Serie A findings: Round 14 – What we learned from this week’s fixtures (Part 2)
US Palermo are the most exciting Italian team
Rosanero have made a mixed start to the season with inconsistency still being a major issue. One match day, Aquile would snap Juventus in two only to go sprawling against the likes of Udinese and Lazio. While Delio Rossi’s men have scored an emphatic 25
goals thus far, they have leaked in a whooping 19 at the other end. For all their exploits, Rosanero have a goal difference of just +6; not good enough to finish in the top four.
However, having said that, Aquile are a treat to watch. The likes of Josep Ilicic and Javier Pastore when in flow are a joy to behold. Hats off to Mauro Zamparini and his scouting team for unearthing such gems. Against Roma on the weekend, the two players
fared extremely. While Javier Pastore found it hard settling down early in the first half, Ilicic was in the thick of action from the off.
The two players played in trequartista roles and combined to superb effect. Even a player of Daniele De Rossi’s calibre couldn’t handle either of the two as the Rosanero eagles ran riot with ruthless efficiency.
It’s arguable whether Zamparini can hold on to his prized assets. Palermo can challenge for Scudetto honours if they bring in a quality centre back and a decent midfield playmaker. However, a 25 million cheque for either of the two is likely to get Zamparini
drooling. Aquile faithful should enjoy the adventure while it lasts.
AC Milan must buy a striker and a full back in January to compete on all fronts
Silvio Berlusconi will proudly tell you that his beloved Milan side will always compete on all fronts, and that Champions League is in the club’s DNA. What Berlusconi fails to register is the fact that his squad is as thins as a mosquito net.
At this point in time, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the only natural striker available for selection to Massimiliano Allegri. The lanky Swede has played in almost all AC Milan matches and looks as tired as a cross country Marathon runner. Alexandre Pato gets injured
on consistent basis while Pippo Inzaghi’s career might be already over with a season ending injury. To win the League and compete in the Champions League, Rossoneri must acquire at least one more centre forward. If Zlatan is not given adequate rest between
matches, he will break down for he is a human after all.
Moving on to full back issue, AC Milan fielded Daniele Bonera on the left of the defence and the former Italy international struggled; he was woeful. The player made little attacking contribution while he also played Giampaolo Pazzini onside for Doria’s
equaliser. Milan aren’t exactly blessed with many options in wide areas. Luca Antonini is hardly AC Milan quality while Zambrotta is in the twilight of his career. Milan must buy a decent full back at the earliest or risk dropping points on all fronts. Galliani
need not look any further than Fabio Coentrao of Benfica.
Serie A ‘IS’ the most competitive league
The Italian football has been bashed and blasted by all following the 2006 Calciopoli scandal. Comments such as ‘old men League’ and ‘retirement home’ were all too common. However, the league is slowly returning to the standards of the seasons past.
As things stand, 10 points differentiates league leaders AC Milan from 10th placed Chievo Verona and yet another 10 points the difference between bottom placed Bari and flying donkeys. A league can’t get any more competitive than that. In essence,
a single point separates all the teams in the league. The closing stages of this season will surely be a treat to watch.
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