Udinese...

26-03-2012

A beautiful goal: Gabi Torje, a note of joy in Palermo

An important goal allowing Udinese to bring home an heavy (“a heavy”?) point from a tough pitch as Palermo is (“can be”?). Gabriel Torje, thanks to his goal scored in the 84th minute, has allowed Francesco Guidolin’s squad to come out of the Renzo Barbera stadium unbeaten and to square the score.

The Romanian “sprite” has scored his second seasonal goal (“scored”?), after the beautiful yet useless one he scored in Florence, but this time it was fundamental for the squad, that had been stopped in all its attempts by Bortolo Mutti’s squad.

It has been a liberating goal for Gabriel, who has finally found his way to the goal and take (“and to take him back”?) him back to the levels he is expected to play at. It wasn’t easy for him to come to Italy with the reputation of a world-beater, to change life, job, language and team-mates, but thanks to the coach and the help coming from the squad he is showing he can be great also in Udinese, little by little.

The decisive goal with which he has tricked Viviano is the starting point for his Italian career, to chase after Europe we need his plays and goals.

Iron Dome?

This from a recent article in "La Repubblica" on Israel's new "Iron Dome".

The problem is that the Italian journalist called the dome in question, steel (acciaio) and NOT iron (ferro)!

Udinese...

23-03-2012

Guidolin: “Forget 7-0”

Tomorrow’s match is going to be a particular one for the coach, Guidolin. The years he spent on Palermo’s bench can’t be forgotten, but now Udinese are fighting for an important achievement and memories, at least for 90 minutes, will be put aside.

“It is an important match especially for the table, we need to do everything we can to win. It’s my only concern, memories are important, but they are personal. Now all that matters is the squad and the table”.

How do you make up for the lack of seven players? “I don’t count them. We are in trouble, but we’re leaving with 20-21 players and I will try to build a well-balanced squad”.
Zamparini talked highly of you. What do you think? “I thank him, I’m pleased. But if we are where we are, it’s to my players credit” (“players’ credit”?).

What do you fear of this away match in Palermo? “Palermo do good (“do well”?) in home matches, they have built their current position thanks to home matches. I respect a squad with strong, skilled players who have always performed greatly at home. They would have the same points as us if they had played so well also (“as well also”?) in away matches”. Is Basta going to play?
“He is one of the selected players and should be available”.
How did you celebrate the 100th appearance on the bench with Udinese? “We didn’t do anything in particular, today I found a cake at the restaurant where we have lunch. I really wanted to reach this point, it makes me proud. I’ve reached 100 appearances in Palermo, Vicenza and Bologna”. What do you remember of your experience in Palermo?
“I had many joys )??) in Palermo, I think I left a good memory (??) to all the people I worked with, especially the president”.

In case of a deficit, would Bortolo Mutti become a burning issue?
“I don’t know, I have to take care of my squad. Lino is a good coach, but our work is very precarious. I think he can bear the pressure during such a tough moment”. Is it possible to see Abdi playing as a midfielder? “It is an option. The Swiss player was doing good before getting injured. Now he’s grown up”. Is Barreto playing?
“No, he isn’t, as well as Ferronetti”. What do you think of Miccoli?
“He’s talented, he’s got class. He should be watched out” (??).
Did Pereyra surprise you?

“He is maturing and he needs time, as all the young players do. He has what it takes to become a real player and he’s proving it. The club made a good choice once again”. Is Pinzi a model for the other midfielders? “I keep taking care of this aspect every time we train. If we play with one striker, midfielders need to be ready to enter to have a chance to be dangerous and add a few goals to the match. Pinzi’s match against Napoli is a good advertisement (??) for our midfielders. They need to work hard, but if there is harmony, each one of them can become lethal”. How is Torje facing this moment, after the disappointing first half in Novara?

“Novara’s first half was bad for all of us, he only has to work and try to improve his performances. He trains and does his best, he was the right choice. At the beginning of the season he proved he can also be a second striker, we need to be patient”. Is the thought of last year’s 7-0 going to influence this match? “That was match (“a match”?) when everything went right for us and everything went wrong for them. It’s part of the good memories, but it’s over. I think it was our best away performance ever. The “away” Udinese I saw last year was one of the best squads I’ve ever seen”.

Zamparini has asked his squad to revenge last year’s heavy deficit...
“I think that beating Udinese, he being a Friulian, could make him very proud, but I don’t think it has anything to do with last year”. What if Di Natale scored his 150th goal tomorrow? “If it happens, don’t forget to underline this number, because it’s a lot”.

Udinese...

21-03-2012

The captain spring: Udinese restart from Totò

The avenger is back. Antonio Di Natale has framed a nearly-perfect week by scoring both in the Europa League and in the championship after a long time, his last goals dating back to two matches ago in the Italian championship and to the match against Celtic for the Europa League.

As he’s been doing for three seasons, Udinese captain (“Udinese’s captain”?) has scored a home goal against Napoli. After his wonderful three goals per match scored in 2009-10 and 2010-11, Totò has scored his 7th goal in a row to Napoli (“against Naples”?), reaching 19 goals scored in this championship, which brings him up to the edge of the top scorers table (“scorers’ table”?).

Despite the bitter draw against the Neapolitan team, Totò knows his goal will have to be a lot more to continue chasing a third place that could mean Champions League (“the Champions’ League”?).

The duel with Ibrahimovic and Cavani is still going on, with the three strikers being within two goals of difference (“within a two-goal difference”?): 20 for the Swedish, 19 for the captain and 18 for the Uruguayan striker.

Udinese...

20-03-2012

Guidolin: “No alibis. Let’s turn a new page”

Rage seems to be vanished two days after the match against Napoli, yet the bitterness is still present. The situation has been made even tougher by the sport judge (“sport’s judge”?) who has disqualified Floro Flores for two weeks and Domizzi and Fabbrini for one week.

What do you think of the suspension of the Neapolitan striker?
“We have to focus on Palermo, the suspension of Floro is heavy, but we already knew about Fabbrini and Domizzi. We can’t take the law into our own hands, it would be wrong to recriminate and protest. We all feel bitter about Sunday’s match, but now we have to go back to our job and we can’t act as martyrs because it’s not professional. It would bring no advantages to us, so let’s turn a new page and go on”.

What do you think of what Larini said yesterday?
“I don’t want to talk about that anymore. We are all different, we might have the same ideas, but each one of us responds to himself (??). The club has its position, I am part of the club but my job is to take care of the squad. People see things and can make their own judgment. I feel serene, it’s useless to talk about that any further”.

Is Barreto ready to play?
“He was selected also last week because he can be fundamental even when he plays only for ten minutes. Unfortunately last week I saw he wasn’t in perfect shape so he wasn’t ready enough to be crucial in that match. I hope he’s better now, I hope I will be able to make him play a whole match”.

Did Pereyra surprise you too?
“He is not a surprise. He’s a good player, if the club took him, it means he’s got good qualities. Our observers make few mistakes, even if not everybody can become Sanchez. He’s grown up a lot, we’ve been working on him, we’ve found him a role and we’re still evaluating him. Up until few years ago young players weren’t allowed to play for a year and a half. These kids have already played in the Europa League. We’re progressing. We need to be patient and allow them to mature, but they have good chances”.

It’s an important moment of the season. Are you going to work on a mental or rather tactical level?
“The condition is good and I wasn’t wrong, on Sunday they run until (“ran until”?) the 90th minute. Now we have to do something we’ve never done before”.

What do you think of the referee’s decisions on Udinese-Napoli?
“We should look on, Floro’s protestation is as wrong as mine. We only end up to help our opponents” (“only end up helping our opponents”?).

In view of Saturday’s match, are Barreto and Torje starting with the right foot (“starting on the right foot”?)?
“They are two different players and they have different features. If I need a pure striker I go for Barreto. If I need someone who can also do Pereyra’s job, I choose Torje”.

How is Basta doing?
“I hope he can be available this week, he’s been missing for four marche (??). Otherwise we’ll use other solutions”. Is Pinzi a fundamental player for this squad?
“He is a very important player, I think his performance, with the goal and a semi-goal, can give a boost to the other midfielders, I want them to push and reach the goal. They should attack the spaces they find to contribute to the goals”.

What do you think of the young Zielinski?
“He’s been training with us for a few months, he’s talented. He looks like a classic number 10. He was born in 1994, he needs to mature and become stronger, but I think he was a good choice”.

What do you think of Pozzo’s statements to Sky and of the answers given by the news analysts?
“I didn’t watch the episode, I heard our president was in the press room to defend his squad and his town. He deserves respect, he’s a sports man, a man made of loyalty and respect. He’s always been calm, if something happened I’m sorry, but I didn’t see it and I can’t judge”.

Are Inter interested in (“Is Inter interested in you”?) you for the next season? “I have nothing to say. Have there been any contacts? Not at all”. Is your last Italian bench going to be Udinese? “Definitely”.

What do you think of Coda’s comeback?
“Positive and nice, I compliment him. He was ready, ten months after his last appearance. He played with the youth team and has carried out a large number of training sessions with sacrifice, he’s just what we need. Also Pereyra didn’t expect to be called, but hadn’t been trained well by our staff, he wouldn’t have played this match”.

Fiorentina this time!

18/03/2012

ACF Fiorentina wishes to announce that, in agreement with the director, Pantaleo Corvino's contract as technical and sporting director will not be renewed once it expires. This enables the club to start thinking immediately about the future and the strategies to be undertaken with transparency. We thank Pantaleo Corvino, who has worked for the club in complete autonomy and with our complete confidence for many years. We will not forget that regardless of the last two seasons, which have been unsatisfactory for everyone, in particular the club itself, Corvino helped Fiorentina to play a leading role at the top level both in Italy and on the international scene.

Andrea Della Valle: "I apologise on behalf of the group"

18/03/2012 01:10

The words of club patron (patron, as in patron saint?) Andrea Della Valle from the Stadio Franchi: "I apologise to the fans on behalf of the whole group. Obviously no one wanted the game to end that way. We've been discussing things for hours down in the dressing rooms. The most important thing was to close ranks with the players and the coach. We must come through this together. The coach is dismayed and angry with the lads, and they are absolutely furious with themselves. We must pick ourselves up and save the season. Nothing is compromised. We are a little worried but we have to go into the last ten games with great conviction. I think something good will come out of the exchange of ideas we've had this evening. Tomorrow the team will have a day off, then we'll look at things together and plan the week so that we can go to Genoa for a difficult game. After Parma and Catania I was optimistic, but today once we ran into the first difficulties we weren't able to recompact (???) the group. At the end of the season we'll make further assessments."

Guerini: "We accept the protest. Now we must get our heads down and focus on Genoa"

18/03/2012

The words of Fiorentina Club Manager Vincenzo Guerini after the match: "We accept the fans' protest. The club felt it was appropriate to give priority to the dressing room. We have to come to terms with a very heavy defeat. We must work hard to get ourselves out of this situation. Has Rossi resigned? He's just very disappointed. Cerci's kick? Action will certainly be taken. But the most important thing now is saving the season and making sure we stay up (where, on a ladder?). Can the defeat be explained by the many absentees? We must have the decency to keep quiet, get our heads down and focus on Genoa. Andrea Della Valle? He's been with us since Thursday. He's as upset as anybody."

Udinese...

19-03-2012

Handanovic: “We’ve wasted it”

Handanovic has saved his third penalty in a row to Napoli (“against Naples”?), but his good action wasn’t enough for Udinese to conquer the well-deserved win: “We had our hands on the match, but incidents ruined it all. We’ve wasted it”.
Why did you stay still on Cavani’s hit (“shot” or “kick”?)? “Pure instinct”.

How do you judge this result? “It’s a wasted chance. We’ll restart from the point we’ve conquered, there are many tie matches from now to the end, there are at least 5 or 6 teams playing to get a place in Europe. We don’t have to commiserate (??) ourselves”.

Udinese...

19-03-2012

Pinzi: “The red card changed the match”

He’s scored the second goal in this championship, but he couldn’t celebrate as he would have liked to. Giampiero Pinzi looks on the good side of the home draw against Napoli: “We’re going through a particular moment. We needed a good performance and it came. We need to move the table (where, in the living room?). There we are and there we will try and stay until the end. We feel bitter because it could have been different, but I don’t want to comment on the incidents”.

What do you think of Napoli? “We know they are strong and ready to face such a final part of the season (??). At the end of the match they were really pushing. It’s a shame we couldn’t resist till the very end”. How do you feel? “After two injuries in a row tonight’s match was a test bed for me. I think I passed it”.

Udinese...

17-03-2012
In the name of Totò: Napoli beware!
A fil rouge (!!) has been influencing the matches between Udinese and Napoli for the last two years: the result, 3-1. Both in 2009-10 and last year, Udinese have won with the same result, managing to win against a very tough team as Napoli.

The protagonist of these two records is Antonio Di Natale. The captain has scored, both the times (“both times”?), three goals, knocking Napoli out with some precious and finely-executed goals.

Both the teams (“Both teams”?) are feeling similar sensations right now since both of them have been eliminated from the Europa League and the Champions League (“Champions’ League”) and are now trying to reach the third place in the Italian championship, the only place that could grant an Italian team an easy access to next year’s edition of the Champions League. A real tie-match that will be crucial for the final rush along with Lazio. Udinese’s win could give the squad an extra-boost to continue chasing that dream called Europe.

8-03-2012 - 14:07
From Europe to an “European” derby (“a ‘European’ derby”?) : Udinese are ready
After the elimination from the Europa League, Guidolin’s group is ready to face Napoli, to try and get in the running for European goals…

7-03-2012
Healthy Napoli are coming to the Friuli: focus on them
The team playing at the Friuli stadium on Sunday night is another wounded club, that will try its best yo (“to”?) get three points that could be worth next year’s Champions League (“Champions’ League”?): Walter Mazzarri’s Napoli. They are right back from London, where they paid for being at their debut in such an important competition, surpassed by a more skilled and experienced club. Therefore this Sunday’s match looks like a knock-out play for the Champions League (see above!!!), since both the teams (“both teams”?) are fighting to remain at the fourth place (“fourth place position”?).

Napoli game plan (“Napoli’s game plan”?) is similar to Guidolin’s: 3-man defence, an heavy midfield (“a heavy midfield”?) and a lot of fantasy in attack. One only absent (“One only absent player”?): Christian Maggio. The right side “(right-side”?) midfielder was injured during the Champions League (“see above”?) match and will not be used, being substituted by Zuniga, who will be facing his country-fellow (“facing his fellow countryman”?) Armero. Ahead of Morgan De Sanctis (“In front of Morgan De Sanctis”?), a surprising trio, as Mazzarri seems to be willing to change a few players: Cannavaro and Campagnaro might be substituted by Britos and Fernandez, to go and help Aronica. The midfield could also be made of (“made up of”?) Dzemaili instead of Gargano. The Swiss player will be side by side (“side-by-side”?) with Inler, to cover Marek Hamsik, while Dossena will be playing on the left flank.

In the attack (“On the attack” or “On the forward line”?) Cavani is the only sure name, while his partner could be either Pocho Lavezzi and Pandev. Napoli are going through an unbelievable good period, coming from a series of 5 wins in a row, that brought them to the upper part of the table. In the first leg Napoli had a convincing 2-0 win over Udinese, who are now willing to revenge (“who are now willing to take a revenge”?).

Udinese...

6-03-2012

Udinese Channel, Gianpaolo Pozzo: “We need to take Europa back”

The day after the second leg match against AZ Alkmaar that has wiped away Udinese hopes (“Udinese’s hopes”?) for the Europa League, Udinese patron (??) Gianpaolo Pozzo has given an interview to Gabriele Schiavi. “I felt hurt for how we’ve been eliminated – the president said – because we could have progressed, but we haven’t been lucky enough due to a series of problems. The Africa Cup, the friendly matches and a series of unbelievable international rules are punitive for us, with players destroyed (“who are destroyed”?) after their national duties (“games”?). It is hard to build a competitive squad, in a normal condition “(in normal conditions”?) this Udinese would have passed, but it was hard instead. But I’m happy with what we are doing, and I’m glad that in the end we’ve come out of the Europa League, so that now we can focus entirely on the championship, we’ll play to take our place in Europe back (“to play to get our place in Europa back”?), this is our goal”. Are Udinese starting to create their own European identity? “It’s very prestigious to get one’s identity in Europe, Europe is fascinating, it qualifies you and makes our club more professional”.

Gianpaolo Pozzo also talked about the dreams and ambitions of his Udinese: “Our dream is to continue this way. Building the new stadium is our primary goal, we’re at a good point and my wish is to create a right crowd frame, similar to the one we saw in Alkmaar, it’s a model we should bring to Italy, it’s the only thing we need to complete this job” (“in order to complete this job”?).
Napoli will be here on Sunday, a direct match if we consider the Champions League (“Champions’ League”?): “De Laurentiis is a friend of mine, we have a special relationship, both personal and professional. We’ll meet, we’ll hug and the pitch will tell us who the best is” (or, “who’s the best”?).

Napoli...

Mazzarri: Now ready for London battle (“a London battle”?)

"Now ready to battle of London" (??). Walter Mazzarri closes theCagliari chapter and opens that one of Chelsea (“and opens the one in Chelsea”?). Napoli that scores, the coach analyzes everything with precision ...(like his English?) "I'm glad for as we approached match (“approached the match”?), the attitude was right and took us to score right away. In front (of what?) we had a tough and motivated team. We were good and lucky to score the goal, it was important because it opened the match and gave us a psychological boost to win the success ". We were good at scoring goal right away (“good at scoring a or the goal right away”?), we have legitimized and dominated (??) but I didn't like some distractions that have allowed Cagliari to score. In the penalty area we had to be more careful and mark to man (“and mark man-to-man”?) and we weren't careful. However, in General (Patton? Eisenhower?), the team was determined. Now we wait for the battle of London ". "Certainly we will work much about the concentration aspect (??). I do not want to have more risks when we are over-confident, the team must remain on the rope (are they fighting Ali or a soccer team?), especially in view of the next match in London. We know that it will be a sports battle, Chelsea will do the game (??) and will try to score in every way. But it is also true that when the Napoli (“it is also true when Napoli”?) expresses the best can (“the best it can”?) press up (??) and impose its own action. We must do it also on Wednesday and hold our action line and express better our maneuver (“and express our moves better”?)." Then a comment on the wonderful moment of Lavezzi ...(“on Lavezzi’s wonderful moment”?)”. We hope he doesn't stop in scoring phase (“in the scoring phase”?). Pocho is giving us great satisfactions (“satisfaction”?), is brighter and shiny (like a coin?) under the net and this is a symptom of completion (??) for a great player who has always demonstrated his value ".

Napoli, oh boy!

Cannavaro: At London (“In London”?) to dream again, I ask supporters to respect Uefa roles (“rules”?)

"We want to continue in theChampions dream ." Paolo Cannavaro on Radio Marte tells the creeps (???) that anticipate the challenge in London against Chelsea.

"The wait there is (where?) and even the city feels it. We took the lead on the result but we know that we will find a very hot environment. Although against us should have 60,000 fans (“Although we should have against us…”?), we will fight with the knife (!!) between the teeth. At the end it's important to focus on field (which field?). We expect a sports battle, there we will have to fight and suffer. Certainly the experience of Milan was a demonstration of the intensity that always put on field (“on the field”?) English teams, but we knew this. It will be especially important the first half to give an impression to the match (??) and try to repel their attacks. We are focused and ready because we want that the Champions dream will continue ". Then the captain launches an appeal to fans who will follow the match in London: "England is a country that defeated the Hooligans, is a very strict nation on public order (“and is a very strict nation…”?). They are attentive to every detail and don't settle even a cigarette (??), let alone on fans who had come without a ticket. Therefore I would ask our supporters responsibilities and self-love in respect not only the Uefa rules (“in respect not only of the Uefa rules”?) but especially in respecting their own serenity. The club has released an official statement on the rules to be followed at London (“in London”?) just to protect the fans who will come, so that it will be a beautiful soccer evening".

Udinese...

Proud of Udinese: “Let’s go to the stadium on Thursday!”

The administrators of the Facebook page “NOI TIFOSI DELL’UDINESE” have launched another appeal to all the Friulian supporters to come to the stadium tomorrow, Thursday 15 March, during the match Udinese-AZ Alkmaar, decisive for the qualification (“which will be decisive for…”?) for the next phase of the Europa League. “The Friulian need to support with warm-heartedness and convinction (“conviction”?) the squad, showing they can actually be the 12th man on the pitch.
The challenge is tough but not impossible, and we are sure the players won’t give up till the very end.

And so must be for the Friulian fans who should feel proud of this team, come (“and should come to the stadium….”?) to the stadium and let their voices be heard to support the team throughout the match.
We don’t have t ogive up (“to give up”?), together we can win!”
On the blog www.orgogliosidelludinese.it the petition for the appeal “Let’s go to the stadium” continues.

My Lay or My Lai, that is the question!

On the recent massacre of innocent people in Afghanistan at the hands of some supposed drunk U.S. soldiers, “La Repubblica’s” Vittorio Zucconi made some comparisons with other famous tragedies of the past, such as the 1969 slaughter of some 500 people during the Vietnam War under the orders of U.S. LT. William Calley. That tragedy took place at My Lay.

Or was it “My Lai”? As one can see by the March 12^th, 2012 article by Zucconi, the description under the picture says “My Lay”. On the left in his article Zucconi’s instead written “My Lai”. What’s REALLY comical is in another part of the very same article, he wrote “My Lay”!

So what is it, “My Lay” or “My Lai”???

Udinese...

12-03-2012

Domizzi: “The referee’s mistake is really serious”

Maurizio Domizzi tells the referee in no uncertain terms at the end of the unlucky match at the Silvio Piola in Novara. “I don’t think our major problem was tiredness. It’s not easy to play every three days, but we’re used to it. We resisted physically and in the end we could have won”.

How important was Danilo’s nullified (“annulled” or “cancelled”?) goal?
“From my perpective (“perspective”?), it was regular, the referee was taking too much time to decide. He told me he had blown his whistle for Benatia’s off-side and if you watch the images it’s clear he was confused. It’s a serious mistake, we were worth a draw”. How important is Lazio’s stop (stop in what way?)? “The fact Lazio have lost makes it even more bitter, because we could have gained one point. But now we need to focus on Thursday’s match. It’s not going to be easy, AZ are two goals ahead”. Are Napoli your new rivals now? “They are a great team. We had conquered a good margin, but we’ve wasted it. We knew the teams behind us could have recovered, we’re not surprised”.

From "La Repubblica" and its Bond girls!

Italy's "La Repubblica" reported on the 50th anniversary of James Bond in their Friday magazine, "Il Venerdi'". It spoke about "Casino Royale" with Daniel Craig and actress Eva Green. The pic though that they put ISN'T of Green but of Caterina Murino! Also, in the same newspaper version, they spoke about Turkey. The map they showed of the country shows the nearby country of "Aemenia". Or should it be "Armenia"?

Udinese...

08-03-2012

Facing history: come on Udinese!

From a man to a group, from the symbol to the whole team. The words coming from (“the words that come from”) Alkmaar towards (“for”?) Udinese are important, meaning the team is respected. Francesco Guidolin and his team are eager to win, in view of the second leg that will be played at the Friuli (“Stadium”?). We need to restart from Thessaloniki where the squad performed greatly and managed to win. AZ striker Altidore has defined our captain, Totò Di Natale, the most (“as the most”?) dangerous man of Udinese.

“His average is impressing (“impressive”?) he’s one of the best players ever. But we don’t have to focus on him only, Udinese have plenty of important players”. Di Natale will not be the only player to try and give AZ a hard time. Udinese will try to debunk another myth, the “Phantom of Arveladze”, referring to the goal scored by the striker in the Uefa Cup match in 1997-98, when his goal nullified “(annulled” or “cancelled”?) those scored by Poggi and Bierhoff. The time to write another page of European history has come for Udinese (not in English though….)!