Serie A - The 2007-08 season thread

Serves that bastard right.

Yeah!! Wonder where Zalayeta learnt all this dirty stuff??

Jokes apart, I think the entire Juve bandwagon is going a bit overboard with this "conspiracy" bullshit... its just been ten games, many teams have been overall unlucky with decisions, even Fiorentina and Milan. These will balance off over the season, just like Iaquinta's goal against Fiorentina which was so clearly offside...

But I can totally understand how frustating it is to lose a game coz of some incorrect decisions by the refree.

TarunDang wrote:Serves that bastard right.

Halloween might be a day of nightmares...but Milan are about to be given the biggest one.

bluenine wrote:Yeah!! Wonder where Zalayeta learnt all this dirty stuff??

Jokes apart, I think the entire Juve bandwagon is going a bit overboard with this "conspiracy" bullshit... its just been ten games, many teams have been overall unlucky with decisions, even Fiorentina and Milan. These will balance off over the season, just like Iaquinta's goal against Fiorentina which was so clearly offside...

But I can totally understand how frustating it is to lose a game coz of some incorrect decisions by the refree.

TarunDang wrote:Serves that bastard right.

I guess raising a voice against injustice is a good thing. As I understand it, the entire of Juventus has already paid for Moggi's fraud & it hurts to lose out your position on the table because of not one but 2 blatant decisions.

I believe that Juve can now participate in cleaning up the system as well... . Zalayeta's 2 game ban is a testimonial that we desperately need this discipline.

Cesari: Time for foreign refs
Tuesday 30 October, 2007
Ex-referee Graziano Cesari has called for international officials in Serie A after Mauro Bergonzi’s controversial display in the Napoli v Juventus game.

There has been outcry from the Juve camp after the Vesuviani were awarded two erroneous penalties on their way to a 3-1 win.

Bianconeri representatives have accused Bergonzi of being influenced by the Calciopoli scandal of last summer and Cesari believes there is only one way to solve the problem.

“We need to turn to foreign referees,” Cesari declared.

“They can give our officials a hand and that won’t threaten the position of Pierluigi Collina or the current refs.

“There’s very little to say about Bergonzi – he made two enormous errors.

But on both occasions there was an attempt to deceive him as there was no contact but the men fell.”

Bergonzi now faces an enforced break followed by a spell in Serie B and Cesari agrees that this is the best course of action.

“I think that at least a period of reflection is needed,” he stressed.

“When I first started refereeing I would have said that people who make mistakes have to pay and I don’t see why this job is different.”

I'm hoping we can turn the sad faces on the Milan fans into tears on Wednesday.

Revenge for what Kaladze did.

FORZA DORIA!

Our best wishes are with you guys... may this be the day when Montella rediscovers his old form!! I hope to see a lil Aeroplane doing the rounds of Stadio Ferraris

Carlton Cole wrote:I'm hoping we can turn the sad faces on the Milan fans into tears on Wednesday.

Revenge for what Kaladze did.

FORZA DORIA!

Inter's injury crisis continues... on top of the news that Toldo, Materazzi, Vieira, Burdisso and Stankovic are injured, now Cesar is also looking doubtful. Orlandoni may get a rare start in the goal!!

Ibrahimovic and Samuel may be rested, coz they both are on yellows, and Figo as well - we need them against Juve on sunday!

Likely starting line-up:

-------------------Orlandoni
Maicon - Cordoba - Chivu - Maxwell
Zanetti - Dacourt - Cambiasso - Cesar A
------------Crespo - Suazo

bluenine wrote:Inter's injury crisis continues... on top of the news that Toldo, Materazzi, Vieira, Burdisso and Stankovic are injured, now Cesar is also looking doubtful. Orlandoni may get a rare start in the goal!!

Ibrahimovic and Samuel may be rested, coz they both are on yellows, and Figo as well - we need them against Juve on sunday!

Likely starting line-up:

-------------------Orlandoni
Maicon - Cordoba - Chivu - Maxwell
Zanetti - Dacourt - Cambiasso - Cesar A
------------Crespo - Suazo

I doubt if Genoa stand a chance even after all this crisis

The latest is that mancio has decided to risk Ibra That would be really silly if he ends up getting suspended for the game against Juve!!

We have a fit Crespo, Cruz, Adriano and Suazo. Surely mancio can manage a home game against Genoa without Ibra!!

TarunDang wrote:

bluenine wrote:Inter's injury crisis continues... on top of the news that Toldo, Materazzi, Vieira, Burdisso and Stankovic are injured, now Cesar is also looking doubtful. Orlandoni may get a rare start in the goal!!

Ibrahimovic and Samuel may be rested, coz they both are on yellows, and Figo as well - we need them against Juve on sunday!

Likely starting line-up:

-------------------Orlandoni
Maicon - Cordoba - Chivu - Maxwell
Zanetti - Dacourt - Cambiasso - Cesar A
------------Crespo - Suazo

I doubt if Genoa stand a chance even after all this crisis

I doubt if Mancio, no matter how amateur he is , will risk Ibra for the Genoa game. Ibra is a hot head 7 would'nt take long to get suspended.

But how I wish that happens

All Roads Lead to Rome!!

Lazio plan to get their season back on track when they face bitter rivals Rome tonight in the biggest game in Serie A. Elsewhere Inter host the surprise team of the season Genoa. Juventus take on their prodigy Giovinco's Empoli, and Fiorentina host Napoli. Another interesting game is between uefa cup hopefuls Udinese and Torino, both teams have some big players.

Atalanta - Cagliari
Fiorentina - Napoli
Inter - Genoa
Juventus - Empoli
Palermo - Parma
Reggina - Livorno
Roma - Lazio
Sampdoria - Milan
Siena - Catania
Udinese - Torino

If Milan don't win tonight they're royally fucked. Might even start a thread asking whether they will even qualify for the CL.

Lazio's form has been even more shocking and they're very much unlikely to win tonight. Could be some interesting transfers out next summer....

Fiorentina-Napoli should be an interesting tie - two in form teams

Interestingly, Napoli play very well away from home, without all that pressure. Fiorentina have a game on their hands for sure. Gargano, Hamsik, Lavezzi, Blasi and Zalayeta, what an awesome transfer campaign!!

Hope Lazio and hold out for a draw, but they have too many injuries to contain Roma... but everyone will be fired up for teh derby!!

Tweedle wrote:If Milan don't win tonight they're royally fucked. Might even start a thread asking whether they will even qualify for the CL.

Lazio's form has been even more shocking and they're very much unlikely to win tonight. Could be some interesting transfers out next summer....

Fiorentina-Napoli should be an interesting tie - two in form teams

Delvecchio is currently training with Roma looking for a new club.

bluenine wrote:All Roads Lead to Rome!!

Lazio plan to get their season back on track when they face bitter rivals Rome tonight in the biggest game in Serie A. Elsewhere Inter host the surprise team of the season Genoa. Juventus take on their prodigy Giovinco's Empoli, and Fiorentina host Napoli. Another interesting game is between uefa cup hopefuls Udinese and Torino, both teams have some big players.

Atalanta - Cagliari
Fiorentina - Napoli
Inter - Genoa
Juventus - Empoli
Palermo - Parma
Reggina - Livorno
Roma - Lazio
Sampdoria - Milan
Siena - Catania
Udinese - Torino

Yo Blue!

It will be interesting to see what reception the Genoa fans give Mancini!

I think Mancini has an eye tactically on the bigger match with Roma. Chivu will probably be rested, Cordoba and Samuel should pair up in the centre, Orlandoni should keep his place with Julio Cesar's injury, in midfield unfortunately Mancini doesn't have a lot of choice, his hand will be forced by the injuries to Stankovic and Vieira, so Cesar should take the central position supplied by Dacourt and Cambiasso, do you think Zanetti will anchor again? How do you see Mancini playing a three-man attack, Genoa will probably opt for the experience in this mathc, Di Vaio should come in and Lucarelli will probably replace Konko, on paper at mleast you can certainly see both sides having trouble with each other, Genoa like to attack in threes. if Zanetti is isolated then there could be problems although Cordoba's pace will be a crucial asset if Inter want to press higher. For Genoa, if they leave too much burden on their midfield they could get overcome. Cesar is a clever exploiter, and Dacourt and Cambiasso are physical enough to cope with the demands. Zanetti gives you consistency and brain as well, i expect a good match!

Your strikers though? Crespo could pair up with Adriano, im sure Mancio wants Ibrahimovic rested, and Suazo's pace will give Roma trouble, matches between you and Roma are lawyas high scoring and eventful anyway, they're usually the best matches of the season - with the exception of last seasons Milan derby of course

Good to see you here again, Pirlo!!!

We play Juventus next, not Roma. In a way tho, its WAY more important, and definately MUCH more bitter.

Yeah, Stank and Vieira will be huge misses. Genoa are a very physical side, and we needed the physical presence of those two to muscle our way thru. Now our midfield will be lightweight, physically, and I fear they will bully us in the middle.

I am quite sure Samuel will be rested, since he is on a yellow, and we need him againt Juve. He has surprisingly been our best defender this season, finally rediscovering his form - THE WALL is back!!

Zanetti might be prefered over Figo as a winger, again to counter Genoa's muscle. Cesar on the left is the only option, as Solari is too lightweight. I think the 3 striker formation may come into play if we are looking for a goal in the last 30 minutes... at least I think Mancio should deploy that tactic against Genoa - we have to beat them into submission, coz they have shown good spirit this season. Tricky game, I would like to see Crespo+Adriano start upfront, with Suazo coming in later if needed.

My prefered starting line-up:

----------------Orlandoni
Maicon - Cordoba - Chivu - Maxwell
Zanetti - Cambiasso - Dacourt - Cesar
------------Adriano - Crespo

Then, if we still need a goal in the second half, take out Maxwell, shift Zanetti to LB, and bring on Suazo for a 3 striker formation:

----------------Orlandoni
Maicon - Cordoba - Chivu - Zanetti
- Cambiasso - Dacourt - Cesar
Adriano ------------------------Suazo
-----------------Crespo

Yeah, the Milan derby is special. Hope to see you at the San Siro in december!

Pirlo wrote:

Yo Blue!

It will be interesting to see what reception the Genoa fans give Mancini!

I think Mancini has an eye tactically on the bigger match with Roma. Chivu will probably be rested, Cordoba and Samuel should pair up in the centre, Orlandoni should keep his place with Julio Cesar's injury, in midfield unfortunately Mancini doesn't have a lot of choice, his hand will be forced by the injuries to Stankovic and Vieira, so Cesar should take the central position supplied by Dacourt and Cambiasso, do you think Zanetti will anchor again? How do you see Mancini playing a three-man attack, Genoa will probably opt for the experience in this mathc, Di Vaio should come in and Lucarelli will probably replace Konko, on paper at mleast you can certainly see both sides having trouble with each other, Genoa like to attack in threes. if Zanetti is isolated then there could be problems although Cordoba's pace will be a crucial asset if Inter want to press higher. For Genoa, if they leave too much burden on their midfield they could get overcome. Cesar is a clever exploiter, and Dacourt and Cambiasso are physical enough to cope with the demands. Zanetti gives you consistency and brain as well, i expect a good match!

Your strikers though? Crespo could pair up with Adriano, im sure Mancio wants Ibrahimovic rested, and Suazo's pace will give Roma trouble, matches between you and Roma are lawyas high scoring and eventful anyway, they're usually the best matches of the season - with the exception of last seasons Milan derby of course

Ranieri trusts Juve reserves Tuesday 30 October, 2007

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Claudio Ranieri assures Juventus are focused on Empoli and will give 100 per cent, even though several stars are suspended.

The Bianconeri are just days away from the big title battle with Inter and risk losing concentration on Wednesday night, especially as Pavel Nedved, Giorgio Chiellini, Antonio Nocerino and Nicola Legrottaglie sit out bans.


“The three points are always three points. We are thinking about this match and then we will begin to prepare for Inter,” said the Coach.


It has been a fiery few days for Juve, who lost 3-1 away to Napoli following two very controversial refereeing decisions and Ranieri’s accusation that the club was “still paying” for Calciopoli.


“The Napoli case is closed. These things are behind us now and we have to focus on our next game. Having said that, I don’t think the messages of solidarity from other sides was false. The video images spoke for themselves.”


Marcelo Zalayeta has been handed a two-match ban for diving to win the second spot-kick, but Juve have their own suspension worries.


“This is part of the League situation and I am convinced that I have a valid squad at my disposal. There are other players who can start and I believe they will do well.”


It may even give Tiago Mendes a rare spot in the line-up after he threatened to walk out in January if he was not given more first-team football.


“He is among those called up for the game. We will have to evaluate the situation carefully, as Empoli put in a great performance to defeat Milan and did not deserve to lose against Atalanta. Will I use the trident attack? I don’t know, I’ll decide the night before the match.”


David Trezeguet hopes to rediscover his scoring touch, as he has not netted since September 30.


“He is in good shape and has only missed the target by inches. He is a centre-forward who never stops for a moment. He puts defenders under pressure, covers his teammates and attacks. The goal is not a problem.”

Juventus squad: Buffon, Birindelli, Almiron, Zebina, Zanetti, Salihamidzic, Camoranesi, Iaquinta, Del Piero, Belardi, Trezeguet, Criscito, Palladino, Grygera, Olivera, Molinaro, Tiago, Marchionni.

Mancini probably won't care about the scum fans...he probably hates them as much as the rest of us Blucerchiati do...

I'm looking forward to playing Milan tonight...should be a cracker. I'll be sick if we get hammered though...

Happy Halloween Milan...be afraid .

IMO Ranieri should play this formation:

-------------------------buffon---------------------------

zebina-----grygera-------------birindelli-------criscito/molinaro

marchionni-----almiron--------zanetti--------salihamidzic

-------------del piero---------------trez------------------

Blue,

Did you get the ticket and procedure information i sent you? Inter probably do the same as both sides share the ground and both are bound by the new local 2005 regulations regarding ticket sales, but its one of those fixtures that you have to be careful with tickets, although security can be pretty relaxed for smaller category games, there is a real presence at certain gates with the Category 'A' matches. The good thing is that ticket prices only increase a small amount for these matches although the ticket restrictions and checks are much more agressive. Have you been to San Siro since the new turnstiles and border fences were installed? It sure does feel different now!

Yeah, thanks for the info, mate! I really hope we can get the tickets, a derby in the winter in the San Siro atmosphere is something else.

Fury in the fog!!

I'll try and buy the tickets off the inter site, tho will need some help with the italian language!! Have tried once unsuccessfully not too long ago.

Pirlo wrote:Blue,

Did you get the ticket and procedure information i sent you? Inter probably do the same as both sides share the ground and both are bound by the new local 2005 regulations regarding ticket sales, but its one of those fixtures that you have to be careful with tickets, although security can be pretty relaxed for smaller category games, there is a real presence at certain gates with the Category 'A' matches. The good thing is that ticket prices only increase a small amount for these matches although the ticket restrictions and checks are much more agressive. Have you been to San Siro since the new turnstiles and border fences were installed? It sure does feel different now!

Zebina You will be much better off playing Sali there.

I would suggest playing Criscito in the middle, thelad is in good form. And Tiago should start.

TarunDang wrote:IMO Ranieri should play this formation:

-------------------------buffon---------------------------

zebina-----grygera-------------birindelli-------criscito/molinaro

marchionni-----almiron--------zanetti--------salihamidzic

-------------del piero---------------trez------------------

With Nedved suspended we will need Sali in the midfield. Marchionni & Camo are not completely match fit. Birindelli is not bad in the center. And yes I think Tiago should be given a chance, but so should Zebina. What can we do when the defence is in tatters. Cheillini got a needless yellow for Lavezzi's dive

Milan fans, January is coming and I do believe that you will buy some new players, but what do you think the team needs? A younger CB, a younger midfielder? Maybe a new right back wing.

I have to be honest, I can.not.await to see Pato playing for Milan, poor guy will have A LOT of pressure and the world on his shoulders.

Pato will be experiencing a relegation battle...not what he expected. Still, hopefully he'll shine in Serie B next year.

Carlton Cole wrote:Pato will be experiencing a relegation battle...not what he expected. Still, hopefully he'll shine in Serie B next year.

OUCH!!!

juligen21 wrote:Milan fans, January is coming and I do believe that you will buy some new players, but what do you think the team needs? A younger CB, a younger midfielder? Maybe a new right back wing.

I have to be honest, I can.not.await to see Pato playing for Milan, poor guy will have A LOT of pressure and the world on his shoulders.

Well let's be honest, Ancelotti has his hands tied. With Ronaldo's injury he is forced to play the team a certain way because as strikers Gila and Pippo are there to score goals, although Gila does work extremely hard for the midfield.

Also, he has little say in transfer policy, he has requested players, the board have denied him. The blame must lie with the likes of Braida, Galliani etc who direct the technical and sporting sides of the club. Ancelotti can only try to make the most out of the resources he has, of course he might be playing the right tactic, but not have the personell to impliment it effectively, as we've seen this season the wing-backs are exhausted at the work they have to carry out in this narrow formation. As a result, both the deeper midfield and the centre backs have been exposed horrifically, we're back to this time last campaign where we had ridiculous problems with dealing with crosses from deep and set-pieces.

A new goalkeeper is obviously needed, Dida would make an acceptable no.2 if he decided to stay in that event, lets give Ronaldo and Pato a chance but Toni would have been perfect, ditto with the defence, it would have been nice to get Cicinho, Barzagli, Lugano or even take a chance on a top youngster like Gamberini or Criscito although i doubt Juve or Fiorentina would part for anything less than big money. Moutinho again i would love at the club, he's a joy to watch, fantastic vision and work rate he would fit right into Ancelotti's vision.

Lets wait and see what happens in january, i hope we make moves, but the sporting directors should be taking the blame more than Ancelotti for the teams failings, and there is the question of motivation, the club as a whole is at fault for being 'obsessed' with the Champions league, and league form has suffered. the players seem completely un-bothered with the league

Carlton Cole wrote:Pato will be experiencing a relegation battle...not what he expected. Still, hopefully he'll shine in Serie B next year.

Careful mate, you might be forced to eat those big words sooner rather than later

Red n' Black wrote:

Carlton Cole wrote:Pato will be experiencing a relegation battle...not what he expected. Still, hopefully he'll shine in Serie B next year.

Careful mate, you might be forced to eat those big words sooner rather than later

Yeah...I expect this to happen after our match tonight