And it will be good to have you back where you belong.

1). The team did pretty well as a whole, playing pretty much the same as last year. Not everything is working perfectly yet, of course, and some of the guys are not at the top of their physical condition yet. So we moved the ball well for most of the first half but during the second half we kinda slowed down. The defense did well, Kroldrup was not always so elegant but in general he was effective, and Dainelli played a very good match. I still think that if Dainelli is ok physically, he is one of the best defenders in the Seria A, so it’s hard for Corvino to find a better alternative. It must be said, though, that the Slavia was a pretty poor opponent. The Midfield did quite well, Kuz tried to score a couple of times, Gobbi did his job as always, while Felipe, WOW. Think Liverani, only taller and much stronger. He’s a real fighter down in the midfield, and has amazing dribbling and passing skills. It was mainly him who would start the attack and counterattack, with great precision and effectiveness. We did well on the wings too, although Zauri and Santana need some time to get to know each other better.

2). I have already given my opinion on Felipe above. He’s probably the best midfielder I have seen wear our beloved jersey since Dunga. (ok, Rui, but he was a different type of player). Gila did well, I liked him. I like Pazzini but as a centravanti Gila did much better. He has a great physical strength, and was great in coming back towards the midfield to get the ball and let the team come up. Vargas was not in perfect shape, but he did not do too bad. His shot on a free kick in the second half was impressing. IT’s good to know we have more options on free kicks this year.
3). The formation was the classic 4-3-3 we saw all of the last year, with Vargas playing a bit more forward maybe, and Gobbi covering for him. When Vargas was taken off, Gobbi became the left fullback while Kuz moved to the centre-left, and Almiron took Kuz’s place on the centre-right. Almiron did pretty badly at first, but then he found the right rhythm in the game and showed some good passing skills. I think that just like the past years, Cesare will try a few other formations but then will stick with it. I think this is how we will play for most of the season – just my impression though.

Latest rumors: apparently Corvino is close to signing Alex da Silva of Sao Paulo (now on loan at Nautico). Apparently, in case the game in Prague goes the way it should (touch wood), they are going to sign him. He is the brother of Luisao of Benfica, he has 2 caps for the Seleçao. I am not sure about defenders being thrown into the Serie A, it always takes them time to readjust. But Corvino likes him, and Prandelli prefers to sign him rather than Miranda. And whatever they like, I like.

Hope my little rant satisfied your curiosity about the game, Ted.

FORZA VIOLA

In conclusion: strong midfield (stronger once Monto comes back), slightly shaky defense, and needing better finishing, but doing very well, for what we are and where we are.

PS I really want a reporter to ask Monto, ’so, did you get a stream to work?’

Gilardino played well creating chances but his finishing was not that great, but it’s good to see him get a goal, he needed it. I was impressed by Melo and Vargas will be insane for the Viola. Can’t believe Roma didn’t snap him up.