Serie A 2005-2006 Round 3

[Benny]

18 September 2005

LIVORNO 0-0 ROMA

Attendance : 15,000
Assists : n/a


CAGLIARI 1-1 MESSINA
Suazo 40 Donati 30

Cagliari, who are incredibly onto their third coach this season, fell behind on
the half hour to a fantastic shot. From a corner D'Agostino swung the ball
towards the edge of the box where Donati met it with a thunderous volley which
floored a defender on the line on it's way into the back of the net. Suazo
equalised with a magnificent solo effort. With his back to play on the half way
line as he received a pass he flicked the ball wide of his marker, surged up
filed and beat three players, and threw in a dummy for good measure, before
drilling the ball low into the corner. Every bit as good as Kaka's 2nd goal
against Fenerbahce.

Attendance : 10,000
Assists : D'Agostino (ck), Langella


FIORENTINA 4-2 UDINESE
Fiore 38 Muntari 28
Toni 43, 86 Iaquinta 91 (Pen)
Donadel 79

Fiorentina went behind against the run of play. Under pressure from Iaquinta
Ujfalusi couldn't get enough on his clearance, the ball bounced twice in front
of Muntari and for the second week in a row he thumped a half volley into the
net. This kid is really special (he's just turned 21). Fiore equalised with a
low shot after Toni held up a cross. Toni got a lucky break as he fouled Zenoni
when the defender tried to clear Jorgensen's back heel, then let rip with a
violent shot into the roof of the net. Udinese came out strong in the second
half. Di Michele, back from injury, forced Frey into a great save then Iaquinta
had a goal ruled out for no reason whatsoever. Donadel, Italy's U21 captain, put
Fiorentina further in front with a brilliant free kick which bent around the
inside of De Sanctis' post. Toni found the bottom of the net from a tight angle
and Iaquinta grabbed himself a consolation goal in injury time. Just an awesome
match.

I expect Lippi will take both Toni and Iaquinta to Germany next year. They are
the best two big men in the game.

Attendance : 35,000
Assists : n/a, Toni, Jorgensen, Jorgensen (won fk), Bojinov, Barretto


JUVENTUS 2-1 ASCOLI
Del Piero 13 (pen), 39 (fk) Kovac 31 (og)

Believe it or not Ascoli had two great chances, thanks to some surprisingly poor
defending, to take the lead before Juve were given an absolute gift of a penalty
for handball. Ascoli however didn't crumble and were rewarded for pushing
forward when Carillo beat Abbiati with a speculative shot via a deflection off
Kovac (not Cannavaro as some sources have reported). Del Piero restored Juve's
lead with a free kick. Juve created plenty of chances in the second half but
couldn't be bothered to take them. Ascoli also had their moments in what was a
very plucky display.

Attendance : 27,000
Assists : n/a, n/a, Ibrahimovic (fk)


LAZIO 3-1 TREVISO
Rocchi 20 Pingu 44 (fk)
Pandev 26
Oddo 87 (Pen)

Minutes after almost repeating his infamous mid air volley goal for West Ham,
Di Canio flicked a throw-in towards Rocchi and he used his staggering pace
to fly past a defender and push the ball past Handanovic. Another brilliant pass
dissected the Treviso defence and Pandev finished with aplomb, waiting for
Handanovic to come off his line before rolling the ball between his legs.
Despite Pingu's 44th minute free kick Treviso never looked like testing Lazio
who could afford to substitute Di Canio in the second half. Rocchi dived over
Handanovic to win Lazio a penalty an earn the 'keeper a red card. Oddo
converted.

Attendance : 20,000
Red Card : Handanovic 86 (Treviso)
Assists : Di Canio, Di Canio, A Filippini (won fk), Rocchi (won pen)


REGGINA 1-3 CHIEVO
Cozza 11 Franceschini 19, 64
Mandelli 76

Reggina were looking for their first points of the season coming into this match
and got off to a perfect start when Cozza tapped in Vigiani's centre.
Franceschini got Chievo level after Amauri did a fine Ibrahimovic impression. He
received the ball on the edge of the
box with his back to play, turned, danced past two defenders and rolled the ball
to the
back post leaving Franceschini with a simple tap-in. He volleyed in a second
from close
range and Mandelli headed in the third from Semioli's free kick.

Attendance : 9,200
Red Card : D'Anna 79 (Chievo)
Assists : Vigiani, Amauri, Semioli, Semioli (fk)


SAMPDORIA 2-1 MILAN
Bonazzoli 38 Gilardino 18
Tonetto 58

Shevchenko flicked Pirlo's pass to Gilardino via a deflection and he calmly put
the ball wide of Antonioli to open his Milan account. Gilardino, under pressure
from Castellini, missed an open goal after Shevchenko chased down a longball,
shook off Antonioli and centred. Shevchenko also missed what was by his
standards an easy chance from Gattuso's centre. Milan's set piece defending let
them down again. Castellini headed Volpi's free kick against the crossbar and
Bonazzoli lashed the ball into the bottom corner. Diani stripped the ball off
Kaladze with a brilliant sliding tackle and floated a cross towards the near
post, Stam headed straight to Tonetto and the former Milan winger blasted the
ball past Dida. Antonioli, another former Milan player, made brilliant saves
from Gilardino and Vieri who also missed a sitter late on.

Milan have an easy schedule in the upcoming weeks, anymore slips-ups and
Ancelotti is toast.

Attendance : 30,000
Assists : n/a, n/a, n/a


SIENA 1-2 PALERMO
Locatelli 20 Terlizzi 19
Makinwa 56

Palermo defender Terlizzi scored his 3rd goal of the season, powerfully heading
in Corini's corner. Siena scored an immediate equaliser completely against the
run of play. Caracciolo flicked on Grosso's pass to Makinwa and he whipped the
ball inside a post.

Attendance : 7,750
Assists : Terlizzi, Bogdani, Caracciolo


17 September 2005

PARMA 1-0 EMPOLI
Corradi 17

Attendance : 11,575
Assist : Cannavaro


INTER 3-0 LECCE
Martins 25
Stankovic 29
Cruz 85

Cambiasso's lovely through ball sent Martins in on goal and he baited Sicignano
before flicking the ball into the net. Stankovic volleyed in a superb Veron pass
to double Inter's advantage four minutes later. Veron was really on his game
today and picked out Cruz with another peach of a pass, Cruz controlled the ball
on his chest before slamming into the corner.

Attendance : 48,219
Assists : Cambiasso, Veron, Veron


P W D L F A PTS
1 Juventus 3 3 0 0 7 1 9
2 Fiorentina 3 2 1 0 8 5 7
3 Lazio 3 2 1 0 5 2 7
4 Palermo 3 2 1 0 6 4 7
5 Livorno 3 2 1 0 3 1 7
6 Inter 3 2 0 1 8 3 6
7 Chievo 3 2 0 1 4 2 6
8 Sampdoria 3 2 0 1 6 5 6
9 Udinese 3 2 0 1 4 4 6
10 Roma 3 1 1 1 3 1 4
11 Milan 3 1 1 1 5 4 4
12 Parma 3 1 1 1 2 2 4
13 Siena 3 1 0 2 4 6 3
14 Cagliari 3 0 2 1 3 4 2
15 Messina 3 0 2 1 3 4 2
16 Ascoli 3 0 2 1 2 3 2
17 Lecce 3 0 1 2 1 5 1
18 Reggina 3 0 0 3 3 9 0
19 Treviso 3 0 0 3 1 7 0
20 Empoli 3 0 0 3 0 6 0


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[Alessandro Riolo]

Post by Benny
REGGINA 1-3 CHIEVO
.. Franceschini 19, 64 ..

Incidentally, he was clothing jersey #19 and scored at 19' FH and 19'
SH.

[Quake]

Post by Benny
FIORENTINA 4-2 UDINESE
Fiore 38 Muntari 28
Toni 43, 86 Iaquinta 91 (Pen)
Donadel 79

Fiorentina are definitely UCL material judging from their midfield and
forward departments. Their defense is not as good though. Inter-Fiorentina
next sunday night should be interesting.

Post by Benny
I expect Lippi will take both Toni and Iaquinta to Germany next year. They are
the best two big men in the game.

If they can keep it up, Lippi will have no other options.

Post by Benny
JUVENTUS 2-1 ASCOLI
Del Piero 13 (pen), 39 (fk) Kovac 31 (og)
Believe it or not Ascoli had two great chances, thanks to some surprisingly poor
defending, to take the lead before Juve were given an absolute gift of a penalty
for handball.

Nah, this was almost a legit penalty by Juve's standards. Of course the
likes of Ascoli can only dream of those kind of penalties...

Post by Benny
LAZIO 3-1 TREVISO
Rocchi dived over
Handanovic to win Lazio a penalty an earn the 'keeper a red card.

Apparently Rocchi might be in for a ban. Disciplinary rules changed last
summer, now TV evidence can be used to punish unsporting conduct
(deliberate handball to score or prevent a goal, diving) as well as violent
conduct.

Post by Benny
REGGINA 1-3 CHIEVO
Cozza 11 Franceschini 19, 64
Mandelli 76
Reggina were looking for their first points of the season coming into this match
and got off to a perfect start when Cozza tapped in Vigiani's centre.

Reggina are probably the weakest squad in the league. And they're flat
broke too.

Post by Benny
SAMPDORIA 2-1 MILAN
Bonazzoli 38 Gilardino 18
Tonetto 58

Kakà went AWOL in this game and oops Milan lost. I expected Milan to
tsunami Sampdoria after Gilardino's goal (Novellino left Flachi on the
bench and had planned a defend&counter-attack game), that's a pretty weird
outcome.

Post by Benny
Milan have an easy schedule in the upcoming weeks, anymore slips-ups and
Ancelotti is toast.

It won't happen. Not before the end of the season.

Post by Benny
INTER 3-0 LECCE
Martins 25
Stankovic 29
Cruz 85
Cambiasso's lovely through ball sent Martins in on goal and he baited Sicignano
before flicking the ball into the net. Stankovic volleyed in a superb Veron pass
to double Inter's advantage four minutes later. Veron was really on his game
today and picked out Cruz with another peach of a pass, Cruz controlled the ball
on his chest before slamming into the corner.

Cambiasso came back to his usual standard - he was excellent in this game -
after having an off day in Palermo last week. Figo had a pretty good game
as well. Rumours say Lecce are dialing Zeman's phone number.

[Benny]

Subject : Serie A 2005-2006 Round 3
Apparently Rocchi might be in for a ban. Disciplinary rules changed last
summer, now TV evidence can be used to punish unsporting conduct
(deliberate handball to score or prevent a goal, diving) as well as violent
conduct.

A ban for diving? That would be awesome.

Reggina are probably the weakest squad in the league. And they're flat
broke too.

I don't understand how their finances can be so poor, they've been in
Serie A for years and never spend money.

Kakà went AWOL in this game and oops Milan lost. I expected Milan to
tsunami Sampdoria after Gilardino's goal (Novellino left Flachi on the
bench and had planned a defend&counter-attack game), that's a pretty weird
outcome.

Kaka' can't play the role of superman every week.

It won't happen. Not before the end of the season.

Ancelotti has already been given a vote of confidence. Of course it's
early days but you just know Berlusconi is itching to fire him. Both
management and Ancelotti have to take responsibility for the defence.
They knew after the way in which everyone suddenly aged either
physically, mentally or both last spring they should have reacted.
January is too late because whoever they bring in will be cup tied for
Europe.

Cambiasso came back to his usual standard - he was excellent in this game -
after having an off day in Palermo last week. Figo had a pretty good game
as well. Rumours say Lecce are dialing Zeman's phone number.

Cassetti and Vucinic are lost without him.

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[Alessandro Riolo]

Post by Benny
I don't understand how their finances can be so poor, they've been in
Serie A for years and never spend money.

You obviously have never been in Reggio Calabria, one of the poorest
city of Italy (and probably the Western European city with the highest
jobless rate, around 25%, and over 50% for under 30).

[Quake]

Post by Benny
A ban for diving? That would be awesome.

As a matter of fact, FIGC prosecutor asked for a ban, but the judge in
charge (Mr Laudi) stated that Rocchi's was not an "evident simulation".
Under the current regulations amended last August, TV evidence can be used
to punish violent or severely unsporting conduct, the latter translating
into:
a) "evident simulation" which results in a penalty kick or an opponent's
sending-off;
b) Goals scored by deliberate handballing;
c) Deliberate handballing to prevent a goal.

Of course the above applies when the referee misses the action and doesn't
take any disciplinary measure on the field.

[Matthias Mühlich]

Post by Quake
b) Goals scored by deliberate handballing;

Such an incident led to a two weeks ban in Germany last season.

MM

[Benny]

Subject : Serie A 2005-2006 Round 3
As a matter of fact, FIGC prosecutor asked for a ban, but the judge in
charge (Mr Laudi) stated that Rocchi's was not an "evident simulation".
Under the current regulations amended last August, TV evidence can be used
to punish violent or severely unsporting conduct, the latter translating
a) "evident simulation" which results in a penalty kick or an opponent's
sending-off;
b) Goals scored by deliberate handballing;
c) Deliberate handballing to prevent a goal.
Of course the above applies when the referee misses the action and doesn't
take any disciplinary measure on the field.

I welcome measures such as these but have been surprised that the FIGC
haven't run into trouble with FIFA.

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[Diabolik]

Post by Benny
FIORENTINA 4-2 UDINESE
Fiore 38 Muntari 28
Toni 43, 86 Iaquinta 91 (Pen)
Donadel 79
Fiorentina went behind against the run of play. Under pressure from Iaquinta
Ujfalusi couldn't get enough on his clearance, the ball bounced twice in front
of Muntari and for the second week in a row he thumped a half volley into the
net. This kid is really special (he's just turned 21). Fiore equalised with a
low shot after Toni held up a cross. Toni got a lucky break as he fouled Zenoni
when the defender tried to clear Jorgensen's back heel, then let rip with a
violent shot into the roof of the net. Udinese came out strong in the second
half. Di Michele, back from injury, forced Frey into a great save then Iaquinta
had a goal ruled out for no reason whatsoever. Donadel, Italy's U21 captain, put
Fiorentina further in front with a brilliant free kick which bent around the
inside of De Sanctis' post. Toni found the bottom of the net from a tight angle
and Iaquinta grabbed himself a consolation goal in injury time. Just an awesome
match.
I expect Lippi will take both Toni and Iaquinta to Germany next year. They are
the best two big men in the game.

They are both quick for their height, and can score from anywhere, with
either feet or head.

Post by Benny
SAMPDORIA 2-1 MILAN
Bonazzoli 38 Gilardino 18
Tonetto 58
Shevchenko flicked Pirlo's pass to Gilardino via a deflection and he calmly put
the ball wide of Antonioli to open his Milan account. Gilardino, under pressure
from Castellini, missed an open goal after Shevchenko chased down a longball,
shook off Antonioli and centred.

That was a great move by Sheva.

Post by Benny
Shevchenko also missed what was by his
standards an easy chance from Gattuso's centre. Milan's set piece defending let
them down again. Castellini headed Volpi's free kick against the crossbar and
Bonazzoli lashed the ball into the bottom corner. Diani stripped the ball off
Kaladze with a brilliant sliding tackle and floated a cross towards the near
post, Stam headed straight to Tonetto and the former Milan winger blasted the
ball past Dida. Antonioli, another former Milan player, made brilliant saves
from Gilardino and Vieri who also missed a sitter late on.
Milan have an easy schedule in the upcoming weeks, anymore slips-ups and
Ancelotti is toast.

Ancelotti will be toast if he takes personal vendettas against players, and
that's what he's doing with Gattuso and others. He's starting to think he's
more important than the players, but no coach is more important.

Milan we're unlucky to lose, it was just a bad day, the ball wouldn't go in.
But Ancelotti was ridiculous in the second half with his changes.

He made stupid changes, like taking of Gattuso and Pirlo, and leaving
Seerdorf on. he is biased towards Seerdorf, no matter how bad he plays.

With 2 strikers like Vieri and Gilardino in the middle, he should have
created width with 2 wingers, so they can create crosses. Kaka' was pushed
back to replace Pirlo, which was a dumb move. Kaka' should always be playing
near the gol, because that's what he does best, run at the defence and score
or create gols.

Ancelotti is fielding Maldini just for the sake of breaking Zoff's record.
He should retire after the next game when he breaks Zoff's record.

If Milan want to win, Ancelotti needs to get his act together, and stop
messing around.
Milan also need to shake of the lost of the CL final.

[The Football Scholar]

Post by Diabolik
Milan we're unlucky to lose, it was just a bad day, the ball wouldn't go in.

I wouldn't go that far; Sampdoria played a good, compact match against
them and executed their plan well. Perhaps a draw would have been more
appropriate.

Post by Diabolik
He made stupid changes, like taking of Gattuso and Pirlo, and leaving
Seerdorf on. he is biased towards Seerdorf, no matter how bad he plays.

The fact is none of them belong on the pitch right now. Seedorf sucks
and always has been an empty-headed, directionless player with a lot of
talent. Pirlo is a one-dimensional, baby-booty soft midfielder who gets
dominated too easily and will get slaughtered by Vieira when they face
off. Gattuso right now is off form relative to the past two years and
has seemingly run out of steam. The midfield should be Ambrosini as DM,
Kaka' as OM, Jankulovski on the left, and Cafu on the right.

The Pirlo-Gattuso combo was brilliant while it lasted, but it seems
that the novelty has worn off and the tactically superior Italian
coaches have learned to deal with it more effectively. There were signs
of this last season as well.

[Diabolik]

Post by The Football Scholar

Post by Diabolik
Milan we're unlucky to lose, it was just a bad day, the ball wouldn't go in.

I wouldn't go that far; Sampdoria played a good, compact match against
them and executed their plan well. Perhaps a draw would have been more
appropriate.

Samp scored with 2 chances. Milan had many chances but didn't score.

Post by The Football Scholar

Post by Diabolik
He made stupid changes, like taking of Gattuso and Pirlo, and leaving
Seerdorf on. he is biased towards Seerdorf, no matter how bad he plays.

The fact is none of them belong on the pitch right now. Seedorf sucks
and always has been an empty-headed, directionless player with a lot of
talent.
Pirlo is a one-dimensional

I don't think so. Without Pirlo Milan are lost in midfield.
He is the "creative mind" of Milan.

Post by The Football Scholar
baby-booty soft midfielder who gets
dominated too easily and will get slaughtered by Vieira when they face
off.

That's why Gattuso is there to protect Pirlo.
Ambrosini could replace Pirlo, but the midfield will be less creative.

Post by The Football Scholar
Gattuso right now is off form relative to the past two years and
has seemingly run out of steam.

He hasn't run out of steam, it's in the mind. The CL final lost is still in
his head. He wanted to leave Milan because of it, but decided he wants to
win with Milan. He needs to shake it off.

Post by The Football Scholar
The midfield should be Ambrosini as DM,

Ambrosini should play instead of Seedorf.
Ambrosini, Gattuso and Pirlo can co-exist.

Post by The Football Scholar
Kaka' as OM

Yes, and he should never be changed, like he was in the last game.

Post by The Football Scholar
Jankulovski on the left, and Cafu on the right.

Yes, as defenders, wingers.

Post by The Football Scholar
The Pirlo-Gattuso combo was brilliant while it lasted

I think it still is. Gattuso still makes up for 2 players, and that will
never change.

Post by The Football Scholar
, but it seems
that the novelty has worn off and the tactically superior Italian
coaches have learned to deal with it more effectively. There were signs
of this last season as well.

[Benny]

Subject : Serie A 2005-2006 Round 3
The Pirlo-Gattuso combo was brilliant while it lasted, but it seems
that the novelty has worn off and the tactically superior Italian
coaches have learned to deal with it more effectively. There were signs
of this last season as well.

Pirlo hurts teams from a deep position. He's not an issue and no one has
learned how to deal with him, coaches don't put a man on a player who
does most of his damage 60 yards from goal and he doesn't need to push
forward to support the attack because of Kaka'. The big problem is
Gattuso has ran out of steam and he was a huge part in the initial
turnaround under Ancelotti.

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[Benny]

Subject : Serie A 2005-2006 Round 3
Ancelotti will be toast if he takes personal vendettas against players, and
that's what he's doing with Gattuso and others. He's starting to think he's
more important than the players, but no coach is more important.
Milan we're unlucky to lose, it was just a bad day, the ball wouldn't go in.
But Ancelotti was ridiculous in the second half with his changes.
He made stupid changes, like taking of Gattuso and Pirlo, and leaving
Seerdorf on. he is biased towards Seerdorf, no matter how bad he plays.

Gattuso has been poor since spring. Ancelotti was giving him a chance by
playing him. Ambrosini is in much better form. Seedorf won't play once
Jankulovski is fit.

With 2 strikers like Vieri and Gilardino in the middle, he should have
created width with 2 wingers, so they can create crosses. Kaka' was pushed
back to replace Pirlo, which was a dumb move. Kaka' should always be playing
near the gol, because that's what he does best, run at the defence and score
or create gols.

Kaka' looked tired.

Ancelotti is fielding Maldini just for the sake of breaking Zoff's record.
He should retire after the next game when he breaks Zoff's record.

Stam is the problem not Maldini.

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[Diabolik]

Post by Benny

Subject : Serie A 2005-2006 Round 3
Ancelotti will be toast if he takes personal vendettas against players, and
that's what he's doing with Gattuso and others. He's starting to think he's
more important than the players, but no coach is more important.
Milan we're unlucky to lose, it was just a bad day, the ball wouldn't go in.
But Ancelotti was ridiculous in the second half with his changes.
He made stupid changes, like taking of Gattuso and Pirlo, and leaving
Seerdorf on. he is biased towards Seerdorf, no matter how bad he plays.

Gattuso has been poor since spring. Ancelotti was giving him a chance by
playing him.

I think he played well. He did his usual running and teeth grinding.
What more can he do???

Post by Benny
Ambrosini is in much better form. Seedorf won't play once
Jankulovski is fit.

Ambrosini can play instead of Seedorf.

Post by Benny

With 2 strikers like Vieri and Gilardino in the middle, he should have
created width with 2 wingers, so they can create crosses. Kaka' was pushed
back to replace Pirlo, which was a dumb move. Kaka' should always be playing
near the gol, because that's what he does best, run at the defence and score
or create gols.

Kaka' looked tired.

That's because he was playing in the deep midfield and chasing balls.

Post by Benny

Ancelotti is fielding Maldini just for the sake of breaking Zoff's record.
He should retire after the next game when he breaks Zoff's record.

Stam is the problem not Maldini.

Stam is also a problem.
Even though he's big, he's not an intelligent player and concedes easy
balls.

[Benny]

Subject : Serie A 2005-2006 Round 3
I think he played well. He did his usual running and teeth grinding.
What more can he do???

Tackle and shut down the opposition midfield, something he hasn't done
in many months.

Ambrosini can play instead of Seedorf.

He's effective in the centre or right of midfield and Jankulovski has
been signed to replace Seedorf.

Post by Benny
Kaka' looked tired.

That's because he was playing in the deep midfield and chasing balls.

I didn't see him doing much chasing. Kaka' doesn't have the stamina to
play stellar football twice a week, as he has consistently shown at
Milan.

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[Diabolik]

Post by Benny

Post by Diabolik
Ancelotti is fielding Maldini just for the sake of breaking Zoff's record.
He should retire after the next game when he breaks Zoff's record.

Stam is the problem not Maldini.

Not to mention that Nesta (the youngest defender) was left out for the
"turnover".
Insane!

[The Football Scholar]

Post by Benny
I expect Lippi will take both Toni and Iaquinta to Germany next year. They are
the best two big men in the game.

After the match Cosmi complained about Toni's "tricks", i.e. his brutal
treatment and utter domination of opposing defenders, which along with
great technique and passing is why he's awesome.