The Two Derbies and Italians dominate the Champion's League
This weekend sees two crucial derby matches being played. In Scotland, Rangers play i mendicanti at Ibrox, in the San Paolo, Napoli play Salernitana. Will look at these games later in the article but first congratulations to Italy's CL representatives for a great week. Last week I said that I fancied Juventus and Milan to go through but Inter were a surprise. With a weakened squad they defended competently against the overrated Spaniards and were thoroughly deserving of their victory. The Valencia coach said that his team were the best over the two legs. Funny how they are out then. About as graceful in defeat as the average Celtic manager.
All three can now dream of a winning performance at Old Trafford on May 28th. The "Tuesday of Lions" will live long in the collective conscious of Inter and Juve fans. So to will under-strength Milan's win over Ajax now enter rossoneri folklore. In truth, Milan looked to have thrown it away but Inzaghi was in the right place yet again to save them, with a little help from Tommason. By way of contrast, La Vecchia Signora were underdogs, even more so when Edgar "the liability" Davids was sent off. Good defending, especially when Thuram moved to central defence, and an improbably good finish by Zalayeta ensured justice was done. I'm sure FF contributor Fabrizio was completely relaxed during the 120 minutes.
Those three results also made history, it being the first time three Italian teams have made the CL semi-final. The Spanish did it in 99-00 but the pendulum has firmly swung back in favour of "il campionato piu bello nel mondo". It also ends a barren spell, Juve were the last semi-finalists in 98-99 when they lost to Manchester United. As for Inter, their last appearance at this stage was in 80-81 when they went out 2-1 on aggregate to Real Madrid. Is an all-Italian final possible? I think so. Tuesday saw some excellent catenaccio and Juve should employ this against Madrid. The Spanish are poor at the back and a capable defence, from Thuram, Tudor, Montero, Ferrara, Birindelli and Pessotto should keep the overweight Ronaldo at bay. In the other semi-final, Milan will beat Inter. No Vieri for Inter which ends their season.
I'll have a closer look at the games nearer to the time. If I had to stick my neck out now, I'd go for a Juventus - Milan final.
As for the derbies, let's look at Rangers. Good to see the right-minded fans want to keep Amoruso at Ibrox. Anyone who doesn't think he would be missed will be in for a surprise if he does leave. He's our best defender by far and the best we've had in recent times. That includes Richard "Transfers" Gough and Butcher. Don't think Lorenzo will be too busy on Sunday though. We're overdue taking a few goals off Celtic and Sunday is the perfect time. Even without a fully fit de Boer, our inventive passing and movement will leave their leaden-footed team floundering. As usual though, a strong referee will be needed as they will kick anything that moves. Be prepared for the pre-meditated assaults on Lovenkrands. They'll get their usual penalty and the odds are on that they must score one eventually so I see us winning this 3 or 4-1, wrapping up the treble. Here's to a summer of pain for their fans.
I certainly wish the same on Salernitana. They are headed for Serie C but could seriously damage Napoli's chances of avoiding relegation on Saturday evening. San Gennaro's XI currently lie fourth from bottom and must take all three points at the weekend. Last year Napoli were pushing for promotion and were leding the granata 1-0 with seconds left. An over exuberant fan started celebrating early, ran onto the pitch, more time was added on and they equalised at the very end. A costly draw, it would be nice to pay them back. Recent form under Colomba has been patchy but this is a must-win match. The problem with Serie B is that each team is capable of beating any other and therefore it is a hard game to predict. Napoli have struggled all season and rarely string two good games together which further complicates the matter, let's hope they turn it on this weekend. The fans hate each other with a passion which matches Rangers-Celtic, think we could all do with a blue double this weekend.
Let's hope both teams "facci sognare".
www.rangersnapoli.com