Napoli...

23/02/2012

"Our fans deserved an extraordinary victory." Aurelio De Laurentiis shows pride and satisfaction and dedicates the victory of Napoli against Chelsea to the supporters. "It was a fantastic evening, the audience of San Paolo was exceptional and deserved a great satisfaction as this (??). I would like to thank the fans who have given proof of great passion, honesty and warmth. It was an exemplary show from our Stadium, a success of Naples and Neapolitans ". " Team played (“The team played”?) with great determination and Mazzarri gave great concentration to the guys, the group feels more responsibility when he can't be on the bench. What coach has prepared in the week has been applied to perfection on field (“on the field”?). Now, however, we must be careful and stay with feet (“stay with our feet”?) on the ground because the qualification is still at stake ". Is your thought to the quarter-final? " As fan (“As a fan”?) I say always full steam ahead, but as President I must deal with the reality of things. In London we expected (at the time of writing, Napoli hasn’t yet played in London, so why the verb “to expect” in the past??) a tough match in a stadium that will feel the pressure. But I think the Napoli (“Napoli”?) has gained the maturity to handle even match (“even matches”?) at this level. The demonstration occurred tonight when after the goal suffered (??), the boys were able to rally. 3-1 is an extraordinary result"

Mazzarri: Great suffering to be out (out of what?), we could score the fourth goal

"We could close on 4-1". Hardly Walter Mazzarri will forget this match lived away from the bench (nice phrase….!). The coach tells (“talks to us about his special evening”?) his special evening ...

"To be out for me was a pain (in the ass?). I watched the match in a room alone and was not easy to stay away from the guys. But I liked the team from all points of view. We got a goal for a mad fake (??) bounce in front of the defence and that one could be (“could have been”?) a tremendous thing for us. Instead we responded very well, we equalised, we played on our levels with force and confidence. I say only: pity (“I only say: a pity”?) for the fourth goal by Maggio saved on the line (“which was saved on the line”?). That could be a decisive factor, but we know very well that we expected (in the past when at the time of writing Napoli still hasn’t played in London yet?) a tough match in London ".

"As I predicted Chelsea has not demonstrated at all to be in crisis (??), has great individuality, but tonight we were superior as game (??) and to create opportunities. I heard that Villas-Boas said he was optimistic and does well to think so, but we our performance (we our??) was great and there is great confidence. It's clear that we will wait for the recovery (of what?) and we should show the same intensity of tonight. " It came back the great Napoli ... "we had only a decline (??) dictated by mental fatigue, we lost some intensity, but otherwise the team is always shown live (“has always shown”?) although we weren't particularly lucid in final phase (“in the final phase”?). Now we'll continue match after match. Now there is the Championship, then theItaly Cup . Only later we'll cocentrated (“we’ll be concentrated on”?) on the return of Champions ". Finally something about the second coach Frustalupi. "He's a great coach and will have future (“will have a future”?). Tonight has managed very well the changes " (“Tonight he managed very well the changes”?).

Udinese...

22-02-2012

Guidolin: “We are Udinese, we feel the responsibility but I’m confident”

Here are the answers given by coach Guidolin to the journalists earlier this afternoon at the press room of the “Toumba” stadium, where PAOK-Udinese is due tomorrow (“is due to play tomorrow”?).

- It’s going to be a hard match, we would have deserved more in the first leg, but now we’re focused on tomorrow’s match: we need to score to pass, and so do they.

- We can feel our responsibility, we know who we are, Udinese. We don’t feel responsible for Italian football in general, only for ourselves.

- We haven’t scored in the last weeks but we’ve always played well. We can score here, we need to play with courage and will to be the protagonists.

- I expect it to be a tough match, I hope my team has what it takes to make it tough for Paok too: I think my squad can win.

- I will decide the tactical lineup tomorrow: the ones I’ve brought with me are doing fine.

- I hope we’ll turn (??) for the next round tomorrow. Then all I’m asking is not to have other injuries, that’s all I want…

- Using an attacking midfielder was my obsession when Isla was available: now it isn’t so anymore, I might use it again or change everything.

- I know the place, I know there is a large crowd, I’ve been told so. We need to be ready for this too.

Confortably Numb?

This blooper instead comes to us from Gino Castaldo of Italy's national daily, "La Repubblica", Feb. 22, 2012 and his rock article on Pink Floyd's epic "The Wall" album (p. 38).

While discussing some of the songs, he wrote "Confortably Numb". Isn't the exact title of that great song, "Comfortably Numb"?

Napoli this time!

The Blues towards the match against Chelsea

Morning session for the Napoli (for “the Napoli”? Why not just, “for Napoli”?) at Castelvolturno. The Blues prepare the match with the Chalesea (“Chelsea”?), first match of Champions League (“of the Champions’ League”?) qualifying heats (“rounds”?) on Tuesday at the San Paolo at 20.45. Technical-tactical and finishing training.

Napoli-Chelsea, tomorrow at 20,45

Napoli-Chelsea, tomorrow at 20,45 at San Paolo (“at the San Paolo stadium”?) for the first leg of Champions League (for the first leg of the Champions’ League”?) qualifying (“qualifying”?) heats (“rounds”?).

The referee Velasco Carballo will direct (what, a symphony?) (Spain)

Mazzarri: we're ready, I want positive energy and adrenaline Lavezzi: Chelsea has experience, but we have hunger (for what, a pizza?)

"We are ready for the challenge, the stress is transformed into energy." Walter Mazzarri is decided (??) as concentrated. The coach prepares the Champions event (“Champions’ event”?) with great attention to the mental aspect of team ... "We are glad to be here to play a so important match (“such an important match”?). To be at these levels already fills us with pride and know (“and we know”?) that we expect a difficult challenge, full of charm (in a bloody soccer match, charm?) but also pitfalls. We will give the maximum to conquer still (??) something surprising. We must not mistake anything (mistake for what?) and it's going to take a perfect match. "

"I don't think Chelsea is in crisis (a literal Italian translation of “In crisi”!). Although it is not traveling (travelling where, to Mumbai?) well in their championship, it doesn't mean anything. These matches elude every rule and are outside of the moment of form (yeah, ok, makes sense…). They are a great team that can boast more than 100 appearances in the Champions League (“Champions’ League”?) and this says a lot about the blazon, the prestige and quality that have in the group (“that they have in the group”?). We should go on field (“on the field”?) without excessive pressure, expressing in our way, thinking only to develop our game. My logic do not change (logic is singular, therefore it should be “My logic does not change”!), we have a mindset and a team identity that transcend from the opponent" (??).

"Definitely it will be important to try not to take goals (??), but our team has a purposeful way to play, and also this time we'll avoid to do calculations (while they play some algebra or perhaps some trigonometry?). We'll try to get not contracted to the appointment (??) and transform the nervous (the nervous what?) in (“into”?) positive energy. The important thing is to be there and do another experiment (an experiment for example with Frankenstein?) which will serve for the growth of the group."

Finally, a thought to the show that San Paolo (“the San Paolo stadium”?) will offer... "I think these matches do not need presentation (“do not need any type of presentation”?). There is great enthusiasm and a involving mob (??) that will push us further. Napoli's fans are the best in Europe "

Ezequiel Lavezzi talks about the psychological aspect of the match ... "I am calm and the whole team is ready. We know that we'll face a very important match but we have to be calm and concentrated to play in the best way. We must go on field (“on the field”?) without thinking (“without thinking about”?) to external pressures, playing in the best way and giving everything we have inside "

" Chelsea is a great team, has much international experience but we hunger (well then go to McDonald’s if you’re so bloody hungry!) for victory. We respect our opponents and we know that they have champions in the group. For us it is important to play as team (“play as a team”?) and not getting anything" (??). It would be nice to score your first goal in Champions ... "I would be very happy, but what matters tomorrow is not the Pocho, it is important that the Napoli (direct Italian translation of “Il Napoli”?) is able to conquer a great result."

Udinese....

21-02-2012

Giuliana Linda Pozzo: “Also donating is hard in Udine!”

“The donation of the toys (“of toys”?) at the Moretti-Foni park cannot proceed without the permission for the construction of a fixed refreshment stall inside the green area”. Sa (??) says Giuliana Linda Pozzo, who has been (“who has been forever…”?) caring for the revitalization of one of the most important places of the city forever.

“We are pleased that the Town (“City”, seeing that it has some 100,000 people?) of Udine have accepted, on 7 February, the donation of the new multipurpose toys at the Moretti park, thanks to Udinese for Life and the Banca di Credito Cooperativo di Manzano, but I am taken aback by the fact that since then there has been no green lights (“no green light”?) for the installation of a fixed refreshment stall which is essential to revitalize the whole area. I understand that Italian bureaucracy can prevent a private individual from building a permanent structure on public soil, but at the same time, during the presentation press conference concerning the donation we had been granted that an urgent procedure would have been set up to assign a specific licence. But now, late February, everything is still silent”. “It is frankly unacceptable. We’ve been fighting for month (“months”?) this battle that only aims at making the Moretti-Foni park really available to the citizens. Especially during the warmer times of year (“warmer periods of the year”?), when people start “living” the area more intensively, it is unthinkable to be without a place where they can buy a bottle of water. As Udinese Calcio, I am saying this for the last time: we are willing to set up, at our own expenses, a refreshment stall to distribute free food and drinks to the people (“to people”?). But at the same time I am asking the Town of Udine (see above…) to communicate, as soon as possible, the date of issue of the announcement for the assignation (??) of the specific licence in that area. Otherwise we will block immediately the delivery of the new facilities that we have bought with a considerable economic effort in favour of all citizens. I am sorry to have to get to this point, but it is clear that in Udine it is very hard to make donations…”.

20-02-2012

Welcome back Barreto, we need your contribution!

The last time we saw him on the pitch was September, an Europa League match against Rennes (“in September during a Europa League match against Rennes”?). No more than 20 minutes in place (??) of Totò Di Natale at his second appearance, after 15 minutes played against Lecce (“that he played against Lecce”?). Then physical problems and a long stop (“Then he had physical problems and a long stop”?). Finally his return, last night, in the 68th minute. A sense of release (from what?). 22 minutes (“Twenty-two minutes”?) in which we understood that the Brazilian player is still the same: vivid, toned (??), dangerous. His entry (??) animates Udinese’s attack, Barreto made himself noticeable with interesting suggestions (on the current unemployment situation in Italy?), sprints and a dangerous attempt seven minutes to the end that frightened the Sardinian keeper Agazzi.

Udinese can now depend on him too, after he’s come back at Udinese (“come back to Udinese”?) after 4 years this summer. He has become more mature in these 4 seasons, since he had shown good quality but little goals (only 8 goals with Udinese in two seasons) and has managed to become a lethal striker between Treviso and Bari, especially in Apulia where he won the Serie B in 2008-09 becoming the second top scorer of that year. Udinese have always gambled on him keeping the co-property (??), to redeem his earlier (earlier what?) this year. And after this September’s dry run, Barreto is ready to heat the engine. For the hot phase of the season, Guidolin has one more weapon.

20-02-2012

Pazienza: “A point to shake the table”

Michele Pazienza is the midfielder Udinese were missing. The midfielder who breaks the opponents’ play, one who runs after the primary source of the rivals (??). “We’ve only missed the goal against Cagliari, but this draw is not useless, because we have faced them during a very tough moment. We would have deserved the three points, but win some, lose some”. After the goalless draw against Paok, another 0-0 draw. “The same result should be read in two different contexts. The draw against Paok allows us to go to the “Toumba” (stadium?) and gamble for the qualification, the draw against Cagliari blocks our chase after the first places, (the is MORE than one first place??) but it is still a point that shakes the table after two defeats in a row”. How are you approaching the away leg of the Europa League round of 32? “We need to focus and try and recover all the physical and psychological energies spent last night (“that were spent last night”?). Our attitude is the right one. As I said, not everything turns out as you wish”. Are you frightened by this iron moment (??)? “No, this squad has played every three days in the first part of the championship and managed (“has managed”) to achieve great results. We’ve expressed a good game and created many occasions. We need to put our strikers in even more favourable conditions to score” (“in order to be able to score”?).

Udinese...

19-02-2012

Focus on the opponent: Ballardini’s Cagliari

Six handy results out of 7 matches. Davide Ballardini’s Cagliari is sending a clear signal to Udinese. Especially after this January’s transfer market session (???) that served to compensate their limits, which are all in a non-incisive attack (??) . The arrival of Mauricio Pinilla was one of the rightest (? How about “best”?) choices they made, insomuch as the Chilean players has (but “players” is plural, so are they talking about more than one Chilean player, or just about Pinilla?) already scored 2 goals in 4 matches. Guidolin’s squad needs however to watch out for the whole team backing the striker, starting from Vitor Ibarbo, a modern Asprilla: fast, unpredictable, wriggly (??). Capable of improvised plays that can settle a match, such as the goal he scored to (“against”?) Catania last December. Plus Cossu, a small striker who has earned a cap for the national team. The Sardinian genius is more famous for his assists than for his goals, even if, when they come, they are heavy (??) indeed: the masterpiece against Juventus, which allowed Cagliari to come away with a draw, is a clear example. Watch out for Thiago Ribeiro too, a player who can be extremely helpful to his squad.

The midfield will be lacking Daniele Conti due to his disqualification, but the captain is worthily (??) substituted by other players who have scored goals to (“against”?) major European clubs, such as Radja Nainggolan, Albin Ekdal and Daniele Dessena (is Dessena a player or a club?). Also the defence is well-structured, with the national team player Daniele Astori and Davide Canini, plus the young Pisano and the senior member Agostini on the flanks. The keeper is the worthy Agazzi.

Cagliari seem to have avoided relegation already (“seem to have already avoided relegation”?), and they are starting to like the idea of taking their place in European competitions. But Udinese are ready to show them who the landlords (what, Udinese are homeowners???) are. Cagliari should be worried…

Sex with cheese, anyone?

This comes to us from the February 17^th, 2012 edition of La Repubblica in an article by Corrado Zunino (p. 19). It regards sheep, sex and spaghetti! So here’s what was apparently written in a document at the University of Florence’s agrarian biotech department:

“Dalla pecora al pecorino: traciabilita’ della filiera del latte in Toscana”.

I’ve already done this type of translation work for the same department at the University of Udine. It basically deals with agricultural companies and their products. It’s actually pretty mundane and boring stuff, that is until the translator in Florence got his/her hand on the translation: “Pecora” was correctly translated as “sheep”, but the word “pecorino” (it’s a slightly spicy cheese which is also used as an ingredient in making the carbonara spaghetti) was instead translated in a rather “unique” way: “doggy style”! Yes, you read correctly, doggy style!

Now, you may very well ask, what on EARTH does a cheese have to do with sex? Well, doing it “alla pecorina” (n.b. with a final “a” and NOT a final “o”!) is the phrase which is commonly used in Italian to signify the “doggy style” position!

I’m wondering if the Florentine translator(s) aren’t only experts of the Kamasutra but are also avid cooks?

Udinese...

17-02-2012

Handanovic: “We’re gambling (at a casino?) in Greece”

Samir Handanovic thinks it is possible to get the qualification in Thessaloniki: “We can do it – the Slovenian keeper says -. Paok will have to dare and push forward, in front of their home spectators (“home crowd” or “home fans”?). They will leave unattended room (???) and we’ll have to take advantage of these situations”.

Isn’t a home 0-0 punitive? (punitive? Who the hell in “normal” English uses this kind of language?). “Nota t (??) all. We don’t have to concede anything. It’s the attitude that made us great”. Do you fear the warm-heartedness (??) of Thessaloniki supporters? “Matches are won on the pitch, not on stands (“in the stands”?). I’ve already faced Paok in Thessaloniki once, in a friendly match. I know what to expect, but I’m optimistic. The good part starts now”.

Udinese...

12-02-2012

A shake is needed to restart: PAOK on Thursday

The attention is all on this Thursday’s match. It is the new target for Udinese after the defeat against AC Milan, which has however highlighted the good qualities of a team able (“capable of giving”?) to give a hard time to any kind of opponents.

On Thursday Udinese are asked to face PAOK for the home leg of the Europa League round of 32. The match with the Greek team, which has just won 2-0 against OFI Crete, is fundamental for Udinese since winning could allow the squad to take it easier on the away leg.

Moreover, Dušan Bajević’s PAOK had won the second turn of the 2000/01 UEFA Cup against Udinese, which is the only precedent between these two clubs. Luigi De Canio’s Udinese had obtained a 1-0 first leg win, but fell 3-0 in the second leg.

The only player who played then and is still in the squad is Giampiero Pinzi, who will have to pass to the others (??) the will for a revenge that he’s been holding for the last 11 years.

Udinese...

08-02-2012

Life as an halfback (“a halfback”?)

His return has been blessed by an important, decisive goal. Michele Pazienza tells his story to Udinese Channel, explaining why he has chosen to wear this shirt again: “I was ready, I’ve been working hard. I’m glad to be back where I made my debut in the Serie A, I want to do great things. Pinzi and I can play together, everybody will do they (“their”?) best in the midfield”.

As well as his old midfield-mate, Pazienza has met again two players who were here when he played at Udinese, Handanovic and Di Natale. “Totò, as well as being a champion, is a good guy, it’s impossible to argue with him, it’s hard for the young players because he wants them to work harder. I think Samir is more mature, he’s one of the most interesting (???) keepers in Europe”. Going back to personal (personal what???) , Pazienza tells about his evolution as he tells his (“tells us about his special wish”?) special wish: “I’ve grown up and lived through many experiences. I wanted to work with Guidolin, he’s proved to be skilled and I asked my mates about his methods, I was eager to be with him. I’d love to become a coach, one day”.
The next match against AC Milan requires commitment and concentration, and Pazienza wants to make a good reaction (??) to Florence’s defeat: “We have to focus on the mistakes we made to do better in the next match, to avoid them. Paok? We only focus on one match at a time. We can’t set too many goals, it would be a burden on the shoulders of fantasy” (sexual?).

Udinese..

05-02-2012

Guidolin: “Influenced by the wind”

Udinese haven’t managed to avenge last year’s 5-2 (5-2 what? Loss? Victory?). It is the third away defeat in a row after Genoa and Juventus (“after the matches against Genoa and Juventus”?). The sorrow is clear on the face of the coach, Guidolin, who wants to make something pretty clear: “I have to apologize with the referee because I let myself go, even if I have never seen a match ending with two minutes of extra time (????)– the coach says -. The match has been influenced by the weather conditions. In the first half, with the wind at our back, we’ve created (“we created”?) four attempts. The draw from the penalty spot has changed (“changed”?) the match and in the second half we have attacked (“we attacked”?) with the wind blowing against us. I’m sorry, because we’re actually in a good period (???). Benatia has just got back (“has just returned”?) from the Africa Cup and is still suffering a bit. We can lose in Florence, we’ve scored our goals, but everybody will be talking about a (“an away”?) “away ache” tomorrow. We’re a good team and we do what we can. We’re not the first-place team, and we don’t deserve it. Our squad is not better than Fiorentina”.

Why can’t you make the jump in quality (???) in away matches?
“There are some valuable opponents even if they are in different positions of the table (“in the standings”?). Yet, we have 12 points more than them. We need to correct our faults and get better” (“improve”?). In Florence you are always criticized. Do you mind that?
“ I don’t. A few rude people cannot ruin my Sunday or the image of this city”.

You are going to face AC Milan on Saturday without Ibrahimovic.
“We have to focus on our players, actually. We’ll try and win, we’re still in a good position. We aimed at keeping Fiorentina away but we didn’t manage to do so”.

Udinese...

31-01-2012

Membership Campaign: last day!

Some 1000 (“1,000”?) new supporters have subscribed (“to”?) the second leg membership campaign. Another 172 season cards were sold today, reaching a total of 938 new members. Tomorrow is the last day to buy your season card!
The offer includes all the (“all”, and WITHOUT “the”?) 9 matches that Francesco Guidolin’s squad will face at home, and is intended to all (“for all”?) the people who didn’t buy a full-year season card.

The Membership Campaign ends on Wednesday 1 February, day of Udinese-Lecce and first (“the first”?) home match after the championship turning point. To subscribe, visit one of the 130 branches of the Cassa di Risparmio del Friuli Venezia Giulia. If you need assistance, just go to the Udinese Store of the stadium (9 am-1 pm; 2 pm-7 pm).

An identification (“identification document”?), the tax code and a passport-size photo are required to buy the season card and get the “Udinese my Passion” supporter card.
All the subscribers are reminded to go to the branch of the Cassa di Risparmio del Friuli Venezia Giulia in which they have bought the season card to withdraw their “Udinese My Passion” card.

In case the card is not available yet, Udinese Calcio will print out a paper ticket to allow the new-subscriber to watch the championship match Udinese-Lecce, scheduled for Wednesday 1 February at 8.45 pm. These tickets can be withdrawn on Monday, 30 and Tuesday, 31 January at the Udinese Store of the stadium from 9 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 7 pm and on the day of the match, upon exhibition of the receipt given by the bank (“issued by the bank”?).