The Scudetto contenders: Part 2
The feat of 2001 season, when Lazio surprised everyone by winning the Scudetto might not happen this time. Lazio have a great advantage as they have no European obligations and just have to concentrate on Serie A this season. The Roman team picked up from
where they started at the end of last season as great displays from Stefano Mauri and new Brazilian signing Hernanes formed a solid partnership and the duo was looking really good before they were taught a lesson at home in the Roman derby as Roma beat Lazio
2-0.
A more careful look at the Lazio team indicates a few shortcomings. There is a lack of individuals who have the necessary skills and mentality that is required to win a title. The team is made of resilient, gritty and hardworking players but their mental
strength to take the title is questionable. If Lazio go on to win the league this season, it will be one of the greatest sporting stories ever told, rivaling the whole “Remember the Titans” epic.
Next is the issue of A.C Milan. The 7-time European champions have probably the most attractive roster in Italy but when it comes to putting all the talent in a credible formation, it doesn’t really work. The presence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alexandre Pato
and Pippo Inzaghi might turn out to be a weakness for the team. The two main aspects they need to worry about is the defense and the midfield.
Ronaldinho took Europe by storm when he was at Barcelona but ever since the Brazilian joined A.C Milan, he looks so far off pace and he seems lost for long hours whenever Milan are up against top Europeans and Italian teams. In spite of is technique and
vision, he has become more of a “has been” at A.C Milan. Max Allegri, manager of A.C Milan, puts him in the substitutes list just to make up the numbers.
He had a chance to impress when A.C Milan hosted Real Madrid in the Champions League but A.C Milan only started “playing” when he was replaced by Pippo Inzaghi. The veteran Italian goal machine is in the final stages of his illustrious career but as soon
as he came on the pitch, A.C Milan seemed to click as the Italian showed his Brazilian team-mate the importance of commitment and professionalism. He might not be as skillful as Ronaldinho, but his influence on the match was 1000 times better than the Brazilian
as he scored a brace.
The new look Juventus under the guidance of Luigi Del Neri is becoming a closely knit unit now and after changing the transfer policy as compared to that of previous seasons, the Old Lady has started investing money and time on Italian youngsters. They also
made a great bargain by bringing in inspirational Milos Krasic from CSKA Moscow this season and the young Serb has proven to be a great asset so far this season.
But Juventus also has a few shortcomings. The side still lacks in consistency and the team appears to lose its way for long durations in matches. Bianconeri are still looking for their true identity and many performances both in Italy and Europe have been
far from convincing. Over-reliance on Alessandro Del Piero can turn out to be Luigi Del Neri’s “get out of jail” card but Quagliarella and Vincenzo Iaquinta have to contribute more often than not in taking the pressure off the veteran.
Turin giants are still finding their feet in Serie A and it will take some time for the team to adapt to Luigi Del Neri’s 4-4-2 formation. There have been moments that show Juventus’ claims to be serious Scudetto contenders. The match at San Siro against
A.C Milan was a great team performance as Felipe Melo and Alberto Aquilani played one of their best games so far this season, helping Juve win 3-1 away from home. But still, Juventus are in the right path so far in a bid to regain their place among the elite,
both in Europe and in Italy.
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