Italian Serie A Round 18 - Juventus vs Parma - Review

Juventus' long unbeaten run in all competitions has come to an end after a disasterous 4-1 loss to Parma in Turin. A haunting two goals from Juventus loanee Giovinco proved to be the start Parma needed to go on and dominate the 10 man Bianconeri.

Juventus went into the match knowing that a wind would see them temporarily leapfrog Napoli and Lazio into second place two points behind league leaders and fierce rivals, Ac Milan. However things did not look promising from the start with striker Fabio Quagliarella going off injured within the first five minutes.

The early change saw Amauri enter the fray. After holding much of the initial possession Juventus recieved a huge blow, after Brazillian midfielder Felipe Melo was sent off following a kick to the head of Paci. The moment of stupidity saw Juventus down to 10 men, which certainly put pressure on their defence.

Although it was Juventus who would come close to scoring, having a goal disallowed. Del Piero lined up a free kick sending it on target, to the despair of the Parma goalkeeper who fumbled the ball allowing Chiellini to tap it in. However officials disallowed the goal, claiming that the ball was kicked out of Mirante's hands, which indeed it was.

Juventus continued to dominate midfield play with Pepe coming on to sure it up, for Del Piero. Although with the man down the susceptible Bianconeri were prone to the counter attack. Parma did just that, and in the 40th minute it payed dividend as a ball in from Zaccardo was directed on goal by Gobbi, a fumbled Storari save fell to Giovinco who slotted the ball into the roof of the net, putting the away side up at the break, much to the dismay of the crowd.

The second half continued much the same way as the end of the first half as Parma came out and attacked Juventus. The reward was immediate as yet again Giovinco found the back of the net against his parent club. Valiani did exceptionally well to keep the ball in play and deliver and excellent cross to Giovinco, who controlled well with his right and knocked the ball in on the half volley with his left. The Juventus defence left rue their poor performance.


A Juventus freekick on the edge of the area just minutes later almost saw Juventus pull one back. A Pepe shot hit the post to the relief of Mirante who was stuck to the spot. Although Juventus recieved a subsequent corener which saw replacement defender Legrottaglie head the ball home, putting Juventus only one goal behind with half an hour remaining.

Although it was short lived as straight after the subsequent kickoff Parma broke the Juventus defence. A charge into the box by Crespo, saw Chiellini take the legs from under him. The captain protested his innocence but a penalty was awarded. Crespo stepped up and slotted the ball into the bottom left corner, which saw Storari beaten for the third time.

Juventus morale was down and Parma were dominating the Old Lady. A change by Del Neri saw Sissoko replace the youngster Sorensen. The change was to bring nothing as Juventus continued to fail in their push for another goal. Krasic was quiet down the wing and besides a claim for a penalty really had no impact on the match.

Giovinco was substitued late on, the Juventus loanee was met with appreciation from the Juventus fans who have taken a liking to the youngster. Giovinco out of respect did not celebrate either of his two goals, although he did prove a point to his parent club.

Juventus failed to bridge the gap between them and the league leaders and that was capped off by a late goal from Palladino - also a former Juve man. The goal was the final kick of the match. Juventus for the first time this season conceeded four goals in one match, also ending their 18 run unbeaten streak.

Parma climb away from the relgation zone into 10th temporarily. While Juventus slip away from the league leaders.

Final Score:   Juventus 1      -         Parma 4
                      Legrottaglie 60         Giovinco 41
                                                        Giovinco 48
                                                        Crespo (pen) 62
                                                        Palladino 90

Man of the Match - Sebastian Giovinco (Parma)

Dzeko to Manchester City, yet another striker at Eastlands

Edin Dzeko has passed a medical at Manchester City and will most likely debut at the club against Wolves in the League next week.
After much hype regarding his transfe the Bosnian finally joined Eastlands, although according to a number of text messages sent before the transfer was confimed, he would've preferred to join Juventus.


The cost to make the move possible is much less than what was originally wanted by Wolfsburg. The 40 million euro price tag was lowered greatly and City ended up paying 27.4 million pounds to have the services of the hitman.

Whether City needed anymore strikers was another question. With the likes of Baotelli, Tevez, Santa Cruz, Adebayor and Jo not even getting regular starts, as well as Mancini's preferance of a packed mifield, Dzeko will have to prove his worth very quickly to get a regular birth upfront.

Dzeko is understood to have penned a 5 year contract, which also include bonuses relating to Champions League qualification and final league placing.

City have edged out the likes of Bayern Munich and Juventus to get the final signature.

Macheda secures loan deal with Sampdoria

Young Italian starlet Federico Macheda has secured a loan deal with Italian club Sampdoria for the remainder of the 2010/2011 season.

The Italian is overjoyed with the deal stating that he was pleased to get more playing time, but did not want to be compared with recent walkout Antonio Cassano - who had such an impact on the club. The striker hinted that he would also return back to England when the contract expired.

Alex Ferguson looked to be behind the move, as he looks to get more playing time for his young Italian. In recent weeks he has struggled to find a spot upfront, especially after the return of Wayne Rooney and the sublime form of Berbatov and Hernandez.

Although the 19 year old has been linked with big name moves to Inter and Juventus this January, Sampdoria will be his destination as he continues to try and prove his worth to Ferguson's Red Devils.

Liverpool and Chelsea disappoint..........again!

Roy Hodgson's and Carlo Ancelotti's respective roles as coaches of Liverpool and Chelsea, will be under review this week as both coaches fail to perform in the league yet again this season. While Ancelotti may appear to be in a safer position than Roy, but with Chelsea's recent slide down the table anything could develop in the coming days.

Liverpool fans are calling for the axing of their manager, as upset fans rue yet another opportunity to move up the table. Liverpool have disappointed for a consecutive two seasons now, and pressure is mounting for the club to qualify for the Champions League as well as get a few big name signings in 2011.
Hodgson has pleaded with club officials for a hefty transfer budget, to allow him to bring the players he needs to Anfield. Whether he is still there to consolidate his words remains to be seen. Mounting speculation would suggest that another league loss will see a new coach step into the role of manager at the club.

Chelsea fans have been brought back to reality in the past two months as their team relinquished their first place at the head of the league, moving down to fifth and certainly losing contact with Manchester United for the remainder of the season, sitting 9 points behind the leaders - who still have a game in hand.

A mix of injuries as well as tough league ties have lead to the Blues' demise. Although an optimistic Ancelotti believes that his side will be back in the near future. Fans will have the piece of mind that their team still has the Champions League to look forward to, especially because Chelsea have drawn FC Copenhagen in the first round, they are respectively the least feared opponent in the Round of 16 draw.

The fate of both these coaches will be made apparant in the near future. Although one thing is for certain, both will need to improve to be true title contenders next season.

Liverpool looking to rebuild through the January transfer window

Roy Hodgson has issued a plea to Liverpool club directors to allow him to rebuild their squad. Hodgson's position at the club is under threat, as Liverpool look to once again miss out on a top four finish in the EPL, unless drastic changes are made to the squad.


After a poor performance in the league last season, and with a current poor position on the table, Liverpool have struggled to attract big names to the club. As well as that they look unlikely to hold onto their big stars including a lackluster Torres who has certainly failed to fire prolifically this season.

Inspirational captain and English international Steven Gerrard has pledged his loyalty to the club, however the skipper alone cannot bring results to the club. Liverpool have failed this season when it comes to consitancy, Hodgson's team has proved that they still have the quality, opitimised by their victory over Chelsea earlier in the season.

Liverpool have been linked with a number of big names around the world, Including

Ronaldihno: Probably not the best signing for the Reds although the Brazilian may be able to revitalise his career at Anfield.

Adebayor: The former Arsenal man and now Manchester City man certainly has Premier League experience, and has proved that he still has what it takes to score. Also looking to revitalise his career, he could prove to be a useful partner upfront for Torres

Mertersacker: The towering German defender could really sure up the poor Liverpool defence, however with other big clubs interested in the centre back, luring him to Anfield could be difficult

Whether Hodgson is sill at Liverpool after the January window remains to be seen. However one thing is for certain though, Liverpool will need to change to avoid turning into a mid table Premier League club.

English Premier League - Manchester United vs Stoke City - Review

Manchester United sit pretty at the top of the Premier League after a victory against Stoke. The 2-1 victory puts the devils ahead by three points, still with another game in hand. Goals from Hernandez and Nani sealed the victory but a Stoke equaliser by Whitehead put the victory in doubt.

United went into the clash with many of their stars out including Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and keeper Van Der Sar. It was Stoke who came out attacking, trying especially to get their first win over the Red Devils in the Premier League. The early exchanges saw Etherington and Gibson go close at both ends.

However it was United who took the lead in the 27th minute. Berbatov linked up with Nani and the Portugese man found Hernandez. The Mexican signing added to his EPL tally scoring with a wonderful backflick to leave the Stoke keeper Begovic, mesmorised.

Nani continued to look dangerous on the wing, although he was unsuccessful in adding to the United tally. Late in the first half another united play almost saw the Nani and Hernandez combination find the net again, although Hernandez blasted his shot over the bar.

1-0 was the halftime score and the second half looked as though Stoke might find an equaliser, as Manchester failed to completely dominate them. Stoke came out attacking once again in the second half. The persistance paid off. A ball from Tuncay found Whitehead an the Stoke man headed the ball unchallenged into the back of the net, squaring up the game.

The equaliser woke United from their poor run of play, immediately the Devils launched an attack led by Berbatov. But it wouldn't be until the 62nd minute when Nani showed his brilliance. After some fancy footwork to create space the winger curled the ball on his left foot, to beat Begovic, and score probably the best goal of the Premier League matchday.

Despite the change in formation from Stoke, United pressed on through Gibson. Manchester continued to hold possession for the remainder of the game. Owen went close in the final minutes, but it wasn't to matter as United once again ran out winners against Stoke.

United still hold on to top spot in the League, and look to be favourites to clinch another Premier League title, making them the most successful club in England. The the clubs trying to catch United will have to ensure they keep the pressure up, as United also have a game in hand.

Final Score -  Manchester United 2    -     Stoke City 1
                       Hernandez 27                     Whitehead 50
                       Nani62

Man of the Match - Nani (Manchester United)

Spanish Premiera Round 17 - Getafe vs Real Madrid - Review

Real Madrid took honours in the Madrid derby after narrowly defeating Getafe 3-2 to cut back the gap between themselves and La Liga leaders Barcelona to just 2 points. A brace from Cristiano Ronaldo and a classy Mesut Oezil finish sealed the victory, although a Dani Parejo wonder goal for Getafe before half time put the game in doubt for the away side. Kaka’s return to action following 6 months on the sidelines with a knee injury was a major boost for Los Blancos, although Karim Benzema’s dismal form and a late red card for Arbeloa meant the away team had to work hard for the three points.

Heading into the match, Mourinho made several changes to his squad’s defensive line-up, due to the suspensions of Carvalho and Pepe; Ramos was pushed into the centre with Raul Albiol. Los Blancos began the game with confidence, and a penalty claim, a long range free kick and an attempted bicycle kick all from Ronaldo within the first 10 minutes ensured that the away team asserted their dominance over the hosts. However, Mourinho’s men were soon awarded a penalty after Angel Di Maria was pulled down controversially by Mane while making a run into the penalty box. While the referee pointed to the spot immediately, the Getafe players were outraged; however this was to no avail as Ronaldo calmly beat Codina.

Los Blancos were soon leading 2-0 when Di Maria made another dazzling run before sliding the ball to Oezil who ran around the goalkeeper and slotted his team’s second goal of the night at the near post. The hosts then began to apply the pressure on Madrid, with Rios and Parejo having numerous chances to pull one back for their team. Their efforts were soon awarded when poor defence by Arbeloa and Diarra allowed Parejo to try a long range effort which sailed past Casillas in the 29th minute.

Early in the second half, Ronaldo seemed to have ensured a Madrid victory with a clinical finish following Benzema’s interception of a poor clearance from Codina. Los Blancos could have put the match out of reach for the hosts when Benzema had two exceptional chances; his first effort was collected by Codina after failing to shoot early enough, while his second opportunity was side-netted. Moruinho was visibly frustrated by his striker’s inability to score on these occasions, and rumours that the Frenchman is leaving Madrid during this January transfer window now seem highly likely, despite the news that Gonzalo Higuian will be out for the rest of the season.

Kaka made his long-awaited return from injury in the 75th minute at the expense of Benzema, although his comeback was low-key with only one clear goal-scoring opportunity.

The home side kept on pressuring the Madrid defense, and when Arbeloa was sent off for a second yellow card, the possibility of a Getafe fightback became possible. The Spanish defender was deemed by the referee to have touched the ball with his hands, and his side was reduced to 10 men for the remaing 10 minutes. The hosts were awarded for their continous pressure on Madrid when substitute Albin netted Getafe’s second of the night after the ball bounced off Marcelo and landed directly in front of the Uruguayan. However Los Blancos managed to hold onto a solid victory in this Madrid derby and closed the gap to Barcelona to just 2 points.

With the Janurary transfer window now open, Mourinho must ensure that his side maintains full concentration on the pitch and does not let any unnecessary points slip past them. New signings, particularly in their attacking line-up, seem necessary now that it has been confirmed Higuian will be sidelined for the remainder of the season. Players such as Adebayor have been linked to the club within recent days, although results on the pitch remain the clear focus for now as Mourinho aims to close the gap to Barcelona.

Man of the Match: Angel Di Maria

By Alexander "Real Madrid" Novo (Twitter and Facebook Follower)

English Premier League Round - Chelsea vs Aston Villa - Preview

As the Premier League gets back into full swing Chelsea take on Aston Villa. After a very unconsistant run of form Chelsea will want to put back to back wins together. Something they have not done in a long time in the League. Facing similar league form Aston Villa sit far down the table, they have failed to show quality upfront, where last season they dominated, lead by Abonglahor.
Chelsea are slowly losing contact with United, City and Arsenal as all three of the big guns have recorded wins this round. Villa have been contending with many injuries, as well as a number of signing who have failed to make an impact on the club.

Chelsea Team News: As has been the case fore a long time now, Chelsea will be without Brazillian Alex at the back. Ivanovic is suspended, while horrid performances from many Chelsea defenders has given Ancelotti a reason to consider playing Jeffrey Bruma. The 19 year old will see the game as a debut as he has not experienced any Premier League action before.

Aston Villa: A long list of injuries once again depletes the Villa line up. However fans will be pleased that Heskey and Young will return, although it is likely that they may make a start on the bench. The other Young in the squad, Luke, is out through injury and will not feature.

Chelsea will be under pressure to perform, especially as all the teams sitting above them on the table have recorded weekend victories. A string of injuries to both teams will see unusual lineups, although Chelsea may just hold off a late Villa charge.

Match Prediction: Chelsea 2   -     Aston Villa 1