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發表於 2006-7-9 23:46:00
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Old Lady’s final stand
Juventus are currently going through the toughest spell in their history, yet they could have as many as eight players on the pitch in the World Cup Final. Richard Godden takes a look at the Bianconeri contingent bidding for glory
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The Calciopoli trial is set to reach its conclusion on July 10, which is just one day after Italy and France take to the field in the World Cup Final. Juventus’ role in the match-fixing scandal is likely to result in at least a demotion to Serie B, although there is still the possibility of stripped titles, points deduction and even a stint in the third-tier of Italian football. For eight players who will be present in Berlin for the Final, that could mean the possibility of becoming a World Cup winner and a Serie C1 player all in the space of 24 hours.
Despite being let down by certain officials at their club, the Bianconeri stars likely to be on show in the biggest game on earth have not followed suit – they have been a credit to their respective countries. In Gigi Buffon, Italy are once again in possession of the No 1 ‘keeper in world football. He might have slipped up for the Old Lady in recent times, but his form in the Azzurri jersey has been nothing short of stunning, making 21 saves thus far and keeping out everything that opposition attackers have thrown at him.
Then again, I’d probably back myself to do a decent job between the sticks if I was being protected by Fabio Cannavaro. Unbelievably written off by Inter two years ago, the former Parma stopper has shown that there is still no one better at defending than the Italians. His heroic performances have been as crucial to La Nazionale’s success as anyone and, barring a nightmare in the Final, he is surely a shoo-in for the Golden Ball.
Cannavaro was joined on the nominations list for the prestigious award by his central-defensive partner at the Stadio Delle Alpi, Lilian Thuram. It was in the 1998 tournament in his homeland that Thuram announced himself as a world-class player, although Serie A fans would have seen his talent before that while he was at Parma, playing alongside – you guessed it – Cannavaro.
Making up the defensive connection is Gianluca Zambrotta who, along with former Bianconeri target William Gallas, must be the most versatile player in world football. His performances on either flank have been commendable, culminating in an awesome quarter-final display against the Ukraine. For years we have known that he has been one of the best full-backs due to his domestic performances, but now he has shown what he can do to the widest possible audience.
If Zambrotta has been busy forging a reputation, then Patrick Vieira has been forced to rebuild his after a disappointing first season in Turin. Such were the expectations that he set for himself at Arsenal, a mid-season slump in form resulted in every man and his dog writing off ‘La Grande Saucisse’. You should do so at your peril though, as the World Cup has truly brought out the best in him. What a pity that it hasn’t for David Trezeguet after such a prolific campaign in front of goal. He may have barely featured for Les Bleus, but let us not forget the role he played in Italy’s demise in the Euro 2000 Final. All he needs is one chance.
Trezeguet’s strike partner in black and white is Alex Del Piero, the man who was vilified after his horror show in Rotterdam six years ago. He went some way to making up for his vital misses that day with the clincher against Germany on Tuesday and, having become Juve’s all-time leading scorer earlier in the campaign, he’ll be wanting to add to that accolade with a Final strike. Making up the current Turin contingent is Mauro Camoranesi. Often criticised for his Argentine roots, there’s no doubt that the pony-tailed winger has played his part in the route to the Final with some impressive showings.
But it doesn’t end there. Let us not forget that Azzurri boss Marcello Lippi was one of the Bianconeri’s most successful Coaches ever in his two spells at the Delle Alpi – although his record in Champions League Finals is worrying for the tifosi, with just one win in four attempts. Zinedine Zidane was part of two of those losses as well though, while Thierry Henry’s big moment for Juventus came in a European Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester United. And if Luciano Moggi had his way last term then Willy Sagnol could have been playing for the club – ensuring that the Old Lady’s entire defence would have been on show in the Final.
So for all the talk of Calciopoli, Moggi and Serie C1, there’s still a few bright spots for the troubled Turin club. And who knows, some good performances from their players in the biggest shop window of them all could help add a few more zeros on to their transfer fees once the almost inevitable does happen…
source: channel4.com
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