So Much To Say, So Little Time.

By: chris | May 29th, 2009

I thought I’d hit publish on this Wed. night and upon checking today, realized that hadn’t happened. Apologies.

Milan:

The treatment of Maldini at the end really overshadowed and nullified a great deal of joy to be had on the day, but a few things worth noting:

Yeremy Menez had a wonderful little cameo. Just wonderful. However, a Hollywood screenwriter couldn’t have scripted that any better for him. Two aged defenders in a team which had to push for the result and thus expose the counter.
But two positives as well. First, and most important: no. diving. The man stayed on his feet even in the box. Maybe we can drop the Nedved comparisons afterall. Second: anybody notice how he learned from that first shot Favalli blocked by pushing just a hair wider the second time? Quick adjustments on the fly cannot be mentioned enough.
Speaking of Yeremy….what a bombing run from Riise to help set up the play, along with his unpredictably deft touch.
Speaking of Riise….think he’d do well playing his home games at the San Siro?
Speaking of the San Siro….think Roma could move their home games to the Meazza every now and again?
Even during the best of times Spalletti looked like he was getting a Tabasco sauce enema. Tick tock.

Torino:

I’m never, ever one to assume that Serie A sides will roll over for just anyone when there’s nothing left to be won or lost at the end of the season, but…

…not sure placing money on the lads this weekend would be the most brilliant idea.

And I’m not one to buy into most conspiracy theories, such as the Toro fans feeling Lega Calcio is actively trying to get them relegated, but the discrepancy in suspensions for last week’s brawl is just positively insane. No explanation whatsoever. Which is why I don’t think it impossible for them to pick up points – even if they run out the Primavera (who actually might be better than the senior side).

Never a dull day in Serie A.

Spalletti:

From Carletto’s autobiography regarding his meeting with Abramovich in Paris last summer….where he was alleged to have bumped into another coach you may have heard of:

“I bump into a dear colleague and friend. I laugh, ‘What are you doing here?’ ‘No, what are you doing?’ I laugh again. I feel like I’m in a supermarket. Everyone here to talk to this chairman, and maybe we’re on his shopping list.

It’s hardly indisputable evidence, but….didn’t Spalletti say he never went to Paris last summer? All newspaper lies?

Tick tock.

Aquilani:

i. Hallelujah.

ii. I’ll be very, very interested to see what happens to his blown-glass status when/if a new gaffer moves into the mix. Ditto for Juan. And everyone else.

Wordle

I have no idea what Wordle is, but Roma has one – thanks to Simon – and it’s cool.

And upon showing it to someone, this was the first response:

“I’m surprised the word ‘injury’ isn’t bigger.”

Sad but true.

Coppa

And continuing with reader submissions (this from Arian), a little congrats to the team across the way for their Coppa victory…and whatever happened with that stuff on the table.