Travel Guide - Florence, Italy

Travel Guide -- Rome, Italy- The dream that was Rome

Are you off your meds???!!!

..... I just read the most audacious rumour.... Krasic offloaded for Adebeyor. This is outrageous, why in the Love of everything holy, would they do this? Krasic is by far one of their talented players, he's young, pacy and more than anything else.. he wanted to go to Juve which show desire and hunger to prove himself. On the other hand Emmanuel is a stroppy player and a bit of a diva- if they're thinking of getting him, why not just get Cassano- they're both ticking timebombs that would do more damage than good!

Krasic admitted earlier that he rejected a call from Man City, showing that he has integrity and is not just in it for the money, because lets face it, City have been throwing away money like anything! Why o Why would Juve get rid off him, after getting rid off Diego to get him and now they're going to get rid off him. I'm afraid the "masterminds" at Juve are thinking about short time results instead of long term durability.. and that is a frightening thought.

Juventus v Fiorentina

.... What can I say, slightly sad that we didn't walk away with all three points but I am satisfied with a draw.... however it was avoidable, this wasn't the first time Motta knocked it into his own net, remember the match against Genoa but that time Toni saved his blushes with a handball, so it was not given, It is difficult for a defender, he has to do something to knock it away but sometimes leaving it would have been better, but that goes against the instinct of a defender.. so, Marco, I don't blame you.

Conceding the goal so early in the game was a bit of a shock because I was hoping that everyone would have had their weetabix so to speak, and be full of energy and alert. The response by The Old Lady was very positive, however there was a moment when the goal went in that their heads went done, but credit to them and their warrior spirits, they kept on fighting till the end.

And talking about warriors, what about Felipe Melo?? He has calmed down and used his excessive energy in a productive way, fighting for every ball and chasing down player, I think he's trying to prove something and I think people are starting to hear him.... he can actually play football, and I'm guessing that because it was against his old team, he might have been extra hyped up about it. Quagliarella had a not so great match, to say the least.... but he does have skills and we've all seen it, maybe because this match has so much rivalry and was so big he just forgot to show up?! Marchisio impressed in parts...there were portions of the match where he simply disappeared but then you looked again and he was fighting to keep the ball and chasing every ball and trying to get shots in. Krasic had a terrific match in parts again, maybe teams are starting to catch up..hence two players on him at each moment, but you can't expect him to perform at 100% at each game.

I would like Juve to improve in some bits.... like being able to keep hold of the ball, precision passing, some of there passing was a bit wayward and thus La Viola had a chance to get on the ball and they see to be slow in attack and after one shot on goal, give up. I want to see sustained pressure on the opposition goal... because you never know, one is bound to go in! All in all, a very competitive match and a fair result in the end, now all that energy has to be shown in the Europa League match against Lech Poznan, and they can't afford to draw.

Who is the best???

...... Who is the best, best of what I hear you say, whose the best overall footballer- now before you start to send in your answers..... who is the best between Lionel Messi and Crapface Ronaldo? Okay from that, you can tell I'm not a big fan but I do have my reasons, and I'll convince you as well.

Ronaldo is arrogant, selfish, childish, falls over if you blow in his direction, does stupid step overs that serve no purpose and is generally an arse, and if the opposition don't take him out I'm pretty sure one of his own teammates will! Arrogance is not all bad, it can just mean that a person has confidence in their ability. But what one does have to consider is, no matter how great you are..there is always someone better than you. One of the major mysteries surrounding this sleazeball is that how can someone who is built like a beast fall down so easily? And I answer, he tries to manipulate the refs by getting free-kicks in dangerous positions and tries to get other player sent off, remind you of anyone? (- Jose' Mourinho!!!!) If the opposition don't get sickof his antics his own teammates will because all his antics slow the momentum of the game.

Messi on the other hand is the polar opposite, he plays for the team and knows that he is not bigger than the team thus keeping him humble and always hungry to improve. Not to mention he's younger, faster with a low centre of gravity and has a mean shot. And unlike Ronaldo, Messi doesn't shoot his mouth of in the media claiming that he will score 8 goals! Mess is the better player. sportsman and a better person than Shitface!

Destroying the beautiful game...

Jose' Mourinho, what can I say about him without cursing? He has a way about him, some love him other hate him but most are intrigued by him. This latest scandal is just what I think he brings to the game.... He brings this slimy, manipulative and dirty tactics to win the game at the cost of a good game. One simply has to look back to the CL semi final, 2nd leg with Barcelona, he had no intention of scoring all Inter did was set all their players behind the ball and made sure there was a brick wall between them and the goal to stop Barca playing. Yes, we all know that you have to stop Barca getting possession of the ball, but for all the fans watching the game this was a disgrace and a waste of money, those fans paid good money to see a footie match, not 12 guy standing in front of the goal!!

And not only are his tactics dirty but his bad attitude and general disregard for authority seeps into the mindset of the players- you only have to watch Inter last season and you see the discontent in their eyes. Now with Real Madrid he encourages his players to break the rules in order to be free for the " important" matches is his latest scheme. He is ruining the game by making a mockery of the rules and thus the game- something has to be done, or the entire sport will turn into a joke!

Sarah mclachlan steaming

HURTS - Wonderful Life

Friendlies....

Friendlies are a opportunity for coaches to experiment with new styles of playing with the fear of losing the game. This is not to say that there is no point to it, there is. It is also a chance for up and coming stars to get their first shot at the international stage without being ridiculed and heckled afterwards, it's a good confidence booster.

Now, after the Genoa- Juve game, the Genoa boss had the nerve to say that Juve were being crafty by saying that Marchisio and Krasic were injured and thus couldn't play in the friendlies. This is laughable and untrue as the Italy medical team sent Marchisio home, and what, should he have risked his fitness for a friendly like a certain Stevie G- who is now out injured for six weeks thank to his International exploits. Enrico Preziosi should stop acting like a child and just accept that Juve was better.

In more disturbing news, Buffon in a swap deal for Berbatov??? Is someone of their meds? Buffon should not go just because it is starting to look better for the Old Lady, Gigi is more than a goalkeeper, he is a leader and has a sense of authority about him that Storari just doesn't have. Don't get me wrong, Storari is a great keeper but Buffon is a great man and I predict that the future of Juve will look bleaker without him- BUFFON DON'T GO!!

Genoa v Juventus..

.... The returning game of the " Super Serb" that is known as Milos Krasic, and he did make an instant impact with his tireless runs down the right side of the pitch and delivering some sublime crosses into the danger area. He was some what faster than the rest of his team, as on a number of occasions his crosses were "just missed", I'm afraid that Iaquinta might be showing his age as he also did this when Marchisio squared a ball in front of the goal and all it needed was a simple tap in but it was wasted because Iaquinta couldn't make it in time.

The game may be remembered for Krasic and his return, but my attention turns to the silent hero that is Claudio Marchisio. He works himself to the ground- literally! As sometimes the opposition would tackle him to the ground and instead of whining about a penalty that should have been awarded, he tries to keep the ball even when on the ground or at least get it to another Bianconeri. He works for every ball, where others have given up, he'll find a way to use it to the best advantage and the fact that he is still relatively young at 24 means things should only get better.

I only hope that he can stay this level headed as he is attracting interest from other clubs. All in all, a big win for Juventus and if they can sustain this amount of enthusiasm and work rate, they might just be within touching distance of the Scudetto. And all this without Buffon, but he is more than a keeper and I know a lot of people are waiting to see him return between the sticks- Get well soon Gigi!!!

Cassano and Balotelli?

..... Both are great footballers, but just a tad on the nutty side. He started his career in his native town of Bari but was fast on his way to bigger and better things when he went to Roma. Well that was the idea anyway, but his attitude, tantrums and basically childlike behaviour was a bid obstacle. He apparently had major conflicts with the Coach and Francesco Totti, the talisman of Roma. Antonio was and still is a very gifted player and he could do wonders for the Azzurri, if only he can keep his mouth in check! His basic disrespect has got him looking for a new club as Sampdoria, his current club are looking to get rid of him. It just baffles me that a club would want to get rid of arguably their best player? Surely they could find away to forgive and forget, that, however doesn't seem to be the case as the people at Samp are looking for ways to end his contact. He could have been a great if he could keep his attitude in check.

I fear the same is happening with " super Mario". He has only played a couple of game for Man City and is already looking to move on!! This kind of attitude towards the club is shameful, I have no Idea what he has got to complain about-he gets truckloads of money and has bags of skill. He is or should be one for the future Azzurri. However watching him play against Romania last week. I did begin to wonder why people had tauted him as a great- he was lazy, wasteful and spent half the time on the floor- maybe the crowd were not shouting racial slurs but were just sick of his lackadaisical attitude. The Azzurri may have to look elsewhere for their saviour!

FiFa corruption..

... Is anyone really all that shocked over this latest corruption charge? They have been corrupt for years, the only reason they decided to make an example of these two men was because the voting for who will get the next WC was coming and it's just good PR on their part.

I mean if England are rated sixth in the FiFa ranking while Italy are fourteenth, then something is obviously wrong. I mean the four time World Champions are behind Egypt for God's sake, but we've all know for a long time that this ranking system means nothing, so no harm done.

So this latest scandal just proves what we've all been thinking about a long time.... FiFa means Squat!!!

Italy v Romania??

.... I kindof understand why Italy are in 14th position in the FiFa ranking, at first I was slightly angered and a little insulted that the FOUR times World Cup champion were behind England, a team that still clings on to the '66 triumph!

I understand that this was a friendly and no manager would risk injury to their players, but it was a matter of pride. The Azzurri should go out to win every game in order to regain some credibility. They may have had the most possession, but it's what you do with it that matters the most. Cesare Prandelli used this as a platform to try and test out different tactic a debutant players, the fact that Giuseppe Rossi was captains says it all, it was an experimental team... but I do hope the Coach got the feedback he needed in order to make the National team great again.

The first goal was sloppy by the defence, firstly they didn't clear the ball properly and they left a man unmarked to get the shot in. And they were lucky to get the equaliser from an Andrea Pirlo free kick, maybe he should have been on sooner? but there is the issue of tired legs, and lets face it..he isn't a "spring chicken" anymore.

But it was just a friendly and the good thing is that they didn't lose( unlike England!), but this does tell Prandelli that he still needs some seasoned players... as much as people complain, experience is the key!

FORZA AZZURRI!!!

Italy vs Romania ( 1-1 ) Goals and Highlights

Boy interrupts training

JUVENTUS vs ROMA 1-1 (13-11-2010) all goals

Juventus v Roma

.. Having not seen the match, I can't really be sure of anything but I am a little disappointed. The match should have been an easy win for Juve but one does have to remember the one thing they don't have at their disposal....Nedved. Okay maybe Ibrahimovic helped a little, but there is no denying the simple fact that Juve are in need of players who can take on players like Ibra and players who work hard for the ball like Nedved.

But after midnight when I got to watch the match, I was slightly worried as I saw a Juve side, that in the first half at least, gave the ball away cheaply and struggled to keep possession. There were mis placed passes and miss timed runs that gave Roma the opportunity to go on the offensive, whereas there were some good goal scoring opportunities for The Old Lady, chances were far and few. However the second half did look more promising, Juve came back from the break having felt a bit hard done by the penalty, and they came out trying to right a wrong.

Both teams came out of the tunnels with a win on their mind, but a las they had to be satisfied with a point a piece.

Right at the death of the game, something did make me laugh... Chiellini. His refusal to leave the pitch and then his frustration when he wasn't allowed back on were hilarious. Having said that, it could have been costly and he would've picked up a card, but one things for sure, he wouldn't have done that if Buffon was there!

And again, will Juve regret these lost point? Well, when they start to slide down the table again they will. But I have hope and the belief that they can do it, both Quagliarella and Del Piero are hungry and have a strong desire to succeed.

FORZA JUVENTUS

Roma-Juve 1-4- How it should've been

Brescia vs Juventus ( 1-1 ) All Goals and Highlights

Everything matters..

... This is even more important in Serie A, as the big teams tend to go at half speed when facing the so called " smaller clubs". This is something to be aware of and not to fall in that category, I'm talking about Juve's game against Brescia. They must realize that they cannot afford to lose the points against anyone, not only will they start to slide down the table but they will also lose that momentum that come from winning.

As I have been a Juve fan for some time, I know how important winning is and it can become a habit if done on a daily basis, and if they play under the impression that they can afford to lose points, well, let's just say that the other clubs might take this as an opportunity to strike and walk away with all three points. And just watching the highlights, and the were lucky to get a goal and were stupid to let one in- again poor defending! But credit should go to Brescia for replying in style.

Pavel Nedved Compilation- How I miss thee..

Alessandro Del Piero - The Only One

Happy Birthday Alex Del Piero!!

I would never have guessed he was 36, he still play with the same hunger and determination as if he was in his early twenties. A true legend in my eyes and now it's official, after spending 18 glorious season at Juventus, he has now broken the all time goal scoring record set be Giampiero Boniperti by at least 100, with Del boy scoring a cool 279 in his 650 appearances for the Bianconeri.

A true captain and an inspiration for all, just because you've had one too many birthdays doesn't mean you should stop doing what you love. He is respected and loved by all and can come off the bench and rally the troops to get their heads in the game.

Alex started his career at Padova and in 1993 he transferred to Juventus, where he has been leading the line ever since. But it has not been all plain sailing for the young man, at the beginning of the 1998/99 he suffered a serious knee injury which cost him most of the season, and Juve felt the loss as that year they limped on to find themselves at a lowly 6th in the league.

Alex is known for being a versatile player having been in many different positions and having to work with many different strike partners, but that is what makes him so great, his willingness to change. He cemented his legendary status, when in 2006 Juve were demoted to Serie B due to the alleged match-fixing scandal, where as other big players like Zlatan and Cannavaro decided to jump ship he stayed and helped them get back to where they belong. 2006 wasn't all doom and gloom, as he helped Italy win the World Cup in Germany Against France, one could say it was revenge for Euro 2000 for when people doubted Del Piero's ability and preferred the Roma captain Francesco Totti.

Who in my humble opinion doesn't have the hunger or desire that "Il Capitano" still has.

FORZA DEL PIERO

FORZA JUVENTUS!!

Juventus vs Cesena ( 3-1 ) All Goals and Highlights

Marchisio to United..

.. So Sir Alex is not just happy with taking are more experience and valuable asset, but now he wants our youth??!! After reading reports that Inter, our greatest rivals wanted our most promising youth product now I have to deal with this- and I'm telling you now, I can't.

Marchisio is from Turin, he was a fan of Juventus and now he's firmly established himself as a regular starter, now why would he want to throw that all away for Manchester? He was one of the few youth products that made it unlike Giovinco who left to play more at Parma, so he knows how lucky he is to be where he is. Why would he erase all that?

I'm not so naive that I don't know about the men in the boardrooms who make these decisions are all businessmen, but let me tell you this, this is bad business. Least we forget that currently Juve are struggling to put together a first team due to all the injuries. You will need players like Claudio, who has dedication and a real love for the team and who constantly works hard for the team.

Don't be fools... think about the long term and what you'll miss if you sell him.

Buffon to United????

I do not understand the logic in this... Why would Man U want to replace an ageing keeper with another keeper in his 30's, I understand he is the best but he hasn't played since the World Cup due to a serious back injury so he will be a little rough plus I don't think Sir Alex has the finances to lure him to the Premiership side. But more importantly, why in Gods name would anyone want to come to England and especially to Manchester. Not only is the weather shite, the people are rude and the Premiership is a yobs game, they have no class.

I am even more worried when I read reports that Gigi's better half was seen looking for schools and a home here.. Is this going to be another Diego Saga, where they would spend months toying with me and saying that he would stay only to sell him at the last minute???

Let me tell you, if they decide to do this they would have lost a true leader, he has the authority, respect, a wealth of experience and he has a great rapport with his teammates and this will take some new an awful time to try to replicate. Not only that but he has a calming affect, and it is this aspect of he persona that is needed in Juve's game, considering how shaky their game has been of late. And Unlike Diego, Buffon has been at the club far too long for them to sell him on a whim, and if anyone with influence over the transfer situation come across this, I seriously urge you to take this under consideration before you proceed.

Buffon, please don't leave us!!!

Juventus Turin - Red Bull Salzburg 0 - 0

INTER - JUVENTUS 0-0 | Sky HD | Highlights 6^ Giornata Serie A 3/10/2010...

Lady luck is not black and white....

..... As was clear by Juve's European dreams. Another draw I hear all the Juve fans bemoan, but do they take into account the lack of options for Gigi Del Neri to call upon due to the evergrowing injury list. Gigi Buffon, Manninger, Martinez, De Ceglie, Chiellini, Grygera, Iaquinta... I could go on but you should understand that this was a make shift team and that fans shouldn't expect a miracle, I mean for Gods sake they had 19-year- old Giandonato on.... has anyone heard of him???

I'm just glad they didn't lose however reading that Krasic had to limp off, that does not fill me with confidence. As he is just the kind of player that Juve need, he's pacy and has an eye for goal. We all just hope that this will force Juve to "up" their game.... but the booeing doesn't really help it just creates more tension in an already demoralised and weakened team. What Juve need is the support of the fans and some self belief- they're the Old Lady of Italy for God's sake!

They can do anything, they just have to play with more urgency and self belief. xxx