[arivanjj]

Bruno Cardile kicks off the new ‘Reader’s View’ section with a personal review of 2006 and a peek at 2007…


Con te partiro, per paese che non ho mai veduto e vissuto con te li rivivro, it is time to say goodbye. Ah what a wonderful song sung by Andrea Bocelli. 2006 is fast departing and it is time to say good bye. However, before we welcome 2007 with open arms lets take a walk through memory lane.

2006 was a great year for football fans as the greatest tournament on Earth serenaded our senses and glued us to our sets to cheer for out squads. On top of that, the Champions League and UEFA Cup enticed and Spanish teams reigned supreme. Barcelona grabbed the Holy Grail for the first time since 1992’s Wembley win: the Champions League. Arsenal came close but had no cause for lighting cigars in their first CL final, but European glory still eludes Wenger.

Sevilla won the UEFA Cup as Barcelona won the Liga for the 2nd year in a row. Chelsea continued to reign supreme and is fast creating a new dynasty. Bayern Munich still rules the German scene as Olympique Lyon set a record with 5 French Ligue titles.

In Italy, AC Milan tried ever so hard to win the CL, but in the end, was stopped by Barcelona in the semi finals. It seemed AC Milan and Inter would be bridesmaids again and Juventus would win another Scudetto.

On the other hand, Serie A never disappoints as a scandal unfolded and in the end Juventus were stripped of their titles and were demoted to Serie B. Now, the million dollar question. Was it correct that a phone company with a stake in Inter spied on Juventus? Well it happens all the time in the corporate world and in the end Juventus was caught.

Serie B was harsh as the fans in the end suffer and Moggi really got a slap on the wrist. He can write books, make movies and even work in other countries. On the other hand, it is nice to see a new look Serie A with smaller teams eying/chasing for glory. It is true that Roma perhaps will not make it in Europe and Palermo is out, but AC Milan and Inter are a threat and are not to be underestimated.

As for the scandal, do not worry calcio addicts, there will be more to come: trust me. A fraction of the tapes have been looked at and the other legal jurisdictions still have to make formal investigations and in the Napoli case for example, many other issues are involved such as doping. In addition, the betting scandal has yet to unfold.

2007 looks to be a promising year indeed. Furthermore, Fachetti and Puskas great players passed away bit their legacy lives on. Once again, thank you for your services to the wonderful game. In the end, Inter was finally awarded a Scudetto and Moratti’s failures all seemed to evaporate as finally they won something of importance.

Inter fans feel vindication (well for now) and the debates in the piazzas “how many more for Inter?” was the soup of the day. Juve fans were/are still bitter and now they face a time of rebuilding after much tragedy such as: players leaving, a world renowned coach abandoning the squad, Serie B, Pessotto’s apparent suicide attempt and quite recently, two youth players drowning.

In perspective, it has not been a great year. However, let us hope for Pessotto’s full recovery, and let us pay respect for the two youths who died. Christmas will not be a wonderful time for these families and from all of us at goal we hope the families find reprieve and their children’s legacy lives on. Hopefully, Juventus will create a scholarship to salute these fine young men and aid other youngsters.

The saga continued but then the mother of all tournaments came: the World Cup. The Azzurri were favorites, but the scandal came and the pundits support evaporated into thin air. However, Lippi kept the squad together and even without an all in out striker (he had Iaquinta and Inzaghi though), the Lippi factor became fact. Defense, goaltending, a compact united squad was the key to success.

Goals from 4 defenders, 4 substitutes and from 10 different players proved the squad was united to the task at hand: win! period. Whatever the football world threw at the Azzurri, they fought back and showed that they truly deserved it. And after 24 years of suffering, it was time they are on top again.

All the heartache, pain went away and for once the critics were silenced. For Cesar’s men came to the gates of Berlin and we proclaimed: veni, vidi, vici. We came, we saw, we conquered. Tears burst through the: Seine, Danube, Spree and Havel rivers. The river Po overflowed with joy. The scars of past were put aside as Italy proved they could win in: extra time, against hosts and in penalties.

They also maintained their perfect record of never losing a final on European soil, never losing in the knockout phase for 20 years (See. I told you they never lost a game in a World Cup. The first three games are not knockout phases) making a final every 12 years and keeping tabs on Germany. No squad has ever caused them so much heartache as they do.

In the end, they would face France, the other blue team. France owned them and broke Azzurri hearts since 1986. On the other hand, when the stakes were at their highest and the cards had to be let out Italy got the ultimate revenge (or justice depending upon the individual). After all the dust had settled, Lippi’s men defeated France in a World Cup final on penalties.

Oh how sweet it is. Zoff began the project (to get Italy to win penalties) and Lippi continued on the same path. Zidane lost his cool and King Arthur abandoned his knights as they were left to die alone. He stated: “we die together” Well he was not there. He was still given a hero’s welcome, but I can tell you even if Italy won the World Cup and a player did that, he would be vilified.

This proves the difference between the two cultures. Roberto Baggio was truly a King Arthur. He took the responsibility in taking the penalty in 1994 and suffered the consequences for four years. A captain sinks with his ship. Roberto did that and he should be thanked for it. Zidane did not. As for Materazzi...

What he said was inappropriate, but he got far worse punishment than Zidane did. Now I ask the question. Will FIFA clamp down on this behaviour, or will other players use the Zidane case to vent out their anger and frustration and try to get away with it? In the real world it is called assault ladies and gentlemen. Materazzi wants an apology.

Well Marco the chances of you getting one is on par with the reality that Blatter likes the Italian National Soccer team. Not coming soon. The Bleus cannot complain. They still received a hero’s welcome. That would never occur in Italy. In short, Christmas came for the Azzurri fan in July. Now a generation of young and old can wear Azzurri shirt with pride. Grazie Lippi.

Furthermore, let us thank all past players who wore the shirt but did not quite get there such as: Riva, Rivera, Mazzola, Maldini, Baggio, Vieri, Pagliuca, Zola, Toldo and the list goes on. The German fiasco of 32 years ago was erased (ousted in the first round of 1974). In addition Italy also got poetic justice as the saying goes. Let me explain. Germany celebrated the victory in Rome in 1990. 16 years later, the favour was repaid, as the Azzurri did it in Berlin.

Which was the better team? 1982 or 2006? Well it both started badly for both teams as Cribari missed a penalty (the first ever in a World Cup final) but Italy went on to control the game. In 2006, Italy started poorly, but they took control and got the equalizer.

France ruled the 2nd half and in extra time, however the defense could not be broken. In the end, Italy studied (still do actually) their opponents well and 5 goals went in. Yes Buffon lost his touch taking penalties. On the other hand, Barthez could not save one either. Far left/right and with power and Barthez struggles.

Back to reality as the scandal plagued Italy. And in the end, Juventus was relegated. Lazio, Fiorentina, Milan, Reggina received point deductions. So far Reggina has suffered the most. Milan did not get any point reductions, but they are still in Europe. However, Ancelotti has outstayed his welcome (he also lost his appetite to coach Milan) and do not be surprised if Silvio shows him the door and Lippi returns to coach a team.

Serie A began with Inter as the team to beat. They began the season in a lukewarm fashion. However, they are now showing their colours and Mancini has finally got it right. Now the real Inter after so many years of failure, is beginning to shine. Yes, there is no Milan or Juventus, but Milan is in a crisis as the squad is old and needs new blood.

They do not need Sheva nor does Silvio want him back for he said that the wife of his is a control freak. I really wonder who is the control freak? Does he not own 90% of Italian media? Inter can now finally sing: c’e solo una squadra e si chiama Inter Milan with pride. Inter can break Roma’s record of last and I do believe they will do it or will have done it when this article is published. It could be far worse. Inter could have lost to Roma or Palermo. But they did not.

So far Serie A has proved to be very unique this year. Things change ever so quickly and teams that were 4th one week are 10th the next. Atalanta, Siena, Livorno, Cagliari were off to good starts, but now Sampdoria and Udinese are now fully in stride. Chievo, Parma, Ascoli, Cagliari have struggled.

Torino has recovered and more wins will get them to a European spot. Empoli has been the most consistent team staying at 7th or 8th place and have done well without Tavano. Lazio have proved their worth by jumping to 7th spot and Fiorentina is finally finding the form they need. The southern Italian teams have played ever so well.

Messina, Catania play offensive free flow football, but now losses have hurt them and relegation looms near. Catania’s dream of entering the CL well is a dream for now. Yes they have a good coach and squad, but the article about Catania which was in fact excellent, did not fully mention in detail the defensive flaws and goaltending errors the team is prone to.

To lose 7-0 is not a good thing. Also, the midfield, which is creative, needs to move the ball farther and not pass it more like Milan does to slow the tempo of the game. Passing is great, but long range passing/movement must be improved. Messina all of a sudden has forgotten to score and maintain a lead. Storari cannot save them all the time.

Hopefully in the New Year, the situation will improve. Palermo continues to impress and a CL birth is near. Yes they are out of the UEFA Cup, but who cares. Now they can fully focus on 2nd or third place. Reggina has been hit the hardest by the scandal and relegation looms. Draws and wins now have become losses and Chievo could be the team that avoids relegation and avoid the donkey taunts (I do not mean to be rude, but they are creatively funny).

Reggina would have been in 8-12th place without the scandal; no mean feat whatsoever. However, as of late, defensive errors have cost the team wins and when the squad plays to attack, they are left vulnerable. A more defensive midfield is needed, as Lucarelli cannot play well in midfield. Bianchi however, can score and I smell Euros for Reggina.

The team can avoid relegation and all 4 Southern teams could avoid relegation (Palermo for sure) if Catania, Messina and Reggina improve the defense and Reggina and if Messina’s midfield serves the strikers well. Also, Catania, needs to improve the goaltending as he has a tendency to get out of position and Messina needs to rediscover, the scoring touch.

Spalletti’s Roma continues to impress and a good finish will be the norm. Losses arise to poor defensive placement as the defenders tend to move forward too much/often leaving the back vulnerable. In addition, they squander their chances as for example vs. Valencia. However, they play a good fluid passing game as they are deadly in the box and are very good at the counter attack along with using the flanks. I do expect a good year and even a semifinal in the CL.

Some players are absent. Marchigiani, is not the keeper of Chievo anymore and the fans wish they did not let him to retire. Pagliuca has returned to Serie A and has left Bologna to the disappointment of fans. However he has a chance to play in Serie A and he took it. However, Ascoli is not the team of last year and Serie B looms near.

Many Italian players have left and now are playing abroad. It is wonderful as we can now see other talent. Donadoni is now the new coach and he is the first to deal with the situation more Italian players play abroad. So far he has done well, but he must turn his ideas into concrete solutions and wins or face the reality of the pink slip.

Another great feat for Italian soccer happened in 06: Cannavaro won the Golden ball and World Player of the year the first time an Italian won it since 1993, when Baggio took the honours. There are many who say it is a disgrace, but he was a professional, defended well, no one could take him off his game, he is one of the best defenders in the world, perhaps 2nd only to Maldini and even at 33 years of age, he still has it.

Yes, Pirlo or Buffon could have won it and to be fair Buffon should have got World Player of the Year, but in the end it was a fine choice. And who were the most vocal critics? Wenger and Houllier? Wonder what nationality they are? French. Henry or Zidane? Zidane is older then Cannavaro which contradicts some critics and to reward a man who did a grave act is ludicrous.

Henry? Played well, but he is prone to dive and over react to injury (he is a great actor). In the end, Cannavaro won it and congratulations Fabio, you deserved it. You are a great defender and you proved it. Look at his stats over the past 2 years please.

Another year has come and gone. May we celebrate a fine 06 and may we look forward to a great 07. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Now it is truly the: time to say good bye. Buon Natale e Filice Anno Nuovo.


goal.com

[arivanjj]

ahhhh yes.. '06.... what year it's been.. well i can definitely say it really has been a year to remember..

FORZA MILAN !!!

FORZA AZZURRI !!

This post has been edited by arivanjj: Dec 25 2006, 02:01 PM

[Rossoneri7]

Back to reality as the scandal plagued Italy.  And in the end, Juventus was relegated.  Lazio, Fiorentina, Milan, Reggina received point deductions.    So far Reggina has suffered the most.  Milan did not get any point reductions, but they are still in Europe.  However, Ancelotti has outstayed his welcome (he also lost his appetite to coach Milan) and do not be surprised if Silvio shows him the door and Lippi returns to coach a team. 

How the hell does he know that ?! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

[han2503]

How the hell does he know that ?! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

It's clear that this guy is an Azzurri and Merda fan, so....

I would expect these things coming out of his mouth about Milan (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[Rossoneri7]

It's clear that this guy is an Azzurri and Merda fan, so....

I would expect these things coming out of his mouth about Milan  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

What is also clear, and I'v noticed this, everyone I meet who isn't a Milanfan .. Simply doesn't like Milan !!!

It's quite shocking, cuz u have teams that, for eg. Bremen .. Many ppl like Bremen, they don't support the club, but they like the way they play per say.

But in Milan's case, there r some who would like Inter, Roma, these days Palermo ... But NEVER Milan .... Maybe cuz we defied the odds, time and time again (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I don't know why .. But I guess that is why I am always in this forum (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[milanistar]

What is also clear, and I'v noticed this, everyone I meet who isn't a Milanfan .. Simply doesn't like Milan !!!

It's quite shocking, cuz u have teams that, for eg. Bremen .. Many ppl like Bremen, they don't support the club, but they like the way they play per say.

But in Milan's case, there r some who would like Inter, Roma, these days Palermo ... But NEVER Milan .... Maybe cuz we defied the odds, time and time again (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I don't know why .. But I guess that is why I am always in this forum (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Yeah, I've noticed that too, and I think our president has something to do with that (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[Rossoneri7]

Yeah, I've noticed that too, and I think our president has something to do with that (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

How is that ?

[misha]

How is that ?

his reputation

[Rossoneri7]

his reputation

I figured that out, but how would 'your normal joe', some one who doesn't even know Silvio is president, would love to see Milan fail ? How is it that these ppl, dislike Milan as much as we dislike Juve .. !

[han2503]

What is also clear, and I'v noticed this, everyone I meet who isn't a Milanfan .. Simply doesn't like Milan !!!

It's quite shocking, cuz u have teams that, for eg. Bremen .. Many ppl like Bremen, they don't support the club, but they like the way they play per say.

But in Milan's case, there r some who would like Inter, Roma, these days Palermo ... But NEVER Milan .... Maybe cuz we defied the odds, time and time again (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I don't know why .. But I guess that is why I am always in this forum (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Try they are jelous of the history Milan posses and like some others said our president.

And also some who don't know any of the details of this summers scandal think that Milan got let off because of Silvio and we where guilty of fixing matches also but at the same time believe Inter are clean (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) Just goes to show how ignorant and uninformed some people could be

[misha]

I figured that out, but how would 'your normal joe', some one who doesn't even know Silvio is president, would love to see Milan fail ? How is it that these ppl, dislike Milan as much as we dislike Juve .. !

I don't know. I haven't notice that ppl hate Milan too much over here. Most hateful are Chelsea and Real Madrid

[Rossoneri7]

I don't know. I haven't notice that ppl hate Milan too much over here. Most hateful are Chelsea and Real Madrid

Really ... That's odd; Milan should be above both Madrid, Chelsea and Barca ..

Maybe your giving Milan a good reputation where ur at (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Over here, they don't even think about watching Milan .. Last season against Bayern .. Nearlly everyone told me that we were gonna get kicked out .. Bad team, blah blah blah ... Then against Lyon; they made it look like they were gonna hit Milan 6-0 (as they usually do to Madrid) ..


Basically they have this negative attitude against this club .. I guess it has something to do with our history, or (someone actually said this a 'bayernfan'..) '... If we beat Milan today .. We'll be firm favourites for the CL finals' (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) ... They say that, then they wish Milan to underachieve (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif) ... I guess they need another lesson in the San Siro (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devil.gif)

[Rossoneri7]

DP .. again

This post has been edited by Rossoneri7: Dec 27 2006, 12:29 AM

[han2503]

DP .. again

You and your double posts (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)



(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Rossoneri7]

You and your double posts  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)
(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)   (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I took a looot of time double posting u know ..!!

U should give me credit for that (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)