Francesco Totti added another piece of hardware to the illustrious trophy cabinet he is building in Rome. After Ruud van Nistelrooy was subbed off due to injury yesterday, it became official: Francesco Totti is the winner of the European Golden Boot. For a player like Thierry Henry or the vintage Ronaldo this might be an expected victory, but Totti has spent the majority of his career as a midfielder, or a trequartista, not an out-and-out striker – only the second to do that since the inception of the award in 1968 (as far as I can tell). Francesco is also only the second Italian to win the award, following Luca Toni last year. The trophy case in Italia is positively bulging right now. This is by no means something that people expected out of Totti in his career, at least I know I didn’t. Especially after the brutal injury he suffered last year and then rushing himself back to join Italia at the World Cup – one could only imagine he would be positively drained this season. After all his years of service to Roma, and the many more anticipated, he deserves this individual accolade. He has sacrificed so much for club and country, but to some he may be another egoistic primadonna. To the Giallorossi faithful – he is our captain, our hero.

I) It’s quite the coincidence that Totti won the Boot on June 17th, 2007. 6 years to the day that Roma beat Parma 3-0 to take home their third Scudetto. June 17th is going down in history as a glorious one for Roma. In 2012(including two leap days), Sunday June 17th is looking to be something very special. Clear your calendars.

II) A Compilation of Years Past: Vintage Totti

III) Il Gladiatore. The only video I could find with Totti’s very first Roma goal in 1995 v Foggia. The rest is pretty cool.

IV) Very cool video showing the ankle break and rehab process leading up to his penalty against Australia in Germany. What he has accomplished this year is nothing short of amazing considering that injury. Chills.

V) A Born Legend

Grazie Totti, il nostro capitano, il nostro eroe.

The news today resides in Madrid, where Ruud van Nistelrooy makes an attempt on the league and Europe, as he is within one goal of tying Francesco Totti for the European Golden Boot and two to win it outright. With an absurd 10 goals in the last 7 fixtures (scoring at least one in all 7), it’s hard to imagine he won’t at least tie Totti so let’s pray for an early red. No matter what happens it has been a spectacular season for Totti, who has come back after a badly broken ankle to become Serie A’s leading goal scorer, at the least. As leader of goals and assists in Italia he has to be short listed for the Ballon D’Or, and I’m not convinced he shouldn’t win (32g & 12a to Kaka’s 18 & 9 on a stacked team in all competitions – I’m just sayin).

Deeps breaths and………

Totti – 26 goals
RvN – 25 goals

Et Cetera:

I) Barcelona are rumored to be offering Juliano Belletti, Sylvinho and 18m euros for Christian Chivu. I’m all for Chivu staying in Rome but that’s a very very solid offer from Barcelona, especially since I doubt all of their focus is on the transfer market right now. I’d prefer Sylvinho plus Edmilson or Thiago Motta but it’s something to work with. Belletti has never impressed me and I’ve always felt he was the weak link on their team when he started. Roma already has some quality over-30 right backs, no need for another. Sylvinho is a quality left-back, but he’s 33 years old – not exactly entering his prime. The major deciding point of the two will likely be their salaries, as I can imagine just being listed on the Barcelona roster is handsomely rewarded. Oh, and there’s that 18m euros part. Which would cover Juan and most of Alessandro Rosina or Ederson, or at least half of Fabio Quagliarella. Things could be worse. Isn’t it nice to be working with a class organization? Inter could learn a few things about player valuation from Barca (I have a feeling some people in Lyon might have a thing or two to say about that).

While we’re dreaming, a 38m euro transfer budget would cover Ederson/Rosina (10-12m), Barusso (2m), Juan (8m), Pizarro’s half (6m) and the remainder of Vucinic (7.5m) with a little to spare (those are just examples). That’s before the sales of Montella, Nonda, Kuffour, etc and anyone on a free contract. Like I said, it could be worse.

I’m still predicting a Cicinho + beaucoup bank deal for Chivu. I can’t imagine Roma would be chomping at the bit to take on a couple of defenders on the down-slide with sizable salaries – even though the Barca offer was a pretty decent offer. Essentially they want cash; because, while you’re eliminating Chivu’s contract, you also have to subtract any players’ contracts coming in return from the total return value of the deal. So unless it’s a player they covet like Cicinho, Pizarro’s half or even Edmilson – it’s highly unlikely they’ll take on unnecessary contracts unless they’re paid for by the other team.

II) Anybody else enjoy the little temper tantrum thrown by Udinese president Pietro Leonardi over Roma’s supposed contact of Fabio Quagliarella?

“You can say that you like a footballer, it is different when you admit that you are interested in signing him. These things should be considered carefully. He has reached an important level and is ready to leave, but we want to cash in on his departure and there is no buyer at the time being.”

and

“They need to respect our players.”

Hey Pietro, newsflash: HE DOESN’T PLAY FOR YOU. You own half his contract, because you decided to dump him when you thought he wouldn’t turn out to be of “Udinese quality.” You hit the fucking lottery with Fab Quag’s, now shut your mouth, take your money and leave Roma alone.

III) Martha’s king of hot man-baldness Eugenio Corini has signed with Torino on a one year contract. I believe I read something as soon as he was dumped by Zamparini that his aim was to be closer to his children in Northern Italy. Good for him. Torino, on the other hand, is becoming the Serie A retirement home. They are just positively ancient.

IV) Shabani Nonda’s agent revealed that Chris (Shabani’s nickname and a damn fine one might I add) almost wound up with Juventus last season before being loaned out to Blackburn. I guess this begs the question: If you play for the Old Lady, but it was only in Serie B, can you truly be considered a former Juve player? In other words, if a tree falls in a forest, and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?

I say no to the first and yes to the second. Because trees can hear and trees are people too.

V) Very good news from the surgeon who performed the ankle operation on Totti and also performed the two day long analysis of Ahmed Barusso’s knee. His knee must have been in absolute shambles. Scary to think he’ll actually come out stronger from the break.

VI) The current Bayer Leverkusen tandem of Juan and Rudi Voller will be riding into town tomorrow I believe (Wednesday at the latest) to hash out the final details of Juan’s deal. I’m actually of the belief that a concrete deal is already in place, Rudi is just using this as an excuse to go on vacation and run up an expense tab on Bayer’s books. Juan should be a Roma player by mid-week.

VII) This isn’t Roma related news (although anything negative for Inter can be indirectly linked), but Real Madrid are getting ready for an all out assault on our favorite Swede, Zlatan. I can’t deny Real is where he belongs and I will be making many a pilgrimage to the Bernabeu for the sole purpose of watching him dazzle La Liga. It’s actually likely because of all the comments he has made regarding Juventus as the true champion and the lack of cohesion at the San Siro. Oh, that and he wants a significant pay raise – like double what he makes now. Anyway, Real are rumored to be offering 50m euros. That should do it.

It’s funny how this blog has taken me from thinking of Bobo Vieri & Zlatan as “great talents but questionable characters” to “two of the best people to ever walk this planet.” I imagine the people who actually do this seriously and for a living must find them absolutely exquisite journalistic fodder.

It’s hard to get excited with The Incredible Hulk, excuse me – Ruud van Nistelrooy, still on his rampage with two games left. But as of this moment, Francesco Totti is the leading scorer in Europe, with 26 goals and 52 pts, one ahead of Afonso Alves. Francesco got off to a blazing start with a goal in the 9th, and he and the rest of Giallorossi parked themselves in front of the Messina goal for the remainder of the first half. It looked like he would fall short in the 63rd when he had a penalty saved by Alessandro Cesaretti. The assault continued and Francesco got his revenge 10 minutes later as he put one right down the middle to take the Euro lead. Also, officially now, Totti is Capocannoniere, but it’s been unofficial for a few weeks now so the celebration will be much more subdued.

It may mean little to some people, it’s not a team accomplishment, but Totti really does deserve this individual accomplishment. Throughout his career he has given his all to Roma, and stayed loyal even though Real Madrid had put in an absolutely massive offer for him. Last spring he broke his ankle in a horrific collision and rushed himself back, only to be criticized for his World Cup performances. Nothing atypical, the failures of the Azzurri have usually been placed on Totti’s shoulder. Most people don’t know that he will be having surgery early this summer to remove the hardware that is currently holding his ankle together, and doctors have said he will not be 100% until next September. If this isn’t 100%, Serie A should take warning.

As for the rest of it, a few observations:

1. It has been rumored Roma are close to acquiring 34-year old forward Cristian Rigano, currently on loan from Fiorentina to Messina. Before the game I was completely against this, after the game I’m only moderately against it. Despite the two goals, I don’t think Roma should be in the business of picking up players in their mid-to-late 30’s. Unless they want to bring Batistuta out of retirement. That’s fine.

2. Gianluca Curci needs to go out on loan. He really needs at least a full season of starting in Serie A before he is ready to take over in Rome.

3. Chievo is heading south to Serie B, should Roma start printing up Franco Semioli shirts? He’s made no bones about where he wants to play. He’s turned down numerous offers and said the only place for him is Roma. Eat it, Wenger. A nice clearance price due to relegation will suit Roma just fine.

4. Wilhelmsson: Thanks for your service since January. Now get the fuck out.

5. This is truly the year of Italia. The World Cup win, the Champions League win, the likely winner of the Ballon d’Or(Kaka) plays in Serie A and now the likely European Golden Boot winner is Italian. That’s what you would call a sweep.

6. I’m guessing Crespo cut his hair in an attempt to disguise himself from Mourinho & Co. Maybe they won’t recognize him and they won’t call him back. It’s the only explanation.

7. Came across this little quote from Zlatan in an interview yesterday:
“Who is the most beautiful girl in the world?”
“I haven’t met her yet, but when I do, I will date her.”

It’s a wonder his head can fit in the San Siro. What a phenomenal ego.

8. Alessandro Cesaretti made his Serie A debut today at 39 years of age. A big round of applause to him. Bravo.

9. I’m going to change my answer to the question from yesterday, who has eaten more crow this week? My new answer goes to ESPN, who put Chuck Liddell on the cover of their magazine and billed him as the world’s greatest fighter in their singlehanded attempt to make the UFC main$tream(for those not in the know, Liddell is a UFC/Mixed Martial Arts fighter). Only to wake up in the morning and see that he had been KO’d in under 2 minutes last night.

Newsflash: The best fighter in the world doesn’t get KO’d in under two minutes.

10. Oh, and Totti has spent most of his career playing as a midfielder. I’m curious as to how many people have won the Golden Boot doing that.

11. Just watched the highlights. I hadn’t noticed how blatant Rigano’s foul was that awarded Roma the penalty that Totti missed. He just grabbed his shirt and dragged him to the ground, he had to know how that would end up. I wonder if that was his way of telling Roma that he wanted to play for them? Maybe he thought giving Totti his chance at the Golden Boot would endear him to the Roma hierarchy? I smell a conspiracy theory. Although in Italy, this would be nothing new.

Congrats to the boys for a great season and congrats to Totti for his immense success.

Grazie Roma.

* – European Golden Boot standings:

Totti (AS Roma) – 26 goals, 0 games left: 52 pts
Alves (Heerenveen) – 34 goals, 0 games left: 51 pts
v. Nistelrooy (Real Madrid) – 23 goals, 2 games left: 46 pts

As for the Totti watch, it’s simple: Two goals to surpass Afonso Alves and have a chance at the European Golden Boot*. It’s going to be all Francesco all the time. This game provides him with an ideal chance at those two goals due to Messina’s defensive deficiencies away from Sicily. Since sending starting netminder Storari to Milan during the January window, Messina have a -16 goal differential in 16 games. In their away games this year? -25. It’s fairly self-explanatory from there.

The kids are gonna factor; Faty, Rosi and Aquilani will probably play, hopefully Okaka Chuka will be given a chance on the pitch as well. If you happen by a Roma game at any point next year, stop and see if this kid (17) is playing. He was headed to Milan and had even taken his official team guide picture before Roma came in and poached him at the last minute. Tall, fast, strong, good in the air and a great sense of positioning around the net, he’s a future 20 goal scorer. True wonderkid.

The focus will be to get Totti two-plus goals, avoid embarrassment versus a team destined for Serie B and avoid crippling injuries. Enjoy.

Quick note: The game of the weekend is Catania v Chievo(Live Sunday on Fox Soccer at 6am or replayed at 2pm). Both teams are relegation contenders and will be fighting for survival, and those games can be more exciting than games deciding championships. Another reason is Catania. I was leafing through a World Soccer mag from March and noticed the Serie A standings. As of Feb 4th, Catania was in 5th place on 30 pts with Lazio in 4th on goal differential. Yes, fifth. Now, 16th. And that’s only due to Reggina’s(-11) and Siena’s(-1) point deductions. Otherwise they would be minding the last relegation spot. People continually talk about Palermo’s fall, how about Catania?

* – It’s getting really hard to bet against Ruud van Nistelrooy at this point. Ruud is running around like a man possessed and knocking in goals ad nauseum. A ridiculous 8 in his last six(one today), he’s one behind Totti with two to play (v. Zaragoza & Mallorca). If Real wins both, they are assured of the title (who knew?), so there’s little chance of a let up from the Dutch star. If he does continue like this, he has to be shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or. So who’s eating more crow at this point, van Basten or McClaren? My vote is for Marco. Not only did he drop him, but then Ruud turned down his offer to return and made him wait. Ouch. Brilliant move to drop Ruud and start Dirk Kuijt. Absolutely brilliant.

European Golden Boot standings:

Alves (Heerenveen) – 34 goals, 0 games left: 51 pts
Totti (AS Roma) – 24 goals, 1 game left: 48 pts
v. Nistelrooy (Real Madrid) – 23 goals, 2 games left: 46 pts
Shevchenko (AC Mil…DC Unit….Chelsea) – 4 goals, 0 games left: 8 pts

Mr. Totti: Pure class. The Capocannoniere is his; Lucarelli and Bianchi are six goals back with one fixture remaining. It was hard to imagine he wouldn’t net at least one but a cheeky play from Ricardo Faty put him within two of the European Golden Boot lead*. The PK was what you would expect(Imagine if he hadn’t missed 4 this year……). Il Gladiatore missed a perfect chance to bag number two in the 78th minute on a cross from Tavano(who, according to the commentators, “is decidedly average.” Thanks for coming out, Francesco) but didn’t get enough of his left foot on it and knocked it weakly to Antonio Chimenti(He impresses me every time I watch Cagliari. Even more impressive, he may have done this while being deceased. He looks to be roughly 108 years old.). In the 85th, he put one past Chimenti on a near replica of the chance he missed 7 minutes earlier, only this time coming from Faty on the right.

This sets up a perfect situation next weekend. Roma will be up against Messina, a Serie B bound team with a goal differential of -31, better than only Ascoli. If there was any team for Totti to finish out his Golden Boot run against it is Messina, who sent their starting keeper to Milan in January.

Match highlights:

As for the rest of the game, there were a few things that stood out:

1. David Suazo is phenomenal; he truly is a one man machine. Suazo is able to get past multiple defenders on any occasion and he’s kinda a little bit fast. I am very very terrified that he may join Inter. In fact, I’m thinking about starting up a collection at the offside to convince him to join Roma.

2. We finally know Max Tonetto’s position: Left side of the pitch. Seriously, he’s everywhere.

3. Even if he can come for free, Wilhelmsson can go back to Ligue 2 for all I care. He makes Taddei look like Luis Figo circa 2001. But we’ll keep Oksana.

4. In a half hour I went from thinking, “I guess Faty is the next Patrick Vieira. As in the Vieira who gets beaucoup red cards for idiotic fouls.” To, “Hey, maybe this Faty kid can become an elite box-to-box midfielder like Patrick Vieira.” Which means….I have no clue.

And can we clear something up? If you are a tall, defensive midfielder of African heritage, then you must automatically be dubbed “The Next Vieira.” This is non-negotiable. I think Sepp Blatter is putting that into FIFA’s rules this summer.

5. Fun fact: According to mass media outlets, there are currently 739 “Next Vieiras” playing in Europe.

6. Ferrari is more like a Fiat.

Daniele De Rossi picked up a foot injury and was taken off in the 34th. I’m contemplating flying to Rome and holding a candlelight vigil for his foot at the Olimpico. I haven’t been able to find much information on it, but we’ll pray for the best.

* – European Golden Boot standings:

Alves (Heerenveen) – 34 goals, 0 games left: 51 pts
Totti (AS Roma) – 24 goals, 1 game left: 48 pts
v. Nistelrooy (Real Madrid) – 22 goals, 3 games left: 44 pts
Shevchenko (CSKA London) – 4 goals, 0 games left: 8 pts

Coppa Italia in the bag? Check

Kicking the crap out of Inter on a semi-regular basis? Check

There is nothing left to play for technically. So, sit down, relax, and enjoy one of the most exciting games in Serie A this year. Why, you ask? Here’s why:

The Gladiator Trailer – The best home videos are here

Now, it’s all about Totti. The Capocannoniere is his to lose. Expect anybody and everybody to serve up as many balls as humanly possible to Totti in a shameless attempt to get him the European Golden Boot*(Totti needs 4 goals in 2 games to pass Afonso Alves of Heerenveen, whose season is over). After his years of loyal service to his hometown club and the criticism he has taken from within Italy’s walls, he deserves this individual accolade. The lineup should be filled with youngsters and players looking to prove themselves worthy of consideration for a spot next year(Rosi, Vucinic, Faty, Curci, Okaka Chuka, etc). What better way to look good than serving up gimmes to Il Gladiatore? Four goals in two is more than achievable for Totti and everybody not named Doni/Curci will be flying towards the Sardinian’s box to make it happen. Scratch that, expect to see whoever is in goal meandering past the half, lobbing balls to Francesco.

Oh, and that Suazo guy is playing. He’s good. Real good. (Was anybody else surprised by the musical selection for that video? I was expecting something a bit more dramatic, at least with a timpani or the like.)

* – Only three people in contention for the European Golden Boot unless someone from La Liga gets en fuego(Kanoute and Diego Milito don’t strike me as guys who are gonna slot 7 goals in 4 games). Or, unless Crespo continues his ridiculous assault on Serie A. Smart move Hernan, I’m sure Chelsea really wants to let you stay now(What do you think Moratti has offered to Abramovich in return for keeping Crespo? Adriano and some oil fields? Maybe if that doesn’t fly, exclusive VIP rights to all of Adriano’s parties?). As far as the Golden Boot, here are the contenders:

Afonso Alves – 34 goals(31 games, ridiculous); 1.5 multiplier: 51 pts
Francesco Totti – 22 goals; 2.0 multiplier(2 games remaining): 44 pts
Ruud van Nistelrooy – 21 goals; 2.0 multiplier(4 games remaining): 42 pts

Alves is the clear favorite(who knew?) but anyone who has watched Real Madrid over the last few weeks would probably have to agree with me that Ruud is in prime form. He needs 5 goals in 4 games(Ruud has 6 in the last 4), and Real have been playing like men possessed with Ruud leading the charge. However, I can’t underestimate the Power of Totti, and I think he will score against Cagliari and then bag a brace against Messina before Roma draws a penalty in the 90th minute, Aussie-style. Totti slots it high right to keep the Golden Boot in Italy. And I am not biased whatsoever.

-Congrats to Alessandro Costacurta on bagging a PK in his swansong. What a career. What a wife.