Comments on: Viola Crush Hapless Cagliari, Birthday Boy Santana shows he’s boss …

By: Tim

Tim — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 14:45:52 +0000

Nolan – that’s one of the issues I will try to explore over the break. I know he got his first minutes with the first team during the recent 1-1 draw with Ascoli in the Copa Italia. But, he seems to be buried on the depth chart, and I’d have to look it up but I don’t think he’s even dressed for a league match yet and he’s not on the UEFA roster.

It seems like a January loan would be best for all involved. And I didn’t get a chance to see the Ascoli match, so I’m not sure where Prandelli sees Lupoli playing. I mean, its clear that he prefers Pazzini or Bobo in the middle, Osvaldo has earned the job as Mutu’s back up as the more offensive wing, and the duties of the wing which require a bit of hanging back are shared by Semioli and Santana. He seems like he would be better suited to wing play because of his small stature and his pace, but I’m not sure what Prandelli has in mind for him.

By: Nolan

Nolan — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 03:03:58 +0000

With Mutu close to his best, and Santana and Montolivio finding their form I think it’s safe to enter the break with a bit of optimism, if the three of them can keep things up then I think we have a lot to look forward to in the second half. The biggest questions right now is what will happen with the defense – Frey or no Frey this is what separates the Viola from the big boys, not that I don’t love this team’s reckless attacking. Also it would be nice if Pazzini could actually start doing something that isn’t whining, as much as Martha would love it Bobo isn’t going to last forever and it would be nice to find a younger version of Toni. On the subject of forwards do you know what’s up with Lupoli?

By: ursus arctos

ursus arctos — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 01:30:08 +0000

I was at the Milano Derby, but from the highlights on Sky Italia, the penalty looked a bit generous. Not that we are complaining, of course.

Just what we needed going into the Christmas break without Frey and a good portion of the defence. I was one of those inclined to write off our chances for the Champions League as soon as Sebastien went down, but that now looks unnecessarily pessimistic. Mutu is playing the best football of his life right now, and if Lupatelli can put up a string of performances like today’s the Viola will be ok. With Milan 25 points back (admittedly with three matches in hand) and concentrated only on the Champions League, fourth place is very much up for grabs.

By: Tim

Tim — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 22:02:04 +0000

Um, Bobo provided a bit of decent link up play. But he was largely ineffective out there. It was the Santana show in the second half, Mutu show towards the end of the first. Sprinkle in a little of Jorgensen and Montolivo. Bobo did not have his best game, but he did last the full 90.

By: Martha

Martha — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 21:56:56 +0000

Awesome ending to the first half — nice to go into the break with some optimism, and Pazzini’s whiny ass on the bench. (Apart from winning the penalty, how was Bobo? Should I not ask?)