Grazie Pavel!

Ask any competitive athlete in any discipline what they think of second place, and they’ll tell you it’s kind of like being the first loser. This Sunday is our last game of the season and coincidentally our last chance at some form of self-redemption this year. However, what’s more important is that it’s Pavel Nedved’s last game of his career with the bianconeri.

Answers to questions about whether or not Juventus could have done better this season given the cards they were dealt with, will be left for another post in the future. For now, we speak about a man who’s work ethic should never be speculated upon.

Since his birth on August 30th 1972 in the Czech Republic, Nedved devoted every single aspect of his life to football. There simply couldn’t be any other explanation for a man who’s career has lasted this long. Incredibly, even at 36 he continues to be the hard-running midfielder we’ve fell in love with since he began wearing our colours back in 2001.

Let’s take a second or two to just talk about this man’s left foot shall we? How many times have we seen ‘top-flight’ players around the world running along down the left flank, get into the eighteen yard box, and blow the chance sky high cutting back inside to take it on their dominant foot? One too many my friends. Pavel Nedved doesn’t know the meaning of cut backs. In fact, he has a phobia about going anywhere but towards the net. Wait, did I mention he’s right footed? Anyways apart from his great left, he always had some of the deadliest touches in the game. 

It’s truly been something to behold seeing him crack-off a bomb with his left or right out there for so many years. It’s so beautifully veteran-like that it touches a football fanatic’s heart. I think I’ll miss that the most really. Here’s a little cracker from this season you’ll surely remember. I don’t know what’s better though, the fact that a brilliant Polish commentator called Pavel the “Czech-ski Express”, or that he hit this against those Roma fans who just adore Pavel in every way, shape, and form?

Those types of goals from him are legendary. Speaking of legendary, how can we forget about his hair? Unbelieveable. I’ve been going to Halloween parties as Pavel’s highlights on and off for four years now (sometimes I went as Tiago’s tampon). But seriously though, I’d be the envy of every girl there. Did you know each lock is cut to a length so they can never cover his eyes?

Nice try Swayze…

Of course in the end the legend has his regrets. His biggest, and most widely known, has been his quest to lift up that Champions League trophy one day. “I’d give up everything in my life for the Champions League, everything apart from my wife and kids of course,” Nedved noted. “Even the games of golf with Alex Del Piero and Mauro Camoranesi which I enjoy so much. I’m missing the Cup with the big ears, it’s the trophy which I desire the most. I’ll be delighted to end my career in Rome next May, the venue for the 2009 Final, in the city where my Italian adventure started. I want to lift that trophy into the capital sky.”

Well, we know how that one ended. Another year gone by and yet that space in his heart remains empty. No doubt that’s been a big part of Pavel’s commitment to a strong work ethic well into his later years- to one day raise that trophy he “desire[s] the most.” Now think about just how dissappointed he must feel for missing the 2002-2003 final against Milan at Old Trafford.

“I regret not playing in the Final, even if the outcome may still have been the same,” Pavel claimed. “That yellow card underlined just what kind of player I am. When I step on to the field of play I just give my all, without ever making any calculations. I lost the opportunity to win the European Cup and I didn’t know whether I would have got another chance.”

Anyone here think that game wouldn’t have gone differently had he been playing? Gianfranco, put your hand down. That year he was awarded the Ballon d’or for Europe’s top footballer. Enough said. But don’t feel too bad for the guy, scroll down:

UEFA Cup Winners Cup (1999)

UEFA Super Cup (1999)

Czech League (1993, 1994, 1995)

Czech FA Cup (1996)

Coppa Italia (1998, 2000)

Italian Super Cup (1998, 2000, 2002, 2003)

Italian Serie A (2000, 2002, 2003)

Italian Serie B (2007)

Czech Player of the Season (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002 , 2003)


European Footballer of the Year (2003)

Italian Serie A Player of the Year (2003)

Italian Serie A Foreign Footballer of the Year (2003)

Not bad old man, not bad at all. Football has opened many doors for Nedved, and true to his style, he probably opened a couple himself. He was a born leader who lead by example. He took every game seriously, and that sort of professionalism visibly rubbed off on his teammates making this decision that much harder to swallow. I was always happy to see him wear him the captain’s armband because of that. This Juventino will certainly miss Nedved very very much. Forget about trying to replace a Nedved. We shouldn’t even bother trying.

Those who claim him to be malicious or soft have certainly misjudged his game. Nedved has been a great asset to this club and one of the best examples of what it means to be a bianconeri. On Sunday playing in his final game against his former team, you can guarantee he’ll have an enormously respectful sending off. Grazie Pavel, thank you for all the wonderful memories. This Sunday there should be nothing more important than Nedved. A player who never played for second place. 

IERI… OGGI… DOMANI… SEMPRE JUVE!!!

NEDVED (again)

It has been such a longtime that a Juventus legend has bid farewell to the crowd, I didn’t remember how hard it would be. I won’t lie to you all, when the Olimpico rose to its’ feet to applaud him, I teared a bit. When the Gladiator music was playing during his lap of honor, they were free-flowing.

We all know his hard work and dedication; the stories of him as a child, running after practice when the lights were turned off are well known. Naturally left-footed, you would have never known because as a kid he practiced so much to make them both equally brilliant. This is the player who runs everyday, regardless whether there is training or not.



When Pavel was first signed from Lazio to replace Zidane, there were a lot of eyebrows raised. Could this man ever replace the legendary Zizou? (yes) But at age 29, people questioned the decision to spill out €41 million on the Lazio midfielder. After 8 seasons, 4 scudetti, a Ballon d’Or, a Serie B title, and 357 games played with 65 goals and countless assists…money damn well spent.

His long-range efforts for which he is famous for was not a secret. When we first signed him, Moggi said “we bought him solely to stop him from scoring goals against us.” We all know the story of his legendary 2002-2003 season, where he singlehandedly carried us to the final only to be cruelly denied a place in it because of a yellow-card suspension. His goals against Barcelona at Camp Nou, against Real Madrid in Turin, it is not a stretch to say had he been in the final, a different outcome was very likely.

Pavel always wanted to win that trophy, so when Juve was demoted to Serie B, you might forgive the Czech Fury for considering his position at Juventus, given his 33 years. But there was none of it. Pavel was one of the first to come out and unequivocably say that he was staying. There was no wavering, no attempts to get out, no complaints. Few expected Juve to return to the Champion’s League so quickly, and Pavel’s exit will long live in my memory. Playing with a broken rib, Pavel kept trying to soldier on but after a collision with Anelka, he could do it no more. The chorus rang out the first time he went down to the ground…and the 2nd. As he lied on the ground in pain, the stadium was drowned out by deafening chants of “PAVEL PAVEL NEDVED! NEDVED.” Ranieri asked Pavel to wait a few minutes to give Salihamidzic time to warm up, and as Pavel gingerly walked around the pitch, the chants continued. He left the Champion’s League pitch for the last time, to a round of applause and continued songs from the Drughi.

In an interview after the game, Pavel said he would stay in Turin with his family. He said he enjoyed life in Turin, and he wanted his children to grow up watching Juventus first-hand. I always found Pavel’s devotion to his family and his wife refreshing from all the stories of WAGs. You see, Pavel married Ivana when he was 21, back when he was still living in Prague and a footballing unknown. The two met when Pavel was 15 and Ivana was 13. He’s said he would give up everything, including his beloved golf rounds with Alex and Mauro to win the Champion’s League, but never his family, who are the primary motivation for his retirement. His children are named Pavel and Ivana as well, as he has said, it is so when he and his wife die, there will still be a Pavel and Ivana who love each other. A great man on and off the pitch.

Enjoy your retirement, Pavel. You have certainly deserved it.

PotD: A Czech Farewell....Nedved The Legend

It has been such a longtime that a Juventus legend has bid farewell to the crowd, I didn’t remember how hard it would be. I won’t lie to you all, when the Olimpico rose to its’ feet to applaud him, I teared a bit. When the Gladiator music was playing during his lap of honor, they were free-flowing.

We all know his hard work and dedication; the stories of him as a child, running after practice when the lights were turned off are well known. Naturally left-footed, you would have never known because as a kid he practiced so much to make them both equally brilliant. This is the player who runs everyday, regardless whether there is training or not.



When Pavel was first signed from Lazio to replace Zidane, there were a lot of eyebrows raised. Could this man ever replace the legendary Zizou? (yes) But at age 29, people questioned the decision to spill out €41 million on the Lazio midfielder. After 8 seasons, 4 scudetti, a Ballon d’Or, a Serie B title, and 357 games played with 65 goals and countless assists…money damn well spent.

His long-range efforts for which he is famous for was not a secret. When we first signed him, Moggi said “we bought him solely to stop him from scoring goals against us.” We all know the story of his legendary 2002-2003 season, where he singlehandedly carried us to the final only to be cruelly denied a place in it because of a yellow-card suspension. His goals against Barcelona at Camp Nou, against Real Madrid in Turin, it is not a stretch to say had he been in the final, a different outcome was very likely.

Pavel always wanted to win that trophy, so when Juve was demoted to Serie B, you might forgive the Czech Fury for considering his position at Juventus, given his 33 years. But there was none of it. Pavel was one of the first to come out and unequivocably say that he was staying. There was no wavering, no attempts to get out, no complaints. Few expected Juve to return to the Champion’s League so quickly, and Pavel’s exit will long live in my memory. Playing with a broken rib, Pavel kept trying to soldier on but after a collision with Anelka, he could do it no more. The chorus rang out the first time he went down to the ground…and the 2nd. As he lied on the ground in pain, the stadium was drowned out by deafening chants of “PAVEL PAVEL NEDVED! NEDVED.” Ranieri asked Pavel to wait a few minutes to give Salihamidzic time to warm up, and as Pavel gingerly walked around the pitch, the chants continued. He left the Champion’s League pitch for the last time, to a round of applause and continued songs from the Drughi.

In an interview after the game, Pavel said he would stay in Turin with his family. He said he enjoyed life in Turin, and he wanted his children to grow up watching Juventus first-hand. I always found Pavel’s devotion to his family and his wife refreshing from all the stories of WAGs. You see, Pavel married Ivana when he was 21, back when he was still living in Prague and a footballing unknown. The two met when Pavel was 15 and Ivana was 13. He’s said he would give up everything, including his beloved golf rounds with Alex and Mauro to win the Champion’s League, but never his family, who are the primary motivation for his retirement. His children are named Pavel and Ivana as well, as he has said, it is so when he and his wife die, there will still be a Pavel and Ivana who love each other. A great man on and off the pitch.

Enjoy your retirement, Pavel. You have certainly deserved it.

Managemen Ratings

oooppss i'm forget it on my last 4 post

MANAGEMENT:

CLAUDIO RANIERI- 6: He had to go at the end of the season, no doubt, but with some average players in the squad (Poulsen, Tiago) and a hell of an injury crisis, he managed to do pretty well. In March, we were in the Coppa semis, 2nd place within striking distance of Inter, and the Champion’s League round-of-16. Then it all came apart, quickly. My chief complaints with him was the way he never seemed to get pissed about poor performances, and some of his strange team selections, ie- not enough tinkering/rotating, and not playing Giovinco. Give him some credit for giving Marchisio a very good run out.

ALESSIO SECCO- 6: Amauri, Giovinco, Marchisio, Manninger, good. Mellberg, De Ceglie, average. Knezevic, Chimenti, Poulsen, fail.

Player Ratings: Juventus Season 2008-2009 Part4

FORWARDS

ALESSANDRO DEL PIERO- 7: Del Piero has really fallen off since Christmas time, like Amauri, but that shouldn’t make us forget his unbelievable start to the season. Match-winning goal after match-winning goal, splendid free kicks, and a goal against Zenit, and 3 against Real Madrid to singlehandedly give us the group win. One of the best assists I’ve seen to Marchisio against Fiorentina, but other than that, he’s been hot-or-cold. Needs to refind his shooting boots.


BEST MOMENT: Tough call…but I’m going to go with Del Piero’s first goal against Real Madrid. Good long direct ball from Marchisio to Del Piero who dummies for Amauri. Amauri then turns and passes it back to Del Piero…with Casillsa coming a bit out of the goal and Blanco defenders hot on, Del Piero skewed pace for class. Top right corner, Casillas no chance. That was the shot heard round the world. Juve is back in the Champion’s League, baby.

AMAURI- 7: Like Del Piero, Amauri has fallen way off the pace from his terrific start to his Juventus career. In the fall Amauri was singlehandedly saving our season, scoring something obscene like 11 goals in 17 games. Powerful in the air, skilled with the volley, he’s a class forward. If only we could figure out what the hell stopped that dynamic duo. With Diego, Giovinco, Marchisio, Criscito, Camoranesi, and perhaps D’Agostino, he should get some mouthwatering service.

BEST MOMENT: Doppietta against Milan. Brazilians can samba too, Dinho.

VINCENZO IAQUINTA- 7: Yes, I’m aware I gave them all 7s, but I think it fits for the importance they each played in the campaign, with minus a few points for inconsistentcy. Iaquinta is the direct opposite of what happened to Amauri and Del Piero, he struggled for playing time in the first half of the season and had niggling injuries preventing him from expressing his best form. There were strong rumors that Roma or Zenit wanted him in January, but the Calabrian Cannon never wavered in his faith to the bianconeri. Once he shook the injuries…..well, he’s been Serie A’s form striker for the last 2-3 months or so. Let’s hope he can keep this form going for the Confederation’s Cup and then next season. After waiting his time on the bench, Juve has repaid his faith with a contract extension until 2013. Bravo, Vincenzo!

BEST MOMENT: Probably his goal against Milan, (see a trend here?) where he used all of his force to hold off Flamini, who was having a good game himself, and got himself in the right position to head it into the net. Vincenzo di forza!

DAVID TREZEGUET- 4: The player does not deserve the criticism for most of the rating, but the only “untouchable” of Ranieri’s 2007-2008 team has been anything but this season. After undergoing double-knee surgery to prolong his career 4-5 years, David has never really been given a run out in the team, particularly after his poorly-timed outburst against Ranieri following his substitution against Chelsea. His poaching instinct is still there, he just needs to get a few games out. Obviously there have been very strong links to his departure, but one would hope with Ranieri gone, Trez will decide to stay. I think this’ll be summer #6 of massive rumors about Trez leaving. The management’s words have hardly helped things, either.


BEST MOMENT: There’s been few…so I guess his goal against Palermo assisted by Amauri will have to suffice.

Player Ratings: Juventus Season 2008-2009 Part3

MIDFIELD

MOMO SISSOKO- 7: Momo came under a bit of criticism as the season went on for his propensity to win the ball and turn it right back over, but was a titan in the midfield for the first half of the season. Great performances against Real where he never stopped running, constantly pressuring the other midfield and forcing them to abandon Guti as a playmaker and stick to the wings. Broke his foot after being played too soon after injury, and in some games we missed his energetic presence in midfield.

BEST MOMENT: His goal against Palermo, where Sissokodinho actually worked.

CLAUDIO MARCHISIO- 7.5: I would argue jointly with Nedved, he was our best midfielder this season. Early injuries to Zanetti and Poulsen moved him up the pecking order, and give credit to Ranieri for playing him early in the season over Tiago. (though I will never understand why Ranieri chose Tiago over him for the game at Stamford Bridge) Energetic, young, Italian, and from Turin, it can’t get better. Shows great confidence and maturity for his age, positioning himself very well. As the season has moved on, he’s started to display a bit of goalscoring ability, which, with a bit of training I’m sure he could be great at. Should have been called up over a few players for Lippi’s most recent Nazionale squad, but Lippi probably wanted to leave him to the u-21 team.

BEST MOMENT: Hard to decide, as a whole performance, the 4-2 win over Milan was brilliant, he was all over in midfield distributing balls, winning them back, dribbling through the Milan midfield and unleashing some screamers. For a single moment, his goal against Fiorentina. Followed a genius Del Piero assist through and calmly chipped one of the best Serie A keepers. With the confidence and ease in which he did it, you would have never known it was his first professional goal.

CRISTIANO ZANETTI- 6.5: I docked him a little bit because of his never-ending injury struggles, those thigh strains really are a killer. But since his return from injury, he’s shown us what we’ve been missing. An engine in midfield, pressuring the other team well and winning balls back, he also is a quite good passer of the ball. It’s that combination that neither Tiago nor Sissoko have. He will be an important part of next season if he can stay healthy.

BEST MOMENT: His wonder-volley against Atalanta, possibly the Juventus goal of the season.

TIAGO- 6.5: Tiago, Tiago, Tiago……I can’t make up my mind on you. The Portuguese midfielder put in some very good performances this season and had more or less won a starting spot before he got injured for 2-3 months, but alternated that with some utterly average ones. I do like he’s showing more emotion and a real commitment to the Juventus cause, but the jury is still out on this one.


BEST MOMENT: Flattening Balotelli. No really, I’m serious.

PAVEL NEDVED- 8: The Czech warhorse had a great season, providing plenty of assists and becoming the highest scorer among non-strikers. Played well even though he was abused with 180min week-in-week-out by Ranieri. When played as a center-midfielder, was excellent and I think we should have moved him there and prolonged his career. It seems he had made up his mind to retire in the last month, despite not annonuncing it until the day before, because he played like a man possessed. Never won the cup with the big ‘ole ears, but certainly deserved to. Enjoy retirement, Pavel.

BEST MOMENT: That wonderful volley against his personal punching bag, ASS Roma, seconds after entering the game.

MAURO CAMORANESI- 7.5: Sigh…..when Mauro plays, he’s magic. Unfortunately over the course of the last two years, that “when” is becoming more and more rare. Only was fit enough to start in 1/3rd of Serie A games this season, his presence has been missed. We need to hire some Asian massueses on-call 24/7 for this guy, we can split them with Zanetti, Zebina, and all the other players that got nasty thigh strains this season.

BEST MOMENT: Soldiering through a dislocated shoulder against Reggina for the first half, and scoring a nice goal in the process.

CHRISTIAN POULSEN- 4.5: Everyone I’ve talked to in Spain has crowed about Poulsen, saying he was arguably one of the best midfielders in La Liga during his two year spell. Given the talent in this league, that’s no small compliment. Similarly, people have told me about his success when at Schalke. But he hasn’t reproduced that form at Juventus. To be fair to Poulsen, he was A. Coming under the impression as a vice-Xabi Alonso, when he is in fact a reserve to Zanetti. And B. He’s dealt with injuries all season and has been unable to get a decent run out. But in the few games he’s played, he hasn’t stamped his authority on the pitch. Christian hasn’t been awful, but has really made zero impact either. I’m not entirely ready to give up on him, yet, it seems quite clear from his play that his confidence is completely shot. Maybe it’s because we greeted him by calling him a “rubbish player.” Maybe it’s because he was quickly moved to 3rd-string. Whatever the reason is, let’s hope he can sort it out. He’s a good player and has plenty to offer Juventus.


BEST MOMENT: Dumb-luck goal against Catania in stoppage time after a whiff of a clearance from one of their defenders, a simple tap-in but was so significant in reviving Juve’s form.

HASAN SALIHAMIDZIC- 6.5: As stated in his defender rating, Brazzo, as many of our players, has been plagued with injuries all season, and thus unable to produce his best form. In the brief time he was healthy, he played 2 sensational games that made me wonder why he cannot play more often like that.

BEST MOMENT: His game (sorry for music…eh) in the 4-1 thrashing of Bologna. Brazzo was wonderfully dangerous and created plenty of great opportunities for the forwards and scored a very intelligent goal.

MARCO MARCHIONNI- 5.5: Infuriatingly inconsistent, that’s the best way to describe his season. When we signed him on a free transfer from Parma, he was one of the best wingers in Italy. Injuries and a lack of playing time have certainly limited his explosiveness. (Side note, if I told you last August we would have our most injury-plagued season in 5-6 seasons, which one of you would have predicted Marco would have remained healthy? Yeah, keep your hands down.) In general he provides good delivery and decent defensive cover, but he is in average match fitness, has a far too heavy touch, and sometimes drifts out of the game for long periods. I don’t think we should sell him if we are going to keep with a winged 4-4-2 formation as he is a good reserve to an often injured player. But Marco has not seized his opportunities when given.

BEST MOMENT: Nearly completely changed the game with a great turn and long strike against Chelsea in London. Certainly not his best moment, but unfortunately I will remember his season for his heavy touches against Inter and Milan that could have killed the game…he was lucky against Roma that Riise left him completely unchallenged in similar circumstances.

SEBASTIAN GIOVINCO- 7.5: Instead of the “Magic Fairytale of the Atomic Ant” perhaps he could write a book “How SuperSeba was criminally underused in 2008-2009.” As many of you know, I generally supported Ranieri, but one of my main sticking points was why he didn’t play Giovinco a lot. I still don’t understand it. I can see concerns about his physical strength and being able to hold up the wings, but in every game after the first few months, Giovinco had a massive impact when playing. The only game I remember where he was average after November or so was the 2nd derby against Toro. He’s obviously has no Cassanata issues, and everytime he played, we played better. I would love for someone to ask Ranieri and get an honest answer, I don’t think it’s that he had any personal beef against him or anything, Ranieri and Giovinco are both nice guys. The last thing I will say is that many attacking Ranieri for not playing Giovinco enough, a fair criticism, but many extended that to complaining Ranieri wasn’t giving our youth a chance. In the last two years, Criscito, Nocerino, Chiellini, Molinaro, De Ceglie, Marchisio, and Sissoko, all young players got solid runs out. Some cut it, some haven’t.

BEST MOMENT Either his 1v1 with Del Piero against Catania in the Coppa where there was a wonderful teacher-student embrace, or his goal against Lecce where he whipped in a free kick quite obviously with instruction from the master.

PAOLO DE CEGLIE- 7: Everytime De Ceglie played at left-mid, which was not often enough, he tore the other team apart. Given his pace and his excellent crossing, he provided fantastic service for the center-forwards. I’d like to see him play up there more, I think he could be a better winger than fullback, and Italy could really use a left-winger, we haven’t had one in ages.

BEST MOMENT: The 4-2 Milan demolition derby where PDC tore apart Milan’s right-flank, getting Zambrotta sent off and providing a perfect cross for a beastly Amauri header to give Juventus the lead. Close 2nd his cross against Lecce, came on as a substititute late on, and his first touch of the ball is an inch perfect cross again for Amauri who bangs it in late in the game to give Juventus the win, 2-1.

2b Continued to Part4,Forwards Section...

Player Ratings: Juventus Season 2008-2009 Part 2

DEFENDERS:

GIORGIO CHIELLINI- 8: Not quite as good as last season and looked uncharacteristically nervy in some games, but as a whole, Giorgio was still a colossus this season. The steel and grit he provides in the back is crucial to the team. Continued his rock-solid partnership with Legrottaglie until the end of the season when injury and suspension pulled the duo apart; not surprisingly, the team started conceding plenty. I still don’t know if he was sent off for dissent or a poor refereeing call against Chelsea. Future captain of Juventus and the Azzurri.

BEST MOMENT: He’s scored a good amount of goals this season, but his header against the Toro brought us local bragging rights, 3 points, and furthered the Granata’s relegation.

NICOLA LEGROTTAGLIE- 7.5: A very good campaign from the former winner of the dubious bidone d’oro prize. Alongside Chiellini, the duo had the best defensive record in Serie A until the end of the season. Like Chiellini, he is not quite the same when playing without his partner. Still a bit vulnerable on the counter-attack, but with Giorgio’s pace by his side, it is generally not a problem. Deservedly called back into the Nazionale and could be going to WC2010.

BEST MOMENT: Against a team like Atalanta, Juve often had trouble finding the motivation. Atlanta has a dangerous attack with Floccari and Doni, but in the andata in Bergamo, Legrottaglie organized the defense wonderfully and the less-evil Nerazzurri barely had a sniff on goal.

CRISTIAN MOLINARO- 6.5: If you look at my player ratings from last season, I gave him a 4.5 and hoped for his departure. He has upped his game significantly the season, and always gives his all, playing the most minutes of any Juventus player this season. Defensively he has developed into a reliable left-back, and I can honestly say when he was up against Robben and Malouda, I was not panicking. He did well to contain the both, which is not easy. I’d give him a 6.5 or possibly even a 7, but he is still woefully lacking in the offensive department. Please, someone teach him to cross!


BEST MOMENT: Containing Robben very well in both Champion’s League games, to the point that Schuster switched Robben to the other flank to try and attack Grygera/Salihamidzic, or defending against Balotelli perfectly in Juventus-Inter.

ZDENEK GRYGERA- 5.5: I’ve always liked Grygera, but towards the tail end of the season it has been painfully obvious he is not the caliber of player to man our right flank. He’s been caught out of position and responsible for several goals. Last season he started out poorly but grew steadily into his role, but sadly has not really continued this growth. If only Criscito was right-footed…

BEST MOMENT: He’s not as defensively sound as Molinaro, but he provides more up front. Without a doubt this goes to his goal against Inter at home, in stoppage time, that allowed us to save face.

PAOLO DE CEGLIE- 5.5: I maintain PDC should be played at left-mid instead of left-back, where his pace and crossing ability are even more useful. Until the end of the season, as a left-back, his defending was pretty mediocre. A run out of games could give him the confidence and experience to become a great left-back though. He gets his own rating as a midfielder.

BEST MOMENT: In the Pro Bowl of the Serie A, the Coppa Italia, PDC pulled a Sean Taylor, refusing to give in to the nature of the glorified friendly. Except he managed to take himself out with a crunching tackle against Napoli.

HASAN SALIHAMIDZIC- 5.5: In the games he’s played at right-back, he’s offered the same thing we expect from Brazzo. Nothing flashy, nothing fancy, but hard work and consistent mediocrity, which for a reserve defender is not a bad thing. Was injured for too much of the season, though. Like PDC, he gets a separate rating as a midfielder.

BEST MOMENT: Mr. Versatility allowing us to sub a midfielder for a defender and still be balanced.

JONATHAN ZEBINA- 6: The exact opposite of Grygera in that I’ve never liked him nor particularly rated him. Neither did Ranieri. Was out all the beginning of the season with a thigh injury, but has grudgingly earned some respect from me with his performances towards the end of the season. Is he a better right-back than Grygera right now? I would say that’s true.

BEST MOMENT: Not conceding 2-3 penalties, not being sent off, and not slapping a cameraman in his first game of the season. That’ll do.

LORENZO ARIAUDO-6: Didn’t exactly pull a Motta or a Santon, but slowly brought into the team by Ranieri in the Coppa and eventually used in Serie A. When he played, he did not look very nervous, which he credited Legrottaglie’s presence and instruction for. One for the future, the question is, loan him for experience, or keep him as a reserve? He has the capability to play well as a reserve or in rotation, but it might deprive him of vital playing time. If he goes out, he definitely should go to a Serie A squad.

BEST MOMENT: I’ll go with his debut in general. He looked pretty good out there given his age and confirmed our youth academy is producing some great talent.

OLOF “The Beard” MELLBERG- 6: I thought it was great to compare him to Loria, who Roma actually spent money on. It makes me feel a lot better about his transfer. Against Real Madrid, Roma, and other big games, Mellberg played wonderfully, making crucial tackles and generally being dominant in the air. Against the lower, weaker teams, he was schooled. A good reserve, but no one is suggesting he take a starting place anymore, unless perhaps at right-back. At right-back he is not as adventrous as Grygera or Zebina, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. There are rumors of Olympiakos offering 3million euros for him. No dice, it would cost much more to get an equally capable replacement.

BEST MOMENT: He’s a reserve, unless we are playing in the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. There he should automatically be guaranteed a starting shirt.

DARIO KNEZEVIC- 2.5: He gets a bad enough rating for his awful performance(s), but also, he was brought in as cover, yet managed to be injured nearly all season, taking a cue from ex-Juventino Jorge Andrade. Brilliant defending such as in the Napoli game where he inexplicably decided to try and an audacious clearance despite no pressure…giving the ball to an unmarked Lavezzi. Even when he was healthy towards the end of the season, Ranieri chose Ariaudo over him. Thank God we only brought him in on loan, he is on the first bus back to Livorno.

BEST MOMENT: Snapping his knee so he wasn’t even an option. I’d rather play Grygera or De Ceglie as center-back.

JORGE ANDRADE- 0: We spent 4.5million euros per game on this guy. I don’t blame him, I blame Agricola. This is the stuff he should be failing. We nabbed him instead of Gabriel Milito much in the way we got Poulsen instead of Xabi Alonso. It does comfort me to see Milito out for the last year with a knee injury.


BEST MOMENT: Tearing up his contract.

2b continued to Part3,Midfield Section...

Player Ratings: Juventus Season 2008-2009 Part 1

KEEPERS

GIANLUIGI BUFFON-

7.5: Aside from a bit of an error on a (wrongly) disallowed goal against Gilardino, Buffon made no mistakes, as we’ve come to expect. He has made some solid saves, but has not been on the same level as previous years. The last two seasons he’s missed nearly 3-4 months due to injury, something that has surprisingly not really hurt our team. Perhaps remaining healthy will bring him back to his superhuman form, as of now, I would give the best keeper award to Julio Cesar, much as it pains me to say it. Seeing his reactions against Lecce when the season was quickly going down the toilet was even more painful.

BEST MOMENT: There have been some “great” saves, but unlike last year not any particularly “world-class” ones. I’ll give it to his save against Cagliari on Biondi.

ALEX MANNINGER- 6.5: Brilliant piece of work by Secco, given Buffon’s injury problems and the absurdly low price. A better keeper than probably all save 2-3 of the starters in Serie A, Manninger held down the fort during Gigi’s absence. No stunning saves, and he made a few “small” errors against Inter and Lazio but in general he was steady, consistent, and a reassuring presence at the back, which is all you can ask for from a backup keeper. On Football Manager, Manninger demanded playing time and eventually went to Roma to fulfill it. Luckily in real life, Alex understands his role and is fine with it.

BEST MOMENT: Juventus 4-2 Milan. Conceding two at home might not seem like a good game, but it was a deflected shot and a tap-in he could do nothing about. Aside from that, looked confident and was not troubled by Milan at all.

ANTONIO CHIMENTI- N/R: Thrown in to sweeten the Manninger deal along with the Belardi loan, he is the team’s muppet.


Best Moment: Never setting a foot on the pitch.

2b Continued to Part2,Defenders Section

Juventus Mercato 2009: The Arrivals

It’s silly season, everyone. Of course, it’s silly season all year long, but this is the time when actual negotiations and moves go on. Thus far, I like the moves we’ve done, unlike the last few years, we’re willing to aim big instead of buying from the bargain bin and hoping they come good. (It usually did not work) Here is the possible arrivals for the 2009 Mercato:

Diego, as in Cher: Because Brazilians don’t have more than one name. While I don’t think we needed Diego, he’s a very good player (from what I’ve seen), and compared to other players, we got him for a decent price. Diego is young, so not only will he be able to play for several years but we will likely get a nice slice of dough from his sale in the future, as I don’t expect him to stay for life. Like Amauri, he seems a very Europeanized-Brazilian, though his temper is undeniably South American. If anyone is the right guy to transform him into a world-class player, it’s Ferrara. After about a year of negotiating, we bagged him for 24.5million euros (+2.5million euros depending on sporting achievments), and a 5-year contract with a rumored salary of 4.5million euros. Certain transfer.

Fabio Cannavaro: Right around the point that Juve’s season went down the tubes (late March), there was suddenly, overnight, an explosion in the media about the possibility of Fabio signing again with Juventus. It was in Tuttosport, the Gazzetta, but also in much more reputable sources (read: non-football) like La Repubblica and La Stampa. After a few days, it seemed like an inevitable formality that he would rejoin la Vecchia Signora. He’s finished with the tifosi, and he’s finished on a sporting level. If he replaces Legrottaglie, I’m gonna be royally pissed. Free transfer, 1-year contract with a salary rumored around 3.5million euros a season, with a club option for a 2nd year.Certain transfer.

Gaetano D’Agostino: Italy’s heir to Andrea Pirlo, if there is one, he has undergone a similar explosion after since being moved from trequartista to regista. Juve has been monitoring him for a while, though I’m surprised we didn’t go after him instead of Poulsen after not getting the cash to buy Xabi Alonso. A deep-lying playmaker with decent defensive skills, excellent reading of the game, and a great talent at free kicks, he is the general in the midfield Juve have been lacking. With Ferrara confirming we will play with an attacking-midfielder, it will likely be a wingless 3-man midfield. A regista, a mediano (ball winner), and an all-around center-mid is typically how it’s filled, see Barcelona or Milan, and we could do that well with Sissoko, D’Agostino, and Marchisio. From Palermo, it’s not surprising to hear that he’s a life-long Juventus fan, and it’d be better to give him a run-out than a foreigner without the same drive and determination. The only sticking point is the transfer, Udinese wants big money and Juve’s cream-of-the-crop youngsters, like Giovinco, Marchisio, or De Ceglie. If we bring back Criscito, I could maybe let PDC go as I believe D’Agostino is a great talent. But I’d much prefer Paolucci’s 2nd half and one or two younger players. Likely transfer.


Edit: Current rumor is the 2nd half of Paolucci’s contract, 8million euros, and Paolo De Ceglie on co-ownership. Do it, Secco.

Domenico Criscito: Genoa only have the right to buy half-of his playing rights at the cost of 7.5million euros, as he is not on co-ownership like Palladino, but on loan. Another great young Italian left-footed player, Criscito has played in a 3-man midfield but also as a wide-midfielder this season, underlying his versatility. I don’t think he’ll play as a center-back under Ferrara, but left-back or possibly in midfield. Criscito has spoken of his desire to return to Juventus, his agent has confirmed it, and Ferrara wants him back. What are we waiting for? Likely transfer.

Andrea Dossena: He’s unhappy in England (who saw that coming?) and wants back to Italy. Given Juve’s occasional issues on the left-flank, of course the press has linked the two of us together. A completely mediocre player, I have zero idea what Benitez or Lippi sees in him. Given the team’s wealth of young Italian left-footed talent, there is absolutely no reason to swoop for him. The idea terrifies me, it would be a return to Secco’s bargain-bin hunting, but I honestly do not see it happening. Unlikely transfer.

Fabio Grosso: An Italy legend, but he’s never really cut it at the club level. With the Lyon exodus, Grosso has expressed interest in returning to Italy, like Dossena. Just as Dossena, we don’t need any more left-backs, much less one who has never really wowed with any big club nor one who is turning 32 later this year. That’s old for a wingback like him. That said, like Cannavaro, he’s a big name and would come relatively cheap. Supposedly Ferrara likes him, I expect Juve may inquire to Lyon’s price but I don’t know if it will go further than that. Somewhat likely transfer.

Karim Benzema: Trez has expressed interest in perhaps returning to France, and Benzema wants to step it up to another level, hence the rumor. Zero chance.



Lorenzo De Silvestri: This is an interesting option. Dossena and Grosso have been linked with a move to Juventus, but really, our problem is on the right-flank. There’s been rumors of a swoop for De Silvestri, but I don’t see much substance in it, which is a shame. He’s been iffy this past season, but I’m sure under Ferrara’s tutelage he could be great. It wouldn’t be a terribly expensive signing, and it probably wouldn’t be worse than Grygera. Unlikely transfer.

Maxwell: See Dossena or Grosso. Plus, an ex-Interista? Ew, no thanks. \Zero chance.

Keirrison: Who? Oh, some young talented Brazilian. How many have we been linked to without any real moves? (Mattioni) Unlikely transfer.

Serdar Tasci: There’s been some links with him for a while, I have never watched him play but he’s highly rated, young, and a German international. Sounds like a great prospect and perhaps one we’ll swoop for the in the future, but I don’t see it happening this summer. Unlikely transfer.

Marcell Jansen: From wikipedia: “He is well known for his accurate crossing and pace, despite his tall stature.” If we didn’t have a great fullback coming in (Criscito), sounds great to me. Bundesliga is underrated and has some great talent. Unlikely transfer.

Ezequiel Lavezzi: Like Sergio Aguero, this short young Argentine still has plenty of maturing to do, and given our power up front, it’s a no go. Zero chance.

Marek Hamsik: Napoli would want too much money for him, and with Diego, he’s not as needed. If D’Agostino comes, he’s completely unnecessary. Zero chance.

Juventus squad 2008

best 11


(1) Gianluigi Buffon 95
The record high €52 million purchase from Parma in the summer of 2001, height: 1.91cm
Also our vice-captain and the Azzurri's preferred goalkeeper since 2001. Buffon comes from a great sport family, and is today considered the best goalkeeper in the world.

(13) Alex Manninger 91
Second choice keeper for the 08/09 season, a solid backup who impressed on loan at Siena.

(12) Antonio Chimenti 86
He is back with Juve again.

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(3) Giorgio Chiellini (CB/LB) 92
The talented left back bought in 2004, then co-owned by Fiorentina. But returned to Juve in 2005. He has now developed to our key defender, and also converted to central defense, Chiellini is a very raw and strong defender, giving striker a hard time when marking them. Former clubs: Livorno and Fiorentina. Height: 1.86cm

(5) Jonathan Zebina (RB) 83
The french right back, followed Capello to Juve in 2004, been a regular on the RB position until this season, with competition from Grygera. Infamous for his disciplinary problems.

(21) Zdenek Grygera (RB/D) 91
Czech international, played four years for Ajax before joining Juve last summer, has eventually became the first choice at right back, also known for his powerful long shots.

(33) Nicola Legrottaglie (CB) 91 -1
Signed by Juventus in 2003 after a fantastic season in Chievo, nobody could get past him, but he struggled alot coming into Juve, despite playing most of the games. He has since then been on several loan spells (Bologna, Siena)
Finally this season we all see the Legrottaglie we hoped for, strong commanding centre back. Developed to a key player. Height: 1.86cm

(28) Cristian Molinaro (LB) 88 +1
Our attacking left back, signed from Salernitana, but impressed in his two years at loan at Siena, first team regular, probably would'nt got that chance if it had not been for Andrade's absent and Chiellini centre back conversion. After starting positive, Molinaro has only gone from worse to worse, and finally in stiff competition with De Ceglie.

(15) Dario Knezevic (CB) 84
Current loan spell from Livorno, Knezevic captured the eyes after some confident performances in the Croatian national team, and Livorno. Juventus upset Torino heavily after capturing him at last moment in front of them.

(4) Olof Mellberg (CB) 90
Free transfer from Aston Villa, experienced defender from Sweden
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(11) Pavel Nedved (LM/AM) 90 -2
Joined the club in 2001 coming from Lazio. And has occupied the LM/AM role ever since. Winner of the Balon D'or 2003. Nicknamed the Lion, Nedved is still going strong at age 35-36 and is a very vital part in the Juve attack, helping out the strikers. He also offers a lot of physical power.

(16) Mauro Camoranesi (RM) 91 -2
Signed in 2002 from Hellas Verona. He was a useful squad addition, and eventually became a regular at the RM position. A player which adds a lot of flair to the side combined with physical strength.

(6) Crisitiano Zanetti (DM) 90
The ex-inter midfielder, joining us into Serie B in the summer of 2006 on a free transfer. Currently over 40 appearances and 17 for the Azzurri.

(22) Mohamed Sissoko (DM) 91
The january transfer windows re-inforcement. Signed from Liverpool in a € 13 million move.
Sissoko has rapidly settled into the team, and becomed a fan favorite already. His aggressive tackles, stamina and pace has lifted Juve alot. Often compared to Vieira.

(18) Christian Poulsen (DM) 90 -1
Combative midfielder signed from Sevilla. Usually fills in the gap in front of the defensive line, and are also known for a rather rough style. Poulsen certainly adds a lot of defensive workrate to the team.

(7) Hasan Salihamidzic (RB/W) 89 +2
There isnt much of any position Salihamidzic hasnt played, he is probably one of the best versatile players to have in the squad. Joining the club on a free transfer 2007 after several seasons in Bayern Munich. He is nicknamed "Brazzo".

(32) Marco Marchionni (RM) 86
Started his career in 1998 at Empoli. Marchionni also played five years for Parma scoring 13 goals total, before joining Juventus in 2006. Being a right midfielder/wing has putted him in hard competition for a starting spot. He might not be good enough for a big club like Juve.

(20) Sebastian Giovinco (W/AM) 90 +1
After spending last season on loan at Empoli, Giovinco is back and ready to shine in Juve. Being a natural number 10 type of player, Giovinco will mainly challenge Nedved for a starting spot.
His main attributes is his pace, dribbling, and long shots, you could actually say, he is the closest one to Messi here at Juventus.

(27) Albin Ekdahl (AM) 79
Signed in summer 08 for a small fee. Ekdahl is considered a big talent in his position, and was watched by number of big clubs before he made the move to Juve. Featured in all the pre-season matches so far.

(19) Claudio Marchisio (CM/AM) 88 +1
Return from Empoli loan, Marchisio is proving himself as a reliable midfield step-in.

(29) Paolo De Ceglie (LB) 88 +1
Returning from loan from Siena, De Ceglie is back, and about to occupy the LB position permanent. He has impressed a lot at the start of the season, and thankfully thats what we needed at that position.

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(8) Carvalho Amauri (F) 91 -3
Brazilian hitman Amauri, one of the players emerging from the Chievo time back in 2003-06. After long being a hot name in Serie A, Amauri moved to Palermo for two years before joining Juve in the summer of 2008. Amauri is most known as a powerfull striker with good technic and hight of 1.88/6"2, he can play both as a support striker and a central striker.

(9) Vincenzo Iaquinta (F) 92 +1
After 7 years in Udine, Iaquinta finally made his move to a major club. Since arriving in 2007, he has somewhat earned himself a "supersub" status, since he has often gotten on as a substitute and scored. Iaquinta's qualities has long been watched by many clubs, he is tall, strong and very good in holding up the ball.

(17) David Trezeguet (CF) 92 -1
Trezegol as we like to call him.. been a regular for many seasons now, since he moved from Monaco in 2000. He is usually Juve's top scorer...and that last touch on the ball before it enters the net kind of player.

(10) Alessandro Del Piero (F) 93 -1
The legendary captain, pages can be written, but most people know this man, he has won everything there is to be won except a european championship.
There is no one in Juventus' history to score more goals for the club, or to make more appearances for the club than "Pinturicchio". A real icon!

Van Persie not the heir to Nedved at all!

There has been speculations over Juventus being interested in Arsenals Robin Van Persie, to take over for Nedved next year. And that Ranieri regard him as a perfect replacement for Nedved when he retires. (prove your worth this season before talking about next year?)
First of all, this is at the moment just silly rumors without any official comments. But if it is true, then I seriously begins to doubt this pride Juventus team, because this is just enough, Van Persie certainly isnt the perfect replacement for Nedved. He don't even have the same characteristics as Nedved, the only thing in common is the playing position and good shots. And that suddently makes him a perfect Nedved replacement!?
While the club already have SEBASTIAN GIOVINCO, he is the heir to Nedved, maybe even as soon as this season. It is about time to give all his great talents a chance!, De Ceglie, Marchisio, Giovinco, Lanzafame, other clubs would be ecstatic to have prospect like this in the club. But Juve repeats all the negative signals to not give any of these a chance, and instead buy expensive players who even isn't regarded as big-name stars. This Van Persie rumor is not any more welcomed next summer too.

Del Piero and Marchisio: a pair of protagonists

Del Piero and Marchisio: a pair of protagonists

All those who watched the match against Siena, witnessed the great match played by the captain and the youngster. Both players seemed to be on the same wavelength throughout crowned by two goals by the captain and another by the young midfielder.

The captain seemed to be very happy with the outcome of the match and positive about the future, even though rather disappointed with the outcome of the season in general: «It was a god match, we played well, we ran, we had many attempts, we even missed a few chances, but it was a great match. We were more concentrated then in the past few weeks. We had the right motivation and mentality and we have a coach who makes us see things positively. I would have preferred having ended the season in a different manner but we will work harder next year. Now we must try to end this season in the second place».

Asked how it feels to have Ciro Ferrara as coach after all the matches played together on the field: «As a player he was great. As a coach he just played one match but I really hope he will have many more sitting on the bench».

Claudio Marchisio came back from a series of injuries to immediately leave his impact in a crucial match for the final outcome of the season: «I am happy to have come back after a month of injuries. I feared cramps but I am glad to have healed well thanks to the staff. The team played well and we managed to put a large weight on the match from the first half».

The midfielder spoke of the changes in the last week: «We worked differently this week. It is normal with a change of coach. Today we felt we could cope with the heat. I am happy with the goal and I would like to thanks Alex for the pass. I try to help out even in the attack because that’s what all good players do and today I managed to do so well».