Spotlight: Red Hot Rossi
Football Italia rounds up the winners and the losers from Week 20 of the
Serie A season, including Parma's prodigious talent Giuseppe Rossi.
The winners.
Giuseppe Rossi (Parma)
A prodigious talent who underlined his ability during an unforgettable
Serie A debut for Parma. The Under-21 international was a constant threat to
the Toro rearguard where his pace, ideas and technique were rewarded with a
goal of real quality. Although only at the beginning of his career, this kid
might just be the future of Italian football. He's a welcome addition to the
top flight.
Adriano (Inter)
The Brazilian's purple patch continued against the Viola where he was
arguably Inter's best player in their 13th straight League win. He may not be
quite at his very best, but he seems to have put his nightmare 2006 well behind
him. Adriano gave his all against his former club, picking up a goal and a
perfect assist for Dejan Stankovic.
Cristiano Doni (Atalanta)
He's undoubtedly Atalanta's player of the season so far and he was again
pulling the strings at Ascoli. He not only guaranteed the points with a late
goal, but almost all of the Nerazzurri's attacking threats came via his feet
and brain. Considering Roberto Donadoni's picks for the national side since his
appointment, he can legitimately be dreaming of an international recall.
The losers.
Francesco Totti (Roma)
You have to take the good with the bad when it comes to Francesco Totti.
Having played reasonably well at Livorno despite a foot and hand problem, he
ruined it all by - again - losing his head. He admittedly was provoked by Fabio
Galante throughout, but his reaction in the 92nd minute was always going to
result in a red card. Pushing over his best friend Vito Scala only compounded
matters. Typical Totti - in every sense.
Andrea Caracciolo (Palermo)
Palermo insist that Andrea Caracciolo is a ready-made replacement for the
injured Amauri. They may now be forced to reassess that statement after
Saturday's showing. He certainly illustrated plenty of willingness, but his 90
minutes against Reggina were hardly error-free and he rarely threatened Ivan
Pelizzoli's goal.
Valon Behrami (Lazio)
If this gifted youngster is to replace Massimo Oddo in the right-back
role on a permanent basis then he must learn how to tackle. His horror
challenge on Alberto Gilardino was dangerous enough to break his leg and worthy
of a multiple-match ban. Unfortunately, the lack of elasticity with the
disciplinary commission's powers when it comes to video evidence means he'll
escape unpunished.
The goals.
Giuseppe Rossi (Parma)
Having expertly controlled a cross from the left, the Under-21
international cut back inside and - with the help of his close control - wormed
his way through three opposing defenders to then rifle a powerful shot past
Massimo Taibi. It was a goal worthy of Old Trafford from the Manchester United
owned starlet.
Dejan Stankovic (Inter)
The classy midfielder got his side back into the game against Fiorentina
with a well-worked equaliser. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Adriano combined, before
the latter served up a delightful assist that Stankovic put away, first time,
with a powerful finish into the top corner.
Adriano (Inter)
In a lean week for great goals, Adriano's free-kick against Fiorentina
just sneaks into the top three - even if a Marco Donadel deflection may well
have been decisive. Stankovic tapped the ball to Ibrahimovic who stopped it
dead for the on-rushing South American to blast it low into the bottom corner.
The numbers.
Fifty not out
Cristiano Doni's 10th goal of the season at Ascoli was also his 50th in
the top flight. The former Italian international is now just six goals short of
his most prolific season, when he netted 16 in 2001-02 during his first stint
at Atalanta.
Cat nap
Catania's unbeaten home record was brought to an end by Cagliari. The
Sicilian outfit hadn't been defeated all season at home after collecting five
wins and three draws. In fact, their last reverse at the Stadio Massimino was
back on January 28, 2006, in a 0-1 against Bari.
Tot scorer
Francesco Totti's goal at Livorno was his 13th in Serie A this term, but
also his 138th in total which makes him the Division's highest active scorer
alongside Siena's Enrico Chiesa - who hasn't yet netted this term.
===
Buffon's Bianconeri pride
Gianluigi Buffon is proud to be a part of Juventus and believes the
Bianconeri will not be afraid to look anyone in the eye once they return to
Serie A.
Dida pleased with return
Milan goalkeeper Nelson Dida is optimistic about his future after
returning between the posts for Sunday's match with Lazio.
Roma ref rage
Roma were furious with referee Nicola Ayroldi after the match with
Livorno, insisting that they have become a target for the men in black
===
Today's headlines: What the papers say...
Today's front-page headlines from La Gazzetta dello Sport,
the Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport
Gazzetta dello Sport
Interminator - They defeat Fiorentina and set three new
records, obtaining their 13th straight win and increasing the lead on Roma to
11 points
Totti loses his head (and maybe Inter), Spalletti scolds him
Lazio block Milan's comeback (0-0) - Behrami injures Gilardino
Corriere dello Sport
Referees, you ruin everything! Inter win, Fiorentina complain
Moratti: 'Ronaldo is a traitor'
Lazio-Milan, a dreadful match - The two clubs are negotiating
Oddo's move and offer a boring performance
Tuttosport
Toro, here is Ventola - After the KO at Parma, Cairo admits:
'He is one of our targets'
Viola furious: 'Inter were helped by the referee'
Buffon proud of Juve - 'We can look anyone in the eye, I'm
not sure everyone else can say the same'
===
Moratti plans Cassano raid
Inter chief Massimo Moratti has admitted that he could
make a bid for Antonio Cassano this summer.
Di Vaio joins Genoa
Marco Di Vaio has agreed to join Genoa after signing a
two-and-a-half year contract with the Rossoblu.
Faty makes Juve U-turn
Rennes stopper Jacques Faty looks set to snub a move to
Juventus after backtracking on his latest comments.
Rossi debut delight
New arrival Giuseppe Rossi was thrilled after scoring
the winning goal in his Parma debut against Torino.
Stank's season to remember
Inter midfielder Dejan Stankovic believes that this is
his best season in Italy as the Nerazzurri close in on the Scudetto.
Oddo future uncertain
Lazio President Claudio Lotito has insisted that
Massimo Oddo will only join Milan if the Rossoneri meet his demands.
===
Sunday 21 January, 2007
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Ancelotti slams Ref Saccani
Carlo Ancelotti has criticised the referee for
not red carding Valon Behrami, while Delio Rossi insists Lazio deserved
victory.
Laz 0-0 Mil: Dida denies Biancocelesti
Dida made some decisive saves on his Serie A
comeback, but Milan could only draw 0-0 at Lazio with Alberto Gilardino
stretchered off.
Ronaldo 'knows what he must do'
FIFA agent Ernesto Bronzetti is dealing with
Ronaldo's switch to Milan and says he is "optimistic' the move will be
completed.
Totti temper under spotlight
Francesco Totti's maturity has been called into
question again after he was sent off and shoved personal trainer Vito Scala to
the ground.
Del Piero makes Juve pledge
While rumours swirl around of a £30m offer for
Steven Gerrard, Alessandro Del Piero has pledged the rest of his career to
Juventus.
===channel4.com===
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