.410+01:00

It's the first real chance to take the temperature of Italian football in a European context. Many have been rushing to pronounce the patient dead already. Over the next three nights we will get a better diagnosis.The departures of Ibra and Kaka have been cited as symptoms of our illness. Well, the Swede-you-would-most-like-to-slap is coming back to the San Siro - all attitude and arrogance. The

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-53405532458766337732009-09-14T09:56:00.001+01:002009-09-14T10:01:52.360+01:00

It was Genoa's weekend, no doubt about that, and not just the Rossoblu half of the port city. With Sampdoria also recording a third victory out of three the two teams from the Stadio Luigi Ferraris top the Serie A table. Along with Juventus, of course.The Doriani had to sweat for their victory - Gigi Del Neri admitted they were fortunate to beat his old team Atalanta. And, although, the scoreline

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-82123035807877227972009-09-10T10:34:00.003+01:002009-09-10T15:25:42.370+01:00

At last, we looked like World Champions again. Well, at least for 45 minutes. After all the pessimism surrounding the Italian game in general and the Azzurri in particular, we got a real top class performance.Fabio Grosso delivered the same goal he scored against Brazil in a friendly in London, only this time it was not disallowed. And our strikers - yes, our strikers - combined beautifully for

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-87871477866307481742009-09-09T14:51:00.004+01:002009-09-09T15:02:10.585+01:00

Novara should be ashamed of itself. Or at least, a small section of Novara should be ashamed of itself. Or, possibly, the whole of Italy should be ashamed of itself.There is no use trying to hide it or sugar-coat the facts, there was a section of the crowd at Italy's Under 21 game with Luxembourg which jeered Mario Balotelli. And it wasn't the opposition fans - given that there were hardly any.

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-55216843200550459692009-09-03T16:41:00.003+01:002009-09-03T16:46:47.747+01:00

Let's put it simply. A win on Saturday away to Georgia and another at home on Wednesday against Bulgaria will ensure we defend our world title. Even if we went and lost to the Republic of Ireland, a win at home to Cyprus in the final match would see us home.It is a straightforward enough equation but the Azzurri rarely do things easy. The Confederations Cup was a debacle but the young generation

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-5815034430356620802009-09-01T16:01:00.003+01:002009-09-01T16:09:43.339+01:00

Just spotted that Roma have parted company with Luciano Spalletti after two defeats in the opening two games of the Serie A season. I have to say I am disappointed. The man surely deserved a bit more time to turn things around.His first loss at Genoa was a ding-dong clash that could easily have gone right for the Giallorossi. In his second game, he lost to a powerful Juve side. It maybe did not

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-57786407819790241552009-08-31T10:38:00.003+01:002009-08-31T10:41:36.635+01:00

It was, to be fair, a UK commentator's nightmare. Paolo De Ceglie coming off to be replaced by Nicola Legrottaglie. Thanks to ESPN, it came out something like Dee Chiggly making way for Lee Grott Aggily.This has been one of the highlights (or lowlights) of the return of Serie A to British screens. Chiellini becomes Chee-ell-eeny, Marchisio is Mar-cheesio, Maicon is transformed into May-son, and,

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-49236645307108907392009-08-28T12:54:00.001+01:002009-08-28T12:57:28.625+01:00

Remember the days when Milan blasted their way through Europe, gunning down their rivals along the way? Those times may well be long gone but I have used them as a yardstick to assess Italian teams chances of progress in Europe this year. Each side gets an "Arrigo Rating" with a maximum of five awarded to the team most likely to progress.MILAN - Our only top seed could have landed more

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-75169778078048836532009-08-27T12:14:00.002+01:002009-08-27T12:16:04.026+01:00

It began with talk of important arrivals at the Artemio Franchi. Sting was in the crowd, apparently, as well as new signing Lorenzo De Silvestri. Both, however, declined to speak to the waiting Sky Italia microphones.The Fiesole was in the mood for a big European night. Showing off its full colours and voice, the Curva declared its faith that the Viola could make it to the Champions League group

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-46395227729115736252009-08-26T16:56:00.003+01:002009-08-26T16:59:51.180+01:00

How much would I give to be in Florence tonight? The warm weather, the view of the Fiesole hills and a Champions League berth to be secured...Instead, I am in the chill rain of Scotland, watching from my living room. But I will be there in spirit, willing the Prandelli Show to go on into Europe's elite competition. I think I read somewhere it would be the first time we had made consecutive group

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-37089954683410927532009-08-25T15:29:00.003+01:002009-08-25T15:37:41.199+01:00

If there was any doubt about which Premiership team Italians should support it looks like being shed pretty soon. Yes, there is Ancelotti at Chelsea if you want to go for guaranteed glory. Or there is Cudicini at Spurs if you want to get off to a flying start. There is even the Aquilani-Dossena connection at Liverpool.But the time has surely come to say Forza Hammers!It was probably enough for

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-21509318614213899032009-08-21T11:42:00.003+01:002009-08-21T11:49:23.491+01:00

Ah, it has been a long summer. Too long. There has been the Ashes, I suppose. And there was that thrilling finale to the British Open with the elderly Tom Watson so cruelly denied. But - just the same - give me this Sunday my Serie A.In fact, things start on Saturday. Fiorentina head to Bologna to try to pick up their form after a shaky display but good result at Sporting Lisbon. Later in the day

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-54443915360565008862009-08-10T15:10:00.003+01:002009-08-10T15:14:10.861+01:00

OK, so it was not the most sporting affair but at least the Italian came out on top. Carlo Ancelotti made his first effort at managing in a competitive clash in the English set-up and he did not too badly.His team started off shakily but he seemed to make the right adjustments and then come on strong in the closing stages. Yes, there was controversy about the second goal but it shouldn't disguise

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-30413043767937754842009-08-06T12:51:00.003+01:002009-08-06T12:58:08.796+01:00

I know UEFA want to encourage smaller nations but the last play-off round of the Champions League has some bizarre seeding arrangements. The 20 teams fighting it out for 10 remaining group places have been divided into two pots and then divided into seeds and non-seeds.On one path you have the seeds Arsenal, Lyon, Sporting, Panathinaikos and Stuttgart with the NON-SEEDS Fiorentina, Celtic,

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-29506413601653775702009-08-05T12:42:00.003+01:002009-08-05T12:51:43.546+01:00

Our first taste of all-Italian action for the season takes place on Saturday - in a Bird's Nest. Inter take on Lazio for the Supercoppa in the Chinese stadium of the same name. It will give an initial health check on the two teams.Both sides have been transformed a fair bit in the summer. The Nerazzurri begin the post-Ibra era and all their new big names are expected to take part. So, worth

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-12877638321396356092009-07-30T11:03:00.004+01:002009-07-30T11:10:31.402+01:00

It sneaked up on me without allowing any real sense of anticipation. I was just finishing off my summer holidays and then, bang, there it is. The first Italian team plays the first match that really matters as Roma swing into action against Belgian outfit Gent.As always, I'll be hoping the Italian team makes progress. It would be good to have our contenders repeat Udinese's good show in the

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-59746723727918066642009-07-23T13:31:00.003+01:002009-07-23T14:01:14.025+01:00

Twenty years ago, more or less, I was an English language assistant living in a little town about 30km from Florence. The Viola were flirting with the bottom end of the table as usual but heading off on an amazing run in the UEFA Cup. Our undisputed idol was Roby Baggio.Yet even as we made progress in Europe - I recall an icy night in Kiev in particular - there was the sound of distant thunder.

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com71tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-23208364117253452892009-07-22T12:30:00.003+01:002009-07-22T12:59:30.693+01:00

There is still time for a few twists and turns but how have Italy's big three been looking in the summer transfer campaign? Inter started out with a distinct advantage from last season but how much, if at all, have Juve and Milan closed the gap. At about lunchtime on 22 July my appraisal of the situation is as follows.Inter. IN: Milito, Thiago Motta (both Genoa), Lucio (B Munich), Quaresma (

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-51324323161348223382009-06-30T15:15:00.003+01:002009-06-30T15:19:25.428+01:00

Time for a calcio breather after the Confederations Cup and Under 21 Euro Championships. Much more bitterly disappointed about the latter than the former. We never looked all that enthusiastic for events in South Africa but the young boys were desperately hard done by.What made it all the tougher to take, for me, was that Germany destroyed England in the final. We were so superior to the Germans

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-272890167463926612009-06-26T16:35:00.003+01:002009-06-26T16:38:24.468+01:00

It seems ridiculous to say it about a boy yet to emerge from his teens but tonight is a big chance for Mario Balotelli to really come of age. Having seen red already in the European Under 21 championships, how sweet would it be to deliver the goals that send Italy into the final.Let's be honest, the Azzurrini have sweated a fair bit to get where they are. But what they have shown is commitment

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-56722031080961675102009-06-24T15:06:00.000+01:002009-06-24T15:07:46.346+01:00

From Calcio ItaliaItalian fans have had to keep their heads down of late. It seems that our descent from World Champions to total laughing stock has been complete. Thank heavens for a little bit of sunshine from the normally chilly climes of Sweden.It is not that the Under-21s have been brilliant at their European Championship, but simply that they have made progress. The Azzurrini remain

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-68283640286836547862009-06-16T16:17:00.004+01:002009-06-16T16:35:31.434+01:00

It was a long, hot Italian summer when a frail-looking striker burst into life in Spain to capture the heart of a nation. About 27 years ago, give or take a few days, we were living through the birth of a legend. Paolo "Pablito" Rossi has never been forgotten.It was a magical story, one of rebirth for a player who had been beaten down and banned from the game for his part in a match-rigging

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-45363173451882255992009-06-14T19:11:00.004+01:002009-06-14T19:22:58.320+01:00

There was a time when I could recite the fixture list of any major tournament without a moment's hesitation. It was just kind of programmed into my brain. With the passage of the years, however, I have to admit those days are gone.If I am being kind to myself, I could say that the Confederations Cup is not worthy of my mental exercise. No matter who wins and in what manner, not many will remember

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-32260755819743523172009-05-29T16:36:00.002+01:002009-05-29T16:40:44.478+01:00

This weekend Fiorentina and Milan go head to head for the last automatic spot in the Champions League. The Viola are already guaranteed a place in the qualifiers but a victory over the Rossoneri would see them leapfrog straight into the group stages.Can it happen? Definitely yes. Should it happen? I think maybe so. At first I was inclined to say it might be better overall to have Milan in the

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-84437781495622592742009-05-21T10:30:00.000+01:002009-05-21T10:31:04.874+01:00

For those with a knowledge of the old Italiano, take a trip over here.

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-37396058833468783702009-05-18T22:10:00.001+01:002009-05-18T22:12:37.664+01:00

So, the Ranieri era at Juve has come to an end. I suspect not many Bianconeri will be shedding any tears. The most sympathy, I reckon, will probably come from fans of other clubs. Claudio is a nice guy, but would you want him managing your team?Did he do as much as could be expected with the players at his disposal? Probably. But the team needed a shake-up for the last couple of games. Otherwise

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-27859478005576675522009-05-07T10:46:00.003+01:002009-05-07T11:06:06.729+01:00

The summer of 2002 is one I don't recall with any pleasure. I had to get time off work to get out of the office to watch the Azzurri clash with South Korea in the World Cup. I remember wishing I hadn't bothered.And yet all the memories have come flooding back to me following Chelsea's elimination from the Champions League. The same finger-pointing at the referee, the same conspiracy theories, the

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-57504415965142698252009-05-06T18:43:00.002+01:002009-05-06T18:48:44.353+01:00

It wouldn't be the Champions League if there wasn't a bit of Italian influence. This time, in the form of referee Roberto Rosetti. Guilty, apparently, of a "totally ridiculous" red card for Darren Fletcher - if you believe the pundits.But, wait a minute, just because you get the ball doesn't necessarily mean it is not a penalty. My take is that he had to go through the man to get to the ball. It

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-80538851968888388362009-04-21T15:25:00.004+01:002009-04-21T15:30:24.759+01:00

It is a sorry state of affairs, but it is the only option left to me this season. I have been reduced to trying to come up with a combination of outcomes which allows England's Big Four to win the fewest trophies possible. At least I have already been spared Manchester United's quintuple celebrations and Liverpool's European triumph.What I have come up with is as follows. Barcelona, obviously, to

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-65175527627857712032009-04-16T16:29:00.002+01:002009-04-16T16:30:58.767+01:00

All quiet on the Calcio front. What to say? Everybody out of Europe with the last hope of Udinese flickering faintly. Serie A looks like a stroll for Inter unless Juve can do something amazing. Only the relegation fight and last Champions League spot to stir the blood.Quiet times indeed.

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-46401924852943411322009-04-01T12:44:00.002+01:002009-04-01T12:50:39.599+01:00

Imagine looking at your enemy and finding it is like looking in a mirror. That will happen in Bari tonight when Italy take on the Republic of Ireland. On one bench a silvery haired Italian and, on the other bench, another silvery haired Italian!Of course it is about the players on the pitch but it is hard not to think of it as Trap versus Lippi. Two legends of Juve - one with club honours from

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-27421590117175063722009-03-16T11:18:00.003Z2009-03-16T11:24:15.129Z

From Calcio ItaliaIf they ever make a patron saint of the flukey goal, they should call him San Filippo. If there is an art form in scoring with every part of the anatomy imaginable then he is its Leonardo. Love him or loathe him, you can’t ignore the 300 goals of Pippo Inzaghi.It has been an amazing career for a man who has had many more lives than your average cat. His facial contortions as he

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-7867542133101865862009-03-11T23:16:00.005Z2009-03-12T09:04:13.159Z

And the lights went out all over Europe. Max Tonetto battered a penalty over the bar to seal the fate of the last Italian team left in the Champions League. A bitter feeling indeed.It would be easy to wallow in despair, I guess. But let's look at things a little less harshly. Yes, Inter were pretty well beaten but even they had their moments at 1-0 down to turn the tie around. Roma went out after

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-51486682605996754352009-03-10T18:25:00.004Z2009-03-10T21:51:38.506Z

It's been a busy day for me, trying to get my house in order before this big Euro week. Got to hope at least one Serie A side can knock out a Premiership one. Tonight it is the turn of the Bianconeri to make their bid to overturn a one goal deficit against Chelsea.They were worth a goal at Stamford Bridge. So maybe, just maybe.And if you want to know how on earth a Viola man can be backing Juve

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-48552155314879662872009-03-09T16:10:00.003Z2009-03-09T16:17:24.031Z

From Calcio ItaliaIt is the easiest thing in the world to carp and gripe about the team which leads your League. It almost seems only right that Inter should take a bit of stick due to their position at the top of the table.The trouble is, if you do it too often, you can lose sight of the qualities which put the team there in the first place. I confess I have been guilty of this myself. The

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-14117935191650119222009-03-06T16:34:00.000Z2009-03-06T16:35:19.990Z

I just spotted that a deal has been done to keep David Beckham at Milan. I had my reservations about this initially, then he won me over. Now I am having my reservations again.However, it does ensure the profile of Serie A remains a bit higher in the UK. So I suppose I shouldn't grumble...

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-64477556186561998612009-03-01T21:32:00.002Z2009-03-01T21:33:25.856Z

Inter and Roma served up a treat on Sunday night. The Giallorossi really went for the jugular and twice found themselves two goals to the good at 2-0 and 3-1. They will be kicking themselves for not holding on for the win although a soft looking penalty helped Inter back into the match.Still, it just shows Inter can be rattled. The rest of Serie A should take note.

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-46237624615499086652009-02-25T22:32:00.002Z2009-02-25T22:38:49.939Z

Well, not a single goal for a Serie A side in the Champs League this week. What are their chances of progress after such a drought? I am not entirely sure.1) Inter. There are two ways of looking at their display. Either they cannot possibly be as poor again or they will be destroyed at Old Trafford. They were very fortunate to come away with a goalless draw but that is exactly what they did. An

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-75585857370630680452009-02-18T14:47:00.002Z2009-02-18T14:50:32.302Z

Is it just me or has Jose Mourinho succeeded in making Inter really boring? I suppose that is always a criticism of winning teams but some have done it in more style than others. Sunday night's Milan derby victory was another example of the result being much better than the performance.I am sure he does not care - nor did the Interisti celebrating at the end of the game. But I can't help feeling

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-79772520882887577042009-02-13T10:52:00.002Z2009-02-13T10:58:55.780Z

I can't quite believe it but it is entirely true. Italian football is returning to British screens on Sunday night and with the BBC.Not a main channel, granted, a Match of the Day special on the Milan derby on BBC3. Just the same, it represents something of a breakthrough after the demise of Channel 5's coverage with the lovely Laura Esposto. Could it be the start of something beautiful?Well,

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-45942419041834672182009-02-13T09:33:00.001Z2009-02-13T09:35:16.625Z

Oh to be the Chelsea manager, even for just one day.http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7887463.stmI would happily let them sack me for much, much less.

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-81466305802032997392009-02-11T10:28:00.003Z2009-02-11T10:34:16.645Z

It was only a friendly, of course. They looked more motivated, it's true. But just the same, it still stings to lose to Brazil. Especially when the Azzurri were so poor for the first half.Yes, we could have had a goal in the opening five minutes when Grosso's strike was ruled out. After that, however, the lights went out a bit. A slip by Legrottaglie and Pirlo dwelling on the ball cost us two

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-56702789188743812312009-02-08T20:26:00.002Z2009-02-08T20:31:32.159Z

It should have been a great derby night in Milan next Sunday, it may well still be, but the Rossoneri missed the chance to put a bit more pressure on Mourinho's men. A draw with Reggina was never going to be enough as Inter cuffed Lecce to slip further clear at the top of Serie A.There was more bad news for Carlo Ancelotti as Juve sneaked back into second place with a hard-fought win over Catania

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-46854880257865194122009-02-04T22:14:00.003Z2009-02-04T22:20:20.444Z

Marcello Lippi always seems to know the right thing to say. He has come under pressure of late to call up Paolo Maldini for a farewell performance in an Italy shirt. "Not for the game against Brazil," said the Azzurri Coach. "But maybe we can arrange something."What a wonderful idea. Not since Roby Baggio's swansong has a player more deserved a final cap as icing on their career cake. Imagine

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-36935733128067195892009-02-03T16:47:00.002Z2009-02-03T16:51:12.714Z

Good to see this is a patriotic blog. Gilardino ties with Del Piero in my survey on who is Serie A's top striker. None of this Amauri or Pato nonsense.A propos of Amauri, quite glad to see him pick Brazil in the end. I know he is a strong player but if his heart is with the Verdeoro I for one don't want to see him in the blue of Italy. Now we have to prove he made the wrong choice at the Emirates

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-61079637651578795572009-01-20T10:26:00.002Z2009-01-20T10:44:43.874Z

On the third day, the Lord spoke to Kaka. He saw his child was troubled, there had been much wailing and gnashing of teeth. He asked his son what it was that tormented him so.Kaka explained his predicament, how he knew the difficulty of the rich man gaining access to heaven. How he feared that taking such a sum of money would constitute a sin. How he was unhappy to turn his back on his long-time

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-61983196607418915082009-01-15T16:47:00.002Z2009-01-15T16:52:06.366Z

It used to be the summer that was filled with these crazy transfers stories but now we get them in the middle of winter too. God bless the January transfer window for the following...Kaka to Manchester City - For all that is good in the game, and even what is not, don't let this happen. I know money talks, but surely not that loudly. This is Milan, glorious, legendary Milan. And they are

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-23806837384805906902009-01-12T15:44:00.002Z2009-01-12T15:47:16.433Z

I have never been a big Becks fan but he did a bit of work to address that issue last night. I thought he played a decent game for Milan against Roma. And, more to the point, he lasted 88 minutes (more than Ronaldinho).There was nothing flashy about what he did and he showed his usual limits but, just the same, he did not look out of place. He put in some good crosses - as you would expect - and

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-76486018736082607782008-12-21T18:56:00.002Z2008-12-21T19:02:39.438Z

I have a feeling I may write about this a few times but, just the same, for an Italian Scot the Champions League draw was mind blowing. I knew there was a good chance of Serie A going head to head with the Premiership in at least a couple of ties. But all three? It is a truly awesome prospect.Certainly, it will answer a lot of questions. Last season there was plenty of crowing about how well the

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-48124634010872987952008-12-18T16:17:00.003Z2008-12-18T16:24:16.295Z

All eyes will be on the urns on Friday as our brave Italian sides look to make progress in Europe. The question is, who would be the best teams for them to land. Here I make my usual pathetic attempt to forecast what will happen.There has to be a good chance that Inter go English. Either that or they might land Barcelona, Bayern Munich or Porto. My natural inclination would be that the Portuguese

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-4957214020157610242008-12-09T14:17:00.002Z2008-12-09T14:23:36.485Z

Roma, don't mess it up now. The hard work has been done, a glorious victory over Chelsea secured and a revenge mission completed against Cluj. Please, get the point you deserve and need against Bordeaux.Inter and Juve, don't do it Italian style. Win your last group games to proudly enter the later stages of the Champions League rather than going in with a whimper. I know you don't need a victory

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-79731050501280486392008-12-03T16:13:00.003Z2008-12-03T16:24:47.317Z

I like to think I am more open minded than some of my more extremist relations. My first love will always be Italian football but I am willing to look at other options. So, when people keep raving about Arsene Wenger's baby Gunners, it is only natural that I would have a look.Unfortunately for them (or for me), I picked the night they walked into a brick wall in the form of Burnley. Adolescent

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-78088574182447567392008-11-30T22:09:00.003Z2008-11-30T22:17:46.584Z

Why did it take three goals conceded to wake Milan from their slumber on Sunday night? The Rossoneri were bossed out of the game for most of the match at Palermo. They only started to push their pink opponents back when the fixture was way beyond them. Don't they realise there is a Scudetto there to be won?It was so lacklustre from Carlo Ancelotti's men without Kaka. Clarence Seedorf tried his

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-87330328038020579552008-11-26T14:28:00.003Z2008-11-26T14:33:39.788Z

Fiorentina tumbled out of the Champions League - not through lack of effort but rather through lack of clinical finishing in front of goal. They lost at home to Lyon in a game which underlined their main failing in Europe - not turning their chances into goals.It was a good game and the French were a good team but I felt the Viola were worth at least a draw. The trouble is they shunned

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-60702114352222395992008-11-12T09:48:00.002Z2008-11-12T09:57:47.764Z

It is never easy for those of a purple persuasion to write about Juventus without bias. The old enemy has caused us so much hurt over the years that it is impossible to put to one side. Any sort of dispassionate analysis becomes difficult.However, I think it is fair to ask the question - having come through their mini-crisis - just how good are the Bianconeri? Their fans have lurched from despair

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-81672766211812276252008-11-05T10:16:00.004Z2008-11-05T10:28:09.641Z

We take our pleasure in small victories these days. Italian football has become like the annoying yappy little dog at the heels of the English Super Debt League. We know that the war will be lost, but there is still the odd glorious battle. Like last night in the Stadio Olimpico.Despite the global millions poured into the game maybe some national characteristics do hold true. Roma were written

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-62390351167613922482008-10-15T16:12:00.003+01:002008-10-15T16:20:37.994+01:00

These are the unglamorous games that make a World Cup qualification campaign. Home to Montenegro in October is a far from attractive fixture. Three points, however, would be a major step on the road to defending our title.The opposition are not without their stars. Young Stevan Jovetic of Fiorentina and Roma's Mirko Vucinic are familiar enough faces to Serie A fans. Vucinic in particular will be

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-62248579047387966792008-10-07T12:54:00.002+01:002008-10-07T13:03:18.305+01:00

There are some times when I curse being trapped in Scotland and not in Tuscany. In fact, that is most of the time. However, the feeling will be particularly acute on Wednesday evening.Fiorentina's Stadio Artemio Franchi is the venue for a tribute match for former Viola striker Stefano Borgonovo now afflicted by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - also known as Lou Gehrig's disease after the famous

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-87317540616074862902008-09-29T15:26:00.002+01:002008-09-29T15:32:08.449+01:00

Every neutral and every Milanista will have been delighted to see the Rossoneri edge the derby on Sunday night. It means this Serie A battle remains one of the most open-looking for some time.I felt it was just reward for the attacking intentions Milan posted by fielding Kaka, Pato and Ronaldinho together. Two of them combined for the game's only goal. It seemed to me Inter were happy to sit back

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-23604460433555176602008-09-22T11:03:00.004+01:002008-09-22T11:10:20.387+01:00

Milan desperately needed a show of strength against high-flying Lazio on Sunday night and boy did they get one. A 4-1 trouncing with some classy goals along the way was just what Berlusconi ordered. There were still some worries at the back but at least the attacking options appeared to have been sorted.Marco Borriello gives them a new option up front, Kaka's goal was pure quality and little Pato

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-61753473294438424832008-09-18T10:21:00.004+01:002008-09-18T16:39:51.692+01:00

The Viola stood on the brink of one of their greatest European results last night before the nasty football fates intervened. Well, the referee anyway.With Luciano Zauri lying pole-axed on the floor in the penalty box after a head knock the ref failed to stop play. Then Lyon showed a distinct lack of sportsmanship by continuing to play themselves. It was child's play to roll the ball into the net

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-49911243985999431542008-09-14T18:54:00.003+01:002008-09-14T18:59:39.830+01:00

Got back to watching the Viola today after a two week break and it was the same old torture. We huffed and puffed and went ahead with a clinical Adrian Mutu finish. Only then we got caught twice and lost the game. All three points stayed in the San Paolo with Napoli.It was a hard one to take because, I felt, we did all the attacking. The home side were happy to sit back and punch us on the break

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-21136433482066304172008-09-05T19:04:00.002+01:002008-09-05T19:17:44.982+01:00

It would appear that a corner of London is talking Italian. With Slaven Bilic out the way the top contenders for the vacant West Ham job all appear to be very familiar names to followers of Serie A. As Kevin Keegan might have said after Alex Ferguson wound him up, I would "love it" if one of them was to get the post.Bobby Mancini was a front-runner but appears to have ruled himself out. That

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-49899742196521510492008-09-02T15:19:00.003+01:002008-09-02T15:25:08.978+01:00

It's a rare weekend in Serie A when the five would-be title contenders fail to win. Nonetheless, that is what happened on opening weekend. It could bode well for the competitive level of the year ahead.Inter were foiled by Sampdoria and held to a draw, Roma did the same against Napoli (with some more nasty fan trouble, tsk, tsk) and Juve and Fiorentina also shared the spoils. Worst of all were

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-38314990290206972192008-08-29T09:46:00.003+01:002008-08-29T09:58:49.771+01:00

Italy's four troops for the Champions League battle found out their group enemies yesterday. My first reaction was that they all landed pretty favourable sections. None of them will have it easy but, equally, none of them face an impossible task.Inter, as top seeds, got the best of it, I reckon. Bremen, Panathinaikos and Anorthosis should hardly have Jose Mourinho quaking. As always, if the

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-24617700298653035062008-08-25T12:29:00.002+01:002008-08-25T12:38:51.338+01:00

If this was the shape of things to come, then it should be a good season. Inter and Roma stood toe to toe in the San Siro last night with the Nerazzurri just coming out on top. It looked like being a one-sided affair after Inter got ahead through Muntari and started to play with some composure. However, they never got the extra goals they needed and Roma hit back through a De Rossi screamer (

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-68535537760501545032008-08-21T08:55:00.003+01:002008-08-21T09:09:11.007+01:00

It felt a bit like welcoming your father back home after a lengthy summer holiday. Relaxed, tanned and with a wide grin - Marcello Lippi got back to work on Wednesday. Everything is right in the world.The 2-2 draw with Austria seemed almost incidental. The Azzurri went two goals behind and looked shaky in defence. Then they got the bit between their teeth and - thanks to a dreadful goalkeeping

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-89801216157826710922008-08-12T12:30:00.003+01:002008-08-12T12:38:38.397+01:00

Have we really been away so long? I guess we have. Eight years away from Europe's top competition. And what have the Viola been through in the interim?Relegated to C2, won promotion, made the double-jump to Serie B, won a dramatic play-off, avoided immediate relegation from Serie A, flung out of a Champions League spot, handed a hefty points penalty, lost out in the UEFA Cup semi-final. Quiet

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-77653639419051019032008-08-05T10:35:00.003+01:002008-08-05T10:39:02.840+01:00

It did not take long for the first mind games to begin. Jose Mourinho has picked his first victim - Claudio Ranieri. "He is about 70 and he has won a Super Cup and a little cup," he is reported to have blasted at the Juve boss. Ah, what fun!Certainly, after the pastings some of the Italian teams have been taking pre-season, this banter between bosses might be the only fun we get this year. I

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-45294936779615886422008-07-23T16:36:00.003+01:002008-12-10T05:05:53.970Z

There have been a few tormented transfer deals this summer. Ronaldo to Real, Lampard to Inter and now, it would appear, Adrian Mutu to Roma. Will he stay or will he go?I can understand a move to Roma to some extent. Probably more money, definitely more chance of the Scudetto and automatic group stages in the Champions League. Who wouldn't?But, then again, the Viola are a team on the rise with the

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-30276254867143516632008-07-16T15:04:00.003+01:002008-12-10T05:05:54.508Z

Everyone is agreed, Milan needed to make some moves this summer. Their team looked jaded and struggled to compete last year. But, what on earth possessed them to splash out on the over-necklaced Ronaldinho?I may be proved wrong, he may become a Rossonero legend - but I doubt it. Surely his day is done.The only redeeming feature of the move is at least it shows Milan remain more appealing than

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-75974724507892439702008-07-11T16:05:00.002+01:002008-07-11T16:07:47.555+01:00

I know he is a good player and all that but is all the ballyhoo about Frank Lampard worthwhile? Would he really transform Inter into Champions League contenders? Or is it just a show of strength from the Nerazzurri and Mourinho?All answers gratefully received.

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-74571758508846367002008-06-28T17:42:00.003+01:002008-06-28T17:49:30.990+01:00

So it appears we are back where we left off two years ago. The Donadoni era is over and back walks in the man with the Toscano cigar, Marcello Lippi. Why did we bother getting rid of him in the first place?If he just wanted a rest, couldn't we have advertised for a caretaker for 24 months? Or maybe Dona knew that was what he was getting. Otherwise, it was precious time wasted.The Azzurri did OK

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-28963348817734551542008-06-16T12:42:00.005+01:002008-12-10T05:05:54.816Z

If you had the chance to knock the World Cup finalists out of Euro 2008 what would you do? Holland boss Marco Van Basten (right) has that decision to make. A simple defeat to Romania is enough to put the Azzurri and Les Bleus on the first plane home on Tuesday night. I know what I think will happen.If Sweden and Denmark could produce a 2-2 draw to put Italy out last time around it does not seem

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-41804890872288333642008-06-10T10:33:00.003+01:002008-06-10T10:36:31.727+01:00

Well, that was a miserable start wasn't it?Granted, the first goal was offside and conditioned the whole game but, just the same, the hari-kari defending was the cause of great concern. By the time we got things sorted out in the second half the horse had bolted.The third goal was the icing on a bitter cake.Is this penance for the World Cup? Can we still turn things around? In truth, if the

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-69792549201209853672008-06-09T11:28:00.002+01:002008-06-09T11:34:20.775+01:00

The build up was all going pretty calmly. OK, I thought, it is only the Euro Nations, not a World Cup. Does it really matter that much?Then my cousin, the legendary Venezian, sent me this.Of course it matters. This is Italia! Forza Azzurri! Facci sognare!

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-30614101343653590372008-06-03T15:38:00.002+01:002008-12-10T05:05:54.977Z

A bitter blow on the eve of the Euro Nations as Il Capitano - Fabio Cannavaro - gets injured on the training ground. A curse on Giorgio Chiellini - did the Juve man think he would get Canna's place?There are some good replacements, of course, but none with anything like his presence and experience. Maybe "Mad Dog" Panucci will be moved to the centre (no bad thing for defending our flanks) or

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-67794985502946971072008-06-01T21:18:00.003+01:002008-06-01T21:32:31.212+01:00

Having watched the Azzurri easily see off Belgium 3-1 in a friendly it is time to turn the attentions to more serious matters. Austria and Switzerland beckon for Euro 2008. Can Italy do the double and add the European crown to their World Cup win two years ago?This has never been a great tournament for Italy. Our last win came in 1968. That means they have never won it in my lifetime (see, I'm

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-73657922040882873612008-05-30T11:27:00.002+01:002008-05-30T11:30:28.912+01:00

Gigi Casiraghi and his boys won the Toulon tournament on Thursday night as a nice warm-up for the Olympics. However, it also bodes well for the future of the Italian national team. Great to see some more talents coming through.Little Sebastian Giovinco was absolutely outstanding in the tournament. Is he too small for the tough world of football? I hope not, it would be great to see his skills go

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-75592889018644740982008-05-28T11:32:00.002+01:002008-12-10T05:05:55.150Z

The managerial scene in Italy just got very interesting. With Roberto Mancini shown the door at Inter, in steps a man likely to liven up press conferences everywhere - Jose Mourinho (aka The Special One). Spalletti, Ancelotti and the rest better watch out for those mind games.You've got to feel a bit sorry for Mancio. I know I had my reservations about his coaching abilities but delivering three

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-34611826817243892842008-05-18T21:49:00.003+01:002008-12-10T05:05:55.385Z

It would never have been the Viola way to do things simply, so instead they made me sweat until 15 minutes from time. They should have been about five goals ahead of Torino by half-time but Matteo Sereni kept getting in the way.When we heard Milan were losing, of course, we relaxed a bit but when they swept past Udinese there was an air of panic. Yes, Toro were hardly killing themselves to beat

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-78287348048989113122008-05-11T20:10:00.004+01:002008-05-11T20:20:22.627+01:00

Life is never dull following Fiorentina in particular and Italian football in general. After the UEFA semi-final, I felt drained of all supporting emotion for quite a while. Ten days or so, however, and they caught me once again.I felt a sickening thud when Parma scored in Florence as if the wheels were coming off the whole season. Not only were we going to miss out on the UEFA Cup final but we

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976150.post-1720608794163907182008-05-01T22:50:00.003+01:002008-05-01T22:50:37.757+01:00

I may not be able to write about football for some time...

ginkershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16346019297504649488noreply@blogger.com11