Wednesday 28 February
Inter 1-1 Udinese
Inter's 17-match winning streak in Serie A was finally brought to an end on Wednesday night as Udinese left the San Siro with a hard-earned point. Inter's record-breaking run has taken them well clear at the top of the standings and they had the chance to extend their advantage to 16 points following second-placed Roma's stalemate at Chievo earlier in the day. But, in the end, they were grateful to salvage a draw, courtesy of Hernan Crespo's 66th-minute equaliser which cancelled out Christian Obodo's spectacular opener at the start of the second half. The result still means the Nerazzurri maintain their 14-point lead over second-placed Roma.
Chievo 2-2 Roma
A brace from Francesco Totti was enough to salvage a point for Roma after they had gone 2-0 down against Chievo at the Stadio Marc' Antonio Bentegodi. Erjon Bogdani had put the hosts into the lead after 17 minutes before Franco Semiolo doubled their advantage in the 33rd minute. But Roma's inspirationl captain, who is now three goals clear of Fiorentina's Luca Toni at the summit of Serie A's scoring charts with 16 goals, came to their rescue with strikes either side of half-time to keep his side firmly in the hunt for an automatic Champions League spot.
Palermo 0-0 Milan
Kaka failed to convert a first-half penalty as AC Milan were held to a goalless draw by Palermo at the La Favorita. Palermo's Alberto Fontana was at full stretch to save the Brazilian's ninth-minute spot-kick after the goalkeeper had brought down Alberto Gilardino inside the area. Fontana remained heavily involved, making several fine saves from the ever-dangerous Kaka to deny the Rossoneri their fifth victory in a row. Luck was not on the Rossoneri's side either with substitute Ronaldo also being denied by the crossbar 10 minutes from time. The outcome has left Milan still eight points behind third-placed Palermo and three behind fourth-placed Lazio, the last Champions League qualifying spot, with 13 games left to play.
Lazio 3-1 Catania
In-form Lazio struck twice in the dying minutes to see off Catania and keep their Champions League hopes on track. The Biancoceleste, who were hit with a three-point deduction for their part in the Calciopoli scandal before the season got underway, are fourth in the standings, two points clear of Empoli with 12 games remaining. Giuseppe Colucci gave Catania a first-half lead at the Stadio Olimpico before Goran Pandev equalised on the hour mark. Sebastiano Siviglia put the hosts in front in the 88th minute before Tommaso Rocchi put the game beyond Catania's reach in injury time. The win was Lazio's second in a row and it allowed the Romans to maintain their unbeaten run in 2007.
Reggina 1-1 Fiorentina
A last-gasp Adrian Mutu penalty spared Fiorentina's blushes as their four-game winning run came to an end at Reggina. The Amaranto had only lost two games at the Stadio Granillo before Wednesday and looked to be on their way to another home win when Pasquale Foggia put them ahead just before the hour mark. But a Salvatore Aronica handball two minutes from time handed the Viola a chance from the spot and Mutu did not waste it. It was just reward for Fiorentina, who had looked the more likely side to score before Foggia's opener and had come close on several occasions in the second half. The Viola are eight points away from a Champions League position, while the home side are only one point claer of the relegation zone.
Empoli 3-1 Messina
Empoli made it five home wins in a row with a comfortable victory over 10-man Messina. The Azzurri were two goals to the good by half-time thanks to strikes from Luca Saudati and Lino Marzoratti, and Messina's task became doubly tough when Daniele de Vezze saw red 10 minutes after the break. Saudati claimed his second shortly after to put the result beyond doubt, though substitute Edgar Alvarez pulled one back for the visitors late on. The result sees the Tuscans move above Milan into fifth and just two points behind fourth-placed Lazio.
Torino 1-0 Cagliari
Gianni De Biasi won the battle of the new coaches as Torino emerged victorious in a tight encounter against fellow strugglers Cagliari. Having only taken over at the Turin club on Monday, De Biasi watched on as his players claimed their first points of 2007 thanks to Cesare Bovo's strike midway through the first half. Andrea Ardito was sent off for the hosts after picking up a second booking in second-half stoppage time, but the Granata hung on for a priceless win. De Biasi's opposite number, Marco Giampaolo, also took up the reins at Cagliari on Monday, but he failed to bring an end to the Sardinian's current winless streak, which now stands at five games. Both men are in their second stint at their respective clubs, and each will have his work cut out in the battle to avoid the drop.
Sampdoria 2-1 Atalanta
Sampdoria came from behind to defeat Atalanta and move ahead of their opponents in the race for a place in Europe next season. Nicola Ventola gave the away team a deserved lead after eight minutes as the Bergamese club looked to continue their excellent form. A much-improved Sampdoria responded well to several tactical changes by their coach Walter Novellino and pulled level through Fabio Bazzani in the 71st minute. Sergio Volpi then stepped up to give the Genovese club all three points, putting away an 83rd-minute penalty after Jose Talamonti handled inside the area.
Ascoli 0-0 Parma
Serie A's bottom two clubs Ascoli and Parma could only serve up an uninspiring goalless draw to further dent both sides' faint hopes of beating the drop. Ascoli's chances of claiming all three points were dealt a severe blow when Massimo Bonanni received his marching orders after 57 minutes, but, in truth, it was a game that neither side deserved to win. Claudio Ranieri Parma have now drawn their last two games and are four points away from safety.
Siena 0-0 Livorno
Siena stuttered to their fifth game without a win after playing out a listless draw with Livorno at Stadio Artemio Franchi. Siena had the best of what chances their were in a poor Tuscany derby, with Christian Molinaro a constant thorn in Livorno's side with a series of raids down the left wing. Francesco Cozza and Luca Antonini came close to breaking the deadlock in Siena's favour with efforts either side of the break, but both were unlucky to see their shots come crashing back off the woodwork. The result continues Siena's abysmal run at home, with the Bianconeri having won on only two occasions as hosts all season.
Wednesday, 28 February 2007
Borriello banned for three months
AC Milan forward Marco Borriello has been banned for three months for doping.
The 24-year-old striker was banned by the Italian Football Federation late Tuesday after traces of prednisolone and prednisone — which are corticosteroids — were found in both his "A" and "B" samples following the team's 2-1 home defeat to Roma on November 11, 2006.
The ban expires on March 21 because Borriello was provisionally suspended in December.
Borriello's girlfriend, Argentine model Belen Rodriguez, reportedly said in January that a cream she had been using unwittingly exposed the striker to the banned substances during sex.
The striker made his Milan debut in 2002 but has subsequently been loaned out by the club and has featured for Empoli, Reggina, Sampdoria and Treviso.
Borriello has played in seven Serie A games this season and three times in the Champions League.
Under Italian doping regulations a player is automatically suspended following a postive first sample but no definitive verdict is issued until after the results of tests on a second sample.
The strict anti-doping regime in the country means two players from each team is tested after every game in the top two divisions.
Source: Reuters
The 24-year-old striker was banned by the Italian Football Federation late Tuesday after traces of prednisolone and prednisone — which are corticosteroids — were found in both his "A" and "B" samples following the team's 2-1 home defeat to Roma on November 11, 2006.The ban expires on March 21 because Borriello was provisionally suspended in December.
Borriello's girlfriend, Argentine model Belen Rodriguez, reportedly said in January that a cream she had been using unwittingly exposed the striker to the banned substances during sex.
The striker made his Milan debut in 2002 but has subsequently been loaned out by the club and has featured for Empoli, Reggina, Sampdoria and Treviso.
Borriello has played in seven Serie A games this season and three times in the Champions League.
Under Italian doping regulations a player is automatically suspended following a postive first sample but no definitive verdict is issued until after the results of tests on a second sample.
The strict anti-doping regime in the country means two players from each team is tested after every game in the top two divisions.
Source: Reuters
Monday, 26 February 2007
Cagliari axe Colomba
Cagliari have become the second Serie A club to replace their coach today, with Marco Giampaolo being reappointed at the expense of Franco Colomba.
President Massimo Cellino decided to replace the tactician after the 2-0 home defeat to Lazio on Sunday that left the side 14th in the standings, only three points from the relegation zone.
"Cagliari announce that Franco Colomba has been removed from the role of first team Coach," read an official statement on the club’s website. "The technical guidance of the squad is now handed over to Marco Giampaolo. We wish to thank Colomba for the work done so far," it concluded.
Giampaolo, 39, has taken over from Colomba having been succeeded by the 52-year-old at the end of last year following a deafeat to Udinese.
Giampaolo was initially appointed in the summer following a strong maiden Serie A campaign with Ascoli.
The Sardinian team dispensed with Colomba not long after Torino announced that Gianni De Biasi had come in for Alberto Zaccheroni. Ironically the two sides face each other in Turin on Wednesday afternoon.
This latest managerial change means that nine coaches have now been replaced in Serie A this term. There maybe a few more to come before the season comes to an end...
[Serie A 2006-07 Managerial Changes]
President Massimo Cellino decided to replace the tactician after the 2-0 home defeat to Lazio on Sunday that left the side 14th in the standings, only three points from the relegation zone.
"Cagliari announce that Franco Colomba has been removed from the role of first team Coach," read an official statement on the club’s website. "The technical guidance of the squad is now handed over to Marco Giampaolo. We wish to thank Colomba for the work done so far," it concluded.
Giampaolo, 39, has taken over from Colomba having been succeeded by the 52-year-old at the end of last year following a deafeat to Udinese.
Giampaolo was initially appointed in the summer following a strong maiden Serie A campaign with Ascoli.
The Sardinian team dispensed with Colomba not long after Torino announced that Gianni De Biasi had come in for Alberto Zaccheroni. Ironically the two sides face each other in Turin on Wednesday afternoon.
This latest managerial change means that nine coaches have now been replaced in Serie A this term. There maybe a few more to come before the season comes to an end...
[Serie A 2006-07 Managerial Changes]
Toro sack Zac!
Torino have parted company with coach Alberto Zaccheroni in the wake of a sixth successive Serie A defeat and reappointed Gianni De Biasi, who was sacked just before the start of the season.
Saturday's 3-0 reverse at Chievo means the Granata have lost all their games in 2007 and are now 16th in Serie A with 22 points, only two places and two points above the relegation zone.
Club President Urbano Cairo confirmed this morning that De Biasi was taking training ahead of Wednesday's visit of Cagliari, having agreed a contract until 2008.
The 50-year-old led Torino to promotion last term, but a series of poor pre-season results convinced the board to appoint Zaccheroni, 53, in his place only three days before Serie A kicked off.
Zaccheroni is the eighth coach to be replaced in Serie A this season, the last one being Stefano Pioli who was fired by Parma to make way for Caudio Ranieri’s return to Italy.
[Serie A 2006-07 Managerial Changes]
Saturday's 3-0 reverse at Chievo means the Granata have lost all their games in 2007 and are now 16th in Serie A with 22 points, only two places and two points above the relegation zone.
Club President Urbano Cairo confirmed this morning that De Biasi was taking training ahead of Wednesday's visit of Cagliari, having agreed a contract until 2008.
The 50-year-old led Torino to promotion last term, but a series of poor pre-season results convinced the board to appoint Zaccheroni, 53, in his place only three days before Serie A kicked off.
Zaccheroni is the eighth coach to be replaced in Serie A this season, the last one being Stefano Pioli who was fired by Parma to make way for Caudio Ranieri’s return to Italy.
[Serie A 2006-07 Managerial Changes]
Sunday, 25 February 2007
Serie A Wk 25: Review
Saturday 24 February
Atalanta 1-1 Palermo
Riccardo Zampagna marked his 250th appearance for Atalanta with a goal in a 1-1 draw with out-of-form Palermo. Despite sitting third in Serie A, the Rosanero have won just one of their last six games and have stumbled in the race for the second Champions League spot. Atalanta, meanwhile, are enjoying a happy return to the Italian top flight and this result puts them on the cusp of the UEFA Cup places and continues their unbeaten start to 2007. Zampagna's goals have been pivotal to this success and he got them off the mark in the 13th minute, before Aimo Diana equalised just before the hour mark with his first goal for Palermo.
Chievo 3-0 Torino
Erjon Bogdani hit a brace - his first goals for Chievo - as the Flying Donkeys put some daylight between themselves and the drop zone with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Torino. Bogdani's first-half double put the hosts in control, with Matteo Brighi's strike two minutes after the restart making absolutely sure of a first win in five weeks for the Verona side. Sergio Pellissier passed up the chance to add further gloss to the scoreline when he missed the target from the penalty spot just after the hour mark. But by then the win was in the bag, moving Chievo level with their opponents on 22 points from 24 matches.
Sunday 25 February
Catania 2-5 Inter
Inter continued their march towards a second straight Scudetto with a 5-2 victory over Catania on Sunday in Cesena. Walter Samuel opened the scoring for the Nerazzurri on the stroke of half-time before Santiago Solari doubled the advantage shortly after the restart. Fabio Grosso put the league leaders three ahead on 57 minutes but Catania didn't lie down and Gionathan Spinesi brought them back into the game eight minutes later. Inter's three-goal advantage was restored by Zlatan Ibrahimovic but the visitors were made to sweat when Giorgio Corona once again reduced the arrears with 16 minutes remaining before Julio Cruz killed the game off. Catania were forced to play the final three minutes with 10 men after Spinesi was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Roma 3-0 Reggina
Roma kept a firm grip on second place with a convincing 3-0 victory against Reggina at the Stadio Olimpico. The Giallorossi moved eight points clear of third-placed Palermo as the Sicilian giants were held to a draw by Atalanta on Saturday night. Francesco Tavano's 55th-minute strike put them on their way and Philippe Mexes doubled the lead shortly after the hour mark. Francesco Totti's 81st-minute penalty was saved but Cristian Panucci completed the triumph with Roma's third in injury time.
Milan 1-0 Sampdoria
Massimo Ambrosini scored in the last minute of the game to earn AC Milan all three points from a 1-0 win against Sampdoria in a game where both sides were reduced to 10 men. Massimo Oddo saw red for Milan when the game was just 10 minutes old, before numerical parity was restored when Ruben Olivera walked six minutes before the interval. And just as the game appeared to be heading for a stalemate, midfielder Ambrosini headed home to move Carlo Ancelotti's side up to fifth in the hunt for a Champions League spot come the end of the season. But it could have been so different had Angelo Palombo's shot from distance been only centimetres more accurate and it would have gone in instead of rebounding off a hapless Dida's post.
Cagliari 0-2 Lazio
Lazio climbed into the Champions League places after claiming a 2-0 victory over 10-man Cagliari. Heading into the game the Biancoceleste were fifth, but Empoli's failure to win at Fiorentina lifted Delio Rossi's men above their rivals to fourth. Sanchez Emilson Cribari and Tommaso Rocchi's first-half goals were enough for the Romans, who also kept their excellent start to 2007 intact.
Fiorentina 2-0 Empoli
A goal in each half from Adrian Mutu and Luca Toni enabled Fiorentina to see off Empoli in the Tuscan derby. The Viola, who were hit by a 15-point penalty for their involvement in the Calciopoli scandal, have done their utmost to still mount a challenge for a place in Europe next season. And this victory moves them within six points of Lazio, who currently occupy fourth position - the lowest spot which would guarantee Champions League football in 2007.
Udinese 3-3 Parma
Guiseppe Rossi's 86th-minute penalty earned Parma a crucial point in their relegation battle at Udinese. The Gialloblu, beaten in their three previous games, took the lead through Igor Budan before Antonio Di Natale's header squared things up before the break. The game swung further in Udinese's favour when Di Natale added his second of the game from the penalty spot but Parma pulled level 14 minutes later through Francesco Parravicini. Alberto Malesani's men appeared to have snatched victory with six minutes left on the clock courtesy of Chris Obodo's superb left-footed shot but Rossi was to have the final say on matters two minutes later as they remained four points adrift of safety.
Messina 1-0 Siena
Edgar Alvarez came off the bench to grab an injury-time winner for Messina, who ended a dire run of results with a 1-0 victory over Siena. Alvarez's late strike gave Messina their first win in the league since October 29, ending a run in which they had taken five points from 15 games, sending the club plummeting down the table. It was a first win for coach Alberto Cavasin who was appointed earlier this month to try and turn the fortunes of the club around.
Livorno 0-0 Ascoli
Ascoli are now six points from safety after a goalless draw with mid-table Livorno. Both sides were guilty of missing chances in a stalemate that does neither side any favours, with Livorno's hopes of a UEFA Cup spot taking a knock after they ended their three-month winless run last weekend. Livorno's Cristian Lucarelli came the closest to breaking the deadlock, but his second-half effort cannoned off the bar, but there was little to choose between the teams on the day.
Atalanta 1-1 Palermo
Riccardo Zampagna marked his 250th appearance for Atalanta with a goal in a 1-1 draw with out-of-form Palermo. Despite sitting third in Serie A, the Rosanero have won just one of their last six games and have stumbled in the race for the second Champions League spot. Atalanta, meanwhile, are enjoying a happy return to the Italian top flight and this result puts them on the cusp of the UEFA Cup places and continues their unbeaten start to 2007. Zampagna's goals have been pivotal to this success and he got them off the mark in the 13th minute, before Aimo Diana equalised just before the hour mark with his first goal for Palermo.
Chievo 3-0 Torino
Erjon Bogdani hit a brace - his first goals for Chievo - as the Flying Donkeys put some daylight between themselves and the drop zone with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Torino. Bogdani's first-half double put the hosts in control, with Matteo Brighi's strike two minutes after the restart making absolutely sure of a first win in five weeks for the Verona side. Sergio Pellissier passed up the chance to add further gloss to the scoreline when he missed the target from the penalty spot just after the hour mark. But by then the win was in the bag, moving Chievo level with their opponents on 22 points from 24 matches.
Sunday 25 February
Catania 2-5 Inter
Inter continued their march towards a second straight Scudetto with a 5-2 victory over Catania on Sunday in Cesena. Walter Samuel opened the scoring for the Nerazzurri on the stroke of half-time before Santiago Solari doubled the advantage shortly after the restart. Fabio Grosso put the league leaders three ahead on 57 minutes but Catania didn't lie down and Gionathan Spinesi brought them back into the game eight minutes later. Inter's three-goal advantage was restored by Zlatan Ibrahimovic but the visitors were made to sweat when Giorgio Corona once again reduced the arrears with 16 minutes remaining before Julio Cruz killed the game off. Catania were forced to play the final three minutes with 10 men after Spinesi was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Roma 3-0 Reggina
Roma kept a firm grip on second place with a convincing 3-0 victory against Reggina at the Stadio Olimpico. The Giallorossi moved eight points clear of third-placed Palermo as the Sicilian giants were held to a draw by Atalanta on Saturday night. Francesco Tavano's 55th-minute strike put them on their way and Philippe Mexes doubled the lead shortly after the hour mark. Francesco Totti's 81st-minute penalty was saved but Cristian Panucci completed the triumph with Roma's third in injury time.
Milan 1-0 Sampdoria
Massimo Ambrosini scored in the last minute of the game to earn AC Milan all three points from a 1-0 win against Sampdoria in a game where both sides were reduced to 10 men. Massimo Oddo saw red for Milan when the game was just 10 minutes old, before numerical parity was restored when Ruben Olivera walked six minutes before the interval. And just as the game appeared to be heading for a stalemate, midfielder Ambrosini headed home to move Carlo Ancelotti's side up to fifth in the hunt for a Champions League spot come the end of the season. But it could have been so different had Angelo Palombo's shot from distance been only centimetres more accurate and it would have gone in instead of rebounding off a hapless Dida's post.
Cagliari 0-2 Lazio
Lazio climbed into the Champions League places after claiming a 2-0 victory over 10-man Cagliari. Heading into the game the Biancoceleste were fifth, but Empoli's failure to win at Fiorentina lifted Delio Rossi's men above their rivals to fourth. Sanchez Emilson Cribari and Tommaso Rocchi's first-half goals were enough for the Romans, who also kept their excellent start to 2007 intact.
Fiorentina 2-0 Empoli
A goal in each half from Adrian Mutu and Luca Toni enabled Fiorentina to see off Empoli in the Tuscan derby. The Viola, who were hit by a 15-point penalty for their involvement in the Calciopoli scandal, have done their utmost to still mount a challenge for a place in Europe next season. And this victory moves them within six points of Lazio, who currently occupy fourth position - the lowest spot which would guarantee Champions League football in 2007.
Udinese 3-3 Parma
Guiseppe Rossi's 86th-minute penalty earned Parma a crucial point in their relegation battle at Udinese. The Gialloblu, beaten in their three previous games, took the lead through Igor Budan before Antonio Di Natale's header squared things up before the break. The game swung further in Udinese's favour when Di Natale added his second of the game from the penalty spot but Parma pulled level 14 minutes later through Francesco Parravicini. Alberto Malesani's men appeared to have snatched victory with six minutes left on the clock courtesy of Chris Obodo's superb left-footed shot but Rossi was to have the final say on matters two minutes later as they remained four points adrift of safety.
Messina 1-0 Siena
Edgar Alvarez came off the bench to grab an injury-time winner for Messina, who ended a dire run of results with a 1-0 victory over Siena. Alvarez's late strike gave Messina their first win in the league since October 29, ending a run in which they had taken five points from 15 games, sending the club plummeting down the table. It was a first win for coach Alberto Cavasin who was appointed earlier this month to try and turn the fortunes of the club around.
Livorno 0-0 Ascoli
Ascoli are now six points from safety after a goalless draw with mid-table Livorno. Both sides were guilty of missing chances in a stalemate that does neither side any favours, with Livorno's hopes of a UEFA Cup spot taking a knock after they ended their three-month winless run last weekend. Livorno's Cristian Lucarelli came the closest to breaking the deadlock, but his second-half effort cannoned off the bar, but there was little to choose between the teams on the day.
Saturday, 24 February 2007
Serie B Wk 25: Review
Friday 23 February
Lecce 1-1 Treviso
This fiery match at the Stadio Via del Mare – currently open only to season ticket holders – ended in a draw that does little to boost either side. Treviso were on target for a fifth consecutive victory when Quadrini’s left-foot drive gave the visitors the lead after just seven minutes, but ex-Lecce man Camorani’s second bookable offence dented their chances. Although Munari and Tulli went close, Lecce could not get back into the game until Valdes floated in a cross for Tulli’s header. The red card count was also equal, as Zanchetta was sent off for a late tackle. The Southerners have now won just once in six games.
Saturday 24 February
Arezzo 2-1 Albinoleffe
Arezzo’s resurgence continues with a hard-earned victory over Albinoleffe. The Tuscans went ahead after just six minutes when Volpato put Floro Flores through and the ex-Napoli man easily beat goalkeeper Acerbis. Volpato nearly doubled their lead minutes later when he found himself unmarked in the centre of the box, but his hesitation proved costly as he was dispossessed. The Bergamo side nearly struck before the break when Rabito went close to converting a Colombo cross. Arezzo continued to threaten after the interval and a Floro Flores penalty appeal was waved away before a shot from the irrepressible Volpato was parried into the path of Vigna, who slotted home. Just as the game seemed to be fading away, Albinoleffe pulled a goal back when last weekend’s goal heroes Peluso and Ferrari combined for the latter to beat Bremec from close range. Leffe went in search of the equaliser but couldn’t turn possession into chances.
Brescia 0-0 Verona
There was frustration all round at the Stadio Rigamonti after a derby stalemate that sees Brescia rooted in mid-table and Verona sucked into the relegation mire. The hosts missed three early chances to take the lead with Possanzini coming closest when his 25th minute strike was deflected wide. Mannini narrowly failed to turn a pinpoint Santacroce cross home 10 minutes before the interval, but the Rondinelle had nothing to show for their first half dominance. Verona started the second period with greater urgency, but neither side created any clear-cut chances. As the tension increased the challenges began to fly in and Lima was dismissed for a second late tackle. Hellas boss Ventura introduced Cutolo, who nearly stole the points with five minutes left, but his shot grazed the post and the Mastini’s nightmare continues.
Crotone 2-1 Mantova
Mantova suffered a shock defeat against relegation battlers Crotone and slide down the standings. Cariello broke through on the stroke of half-time with a right-foot daisy-cutter from the edge of the area and Bau doubled the lead through a trademark free kick from 30 metres. Although Spinale was able to score a low drive, it was too little too late for the visitors.
Pescara 1-0 Cesena
New signing Vantaggiato was the hero again for Pescara as the Delfini extended their unbeaten run to four games with a win over high-flying Cesena. The home side pinned their play-off chasing opponents back in the opening stages and could easily have led were it not for two controversial decisions. Martini saw a goal harshly disallowed for offside after just 12 minutes and the hosts were further aggrieved when an apparent Anastasi handball in the area went unpunished. The Biancoazzurri’s luck was out again on the half hour mark when Vantaggiato hit the post after a superb ball from Mora. However, after the break Cesena midfielder Mezavilla was dismissed for dissent and the pressure eventually told when Vantaggiato headed home form a Mora free-kick to hand the strugglers a deserved victory. To add insult to injury, the visitors finished the game with nine men when Lauro received a second yellow card for foul and abusive language in stoppage time.
Piacenza 3-1 Genoa
Piacenza leapfrogged Genoa into third place, as the Grifoni continue to struggle on their travels. It was a balanced first half, but two woeful defensive errors turned the game. Cacia took advantage of a poor clearance to volley in with his left foot, then Stamilla pounced on a Criscito howler. Genoa poured forward after the break and went close with De Rosa, Coppola and Leon before Patrascu’s handling offence granted Di Vaio a penalty – his first goal for the club. Cacia’s stunning half-volley smashed against the crossbar and Nef secured the points with a free header from a corner kick.
Rimini 0-0 Bologna
The scoreline did not reflect a passionate local derby where only the crossbar and a missed penalty prevented the goals. With Zauli and Ricchiuti suspended, both sides were inevitably weakened in attack, although Bologna hit the woodwork with Smit’s header from a Jeda cross. Handanovic kept out Mingazzini and Smit, although Rimini had penalty appeals for an Amoroso handling offence and threatened with Regonesi and Moscardelli. The best opportunity fell to the Rossoblu when Bellucci was held back, but the top scorer is without a goal since December 16 and ballooned his penalty off target.
Spezia 1-1 Frosinone
These two sides have impressed since earning promotion from Serie C1 in the summer and split the points. Frosinone have been a revelation this season and took the lead after just three minutes when Di Deo out-jumped everyone to head in a corner kick. However, Spezia snatched a draw in the second half with Guidetti’s sixth goal of the campaign, springing the offside trap.
Triestina 1-3 Napoli
Napoli rediscovered their form and with it star player De Zerbi, as they fought back to sink former Coach Andrea Agostinelli’s Triestina in their first away win since November. The home side had taken the lead early on when Eliakwu’s counter-attack was finalised by Silva Ceron. Domizzi’s free kick was cleared off the line before De Zerbi took control, his corner nodded in by Cannavaro and another set-piece chested down and volleyed by Bucchi at the back post. Triestina almost equalised, but Pivotto was kept out by the woodwork, so De Zerbi completed his man of the match performance with a delightful lob. It’s Napoli’s first win at the Stadio Rocco since 1964, but only the Triestina season ticket holders were there to witness it.
Vicenza 3-0 Bari
Bari boss Rolando Maran’s job is hanging by a thread after a crushing 3-0 reverse at the hands of Vicenza. The visiting Galletti haven’t won since December and never looked likely to change that as Vicenza dominated from start to finish. The Berici’s opener came courtesy of a left-footed Foti strike from outside the box and seemed to demoralise Bari, who offered no resistance in a one-sided first half. After the restart, Vicenza captain Schwoch was at his lethal best. After a warning shot which flashed past the post from distance, the veteran marksman rounded ‘keeper Gillet to slot home. Paonessa completed the rout with a sparkling individual effort beating two defenders and firing into the top corner.
Monday 26 February
Modena 0-1 Juventus
Juventus have moved back to the top of Serie B after a late own goal saw them collect a crucial 1-0 win at Modena. It had looked like an inspired goalkeeping performance by Sergio Frezzolini would have to see Juve make do with a 0-0 draw, but Didier Deschamps’ men wrapped up the points with just minutes left. The Bianconeri went into the game desperate for a victory which would not only see them re-take top spot from Napoli, but also increase their advantage over Piacenza in third to a healthy five points. However, it proved to be a frustrating night for the Old Lady until Centurioni own goal with just four minutes remaining.
Source: C4 Football Italia
Lecce 1-1 Treviso
This fiery match at the Stadio Via del Mare – currently open only to season ticket holders – ended in a draw that does little to boost either side. Treviso were on target for a fifth consecutive victory when Quadrini’s left-foot drive gave the visitors the lead after just seven minutes, but ex-Lecce man Camorani’s second bookable offence dented their chances. Although Munari and Tulli went close, Lecce could not get back into the game until Valdes floated in a cross for Tulli’s header. The red card count was also equal, as Zanchetta was sent off for a late tackle. The Southerners have now won just once in six games.
Saturday 24 February
Arezzo 2-1 Albinoleffe
Arezzo’s resurgence continues with a hard-earned victory over Albinoleffe. The Tuscans went ahead after just six minutes when Volpato put Floro Flores through and the ex-Napoli man easily beat goalkeeper Acerbis. Volpato nearly doubled their lead minutes later when he found himself unmarked in the centre of the box, but his hesitation proved costly as he was dispossessed. The Bergamo side nearly struck before the break when Rabito went close to converting a Colombo cross. Arezzo continued to threaten after the interval and a Floro Flores penalty appeal was waved away before a shot from the irrepressible Volpato was parried into the path of Vigna, who slotted home. Just as the game seemed to be fading away, Albinoleffe pulled a goal back when last weekend’s goal heroes Peluso and Ferrari combined for the latter to beat Bremec from close range. Leffe went in search of the equaliser but couldn’t turn possession into chances.
Brescia 0-0 Verona
There was frustration all round at the Stadio Rigamonti after a derby stalemate that sees Brescia rooted in mid-table and Verona sucked into the relegation mire. The hosts missed three early chances to take the lead with Possanzini coming closest when his 25th minute strike was deflected wide. Mannini narrowly failed to turn a pinpoint Santacroce cross home 10 minutes before the interval, but the Rondinelle had nothing to show for their first half dominance. Verona started the second period with greater urgency, but neither side created any clear-cut chances. As the tension increased the challenges began to fly in and Lima was dismissed for a second late tackle. Hellas boss Ventura introduced Cutolo, who nearly stole the points with five minutes left, but his shot grazed the post and the Mastini’s nightmare continues.
Crotone 2-1 Mantova
Mantova suffered a shock defeat against relegation battlers Crotone and slide down the standings. Cariello broke through on the stroke of half-time with a right-foot daisy-cutter from the edge of the area and Bau doubled the lead through a trademark free kick from 30 metres. Although Spinale was able to score a low drive, it was too little too late for the visitors.
Pescara 1-0 Cesena
New signing Vantaggiato was the hero again for Pescara as the Delfini extended their unbeaten run to four games with a win over high-flying Cesena. The home side pinned their play-off chasing opponents back in the opening stages and could easily have led were it not for two controversial decisions. Martini saw a goal harshly disallowed for offside after just 12 minutes and the hosts were further aggrieved when an apparent Anastasi handball in the area went unpunished. The Biancoazzurri’s luck was out again on the half hour mark when Vantaggiato hit the post after a superb ball from Mora. However, after the break Cesena midfielder Mezavilla was dismissed for dissent and the pressure eventually told when Vantaggiato headed home form a Mora free-kick to hand the strugglers a deserved victory. To add insult to injury, the visitors finished the game with nine men when Lauro received a second yellow card for foul and abusive language in stoppage time.
Piacenza 3-1 Genoa
Piacenza leapfrogged Genoa into third place, as the Grifoni continue to struggle on their travels. It was a balanced first half, but two woeful defensive errors turned the game. Cacia took advantage of a poor clearance to volley in with his left foot, then Stamilla pounced on a Criscito howler. Genoa poured forward after the break and went close with De Rosa, Coppola and Leon before Patrascu’s handling offence granted Di Vaio a penalty – his first goal for the club. Cacia’s stunning half-volley smashed against the crossbar and Nef secured the points with a free header from a corner kick.
Rimini 0-0 Bologna
The scoreline did not reflect a passionate local derby where only the crossbar and a missed penalty prevented the goals. With Zauli and Ricchiuti suspended, both sides were inevitably weakened in attack, although Bologna hit the woodwork with Smit’s header from a Jeda cross. Handanovic kept out Mingazzini and Smit, although Rimini had penalty appeals for an Amoroso handling offence and threatened with Regonesi and Moscardelli. The best opportunity fell to the Rossoblu when Bellucci was held back, but the top scorer is without a goal since December 16 and ballooned his penalty off target.
Spezia 1-1 Frosinone
These two sides have impressed since earning promotion from Serie C1 in the summer and split the points. Frosinone have been a revelation this season and took the lead after just three minutes when Di Deo out-jumped everyone to head in a corner kick. However, Spezia snatched a draw in the second half with Guidetti’s sixth goal of the campaign, springing the offside trap.
Triestina 1-3 Napoli
Napoli rediscovered their form and with it star player De Zerbi, as they fought back to sink former Coach Andrea Agostinelli’s Triestina in their first away win since November. The home side had taken the lead early on when Eliakwu’s counter-attack was finalised by Silva Ceron. Domizzi’s free kick was cleared off the line before De Zerbi took control, his corner nodded in by Cannavaro and another set-piece chested down and volleyed by Bucchi at the back post. Triestina almost equalised, but Pivotto was kept out by the woodwork, so De Zerbi completed his man of the match performance with a delightful lob. It’s Napoli’s first win at the Stadio Rocco since 1964, but only the Triestina season ticket holders were there to witness it.
Vicenza 3-0 Bari
Bari boss Rolando Maran’s job is hanging by a thread after a crushing 3-0 reverse at the hands of Vicenza. The visiting Galletti haven’t won since December and never looked likely to change that as Vicenza dominated from start to finish. The Berici’s opener came courtesy of a left-footed Foti strike from outside the box and seemed to demoralise Bari, who offered no resistance in a one-sided first half. After the restart, Vicenza captain Schwoch was at his lethal best. After a warning shot which flashed past the post from distance, the veteran marksman rounded ‘keeper Gillet to slot home. Paonessa completed the rout with a sparkling individual effort beating two defenders and firing into the top corner.
Monday 26 February
Modena 0-1 Juventus
Juventus have moved back to the top of Serie B after a late own goal saw them collect a crucial 1-0 win at Modena. It had looked like an inspired goalkeeping performance by Sergio Frezzolini would have to see Juve make do with a 0-0 draw, but Didier Deschamps’ men wrapped up the points with just minutes left. The Bianconeri went into the game desperate for a victory which would not only see them re-take top spot from Napoli, but also increase their advantage over Piacenza in third to a healthy five points. However, it proved to be a frustrating night for the Old Lady until Centurioni own goal with just four minutes remaining.
Source: C4 Football Italia
Clubs count Stadiopoli cost
Lega Calcio chief Antonio Matarrese has warned the cost of the new safety regulations are "catastrophic" on clubs and could bankrupt some by the end of the season.
All sides in Italy must prove their financial stability before they are allowed to register for Serie A, B or C, but with many stadiums closed to fans during expensive restructuring work to achieve the new legal standards, we could see many failing to make the grade.
"The situation is catastrophic," said Matarrese. "We have to do something to limit the damage, otherwise how are we going to start next season?"
The stadiums are slowly returning to normal, with most at least allowing season ticket holders in this weekend, although that vastly reduces the takings from a normal gate.
"For now we have secured the rights of the season ticket holders in most arenas, but there is a long way to go yet.
"I have set up a commission to investigate the situation and I am waiting for a detailed report on the financial balances before I decide what to do next. We are facing clubs that have advanced millions of Euros to fix the stadiums and the consequences on their finances are disastrous, causing serious alterations."
The Lega Calcio is lodging an appeal to have the usual financial checks and balances changed for this summer to avoid too many bankruptcies.
There were fears of another legal battle, as the clubs have threatened to sue the local councils – who own the stadiums – for the cost of the renovations. In turn, the councils warned they could turn to the State for compensation if they were charged for the building work.
"It is a very complex and difficult situation," added Matarrese. "The refusal to play more than one evening game per day has terrible repercussions on the whole football system, including the pay-per-view television companies who have so far been very supportive. Thankfully they haven’t sued us for damages as well."
All sides in Italy must prove their financial stability before they are allowed to register for Serie A, B or C, but with many stadiums closed to fans during expensive restructuring work to achieve the new legal standards, we could see many failing to make the grade.
"The situation is catastrophic," said Matarrese. "We have to do something to limit the damage, otherwise how are we going to start next season?"
The stadiums are slowly returning to normal, with most at least allowing season ticket holders in this weekend, although that vastly reduces the takings from a normal gate.
"For now we have secured the rights of the season ticket holders in most arenas, but there is a long way to go yet.
"I have set up a commission to investigate the situation and I am waiting for a detailed report on the financial balances before I decide what to do next. We are facing clubs that have advanced millions of Euros to fix the stadiums and the consequences on their finances are disastrous, causing serious alterations."
The Lega Calcio is lodging an appeal to have the usual financial checks and balances changed for this summer to avoid too many bankruptcies.
There were fears of another legal battle, as the clubs have threatened to sue the local councils – who own the stadiums – for the cost of the renovations. In turn, the councils warned they could turn to the State for compensation if they were charged for the building work.
"It is a very complex and difficult situation," added Matarrese. "The refusal to play more than one evening game per day has terrible repercussions on the whole football system, including the pay-per-view television companies who have so far been very supportive. Thankfully they haven’t sued us for damages as well."
Thursday, 22 February 2007
UEFA Cup: Round of 32, Second Leg
Thursday 22 February
Round of 32, Second Leg: Parma 0-1 Braga [AGG: 0-2]
Despite dominating the game, Parma were knocked out of the UEFA Cup after being caught by a late sucker-punch from Braga's Diego. Attempting to overturn the Portuguese side's one-goal advantage from the first leg, Claudio Ranieri's men missed a score of chances in defeat. And things could have been so different for the Serie A strugglers as Daniele Paponi thought his superb drilled header had beaten Paulo Santos early on, only for the Braga goalkeeper to somehow tip the ball over the bar. Andrea Gasbarroni, Daniele Dessena and Giuseppe Rossi all went close before Braga midfielder Frechaut was dismissed for a second bookable offence. As Parma continued to push forward, they were caught out when Luis Filipe crossed for Diego to volley home in the 89th minute and set up a last-16 meeting with Tottenham Hotspur.
Round of 32, Second Leg: Espanyol 2-0 Livorno [AGG: 4-1]
Jesus Maria Lacruz scored his first goal for Espanyol as the Spanish side cruised into the UEFA Cup last 16, their 2-0 victory on the night sealing a 4-1 aggregate triumph against ten-man Livorno. Fabio Galante had kept Livorno hopes alive with his strike towards the end of the first leg in Tuscany last week, but when Lacruz registered early on, that optimism was quickly consigned to memory. The defender found himself in unusual territory on 16 minutes, yet demonstrated a striker's poise as he dispatched Luis García's right-wing cross past Marco Amelia. He was in more familiar territory from the kick-off, although he could do nothing as Cristiano Lucarelli headed narrowly over the bar on the counterattack. It set the pattern of the match: Espanyol, and Luis Garcia in particular, causing a menace while Livorno looked to pounce on the break. Stefano Fiore spurned a gilt-edged opportunity to restore parity on the night as he shot straight at Gorka Iraizoz on the cusp of half-time. Any vague ambitions were vanquished soon after the restart, however, as the lively Luis Garcia teed up Ferran Corominas who rifled in his third goal of the campaign. Livorno continued to press, yet their misery was completed 12 minutes from time when Cesar was dismissed. Espanyol now face Israeli team Maccabi Haifa in the Round of 16.
This Week's Other Results:
Blackburn Rovers 0-0 Bayer Leverkusen [2-3], Glasgow Rangers 4-0 Happoel Tel-Aviv [5-2], AZ Alkmaar 2-2 Fenerbahce [AG 5-5], Nancy 0-1 Shakhtar Donetsk [1-2], Osasuna 1-0 Bordeaux [1-0 AET], Ajax 3-1 Werder Bremen [3-4], Macaabi Haifa 1-0 CSKA Moscow [1-0], Dinamo Bucharest 1-2 Benfica [1-3], PSG 2-0 AEK Athens [4-0], Sevilla 1-0 Steaua Bucharest [3-0], Celta Vigo 2-1 Spartak Moscow [3-2], Newcastle United 1-0 Zulte Waregem [4-1], Panathinaikos 0-0 Lens [1-3] & Feyenoord [P-P] Tottenham Hotspur*.
* Tottenham Hotspur get bye into the Round of 16 following Feyenoord being thrown out of the tournament for crowd trouble in the Group Stage.
Round of 16 Fixtures:
Newcastle United (Eng) v AZ Alkmaar (Ned), Maccabi Haifa (Isr) v Espanyol (Esp), Glasgow Rangers (Sco) v Osasuna (Esp), Braga (Por) v Tottenham Hotspur (Eng), Sevilla (Esp) v Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukr), Lens v Bayer Leverkusen (Ger), PSG (Fra) v Benfica (Por) & Celta Vigo (Esp) v Werder Bremen (Ger).
The Round of 16 will get under way on Thursday 8 March, with the return matches taking place the following Wednesday and Thursday. This season's final will be played at Hampden Park in Glasgow on Wednesday 16 May.
Round of 32, Second Leg: Parma 0-1 Braga [AGG: 0-2]
Despite dominating the game, Parma were knocked out of the UEFA Cup after being caught by a late sucker-punch from Braga's Diego. Attempting to overturn the Portuguese side's one-goal advantage from the first leg, Claudio Ranieri's men missed a score of chances in defeat. And things could have been so different for the Serie A strugglers as Daniele Paponi thought his superb drilled header had beaten Paulo Santos early on, only for the Braga goalkeeper to somehow tip the ball over the bar. Andrea Gasbarroni, Daniele Dessena and Giuseppe Rossi all went close before Braga midfielder Frechaut was dismissed for a second bookable offence. As Parma continued to push forward, they were caught out when Luis Filipe crossed for Diego to volley home in the 89th minute and set up a last-16 meeting with Tottenham Hotspur.
Round of 32, Second Leg: Espanyol 2-0 Livorno [AGG: 4-1]
Jesus Maria Lacruz scored his first goal for Espanyol as the Spanish side cruised into the UEFA Cup last 16, their 2-0 victory on the night sealing a 4-1 aggregate triumph against ten-man Livorno. Fabio Galante had kept Livorno hopes alive with his strike towards the end of the first leg in Tuscany last week, but when Lacruz registered early on, that optimism was quickly consigned to memory. The defender found himself in unusual territory on 16 minutes, yet demonstrated a striker's poise as he dispatched Luis García's right-wing cross past Marco Amelia. He was in more familiar territory from the kick-off, although he could do nothing as Cristiano Lucarelli headed narrowly over the bar on the counterattack. It set the pattern of the match: Espanyol, and Luis Garcia in particular, causing a menace while Livorno looked to pounce on the break. Stefano Fiore spurned a gilt-edged opportunity to restore parity on the night as he shot straight at Gorka Iraizoz on the cusp of half-time. Any vague ambitions were vanquished soon after the restart, however, as the lively Luis Garcia teed up Ferran Corominas who rifled in his third goal of the campaign. Livorno continued to press, yet their misery was completed 12 minutes from time when Cesar was dismissed. Espanyol now face Israeli team Maccabi Haifa in the Round of 16.
This Week's Other Results:
Blackburn Rovers 0-0 Bayer Leverkusen [2-3], Glasgow Rangers 4-0 Happoel Tel-Aviv [5-2], AZ Alkmaar 2-2 Fenerbahce [AG 5-5], Nancy 0-1 Shakhtar Donetsk [1-2], Osasuna 1-0 Bordeaux [1-0 AET], Ajax 3-1 Werder Bremen [3-4], Macaabi Haifa 1-0 CSKA Moscow [1-0], Dinamo Bucharest 1-2 Benfica [1-3], PSG 2-0 AEK Athens [4-0], Sevilla 1-0 Steaua Bucharest [3-0], Celta Vigo 2-1 Spartak Moscow [3-2], Newcastle United 1-0 Zulte Waregem [4-1], Panathinaikos 0-0 Lens [1-3] & Feyenoord [P-P] Tottenham Hotspur*.
* Tottenham Hotspur get bye into the Round of 16 following Feyenoord being thrown out of the tournament for crowd trouble in the Group Stage.
Round of 16 Fixtures:
Newcastle United (Eng) v AZ Alkmaar (Ned), Maccabi Haifa (Isr) v Espanyol (Esp), Glasgow Rangers (Sco) v Osasuna (Esp), Braga (Por) v Tottenham Hotspur (Eng), Sevilla (Esp) v Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukr), Lens v Bayer Leverkusen (Ger), PSG (Fra) v Benfica (Por) & Celta Vigo (Esp) v Werder Bremen (Ger).
The Round of 16 will get under way on Thursday 8 March, with the return matches taking place the following Wednesday and Thursday. This season's final will be played at Hampden Park in Glasgow on Wednesday 16 May.
Wednesday, 21 February 2007
CL: Last 16, First Leg
Tuesday 20 February
Last 16, First Leg: Celtic 0-0 Milan
Alberto Gilardino wasted several good chances at Celtic Park, but Milan can be satisfied with their goalless draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League first knockout round tie in Glasgow. Yoann Gourcuff squandered an opening and goalkeeper Artur Boruc's outstretched foot prevented Alberto Gilardino giving Milan an early lead. Kenny Miller passed up a couple of half-chances for Celtic. But Milan were the more dangerous and Rino Gattuso and Gilardino fired wide as Celtic avoided an away goal. Milan will now be favourites to progress to the quarter-finals in the second leg in a fortnight.
Last 16, First Leg: Other Results
Lille 0-1 Manchester United, PSV Eindhoven 1-0 Arsenal & Real Madrid 3-2 Bayern Munich.
Wednesday 21 February
Last 16, First Leg: Inter 2-2 Valencia
David Silva cracked home a late equaliser to deny Inter and hand Valencia a draw at the San Siro. Silva volleyed home with just four minutes remaining to give the Primera Liga side a psychological edge ahead of the second leg at the Mestalla in two weeks' time. It was a better result than performance for the visitors, who were second best for much of the contest against an Inter side which failed to capitalise on their superiority. Esteban Cambiasso headed the Serie A leaders in front after 29 minutes only for David Villa to fire home a spectacular equaliser with a 30-yard free-kick 19 minutes into the second half. Brazilian full-back Maicon looked to have won it for Inter when his marauding run and composed finish put the Nerazzurri back in front, but Valencia displayed the stubbornness they have shown recently by finding a second equaliser. The result means Inter will have to win in Spain or draw 3-3 or higher to qualify for the Last 8.
Last 16, First Leg: Roma 0-0 Lyon
It finished honours even at the Stadio Olimpico as Roma were held to a goalless stalemate by Lyon in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 encounter. Both teams struggled to find their rhythm in a tense affair which was interrupted by a series of free-kicks and 11 yellow cards from English referee Mike Riley. Juninho created Lyon's best chance when his free-kick ricocheted off Roma's Rodrigo Taddei and on to the post, while home keeper Doni denied Fred. Francesco Totti had Roma's best effort, but Gregory Coupet saved comfortably. The French champions will be favourites in the second leg but Roma know they only need a score draw to progress.
Last 16, First Leg: Other Results
Barcelona 1-2 Liverpool & FC Porto 1-1 Chelsea.
Last 16, First Leg: Celtic 0-0 Milan
Alberto Gilardino wasted several good chances at Celtic Park, but Milan can be satisfied with their goalless draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League first knockout round tie in Glasgow. Yoann Gourcuff squandered an opening and goalkeeper Artur Boruc's outstretched foot prevented Alberto Gilardino giving Milan an early lead. Kenny Miller passed up a couple of half-chances for Celtic. But Milan were the more dangerous and Rino Gattuso and Gilardino fired wide as Celtic avoided an away goal. Milan will now be favourites to progress to the quarter-finals in the second leg in a fortnight.
Last 16, First Leg: Other Results
Lille 0-1 Manchester United, PSV Eindhoven 1-0 Arsenal & Real Madrid 3-2 Bayern Munich.
Wednesday 21 February
Last 16, First Leg: Inter 2-2 Valencia
David Silva cracked home a late equaliser to deny Inter and hand Valencia a draw at the San Siro. Silva volleyed home with just four minutes remaining to give the Primera Liga side a psychological edge ahead of the second leg at the Mestalla in two weeks' time. It was a better result than performance for the visitors, who were second best for much of the contest against an Inter side which failed to capitalise on their superiority. Esteban Cambiasso headed the Serie A leaders in front after 29 minutes only for David Villa to fire home a spectacular equaliser with a 30-yard free-kick 19 minutes into the second half. Brazilian full-back Maicon looked to have won it for Inter when his marauding run and composed finish put the Nerazzurri back in front, but Valencia displayed the stubbornness they have shown recently by finding a second equaliser. The result means Inter will have to win in Spain or draw 3-3 or higher to qualify for the Last 8.
Last 16, First Leg: Roma 0-0 Lyon
It finished honours even at the Stadio Olimpico as Roma were held to a goalless stalemate by Lyon in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 encounter. Both teams struggled to find their rhythm in a tense affair which was interrupted by a series of free-kicks and 11 yellow cards from English referee Mike Riley. Juninho created Lyon's best chance when his free-kick ricocheted off Roma's Rodrigo Taddei and on to the post, while home keeper Doni denied Fred. Francesco Totti had Roma's best effort, but Gregory Coupet saved comfortably. The French champions will be favourites in the second leg but Roma know they only need a score draw to progress.
Last 16, First Leg: Other Results
Barcelona 1-2 Liverpool & FC Porto 1-1 Chelsea.
Monday, 19 February 2007
Genoa net Viareggio title
Genoa came from behind to beat Roma 2-1 in the Final of the prestigious Viareggio youth tournament.The capital boys did take the lead through Stefano Okaka on 21 minutes, but the Grifoncini – bossed by former Genoa defender Vincenzo Torrente – hit back in the second half.
Siligato was their hero after he converted a penalty before firing in the winner in the 76th minute to see Genoa triumph in the 59th edition of the Coppa Carnevale competition.
Meanwhile, Empoli finished third in the tournament after the Azzurrini walloped Belgian giants Anderlecht 5-0 in the play-off.
Sunday, 18 February 2007
Serie A Wk 24: Review
Saturday 17 February
Inter 1-0 Cagliari
Any doubts that Inter will be crowned Serie A champions look to have ended on Saturday as the Nerazzurri extended their winning streak to 16 matches with a 1-0 home win with Cagliari. An early goal from Nicolas Burdisso ensured that Inter would extend their lead over Roma to 14 points. The 16th straight victory in Serie A surpasses the top-flight record of Europe's 'big five' leagues held by Spain's Real Madrid in 1960/61 and Germany's Bayern Munich, between 2004/05 and 2005/06. It would take a collapse of epic proportions now to deny the champions a successful defence on the field of the Scudetto they were awarded by a disciplinary committee last summer following the punishments handed out to Juventus and AC Milan.
Empoli 1-0 Roma
Roma's hopes of reeling in Inter look to be over after the Eternal City club came unstuck at Empoli. The surprise packages from Tuscany had a fifth-minute Nicola Pozzi goal to thank for their unexpected victory. But the home side had to hung on for the three points despite having defender Vittorio Tosto sent off in the closing stages for a second bookable offence. The victory keeps Empoli in fourth and the final Champions League place.
Siena 3-4 Milan
AC Milan had a last-gasp Massimo Ambrosini goal to thank for a 4-3 win at Siena that moved them into fifth, just two points behind Empoli. The day belonged to Ronaldo however, with the Brazil striker opening his account for the Rossoneri before Simone Vergassola equalised. Ricardo Oliveira restored Milan's lead only for Massimo Maccarone to again quickly peg them back. Despite having Cristian Brocchi sent off, Milan took the lead again through Ronaldo inside the last ten minutes. As time ticked away, Maccarone looked to have earned a draw with his second goal of the game but reckoned without Ambrosini's late winner.
Sunday 18 February
Palermo 1-1 Chievo
Palermo failed to take full advantage of Roma's slip-up on Saturday with a draw at home to Chievo leaving them six points behind second place. David Di Michele gave the Rosaneri the lead after 23 minutes and they looked comfortable until Victor Obinna equalised in first-half stoppage time. The home side continued to push for a winner in the second half, but were unable to break down a stern Chievo, who held on to a much-needed point in their fight against relegation.
Catania 0-1 Fiorentina
Luca Toni's second-half goal handed Fiorentina a deserved victory over 10-man Catania. The Italian international headed the ball into the back of the net three minutes from time to give the Viola their third win in a row. Catania were forced to play with 10-men since the 58th minute after defender Mauro Minelli was sent-off for a second bookable offence. The outcome sees the Viola climb to 11th in the standings, five points behind AC Milan, who hold the last UEFA Cup spot. The game was played behind closed doors at the neutral venue of Rimini after Catania were banned from playing at home for the rest of the season at their Stadio Angelo Massimino.
Parma 0-1 Sampdoria
New coach Claudio Ranieri was not able to halt Parma's slide towards Serie B after losing his first Serie A match in charge, 1-0 at home to Sampdoria. Fabio Quagliarella scored the decisive goal for Samp after 58 minutes. The visitors also had the best chances to score a second with Sergio Volpi missing a penalty and Quagliarella going close again. But one goal was enough for a thoroughly-deserved win for Sampdoria, who move back within reach of the European places while Parma remain in the relegation zone with 15 points.
Lazio 2-0 Torino
Goran Pandev struck twice as Lazio eased past strugglers Torino to maintain their unbeaten run in 2007. Pandev scored the opener in the 11th minute before adding his second on the hour mark to bring the Stadio Olimpico to life. The result sees the Biancoceleste climb to fifth in the standings, just one point behind Empoli, who occupy the last Champions League spot. Opponents Torino, under former Lazio coach Alberto Zaccheroni, did little to avoid slipping to their fourth consecutive defeat.
Ascoli 2-2 Udinese
Andrea Soncin scored twice as struggling Ascoli came from two goals behind to secure a crucial draw against mid-table Udinese. Two quick-fire first-half goals by strikers Vincenzo Iaquinta and Paulo Barreto looked to have given the away side the victory. But Soncin struck twice after the interval to rescue a vital point for Ascoli and keep alive their slim survival hopes.
Livorno 2-1 Messina
Livorno's players let their football do the talking as they earned manager Daniele Arrigoni a second stay of execution with a crucial win over struggling Messina. New signing Stefano Fiore opened his account for his new club with the opener and Cristiano Lucarelli made sure of the points with his 15th of the season, although Marco Zoro pulled a goal back late on. Arrigoni was sacked by president Aldo Spinelli after a 5-1 defeat to Atalanta in January, but senior players, including Lucarelli, successfully persuaded Spinelli to reverse his decision. The Amaranto had not won since then, however, this game at home to relegation-threatened Messina was seen as Arrigoni's last chance.
Reggina 1-1 Atalanta
An own goal from Maurizio Lanzaro 15 minutes from time handed 10-man Atalanta a share of the spoils against Reggina. Nicola Amoruso's eight goal of the season looked to have set the hosts on their way to victory, but Lanzaro's blunder cost the Calabrian club a third win on the trot. Giulio Migliaccio's late dismissal for foul play came too late for Walter Mazzarri's team to make any further inroads, but the point moved them a little further away from the drop-zone. The Reggio Calabria outfit are currently flying in Serie A, with last Sunday's 2-1 triumph at Torino helping them pull clear of the relegation area for the first time this season after starting with a 15-point deduction, later reduced to 11, for their involvement in the Calciopoli scandal.
Inter 1-0 Cagliari
Any doubts that Inter will be crowned Serie A champions look to have ended on Saturday as the Nerazzurri extended their winning streak to 16 matches with a 1-0 home win with Cagliari. An early goal from Nicolas Burdisso ensured that Inter would extend their lead over Roma to 14 points. The 16th straight victory in Serie A surpasses the top-flight record of Europe's 'big five' leagues held by Spain's Real Madrid in 1960/61 and Germany's Bayern Munich, between 2004/05 and 2005/06. It would take a collapse of epic proportions now to deny the champions a successful defence on the field of the Scudetto they were awarded by a disciplinary committee last summer following the punishments handed out to Juventus and AC Milan.
Empoli 1-0 Roma
Roma's hopes of reeling in Inter look to be over after the Eternal City club came unstuck at Empoli. The surprise packages from Tuscany had a fifth-minute Nicola Pozzi goal to thank for their unexpected victory. But the home side had to hung on for the three points despite having defender Vittorio Tosto sent off in the closing stages for a second bookable offence. The victory keeps Empoli in fourth and the final Champions League place.
Siena 3-4 Milan
AC Milan had a last-gasp Massimo Ambrosini goal to thank for a 4-3 win at Siena that moved them into fifth, just two points behind Empoli. The day belonged to Ronaldo however, with the Brazil striker opening his account for the Rossoneri before Simone Vergassola equalised. Ricardo Oliveira restored Milan's lead only for Massimo Maccarone to again quickly peg them back. Despite having Cristian Brocchi sent off, Milan took the lead again through Ronaldo inside the last ten minutes. As time ticked away, Maccarone looked to have earned a draw with his second goal of the game but reckoned without Ambrosini's late winner.
Sunday 18 February
Palermo 1-1 Chievo
Palermo failed to take full advantage of Roma's slip-up on Saturday with a draw at home to Chievo leaving them six points behind second place. David Di Michele gave the Rosaneri the lead after 23 minutes and they looked comfortable until Victor Obinna equalised in first-half stoppage time. The home side continued to push for a winner in the second half, but were unable to break down a stern Chievo, who held on to a much-needed point in their fight against relegation.
Catania 0-1 Fiorentina
Luca Toni's second-half goal handed Fiorentina a deserved victory over 10-man Catania. The Italian international headed the ball into the back of the net three minutes from time to give the Viola their third win in a row. Catania were forced to play with 10-men since the 58th minute after defender Mauro Minelli was sent-off for a second bookable offence. The outcome sees the Viola climb to 11th in the standings, five points behind AC Milan, who hold the last UEFA Cup spot. The game was played behind closed doors at the neutral venue of Rimini after Catania were banned from playing at home for the rest of the season at their Stadio Angelo Massimino.
Parma 0-1 Sampdoria
New coach Claudio Ranieri was not able to halt Parma's slide towards Serie B after losing his first Serie A match in charge, 1-0 at home to Sampdoria. Fabio Quagliarella scored the decisive goal for Samp after 58 minutes. The visitors also had the best chances to score a second with Sergio Volpi missing a penalty and Quagliarella going close again. But one goal was enough for a thoroughly-deserved win for Sampdoria, who move back within reach of the European places while Parma remain in the relegation zone with 15 points.
Lazio 2-0 Torino
Goran Pandev struck twice as Lazio eased past strugglers Torino to maintain their unbeaten run in 2007. Pandev scored the opener in the 11th minute before adding his second on the hour mark to bring the Stadio Olimpico to life. The result sees the Biancoceleste climb to fifth in the standings, just one point behind Empoli, who occupy the last Champions League spot. Opponents Torino, under former Lazio coach Alberto Zaccheroni, did little to avoid slipping to their fourth consecutive defeat.
Ascoli 2-2 Udinese
Andrea Soncin scored twice as struggling Ascoli came from two goals behind to secure a crucial draw against mid-table Udinese. Two quick-fire first-half goals by strikers Vincenzo Iaquinta and Paulo Barreto looked to have given the away side the victory. But Soncin struck twice after the interval to rescue a vital point for Ascoli and keep alive their slim survival hopes.
Livorno 2-1 Messina
Livorno's players let their football do the talking as they earned manager Daniele Arrigoni a second stay of execution with a crucial win over struggling Messina. New signing Stefano Fiore opened his account for his new club with the opener and Cristiano Lucarelli made sure of the points with his 15th of the season, although Marco Zoro pulled a goal back late on. Arrigoni was sacked by president Aldo Spinelli after a 5-1 defeat to Atalanta in January, but senior players, including Lucarelli, successfully persuaded Spinelli to reverse his decision. The Amaranto had not won since then, however, this game at home to relegation-threatened Messina was seen as Arrigoni's last chance.
Reggina 1-1 Atalanta
An own goal from Maurizio Lanzaro 15 minutes from time handed 10-man Atalanta a share of the spoils against Reggina. Nicola Amoruso's eight goal of the season looked to have set the hosts on their way to victory, but Lanzaro's blunder cost the Calabrian club a third win on the trot. Giulio Migliaccio's late dismissal for foul play came too late for Walter Mazzarri's team to make any further inroads, but the point moved them a little further away from the drop-zone. The Reggio Calabria outfit are currently flying in Serie A, with last Sunday's 2-1 triumph at Torino helping them pull clear of the relegation area for the first time this season after starting with a 15-point deduction, later reduced to 11, for their involvement in the Calciopoli scandal.
Saturday, 17 February 2007
Serie B Wk 24: Review
Saturday 17 February
Juventus 5-0 Crotone
This five-star performance from Juventus was a much-needed morale booster with Del Piero bagging a hat-trick.
A Crotone side in crisis under new management faced Juve, who were also struggling after twice throwing away a 2-0 lead in recent weeks. Trezeguet had two early chances and from the resulting corner kick only a goalline clearance kept out the Frenchman. It was Nedved who eventually opened the scoring, hooking down a corner kick and his left-foot drive took a deflection on the way to go in off the inside of the post. The Bianconeri made it 2-0 soon after with a curious goal, as nobody got a touch to Balzaretti’s cross from the left, so it went straight in to the far corner.
Del Piero’s effort was saved, but Zanetti added to Didier Deschamps’ injury worries when limping off with a groin strain. Del Piero made it 3-0 on the stroke of half-time, skipping past a defender on the edge of the area to place a precise angled drive into the bottom far corner. Crotone’s first real chance came on 55 minutes with substitute Cariello bringing a tough save out of Buffon, but there was also very nearly a total disaster from the World Cup winning goalkeeper, who tripped on a backpass and had to rush back for a goalline clearance! Del Piero made it 4-0 with a classic counter-attack sparked by Nedved, complete with low drive from the edge of the area, and sealed his hat-trick by cutting back past a defender to bury Trezeguet’s assist.
Albinoleffe 2-1 Triestina
Albinoleffe secured this win thanks to goalkeeper Acerbis in a deserted Stadio Azzurri d'Italia. Peluso pounced on a loose ball from six yards to beat goalkeeper Rossi and give Albinoleffe the early lead, but January signing Della Rocca snatched an equaliser on 24 minutes, volleying in Marchesetti’s cross from six yards. Triestina had a goal disallowed and then, when a Peluso handling offence prompted a penalty, Acerbis did brilliantly to save Graffiedi’s spot-kick on the stroke of half-time. While the visitors seemed to have the best chances, it was Albinoleffe who restored their lead with a splendid goal from Ferrari rising into the far top corner.
Bari 1-2 Pescara
Pescara grabbed their first away win of the season, stunning mid-table Bari with their former starlet Vantaggiato on song. Scaglia broke through for the home side by hooking down a long pass and blasting it under the bar from inside the area. Former Bari hitman Vantaggiato took revenge over his old teammates, rising to nod in the equaliser for Pescara. The referee pointed to the spot for an extremely dubious Papini challenge on Carrus and, perhaps with a sense of justice, his horribly weak penalty was saved by Polito. Pescara poured forward in the second half and Gillet managed to keep out Rigoni’s free kick, but could do nothing on Vantaggiato when an indirect free kick was given inside the area for the goalkeeper’s decision to pick up a Micolucci backpass.
Bologna 0-2 Piacenza
Bologna fell to a surprise home defeat in the local derby, but it was a very tense encounter. There was controversy after just 15 minutes at the Stadio Dall’Ara, open only to Bologna season ticket holders, as Zauli was sent off for going through the back of Padalino, a decision that infuriated Coach Renzo Ulivieri. Bellucci almost scored an own goal and then one for Bologna in the space of a few minutes, but Piacenza threatened more when Nocerino smashed against the crossbar. Ulivieri was further angered by Danilevicius penalty appeals, while Rantier, Nocerino and Degano went close.
After the break Antonioli rushed out to smother Degano’s shot from six yards, and Piacenza eventually made their mark when Nocerino drilled home the loose ball from a set-piece. It was 2-0 soon after, as Simon turned between two defenders to set up Rantier’s low drive.
Cesena 1-2 Vicenza
Vicenza sent Cesena crashing to a shock defeat at the Stadio Manuzzi, as their former hitman Cavalli netted the late winner. The game changed on the half-hour mark, as Zaninelli’s goalline clearance with his hand led to an inevitable red card and penalty – converted coolly by Schwoch. However, 10-man Cesena got back into it within 120 seconds thanks to Pelle’s close-range scuffed finish. Straight after the restart, another spot-kick was awarded, this time for a De Feudis foul, and Schwoch again stepped up, but this time it was saved by Turci at full stretch. Ex-Cesena striker Cavalli scored against his old club, a low finish from a very tight angle coming off the inside of the upright.
Frosinone 2-1 Rimini
Frosinone continue their giant-killing spree against promotion candidates Rimini. D’Antoni opened the scoring against the run of play, as the home side went ahead with a fierce drive from outside the area. Ex-Parma man Dedic opened his Frosinone account to double their lead on the counter-attack. Rimini fought back and gave themselves a chance late on when a free kick was deflected into the path of Vitiello for a simple tap-in.
Genoa 1-0 Modena
Modena Coach Bortolo Mutti made his debut on the bench at Marassi. Within the opening 60 seconds Masiello drilled inches over the bar from Adailton’s free kick, then Di Vaio tested Frezzolini’s reflexes. Rossi had an offside goal disallowed for Genoa.
Yet in the second half Modena had the best chance of the game so far with Bruno smashing the crossbar with a header and on the counter-attack moments later Di Vaio bringing a fantastic save out of the goalkeeper. Genoa eventually broke through on 63 minutes, as Gasparetto anticipated his market to meet with Adailton’s cross from the left. Bentivoglio's dismissal cut down any hopes the Canarini had of getting a result.
Mantova 4-0 Lecce
Lecce can’t seem to shake out of their malaise and this hammering in Mantova only highlighted their limitations, but propelled the home side towards the promotion places. The Stadio Martelli had its doors closed for failing security inspections, but it didn’t phase the players, who opened the scoring with Caridi’s header. The second half was one way traffic and Lecce practically gave up after Bernacci’s tap-in, as Noselli grabbed a brace, including a delightful late lob.
Treviso 2-0 Brescia
Brescia shot themselves in the foot for this clash between mid-table clubs. Stankevicius was jeered by the home fans and, foolishly, reacted by making a lewd gesture. The referee spotted it and promptly sent him off for ungentlemanly conduct. Treviso had the turning point they were looking for, although they only broke through on the hour mark. Acquafresca continued his fine form by nodding in Fava’s cross, then Guigou’s free kick sealed the deal.
Verona 1-1 Spezia
Hellas were unable to end their crisis at the Bentegodi. Verona took the lead on the hour mark, as Biasi got on the end of a wayward Corrent volley to tap in from a yard. Spezia substitute Colomba got his name on the scoresheet within seconds of stepping on to the field, as his precise header beat Pegolo.
Sunday 18 February
Napoli 2-2 Arezzo
Napoli slide off the top spot as they twice allowed bottom of the table Arezzo back into the game at the deserted Stadio San Paolo. As Calaio' was suspended, Bucchi was given a rare start and took just 14 minutes to hit the back of the net with a free header at the back post. Bogliacino fired just wide, but Napoli native Floro Flores almost netted a sensational goal when his curler practically from the by-line thumped the upright. De Zerbi's fine volley was disallowed for offside and Arezzo came back in the second half, equalising through Bondi's spectacular free kick into the top corner. Last week Sosa scored his first goal of the season and he repeated the trick soon after coming on as a substitute, nodding in De Zerbi's cross from the right. However, they didn't count on Arezzo's spirit, as in stoppages Volpato was allowed a free header on Floro Flores' centre.
Source: C4 Football Italia
Juventus 5-0 Crotone
This five-star performance from Juventus was a much-needed morale booster with Del Piero bagging a hat-trick.
A Crotone side in crisis under new management faced Juve, who were also struggling after twice throwing away a 2-0 lead in recent weeks. Trezeguet had two early chances and from the resulting corner kick only a goalline clearance kept out the Frenchman. It was Nedved who eventually opened the scoring, hooking down a corner kick and his left-foot drive took a deflection on the way to go in off the inside of the post. The Bianconeri made it 2-0 soon after with a curious goal, as nobody got a touch to Balzaretti’s cross from the left, so it went straight in to the far corner.
Del Piero’s effort was saved, but Zanetti added to Didier Deschamps’ injury worries when limping off with a groin strain. Del Piero made it 3-0 on the stroke of half-time, skipping past a defender on the edge of the area to place a precise angled drive into the bottom far corner. Crotone’s first real chance came on 55 minutes with substitute Cariello bringing a tough save out of Buffon, but there was also very nearly a total disaster from the World Cup winning goalkeeper, who tripped on a backpass and had to rush back for a goalline clearance! Del Piero made it 4-0 with a classic counter-attack sparked by Nedved, complete with low drive from the edge of the area, and sealed his hat-trick by cutting back past a defender to bury Trezeguet’s assist.
Albinoleffe 2-1 Triestina
Albinoleffe secured this win thanks to goalkeeper Acerbis in a deserted Stadio Azzurri d'Italia. Peluso pounced on a loose ball from six yards to beat goalkeeper Rossi and give Albinoleffe the early lead, but January signing Della Rocca snatched an equaliser on 24 minutes, volleying in Marchesetti’s cross from six yards. Triestina had a goal disallowed and then, when a Peluso handling offence prompted a penalty, Acerbis did brilliantly to save Graffiedi’s spot-kick on the stroke of half-time. While the visitors seemed to have the best chances, it was Albinoleffe who restored their lead with a splendid goal from Ferrari rising into the far top corner.
Bari 1-2 Pescara
Pescara grabbed their first away win of the season, stunning mid-table Bari with their former starlet Vantaggiato on song. Scaglia broke through for the home side by hooking down a long pass and blasting it under the bar from inside the area. Former Bari hitman Vantaggiato took revenge over his old teammates, rising to nod in the equaliser for Pescara. The referee pointed to the spot for an extremely dubious Papini challenge on Carrus and, perhaps with a sense of justice, his horribly weak penalty was saved by Polito. Pescara poured forward in the second half and Gillet managed to keep out Rigoni’s free kick, but could do nothing on Vantaggiato when an indirect free kick was given inside the area for the goalkeeper’s decision to pick up a Micolucci backpass.
Bologna 0-2 Piacenza
Bologna fell to a surprise home defeat in the local derby, but it was a very tense encounter. There was controversy after just 15 minutes at the Stadio Dall’Ara, open only to Bologna season ticket holders, as Zauli was sent off for going through the back of Padalino, a decision that infuriated Coach Renzo Ulivieri. Bellucci almost scored an own goal and then one for Bologna in the space of a few minutes, but Piacenza threatened more when Nocerino smashed against the crossbar. Ulivieri was further angered by Danilevicius penalty appeals, while Rantier, Nocerino and Degano went close.
After the break Antonioli rushed out to smother Degano’s shot from six yards, and Piacenza eventually made their mark when Nocerino drilled home the loose ball from a set-piece. It was 2-0 soon after, as Simon turned between two defenders to set up Rantier’s low drive.
Cesena 1-2 Vicenza
Vicenza sent Cesena crashing to a shock defeat at the Stadio Manuzzi, as their former hitman Cavalli netted the late winner. The game changed on the half-hour mark, as Zaninelli’s goalline clearance with his hand led to an inevitable red card and penalty – converted coolly by Schwoch. However, 10-man Cesena got back into it within 120 seconds thanks to Pelle’s close-range scuffed finish. Straight after the restart, another spot-kick was awarded, this time for a De Feudis foul, and Schwoch again stepped up, but this time it was saved by Turci at full stretch. Ex-Cesena striker Cavalli scored against his old club, a low finish from a very tight angle coming off the inside of the upright.
Frosinone 2-1 Rimini
Frosinone continue their giant-killing spree against promotion candidates Rimini. D’Antoni opened the scoring against the run of play, as the home side went ahead with a fierce drive from outside the area. Ex-Parma man Dedic opened his Frosinone account to double their lead on the counter-attack. Rimini fought back and gave themselves a chance late on when a free kick was deflected into the path of Vitiello for a simple tap-in.
Genoa 1-0 Modena
Modena Coach Bortolo Mutti made his debut on the bench at Marassi. Within the opening 60 seconds Masiello drilled inches over the bar from Adailton’s free kick, then Di Vaio tested Frezzolini’s reflexes. Rossi had an offside goal disallowed for Genoa.
Yet in the second half Modena had the best chance of the game so far with Bruno smashing the crossbar with a header and on the counter-attack moments later Di Vaio bringing a fantastic save out of the goalkeeper. Genoa eventually broke through on 63 minutes, as Gasparetto anticipated his market to meet with Adailton’s cross from the left. Bentivoglio's dismissal cut down any hopes the Canarini had of getting a result.
Mantova 4-0 Lecce
Lecce can’t seem to shake out of their malaise and this hammering in Mantova only highlighted their limitations, but propelled the home side towards the promotion places. The Stadio Martelli had its doors closed for failing security inspections, but it didn’t phase the players, who opened the scoring with Caridi’s header. The second half was one way traffic and Lecce practically gave up after Bernacci’s tap-in, as Noselli grabbed a brace, including a delightful late lob.
Treviso 2-0 Brescia
Brescia shot themselves in the foot for this clash between mid-table clubs. Stankevicius was jeered by the home fans and, foolishly, reacted by making a lewd gesture. The referee spotted it and promptly sent him off for ungentlemanly conduct. Treviso had the turning point they were looking for, although they only broke through on the hour mark. Acquafresca continued his fine form by nodding in Fava’s cross, then Guigou’s free kick sealed the deal.
Verona 1-1 Spezia
Hellas were unable to end their crisis at the Bentegodi. Verona took the lead on the hour mark, as Biasi got on the end of a wayward Corrent volley to tap in from a yard. Spezia substitute Colomba got his name on the scoresheet within seconds of stepping on to the field, as his precise header beat Pegolo.
Sunday 18 February
Napoli 2-2 Arezzo
Napoli slide off the top spot as they twice allowed bottom of the table Arezzo back into the game at the deserted Stadio San Paolo. As Calaio' was suspended, Bucchi was given a rare start and took just 14 minutes to hit the back of the net with a free header at the back post. Bogliacino fired just wide, but Napoli native Floro Flores almost netted a sensational goal when his curler practically from the by-line thumped the upright. De Zerbi's fine volley was disallowed for offside and Arezzo came back in the second half, equalising through Bondi's spectacular free kick into the top corner. Last week Sosa scored his first goal of the season and he repeated the trick soon after coming on as a substitute, nodding in De Zerbi's cross from the right. However, they didn't count on Arezzo's spirit, as in stoppages Volpato was allowed a free header on Floro Flores' centre.
Source: C4 Football Italia
Friday, 16 February 2007
Inter in sight of 'big five' record
When they host Cagliari on Saturday, Inter can beat Bayern Munich and Real Madrid's records for consecutive wins in their respective leagues.
By prevailing at Chievo last Sunday, the Nerazzurri collected their 15th Serie A victory in a row and surpassed the records set in the English, French and Italian top flights. In Europe's other two 'big five' leagues, only Sapin's Real Madrid in 1960/61 and Germany's Bayern, between 2004/05 and 2005/06, have had similar winning streaks in the past.
Coach Roberto Mancini, however, is continuing to stress that silverware, and not records, makes a team great. Inter legend Luis Suarez agrees. The Spaniard, who lifted the European Cup twice with the Nerazzurri in the 1960s, knew that famous Real Madrid side - featuring Ferenc Puskas, Francisco 'Paco' Gento and Alfredo Di Stefano - well after facing them several times during his days at Barcelona.
"Comparing that Real Madrid to the current Inter is just impossible at this stage," Suarez said. "Real Madrid won an incredible series of trophies while Inter have just started to realise how strong they are. Inter have done well to equal that record and they can also continue on this path, but that Real Madrid side was just incredible."
The Nerazzurri are eleven points clear of closest rivals Roma, who visit fourth-placed Empoli. Mancini may not care about chasing Celtic's 25-game winning run in Scotland, but another victory against Cagliari would certainly mean another stride towards the Scudetto.
By prevailing at Chievo last Sunday, the Nerazzurri collected their 15th Serie A victory in a row and surpassed the records set in the English, French and Italian top flights. In Europe's other two 'big five' leagues, only Sapin's Real Madrid in 1960/61 and Germany's Bayern, between 2004/05 and 2005/06, have had similar winning streaks in the past.
Coach Roberto Mancini, however, is continuing to stress that silverware, and not records, makes a team great. Inter legend Luis Suarez agrees. The Spaniard, who lifted the European Cup twice with the Nerazzurri in the 1960s, knew that famous Real Madrid side - featuring Ferenc Puskas, Francisco 'Paco' Gento and Alfredo Di Stefano - well after facing them several times during his days at Barcelona.
"Comparing that Real Madrid to the current Inter is just impossible at this stage," Suarez said. "Real Madrid won an incredible series of trophies while Inter have just started to realise how strong they are. Inter have done well to equal that record and they can also continue on this path, but that Real Madrid side was just incredible."
The Nerazzurri are eleven points clear of closest rivals Roma, who visit fourth-placed Empoli. Mancini may not care about chasing Celtic's 25-game winning run in Scotland, but another victory against Cagliari would certainly mean another stride towards the Scudetto.
UEFA Cup: Round of 32
Wednesday 14 February
Round of 32, First Leg: Livorno 1-2 Espanyol
Espanyol will take a one-goal advantage back to Spain after a convincing display although Livorno kept alive their hopes of reaching the Round of 16 with a late goal at the Stadio Armando Picchi. Livorno seemed to suffer in the early stages as they adapted to playing without the support of their home crowd. Espanyol made the breakthrough in the 28th minute. The referee awarded a penalty to the Barcelona club when Jesus Maria Lacruz was bundled over by Cristiano Lucarelli following a corner. Walter Pandiani scored from the spot to notch his eighth goal in the UEFA Cup this season. The visitor's nearly doubled their lead on 54 minutes when Daniel Jarque nodded against a post, yet Livorno's respite was short-lived. Five minutes later, Jarque's long pass released El Yaagoubi and the midfielder coolly beat Marco Amelia. Daniele Arrigoni's men appeared down and out but Fabio Galante headed home with nine minutes left to give the hosts a glimmer of hope ahead of the second leg in Catalonia next Thursday.
Thursday 15 February
Round of 32, First Leg: Braga 1-0 Parma
A late goal from Ze Carlos gave Braga the advantage in their UEFA Cup Round of 32 tie against Parma. The Serie A strugglers looked to be putting themselves in a strong position to reach the last 16, having kept a clean sheet for 81 minutes in Portugal, but the late strike leaves Claudio Ranieri's men needing to score at least once in the return leg next week. Ranieri's side gave a display of the defensive arts on his debut as Parma coach, as the home team pushed the visitors back in search of the breakthrough. Parma will have to produce a more emphatic response if they are to turn the tie around next Thursday.
This Week's Other Results:
Bayer Leverkusen 3-2 Blackburn Rovers, Happoel Tel-Aviv 2-1 Glasgow Rangers, Fenerbahce 3-3 AZ Alkmaar, Shakhtar Donetsk 1-1 Nancy, Bordeaux 0-0 Osasuna, Werder Bremen 3-0 Ajax, CSKA Moscow 0-0 Macaabi Haifa, Benfica 1-0 Dinamo Bucharest, AEK Athens 0-2 PSG, Steaua Bucharest 0-2 Sevilla, Spartak Moscow 1-1 Celta Vigo, Zulte Wregem 1-3 Newcastle United, Lens 3-1 Panathinaikos & Feyenoord P-P* Tottenham Hotspur.
* Tottenham Hotspur get bye into the Round of 16 following Feyenoord being thrown out of the tournament for crowd trouble in the Group Stage.
Round of 32, First Leg: Livorno 1-2 Espanyol
Espanyol will take a one-goal advantage back to Spain after a convincing display although Livorno kept alive their hopes of reaching the Round of 16 with a late goal at the Stadio Armando Picchi. Livorno seemed to suffer in the early stages as they adapted to playing without the support of their home crowd. Espanyol made the breakthrough in the 28th minute. The referee awarded a penalty to the Barcelona club when Jesus Maria Lacruz was bundled over by Cristiano Lucarelli following a corner. Walter Pandiani scored from the spot to notch his eighth goal in the UEFA Cup this season. The visitor's nearly doubled their lead on 54 minutes when Daniel Jarque nodded against a post, yet Livorno's respite was short-lived. Five minutes later, Jarque's long pass released El Yaagoubi and the midfielder coolly beat Marco Amelia. Daniele Arrigoni's men appeared down and out but Fabio Galante headed home with nine minutes left to give the hosts a glimmer of hope ahead of the second leg in Catalonia next Thursday.
Thursday 15 February
Round of 32, First Leg: Braga 1-0 Parma
A late goal from Ze Carlos gave Braga the advantage in their UEFA Cup Round of 32 tie against Parma. The Serie A strugglers looked to be putting themselves in a strong position to reach the last 16, having kept a clean sheet for 81 minutes in Portugal, but the late strike leaves Claudio Ranieri's men needing to score at least once in the return leg next week. Ranieri's side gave a display of the defensive arts on his debut as Parma coach, as the home team pushed the visitors back in search of the breakthrough. Parma will have to produce a more emphatic response if they are to turn the tie around next Thursday.
This Week's Other Results:
Bayer Leverkusen 3-2 Blackburn Rovers, Happoel Tel-Aviv 2-1 Glasgow Rangers, Fenerbahce 3-3 AZ Alkmaar, Shakhtar Donetsk 1-1 Nancy, Bordeaux 0-0 Osasuna, Werder Bremen 3-0 Ajax, CSKA Moscow 0-0 Macaabi Haifa, Benfica 1-0 Dinamo Bucharest, AEK Athens 0-2 PSG, Steaua Bucharest 0-2 Sevilla, Spartak Moscow 1-1 Celta Vigo, Zulte Wregem 1-3 Newcastle United, Lens 3-1 Panathinaikos & Feyenoord P-P* Tottenham Hotspur.
* Tottenham Hotspur get bye into the Round of 16 following Feyenoord being thrown out of the tournament for crowd trouble in the Group Stage.
Thursday, 15 February 2007
Night games return early
Serie A football will resume with evening kick-offs from Saturday February 24, it has been confirmed.
Night games had initially been scrapped for the rest of the month after the Catania riots resulted in the death of a police officer.
However, floodlight ties will start again when Chievo entertain Torino in their Week 25 encounter in Verona. That game will kick off at 1800 hours local time (-1hr for UK Time).
Later that evening, at 20.30, Atalanta and Palermo will face each other at the Stadio Renzo Barbera. The Sunday night game will see Milan host Sampdoria at the San Siro.
Serie B matches will once again resume with the weekend matches spread over Friday night, Saturday afternoon and Monday night.
UPDATED: Kick-off times >>>
Night games had initially been scrapped for the rest of the month after the Catania riots resulted in the death of a police officer.
However, floodlight ties will start again when Chievo entertain Torino in their Week 25 encounter in Verona. That game will kick off at 1800 hours local time (-1hr for UK Time).
Later that evening, at 20.30, Atalanta and Palermo will face each other at the Stadio Renzo Barbera. The Sunday night game will see Milan host Sampdoria at the San Siro.
Serie B matches will once again resume with the weekend matches spread over Friday night, Saturday afternoon and Monday night.
UPDATED: Kick-off times >>>
Italy deliver Euro 2012 bid dossier
The Italian Football Federation handed over the dossier for the final phase of the UEFA Euro 2012 bidding process at the House of European Football in Nyon.Representatives of the three candidates, including Italy's Project Manager Luigi Ludovici, presented the final documents – containing stadium agreements, host city agreements, accommodation plans, etc – to UEFA headquarters on Thursday.
Mikael Salzer, head of UEFA's national team competitions said: "Today marked the final deadline for the three competing bids to present to UEFA all of the necessary documentation requested, in order that we may now evaluate in further detail the three options. To date, all of the dossiers have been very well presented and professional, which is in line with a competition of such a high standing as the UEFA European Championship, one of the top three sporting competitions in the world these days."
Italy are up against joint bids from Croatia/Hungary and Poland/Ukraine. The country has already hosted the European Football Championship finals in 1968 and 1980, and also hosted the FIFA World Cup finals in 1934 and 1990. The last major sporting event held in the peninsula was the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Turin.
The UEFA Executive Committee decided last October to postpone the decision of the appointment of the hosts to give the bidding associations more time for the fine-tuning of their bids.
The three candidates will make their final presentations in Cardiff, Wales on 17 April, before the hosts are announced by the UEFA Executive Committee on 18 April.
Three new stadiums in Naples, Palermo and Turin have been added to the documentation which involves Rome - the city that will host the UEFA Champions League final in 2009, Bari, Milan, Palermo and Udine.
Four other cities – Bologna, Cagliari, Genoa and Verona – are awaiting the findings of a feasibility study being carried out by European Football’s governing body to expand the final phase of the 2012 tournament to 24 teams, instead of the current 16.
Meanwhile, FIGC extraordinary commissioner Luca Pancalli has insisted that they never pondered pulling out of the bidding process following the Catania riots which resulted in the death of a policeman.
“The entire world of Italian football is committed to the bid,” he said. “There was never a single moment during this exciting adventure where we regretted the decision or were uncertain of what to do.
“Our dossier included details on the organisation of the event, accommodation plans, contracts with airports and hotels. But it also heavily focused on the stadium plans, three of which [Napoli, Torino and Palermo] will be specially built for the occasion.
“This candidacy allows us to be positive and optimistic. The FIGC is ready for the challenge and is supported by the Italian Olympic Committee and the Government itself.”
Pancalli’s reign at the top of the Federation will come to an end within the next couple of months. He is only the extraordinary commissioner following Guido Rossi’s resignation last year and UEFA have demanded a democratically elected President is in place ahead of the Euro 2012 decision in April.
UEFA may expand 2012 tournament >>>
Italy confident of chances >>>
Euro 2012 decision delayed >>>
Euro 2012: UEFA inspect Italy >>>
Italy 2012 Bid Website >>>
UEFA 2012 Website >>>
Bari fit to stage Azzurri match
The stadium in Bari has been declared fit to stage the Euro 2008 qualifier between Italy and Scotland on March 28.
It had been one of the 25 venues closed to spectators by security chiefs in the crackdown that followed the death of a police officer.
The Stadio San Nicola and Parma's Stadio Ennio Tardini have had their stadiums re-opened after the arenas complied with the Legge Pisanu safety regulations and fans will be allowed entry from this weekend. The Prefect of Police Antonio Manganelli said: "The stadia that meet the norms are Bari and Parma. They will be open to everyone from this coming Sunday."
Stadium work at Bologna and Reggina continue, but the two local clubs have been given clearance to allow season ticket holders entry for the time being.
But the decision would appear to clear the Italy versus Scotland match to be played at the stadium, which was designed by famous architect Renzo Piano for the 1990 World Cup.
It also staged the 1991 European Cup final between Red Star Belgrade and Marseille.
The visitors will receive at least 5,800 tickets if the game goes ahead as expected at full capacity in Bari. But the Scottish Football Association is still awaiting confirmation that the clash will go ahead as planned.
It had been one of the 25 venues closed to spectators by security chiefs in the crackdown that followed the death of a police officer.
The Stadio San Nicola and Parma's Stadio Ennio Tardini have had their stadiums re-opened after the arenas complied with the Legge Pisanu safety regulations and fans will be allowed entry from this weekend. The Prefect of Police Antonio Manganelli said: "The stadia that meet the norms are Bari and Parma. They will be open to everyone from this coming Sunday."
Stadium work at Bologna and Reggina continue, but the two local clubs have been given clearance to allow season ticket holders entry for the time being.
But the decision would appear to clear the Italy versus Scotland match to be played at the stadium, which was designed by famous architect Renzo Piano for the 1990 World Cup.
It also staged the 1991 European Cup final between Red Star Belgrade and Marseille.
The visitors will receive at least 5,800 tickets if the game goes ahead as expected at full capacity in Bari. But the Scottish Football Association is still awaiting confirmation that the clash will go ahead as planned.
Wednesday, 14 February 2007
Genoa hope for Euro 2012 bid
UEFA are considering expanding Euro 2012 to 24 teams and Genoa’s Stadio Luigi Ferraris is ready to join Italy’s proposal to host.
"There’s not a big difference between the quality of the 16th and 24th team in qualifying," insisted Franz Beckenbauer, a member of the UEFA Executive Committee.
"So I consider that to be a good proposal, whereas to double the size of the tournament would unbalance the playing field too much."
The nation chosen to host the 2012 games will be picked on April 18 and Italy are shortlisted along with joint bids from Poland-Ukraine and Croatia-Hungary.
So far eight Italian arenas have been inspected and plans drawn up for their inclusion, but the expansion of the Championship would see Genoa’s stadium also added to the proposal.
"The eight cities have already been chosen, but Genoa are among the four reserves," explained Sampdoria President Riccardo Garrone.
"If UEFA do expand the tournament to 24 teams, then I do believe Genoa will be one of the venues, especially if it includes a grant for the construction of a new stadium."
Although the stadium, nicknamed Marassi, is one of the few to have passed the recent clampdown on security measures, Samp are eager to create another arena.
"According to our plans, the stadium would be built in an area near the airport that is currently not being used. We have already completed our exploratory studies and presented it to various investors. Next week there will be a series of meetings to select the groups interested in investing."
Italy will hand its final dossier to UEFA for the Euro 2012 bid on Thursday in Nyon. There would be three new stadiums built in Naples, Palermo and Turin along with the restructuring of venues in Rome, Milan, Florence, Udine and Bari.
"There’s not a big difference between the quality of the 16th and 24th team in qualifying," insisted Franz Beckenbauer, a member of the UEFA Executive Committee.
"So I consider that to be a good proposal, whereas to double the size of the tournament would unbalance the playing field too much."
The nation chosen to host the 2012 games will be picked on April 18 and Italy are shortlisted along with joint bids from Poland-Ukraine and Croatia-Hungary.
So far eight Italian arenas have been inspected and plans drawn up for their inclusion, but the expansion of the Championship would see Genoa’s stadium also added to the proposal.
"The eight cities have already been chosen, but Genoa are among the four reserves," explained Sampdoria President Riccardo Garrone.
"If UEFA do expand the tournament to 24 teams, then I do believe Genoa will be one of the venues, especially if it includes a grant for the construction of a new stadium."
Although the stadium, nicknamed Marassi, is one of the few to have passed the recent clampdown on security measures, Samp are eager to create another arena.
"According to our plans, the stadium would be built in an area near the airport that is currently not being used. We have already completed our exploratory studies and presented it to various investors. Next week there will be a series of meetings to select the groups interested in investing."
Italy will hand its final dossier to UEFA for the Euro 2012 bid on Thursday in Nyon. There would be three new stadiums built in Naples, Palermo and Turin along with the restructuring of venues in Rome, Milan, Florence, Udine and Bari.
Italy top World Rankings!
Italy have jumped over Brazil to lead the FIFA World Rankings for the first time since November 1993.The Azzurri have brought the Selecao’s 55-month run as leaders to an end after the South American nation lost 2-0 to Portugal last week.
The World Cup winners were scheduled to play a friendly with Romania seven days ago, but the match was cancelled after rioting fans in Catania killed a policeman following a Serie A match.
Full Rankings >>>
EDIT: 14/03/07 - Italy’s leadership of the FIFA World Rankings lasted just a month as Argentina took top spot in March. Full Story >>>
Catania reveal ‘home’ venues
Catania will play their next home matches in Rimini and Cesena, confirmed the Lega Calcio on Wednesday.
The Stadio Angelo Massimino has been shut to the club until June 30, 2007 after the riots following the Palermo derby led to the death of a policeman.
As a result, Catania will play at the Stadio Romeo Neri in Rimini this weekend when they take on Fiorentina.
Meanwhile, the Week 25 tie against Inter will be staged at the Stadio Dino Manuzzi in Cesena.
Both games will also be closed to fans.
The Stadio Angelo Massimino has been shut to the club until June 30, 2007 after the riots following the Palermo derby led to the death of a policeman.
As a result, Catania will play at the Stadio Romeo Neri in Rimini this weekend when they take on Fiorentina.
Meanwhile, the Week 25 tie against Inter will be staged at the Stadio Dino Manuzzi in Cesena.
Both games will also be closed to fans.
Tuesday, 13 February 2007
Azzurrini learn Euro 2009 qualifying fate
Italy will face Croatia, Greece, Albania, Azerbaijan and the Faroe Islands in the qualifying stages for the 2009 U-21 European Championship Finals.
The draw took place in Stockholm on Tuesday and the matches will begin before the start of the 2007 Finals in the Netherlands this summer.
Sweden, as hosts, qualify automatically and are the only side guaranteed a place in the eight-team event, while the 10 group winners and four best second-placed sides in the group stage will qualify for the play-offs – scheduled for October 2008.
The Azzurrini have qualified for the final phase of this year’s tournament, which will take place from June 10 to June 23.
Group 1:
Italy
Croatia
Greece
Albania
Azerbaijan
Faroe Islands
Full Under-21 Euro 2009 Qualifying Draw >>>
Under-21 Euro 2007 Championship Finals >>>
The draw took place in Stockholm on Tuesday and the matches will begin before the start of the 2007 Finals in the Netherlands this summer.
Sweden, as hosts, qualify automatically and are the only side guaranteed a place in the eight-team event, while the 10 group winners and four best second-placed sides in the group stage will qualify for the play-offs – scheduled for October 2008.
The Azzurrini have qualified for the final phase of this year’s tournament, which will take place from June 10 to June 23.
Group 1:
Italy
Croatia
Greece
Albania
Azerbaijan
Faroe Islands
Full Under-21 Euro 2009 Qualifying Draw >>>
Under-21 Euro 2007 Championship Finals >>>
Ranieri replaces Pioli at Parma
Former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri has been named the new coach of Parma after the Serie A strugglers sacked Stefano Pioli.
New owner Tommaso Ghirardi decided to replace Pioli following Sunday's 3-0 loss at Roma, which leaves the club 19th in Serie A with 15 points from 22 games.
"Parma FC announce that Stefano Pioli has been removed from the role of first team coach," read an official statement. "We thank him and his staff – assistant Coach Giacomo Murelli, physical trainer Matteo Osti and goalkeeper Coach Bruno Fantini – for the professional and serious work done so far.
"The technical guidance of the squad is now handed over to Claudio Ranieri," it concluded.
Ranieri has been out of management since February 2005, working as a television pundit on Sky Italia. This is his first job in Italy since he left Fiorentina for Valencia in 1997.
Ranieri told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "I'm confident we can avoid relegation. I've taken on this job because I believe in the project the club is trying to push forward. I've seen Parma a few times recently. They play well, but I want them to be less beautiful and more practical."
The former defender started his coaching career in 1987, before leading Cagliari from Serie C1 to Serie A between 1988 and 1991.
He then moved to Napoli, ending the season in fourth place, and Fiorentina where he won the Coppa Italia and Italian Super Cup in 1996.
Ranieri then led Valencia from 1997 to 1999, winning the Copa del Rey in 1999, and Chelsea from 2000 to 2004, leading the London club to a Champions League semi-final, but he was still replaced by Jose Mourinho.
He then returned to Valencia for a second stint on a three-year contract, but was sacked after only six months following the Spanish side’s exit from the UEFA Cup.
Pioli's reign proved to be a short one. He joined the club in the summer, helping the club reach the UEFA Cup round of 32, in which they will face Portugal's Braga on Thursday. However, the club's perilous league position cost him his job.
[Serie A 2006-07 Managerial Changes]
New owner Tommaso Ghirardi decided to replace Pioli following Sunday's 3-0 loss at Roma, which leaves the club 19th in Serie A with 15 points from 22 games.
"Parma FC announce that Stefano Pioli has been removed from the role of first team coach," read an official statement. "We thank him and his staff – assistant Coach Giacomo Murelli, physical trainer Matteo Osti and goalkeeper Coach Bruno Fantini – for the professional and serious work done so far.
"The technical guidance of the squad is now handed over to Claudio Ranieri," it concluded.
Ranieri has been out of management since February 2005, working as a television pundit on Sky Italia. This is his first job in Italy since he left Fiorentina for Valencia in 1997.
Ranieri told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "I'm confident we can avoid relegation. I've taken on this job because I believe in the project the club is trying to push forward. I've seen Parma a few times recently. They play well, but I want them to be less beautiful and more practical."
The former defender started his coaching career in 1987, before leading Cagliari from Serie C1 to Serie A between 1988 and 1991.
He then moved to Napoli, ending the season in fourth place, and Fiorentina where he won the Coppa Italia and Italian Super Cup in 1996.
Ranieri then led Valencia from 1997 to 1999, winning the Copa del Rey in 1999, and Chelsea from 2000 to 2004, leading the London club to a Champions League semi-final, but he was still replaced by Jose Mourinho.
He then returned to Valencia for a second stint on a three-year contract, but was sacked after only six months following the Spanish side’s exit from the UEFA Cup.
Pioli's reign proved to be a short one. He joined the club in the summer, helping the club reach the UEFA Cup round of 32, in which they will face Portugal's Braga on Thursday. However, the club's perilous league position cost him his job.
[Serie A 2006-07 Managerial Changes]
Sunday, 11 February 2007
Serie A Wk 23: Review
Sunday 11 February
Italy's Serie A programme resumed on Sunday with four stadia closed to fans but there were plenty of action for those who did manage to view their teams in action. Before all matches kicked-off, there was a minute's silence at all grounds around Italy following the death of Fillippo Raciti in the Catania riots last week.
Chievo 0-2 Inter
Adriano scored in the very first minute to propel runaway leaders Internazionale to another victory on Sunday at Chievo. The Brazilian international was out of sorts early in the season but has shown glimpses of the form in recent times which made him one of the world's most sought-after strikers. Dejan Stankovic set Adriano up for the goal and then Hernan Crespo doubled the advantage in the second half. The result means Inter maintain their 11-point lead at the top of Serie A while they stretched their record winning streak to 15 matches.
Roma 3-0 Parma
Roma kept up their distant pursuit of Serie A leaders Inter with a comprehensive win over 10-man Parma. The Stadio Olimpico was one of the stadia which was allowed to let fans in after the regulations imposed in the aftermath of the crowd trouble two weekends ago, and those lucky few saw a fine display of second-half football. All three goals came after the break, Francesco Totti breaking the deadlock before Simone Perrotta doubled the advantage and Rodrigo Taddei completed the rout in the dying moments, which also saw Fernando Couto receive two yellow cards in quick succession.
Palermo 0-1 Empoli
Empoli moved into the top four with a well-deserved win away at Palermo. The home side are still 10 points ahead of the visitors in third, but this was a fantastic result for a side already in the midst of a memorable season. Sergio Bernardo Almiron's goal straight after the interval was enough to seal all three points for Luigi Cagni's overachievers. The match was played at the Stadio Renzo Barbera, one of the grounds allowed to accommodate fans this weekend. This week, club President Maurizio Zamparini launched a ticketing scheme to give free admission to children under 16 accompanied by a parent in a bid to create a more family-friendly atmosphere at La Favorita.
Milan 2-1 Livorno
With only season-ticket holders watching on, AC Milan moved to within two points of a Champions League position with victory over Livorno. Marek Jankulovski's 68th minute strike won it for Milan, after Cristiano Lucarelli had immediately cancelled out Gennaro Gattuso's opener in the first half. Milan were allowed to admit their season-ticket holders to the San Siro after scrambling to make security improvements at the ground to comply with the new criteria.
Fiorentina 2-0 Udinese
Alberto Malesani had an unwelcome return to Florence as his former club Fiorentina ended his 100% record as Udinese boss since he took over last month. An early goal from Reginaldo put the Viola on course for the win and Giampaolo Pazzini sealed the win just before the interval. Malesani had won both Serie A games since replacing the sacked Giovanni Galeone last month but had no answer against a Fiorentina side who would be having a great season were it not for a 15-point deduction for their part in the Calciopoli scandal last season.
Torino 1-2 Reggina
Rolando Bianchi gave himself an early birthday present, scoring twice in 10 minutes to earn Reggina three precious points at relegation rivals Torino. Bianchi, who turns 24 on Thursday, fired a pair of second-half strikes as the Amaranto moved within three points of Alberto Zaccheroni's side with their second straight win and pulled further clear of the relegation zone into 16th place. Gianluca Commotto netted for the hosts but its another poor result for the Turin side.
Messina 1-1 Catania
Giuseppe Mascara's second-half free-kick rescued a point for new Messina coach Alberto Cavasin as they dented Catania's European hopes at a washed-out Stadio San Filippo. With the stadium closed to the public following last weekend's troubles, the game faced fresh problems when kick-off was delayed for an hour due to a waterlogged pitch. The rain began again almost as soon as the referee blew his whistle to kick-off proceedings, making it difficult for the two sides to keep the ball on the ground. Messina, who had led through Marco Zanchi, brought in Cavasin after taking only four points from a possible 36 under Bruno Giordano which has seen them sink into the bottom three.
Atalanta 0-0 Lazio
A game with no fans watching ended with no goals either as Atalanta and Lazio shared the points in a desperate encounter. Neither side could find the breakthrough in an unremitting game of cat and mouse, with goalscoring opportunities very much at a premium. The eerie atmosphere cannot have helped, with all supporters barred from entering the Stadio Atleti d'Azzurri after the modest ground fell foul of stricter security criteria in light of the death of a police officer at the Sicilian derby a little over a week ago. And with no-one to put a show on for, the two teams were unable to rise as high as even the mediocre.
Sampdoria 2-0 Ascoli
Sampdoria won their first game of 2007 with a victory over Ascoli, a result which leaves their opponents rooted to the bottom of Serie A. Former Samp goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca did all he could to keep his current side Ascoli in the game, but he could only hold out for 48 minutes before Christian Maggio headed the opener. Daniele Franceschini added a second 15 minutes before the end, just five minutes after the guests were reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Matteo Melara.
Cagliari 2-2 Siena
Paul Codrea's 25-yard strike seven minutes from time snatched a draw for Siena after the visitors had let slip the lead. Cagliari, one of the few teams to play in front of their fans this weekend, had fought back from Daniele Corvia's opener to equalise and then take the lead through Andrea Capone and David Suazo. The Sardinians looked set to claim all three points until a wonder strike from Codrea ensured a draw which does neither of the relegation contenders much of a favour.
Italy's Serie A programme resumed on Sunday with four stadia closed to fans but there were plenty of action for those who did manage to view their teams in action. Before all matches kicked-off, there was a minute's silence at all grounds around Italy following the death of Fillippo Raciti in the Catania riots last week.
Chievo 0-2 Inter
Adriano scored in the very first minute to propel runaway leaders Internazionale to another victory on Sunday at Chievo. The Brazilian international was out of sorts early in the season but has shown glimpses of the form in recent times which made him one of the world's most sought-after strikers. Dejan Stankovic set Adriano up for the goal and then Hernan Crespo doubled the advantage in the second half. The result means Inter maintain their 11-point lead at the top of Serie A while they stretched their record winning streak to 15 matches.
Roma 3-0 Parma
Roma kept up their distant pursuit of Serie A leaders Inter with a comprehensive win over 10-man Parma. The Stadio Olimpico was one of the stadia which was allowed to let fans in after the regulations imposed in the aftermath of the crowd trouble two weekends ago, and those lucky few saw a fine display of second-half football. All three goals came after the break, Francesco Totti breaking the deadlock before Simone Perrotta doubled the advantage and Rodrigo Taddei completed the rout in the dying moments, which also saw Fernando Couto receive two yellow cards in quick succession.
Palermo 0-1 Empoli
Empoli moved into the top four with a well-deserved win away at Palermo. The home side are still 10 points ahead of the visitors in third, but this was a fantastic result for a side already in the midst of a memorable season. Sergio Bernardo Almiron's goal straight after the interval was enough to seal all three points for Luigi Cagni's overachievers. The match was played at the Stadio Renzo Barbera, one of the grounds allowed to accommodate fans this weekend. This week, club President Maurizio Zamparini launched a ticketing scheme to give free admission to children under 16 accompanied by a parent in a bid to create a more family-friendly atmosphere at La Favorita.
Milan 2-1 Livorno
With only season-ticket holders watching on, AC Milan moved to within two points of a Champions League position with victory over Livorno. Marek Jankulovski's 68th minute strike won it for Milan, after Cristiano Lucarelli had immediately cancelled out Gennaro Gattuso's opener in the first half. Milan were allowed to admit their season-ticket holders to the San Siro after scrambling to make security improvements at the ground to comply with the new criteria.
Fiorentina 2-0 Udinese
Alberto Malesani had an unwelcome return to Florence as his former club Fiorentina ended his 100% record as Udinese boss since he took over last month. An early goal from Reginaldo put the Viola on course for the win and Giampaolo Pazzini sealed the win just before the interval. Malesani had won both Serie A games since replacing the sacked Giovanni Galeone last month but had no answer against a Fiorentina side who would be having a great season were it not for a 15-point deduction for their part in the Calciopoli scandal last season.
Torino 1-2 Reggina
Rolando Bianchi gave himself an early birthday present, scoring twice in 10 minutes to earn Reggina three precious points at relegation rivals Torino. Bianchi, who turns 24 on Thursday, fired a pair of second-half strikes as the Amaranto moved within three points of Alberto Zaccheroni's side with their second straight win and pulled further clear of the relegation zone into 16th place. Gianluca Commotto netted for the hosts but its another poor result for the Turin side.
Messina 1-1 Catania
Giuseppe Mascara's second-half free-kick rescued a point for new Messina coach Alberto Cavasin as they dented Catania's European hopes at a washed-out Stadio San Filippo. With the stadium closed to the public following last weekend's troubles, the game faced fresh problems when kick-off was delayed for an hour due to a waterlogged pitch. The rain began again almost as soon as the referee blew his whistle to kick-off proceedings, making it difficult for the two sides to keep the ball on the ground. Messina, who had led through Marco Zanchi, brought in Cavasin after taking only four points from a possible 36 under Bruno Giordano which has seen them sink into the bottom three.
Atalanta 0-0 Lazio
A game with no fans watching ended with no goals either as Atalanta and Lazio shared the points in a desperate encounter. Neither side could find the breakthrough in an unremitting game of cat and mouse, with goalscoring opportunities very much at a premium. The eerie atmosphere cannot have helped, with all supporters barred from entering the Stadio Atleti d'Azzurri after the modest ground fell foul of stricter security criteria in light of the death of a police officer at the Sicilian derby a little over a week ago. And with no-one to put a show on for, the two teams were unable to rise as high as even the mediocre.
Sampdoria 2-0 Ascoli
Sampdoria won their first game of 2007 with a victory over Ascoli, a result which leaves their opponents rooted to the bottom of Serie A. Former Samp goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca did all he could to keep his current side Ascoli in the game, but he could only hold out for 48 minutes before Christian Maggio headed the opener. Daniele Franceschini added a second 15 minutes before the end, just five minutes after the guests were reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Matteo Melara.
Cagliari 2-2 Siena
Paul Codrea's 25-yard strike seven minutes from time snatched a draw for Siena after the visitors had let slip the lead. Cagliari, one of the few teams to play in front of their fans this weekend, had fought back from Daniele Corvia's opener to equalise and then take the lead through Andrea Capone and David Suazo. The Sardinians looked set to claim all three points until a wonder strike from Codrea ensured a draw which does neither of the relegation contenders much of a favour.
Saturday, 10 February 2007
Serie B Wk 23: Review
Saturday 10 February
Vicenza 2-2 Juventus
Once again Juventus threw away a commanding lead as Vicenza fought back from 2-0 to 2-2 in the space of six minutes, although they remain top of Serie B on a par with Napoli.
Despite leaving Trezeguet on the bench, they took the lead early on at the Stadio Menti, which was open to fans as the capacity is less than 10,000, when Nedved’s long ball was hooked down and slotted in by Palladino. However, Buffon needed a world class save to prevent Padoin’s equaliser from a set-piece.
Zanetti drilled over the bar for the visitors before Del Piero – who is originally from this area – doubled their lead. Once again Nedved was involved, a right-foot finish from the captain beating Zancope’ as he rushed out.
However, Juve have shown an alarming tendency to run out of steam in the final stages this season and it was no different in Vicenza, throwing away a 2-0 lead in the space of six minutes! First Nastos rifled a fantastic strike into the top corner, then Under-21 international substitute Paonessa was allowed a free header. The Bianconeri fought back with Trezeguet thrown on and Zancope tipping over a Del Piero cross-shot, but it was not enough.
Arezzo 0-0 Frosinone
It was an uninspiring game at the Stadio Comunale between a desperate Arezzo and Frosinone. The home side, despite the support of its fans, was unable to pick up maximum points. Arezzo had possession of the ball for most of the game, but it wasn’t enough. The only opportunity for a goal came at the 16th minute, but Zappino showed good reflexes to stop Floro Flores’s header from a corner kick. During the rest of the match both teams were too busy trying to prevent any kind of danger and the final result was inevitable.
Brescia 0-0 Bari
A goalless draw between Brescia and Bari was played out behind closed doors. Both teams will be very unhappy, as this result doesn’t move either of them up from their mid table positions, though the Pugliesi were perhaps the ones that played the better football. In the early stages Micolucci was unlucky when his lob went over the bar and Brescia responded with a header from Zoboli. Then Scrigna had two incredible chances, but the forward missed both of them when he was alone in front of Brescia ‘keeper Viviano. The second half was not as exciting, with just one chance apiece. Scrigna’s free-kick was deflected and then Belgian goalkeeper Gillet saved Bari from an undeserved defeat when he stopped Mareco’s effort at the 69th minute with his feet.
Crotone 1-2 Cesena
With this important away victory Cesena are now holding seventh place in the table next to Piacenza and only one point behind Genoa. Zaninelli scored Cesena’s opening goal when his splendid header, after a free-kick from Mezavilla, looped into the net. Crotone hit the bar with captain Maietta, but Cesena increased the gap with top scorer Pellè on the counter attack and Tisci’s magnificent free kick went into the top right corner for the 2-1. In the last few minutes Crotone was disallowed a goal by the referee, who was right to notice that Dionigi started the move from an offside position.
Lecce 2-0 Verona
These two sides have been suffering from a major crisis this season, closer to the drop zone than the play-offs, and Lecce pushed themselves to safety with their first win in two months. Ex-Chievo striker Tiribocchi had a couple of chances before substitute Tulli nodded in Giuliatto’s cross. Verona fought back, although Pulzetti wasted a golden opportunity and Biasi’s equaliser was disallowed for offside, so on the counter-attack Tiribocchi’s ambitious lob from distance caught Pegolo off his line.
Modena 0-3 Albinoleffe
Modena’s crisis continues as the Canarini were heavily defeated by Albinoleffe. The visitors are now very close to the play-off, while the Gialloblu are struggling in the relegation zone. Newly signed Parma youth product Ruopolo was the man of the match with two goals. At the 11th minute Bruno scored the 1-0, but his goal was disallowed for an apparently inexistent offside. Then Ruopolo was quick to beat Frezzolini with a right-foot shot from the middle of the box after a clever pass by Cellini. Modena’s reaction was furious, but the home team didn’t manage to score, but Acerbis held out both Campedelli and Longo. Just before the end of the first half, the visitors punished the Canarini when Ruopolo nodded in Gori’s scissor-kick assist. Bruno had the chance to score for Modena but his penalty, awarded for a Donadoni handling offence, was saved by Acerbis. Still Modena didn’t surrender, and Campedelli’s header was stopped on the line by defender Previtali. The match ended with Innocenti tapping in after Cellini’s powerful shot hit the bar.
Napoli 1-0 Piacenza
This promotion battle would have seen a packed Stadio San Paolo, but failure to meet stringent new security measures saw the game played in an empty arena. Nonetheless, the Azzurri earned all three points to catch Juve on top of the table.
Rantier and Nef caused problems for the home defence early on, though Calaio eventually managed to spring the offside trap only to fire over. Coppola twice used his feet to keep out efforts from Domizzi and Calaio, but Piacenza should have taken the lead on the hour mark when Riccio somehow turned his header off target from six yards. Napoli’s pressure finally paid off nine minutes from time when substitute Sosa rose to get his head to Grava’s cross. Calaio put a blight on his game as, after being substituted, he was sent off from the bench for dissent.
Pescara 0-0 Mantova
The relegation strugglers held Mantova in an empty Stadio Adriatico, one of several venues closed due to the strict new security laws introduced this week. Rigoni’s free kick and a goalline clearance on Russo prevented Pescara from taking a shock early lead, though Godeas and Altinier went close for the visitors in the second half.
Rimini 1-0 Genoa
The Stadio Neri was one of the few open to the fans on this unusual weekend and hosted a top of the table showdown between promotion hopefuls. Rimini had a strong start and after Pagano’s snapshot was saved, Ricchiuti took advantage of a midfield error to send Baccin clear on goal. Genoa shot themselves in the foot again moments later with Bega’s dismissal for a very late tackle on Ricchiuti. Baccin almost had a second truly spectacular goal when he juggled the ball on his foot and knee to get between two defenders and unleashed a rocket that smashed against the upright. The same player skimmed the woodwork twice either side of the break.
Yet 10-man Genoa improved in the second half and Di Vaio had a dangerous effort charged down, while Leon almost pounced on a Handanovic hesitation. Jeda fired straight at the goalkeeper from close range, but the Rossoblu thumped the frame of the goal with Leon’s free kick and went close with a late Criscito header.
Spezia 2-0 Bologna
Bologna tumbled down the table following this surprise defeat at giant-killers Spezia’s Stadio Picco. Varricchio’s header was off target and Guidetti thumped the upright before he scored a splendid solo effort, slaloming through the Rossoblu shirts. Bologna struggled to make an impact and when Bellucci did hit the back of the net, it was disallowed for offside. Varricchio ensured the points were safe by springing the offside trap and waltzing past a helpless Antonioli.
Triestina 1-2 Treviso
Treviso collected their second away victory in a row and are rapidly climbing the table, catching Triestina in the table. Fava and Allegretti went close early on, but Acquafresca opened his account by intercepting Lima’s backpass and volleying past Rossi. The visitors continued to have the best chances with Quadrini before Aquafresca struck again on the counter-attack. New Triestina signing Silva Ceron gave his side hope by meeting a corner kick, but Allegretti, Della Rocca, Music and Quadrini failed to find the net.
Source: C4 Football Italia
Vicenza 2-2 Juventus
Once again Juventus threw away a commanding lead as Vicenza fought back from 2-0 to 2-2 in the space of six minutes, although they remain top of Serie B on a par with Napoli.
Despite leaving Trezeguet on the bench, they took the lead early on at the Stadio Menti, which was open to fans as the capacity is less than 10,000, when Nedved’s long ball was hooked down and slotted in by Palladino. However, Buffon needed a world class save to prevent Padoin’s equaliser from a set-piece.
Zanetti drilled over the bar for the visitors before Del Piero – who is originally from this area – doubled their lead. Once again Nedved was involved, a right-foot finish from the captain beating Zancope’ as he rushed out.
However, Juve have shown an alarming tendency to run out of steam in the final stages this season and it was no different in Vicenza, throwing away a 2-0 lead in the space of six minutes! First Nastos rifled a fantastic strike into the top corner, then Under-21 international substitute Paonessa was allowed a free header. The Bianconeri fought back with Trezeguet thrown on and Zancope tipping over a Del Piero cross-shot, but it was not enough.
Arezzo 0-0 Frosinone
It was an uninspiring game at the Stadio Comunale between a desperate Arezzo and Frosinone. The home side, despite the support of its fans, was unable to pick up maximum points. Arezzo had possession of the ball for most of the game, but it wasn’t enough. The only opportunity for a goal came at the 16th minute, but Zappino showed good reflexes to stop Floro Flores’s header from a corner kick. During the rest of the match both teams were too busy trying to prevent any kind of danger and the final result was inevitable.
Brescia 0-0 Bari
A goalless draw between Brescia and Bari was played out behind closed doors. Both teams will be very unhappy, as this result doesn’t move either of them up from their mid table positions, though the Pugliesi were perhaps the ones that played the better football. In the early stages Micolucci was unlucky when his lob went over the bar and Brescia responded with a header from Zoboli. Then Scrigna had two incredible chances, but the forward missed both of them when he was alone in front of Brescia ‘keeper Viviano. The second half was not as exciting, with just one chance apiece. Scrigna’s free-kick was deflected and then Belgian goalkeeper Gillet saved Bari from an undeserved defeat when he stopped Mareco’s effort at the 69th minute with his feet.
Crotone 1-2 Cesena
With this important away victory Cesena are now holding seventh place in the table next to Piacenza and only one point behind Genoa. Zaninelli scored Cesena’s opening goal when his splendid header, after a free-kick from Mezavilla, looped into the net. Crotone hit the bar with captain Maietta, but Cesena increased the gap with top scorer Pellè on the counter attack and Tisci’s magnificent free kick went into the top right corner for the 2-1. In the last few minutes Crotone was disallowed a goal by the referee, who was right to notice that Dionigi started the move from an offside position.
Lecce 2-0 Verona
These two sides have been suffering from a major crisis this season, closer to the drop zone than the play-offs, and Lecce pushed themselves to safety with their first win in two months. Ex-Chievo striker Tiribocchi had a couple of chances before substitute Tulli nodded in Giuliatto’s cross. Verona fought back, although Pulzetti wasted a golden opportunity and Biasi’s equaliser was disallowed for offside, so on the counter-attack Tiribocchi’s ambitious lob from distance caught Pegolo off his line.
Modena 0-3 Albinoleffe
Modena’s crisis continues as the Canarini were heavily defeated by Albinoleffe. The visitors are now very close to the play-off, while the Gialloblu are struggling in the relegation zone. Newly signed Parma youth product Ruopolo was the man of the match with two goals. At the 11th minute Bruno scored the 1-0, but his goal was disallowed for an apparently inexistent offside. Then Ruopolo was quick to beat Frezzolini with a right-foot shot from the middle of the box after a clever pass by Cellini. Modena’s reaction was furious, but the home team didn’t manage to score, but Acerbis held out both Campedelli and Longo. Just before the end of the first half, the visitors punished the Canarini when Ruopolo nodded in Gori’s scissor-kick assist. Bruno had the chance to score for Modena but his penalty, awarded for a Donadoni handling offence, was saved by Acerbis. Still Modena didn’t surrender, and Campedelli’s header was stopped on the line by defender Previtali. The match ended with Innocenti tapping in after Cellini’s powerful shot hit the bar.
Napoli 1-0 Piacenza
This promotion battle would have seen a packed Stadio San Paolo, but failure to meet stringent new security measures saw the game played in an empty arena. Nonetheless, the Azzurri earned all three points to catch Juve on top of the table.
Rantier and Nef caused problems for the home defence early on, though Calaio eventually managed to spring the offside trap only to fire over. Coppola twice used his feet to keep out efforts from Domizzi and Calaio, but Piacenza should have taken the lead on the hour mark when Riccio somehow turned his header off target from six yards. Napoli’s pressure finally paid off nine minutes from time when substitute Sosa rose to get his head to Grava’s cross. Calaio put a blight on his game as, after being substituted, he was sent off from the bench for dissent.
Pescara 0-0 Mantova
The relegation strugglers held Mantova in an empty Stadio Adriatico, one of several venues closed due to the strict new security laws introduced this week. Rigoni’s free kick and a goalline clearance on Russo prevented Pescara from taking a shock early lead, though Godeas and Altinier went close for the visitors in the second half.
Rimini 1-0 Genoa
The Stadio Neri was one of the few open to the fans on this unusual weekend and hosted a top of the table showdown between promotion hopefuls. Rimini had a strong start and after Pagano’s snapshot was saved, Ricchiuti took advantage of a midfield error to send Baccin clear on goal. Genoa shot themselves in the foot again moments later with Bega’s dismissal for a very late tackle on Ricchiuti. Baccin almost had a second truly spectacular goal when he juggled the ball on his foot and knee to get between two defenders and unleashed a rocket that smashed against the upright. The same player skimmed the woodwork twice either side of the break.
Yet 10-man Genoa improved in the second half and Di Vaio had a dangerous effort charged down, while Leon almost pounced on a Handanovic hesitation. Jeda fired straight at the goalkeeper from close range, but the Rossoblu thumped the frame of the goal with Leon’s free kick and went close with a late Criscito header.
Spezia 2-0 Bologna
Bologna tumbled down the table following this surprise defeat at giant-killers Spezia’s Stadio Picco. Varricchio’s header was off target and Guidetti thumped the upright before he scored a splendid solo effort, slaloming through the Rossoblu shirts. Bologna struggled to make an impact and when Bellucci did hit the back of the net, it was disallowed for offside. Varricchio ensured the points were safe by springing the offside trap and waltzing past a helpless Antonioli.
Triestina 1-2 Treviso
Treviso collected their second away victory in a row and are rapidly climbing the table, catching Triestina in the table. Fava and Allegretti went close early on, but Acquafresca opened his account by intercepting Lima’s backpass and volleying past Rossi. The visitors continued to have the best chances with Quadrini before Aquafresca struck again on the counter-attack. New Triestina signing Silva Ceron gave his side hope by meeting a corner kick, but Allegretti, Della Rocca, Music and Quadrini failed to find the net.
Source: C4 Football Italia
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