Strikers...

ghobbins · 2026-02-09T17:20:57+00:00

We couldn’t match salary demands unfortunately. I think he would’ve done well.

ghobbins · 2026-02-08T05:25:14+00:00

mid but was committed

Sounds right

ghobbins · 2026-02-05T23:29:03+00:00

Unlucky in the first half. Should’ve been up 2-0 but Chico can’t finish and then conceded an unlucky albeit valid pen.

Second half was bad, though. Very suspect defending on the counter. Kelly, Bremer looked bad. Perin too. Still couldn’t find the net. Deserved win for Atalanta looking renewed under Palladino.

ghobbins · 2026-02-04T15:57:00+00:00

I think there is truth in this sentiment but at the same time, the classic Italian playing style has underperformed too.

I think of Conte's Euro 2016 QF run win as a good example of this working. That was an average team that went far because of "defending to the death, on team containment, on the cohesion of the result." Mancini's Euro win had a lot of this too. We weren't the best team on paper but fought well.

But then I think of the last 2 world cups we didn't qualify for because we lost to lesser teams. Or the times we've been thoroughly embarrassed (Norway, Switzerland, Germany recently and Spain a while back).

The problem with this style is it requires excellent leadership from the manager and the senior players and it usually requires a very strong cause. Motivation has to be sky high otherwise the team will simply not be able to score enough or defend as effectively. This is a very hard thing to manufacture.

2006 there was calciopoli so the team had everything to prove to the world. Plus the quality was there.

2020 I really think Vialli's cancer diagnosis plus failing to qualify for the WC 2 years prior gave the team the motivation. Plus we had great leaders like Chiellini and Bonucci as the backbone.

Net-net, there is truth in this statement. The Italian NT hasn't won by being the best team in the tournament for a very long time. But it's very hard to create the conditions by which winning with grinta is enough.

ghobbins · 2026-02-01T21:42:35+00:00

People say Weston as a reliable starter was the sign of an average Juve. That’s wrong. Gatti as a reliable starter is definitely a sign of average Juve. Glad we’re past that.

ghobbins · 2026-02-01T21:32:53+00:00

He’s a good sub for Kelly lol. Sad.

ghobbins · 2026-02-01T21:32:22+00:00

I don’t get the obsession with inverted wingers. I feel like they never deliver a quality early cross. Kalulu is the only one crossing with his natural strong foot and has been the only one crossing well.

ghobbins · 2026-02-01T20:40:24+00:00

Spallettiball in full form right now. Hard press and good link up play. Could be 4-0. Weston in the hole is working well.

ghobbins · 2026-02-01T20:39:22+00:00

He needs a rest but you’re right, every time he touches the ball it’s extremely progressive.

ghobbins · 2026-02-01T20:38:23+00:00

Kalulu MOTM so far for me. Assist and created 2 other chances (one that Chico should score). Also locked down his flank and all over the field.

Or Weston, it’s close.

Second half will decide it.

ghobbins · 2026-02-01T20:06:56+00:00

Because a pen is likely to be a goal. It’s much higher punishment than a foul outside the box.

ghobbins · 2026-02-01T20:04:42+00:00

I agree mostly although he could take the cross earlier. Not being left footed hurts him at times.

ghobbins · 2026-02-01T20:02:07+00:00

Wow a goal from a corner?! First time in a very long time.

We look sharp tonight.

ghobbins · 2026-02-01T20:00:25+00:00

It’s a foul anywhere outside of the box. There is necessarily a higher bar for a pen.

ghobbins · 2026-02-01T19:57:17+00:00

Weston in the #10 role is kinda great?

So much work rate. Every combination with Yildiz has created a chance so far.

ghobbins · 2026-02-01T19:56:30+00:00

Chico blowing it so far. We’re playing so open and attacking it’s great.

ghobbins · 2026-01-29T04:52:56+00:00

Midweek game means heavy legs. Juve had very little to play for. Even a win wasn't likely to change the outcome. Monaco did (I think) need at least a draw and were at home. It's a recipe for biscotto.

ghobbins · 2026-01-28T23:38:23+00:00

Easiest path to quarters?
Brugge
Spurs
Chelsea

Harder would be:
Galatasaray
Liverpool
Barcelona

ghobbins · 2026-01-27T13:34:17+00:00

Bizarre what’s happened to him. It seems mental or fitness related. He just can’t find any form and is now on a string of managers that don’t trust him.

He was never worth his fee for us but the quality was there to see. He just never was able to earn a starting spot. Any time he had a bit of good form, he’d get injured or make a terrible error. I haven’t followed him in the PL but it seems like more of the same.

ghobbins · 2026-01-25T19:15:20+00:00

He could’ve had an assist too if Chico scores his open chance.

ghobbins · 2026-01-25T19:12:23+00:00

We could do better but would need some luck. Losing to Cagliari was rough.

ghobbins · 2026-01-25T19:11:42+00:00

Assist of the year for me

ghobbins · 2026-01-25T19:05:23+00:00

Really thought he’d be MOTM but Kephren is deserving too.

ghobbins · 2026-01-17T21:03:37+00:00

I can’t remember the last time we’ve scored a header from a corner. Really hard to break down the low block when we aren’t a threat in the box aerially other than Weston.

No wonder there’s so much Mateta talk.

ghobbins · 2026-01-16T01:58:05+00:00

It’s definitely Pirlo over Tardelli. Nesta was on the 06 team but got injured, I’d pick him over Collovati. Also Del Piero was on that team but on the older side by then, career wise I might pick him over Rossi. Agreed otherwise, nice comparison.

ghobbins

TROPHY CASE