World Forums

Gentlemen

Seeing as this is the most popular thread, I'll ask you all why our new board doesn't seem as lively as the old place? I definitely appreciate Red's efforts to ensure us a free and stable corner of cyberspace, but I am afraid of losing some regular contributors.

I miss slanging with Matt Clark, Barry, and Marko.

My guess is that the format here has a lot to do with people's reluctance to post. For example, I visited the old WorldCrossing site and reflexively wanted to post, simply because of the user interface. At a glance, you can monitor every thread's changes with minimum drill down into sub-threads.

Just my two cents. Any opinions?

Mate

I don't like the format either. I do miss the old place.

Why are there fewer users? Don't know. I can only speak for myself. I have been busier at work and I haven't been following Serie A as much lately.

So she is a Patron Saint around those parts

Casati - Whenever there is something you are looking for and it turns out to be right in front of your eyes, we say Santa Lucia! I remember my first trip to Italy when I was 16, it was in the month of June so I was able to celebrate the feast of St. Anthony, my namesake Saint. I was pleasantly suprised to the tradition of sharing pastries with all of the Antonio's and Antonietta's. I could never get my mother to start that tradition here unfortunately.

Desi - There are some aspects of this forum that I like and there are things that I missed at the old place. You can tell which threads have new postings. I have been a bit busier myself so I have not posted as much. Things are usually slow this time of the year, so I know that has some affect. And maybe everyone has not transferred over. What drives me nuts about the old place is that I have to log on each time I go there. I wonder if WC had success with the transfer or if they lost a lot of people.

Santa Lucia

Falc - My wife's grandmother sufferred from diabetes and she was partially blind. She used to have a saint card of Santa Lucia with a portrait of the saint and holding a plate of eyes. On the back of the card was a prayer.

You learn something new everyday.

Santa Lucia Statue

Casati - At my Church, we have this big statue of Santa Lucia as you describe it. My nephews asked me about the two balls on the plate. I told them that they were eyeballs. The boys gave me this funny look first, thinking it was disgusting and then being 8 and 10 years olds, thought it was cool.

Lucy's name is probably also connected to statues of Lucy holding a dish with two eyes on it. This refers to another legend in which Lucy's eyes were put out by Diocletian as part of his torture. The legend concludes with God restoring Lucy's eyes.

Lucy's name also played a large part in naming Lucy as a patron saint of the blind and those with eye-trouble.

http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=75

I guess this being the new year and all, a lot of people are busy. I am myself working 12 hours days. I bearly am getting 5 hours of sleep a day. Work is a mess. HOpefully they will return once they have settled down.

Poor you, Buzz Not sure I'm even working 12 hours a week at Uni lol. Life is hard

Seeing as this is the most popular thread, I'll ask you all why our new board doesn't seem as lively as the old place? I definitely appreciate Red's efforts to ensure us a free and stable corner of cyberspace, but I am afraid of losing some regular contributors.

I miss slanging with Matt Clark, Barry, and Marko.

Mate, I don't know if you mean Sulla or my good self by "Marko" as I know that's his real name and not mine :P

Anyway, you won't have much of a slanging match with me as I tend to find our politics are on the same wavelength, albeit with their differences because of our backgrounds etc. You're right when it comes to most topics, as am I

I am happy to post here and I don't mind the format at all. I have no intention of going back to the old place, but I know it's not for everyone. The reason I haven't posted here much lately is because of the holiday season where I was tied up with relatives and stuff like that. I'm sure it will pick up soon.

Falc - No. My daughter's name is Martina. But here in Parma, and northern Italy for that matter, they celebrate Santa Lucia by giving a gift to their children. It is not a bank holiday and thereofre a normal work day.

Years back, gifts were only given on Santa Lucia and, if your family had money, on the Epiphany (La Befana).

Some time in the 70s, with the commercialism of Christmas, people started giving gifts for Christmas.

My wife used to get gifts on Santa Lucia and for La Befana and not on Christmas.

My parents, who were poorer, got gifts only for Santa Lucia and they were meager as they were given oranges and chocolate.

Pram

Your message should've been directed at bineaz, not Falc.

How about Parma?

They won at Siena this past Sunday. Could they make it 7 out of 9 points this coming weekend?

Casati--I'm sure Gilardino is licking his chops at facing Lecce's defense. That's always good for 3 goals or so

Dezzi

Zeke-

Said it before the holidays...juve's done.

They don't have the horses...

First of all. Have you seen Juve's last 2 games? Against Parma they dominated, should have won, should have.... But no arguing about the level of play. Against Livorno they started off very well again, got weaker in the second half (that I didn't really watch, switching between Inter-Samp and Fiorentina-Lazio for the second half, F-L and J-L for the first half) That judgement can't really be based on the last 2 games

What do you mean with they don't have the horses? Starters or the bench not good enough. Not going to bother you with the starters, if you don't think they are good enough, there's nothing anybody can say to convince you otherwise. Bench: Defence: Pessotto and Birindelli for the sides, they are both more than good enough for the bench. Pessotto has lost 2 steps true, still better than the stiff Simijc that Milan has on the bench. Or did they get rid of him? Central defence: Montero (ok, I'm converted, but he made ONE mistake against Parma, not 100, and there is a certain Gilardino playing there, not an easy assignement.) Ferrara, Tudor, Legrottaglie, Iuliano. All a big drop from Thuram/Cannavaro, but who does Milan have? Costacurta? I'll take Montero. Stam, when he's not injured, sure...
Midfield: Olivera, Tacchinardi, whoever is on the bench between Blasi and Appiah, Kapo, don't see who else Juve might need.

Nedved's lost half a step (knee?) They go as he goes....

First part could be true (but in 01-02 and in 02-03 he only really started shining in the second half of the season, so there is still hope) Second part: IMO not true anymore. Emerson is as important, and Camoranesi if he keeps up the way he's played so far too. Not as spectacular as in his first few months with Juve, but better that everything he showed last season. So yeah, a Nedved injury would be big trouble for Juve, but not like before this season, others have stepped up. Including Ibrahimovic.

They could use a striker, but who's out there that will REALLY step up and produce????

Mutu? (sniff-sniff)

There's nobody.

No, Juve doesn't need a striker. 1) Ibrahimovic, Del Piero and Zalayeta have done well enough. 2) Kapo can play seconda punta too. 3) They'll get Trezeguet back this month. (Anybody knows when?) Don't expect him to start scoring 3 goals a game, but in 1 month or a bit more he should be back 100% Not sure how you came to the conclusion that between now and then Ibrahimovic, Del Piero and Zalayeta will suck......

Nobody available? Well, I'm sure they could somehow get Cassano, he seems to have a mancrush on Capello. But as I said, not needed. If anything Juve needs a prima punta. In case Trezeguet gets injured again. Ibra is tall, but not that good with his head, Zalayeta good with his head but not that tall (I think) Somebody like Fava would be more than good enough. Or Rigano, fantastic player with high balls.

Could Juve tire out towards the end of the year? Definetly, but that has not much to do with the players but how Capello uses them. Except Appia/Blasi he basically starts with the same formation all the time. It wouldn't kill Juve to give Legrottaglie/TudorMontero another try in defence, let Tacchinardi start a few games etc. Capello prefers not too. The ONLY thing that I liked better with Lippi. With him already you often saw one or 2 second stringer starting games against the minnows. But Milan actually has the same problem, and they did tire out at the end last year. And Inter is still out of the race. (But their comeback against Samp was great!)

Marko

Glad to see you're still here!

Barry said he's been busy of late, but that he will be more active here eventually. As for slanging, I meant it in a good way. I fully understand that you are one of the few voices of reason on things like religion, Iraq, and so.

Somebody has to lead Red and Dezzi to the promised land.

Vuoi un caffe?



1. CLICK ON THE LINK http://www.cartoline.it/pics/_zoom_flash.htm?immagine=scherzi_150404_01.swf

2. PUT THE COIN IN THE VENDING MACHINE

3. CHOOSE YOUR DRINK

4. CLICK ON THE CUP WHEN IT IS READY

5. CLICK ON "APRI"

Don't forget to click on APRI

Zeman: Relegate Parma
Thursday 13 January, 2005
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Outspoken Coach Zdenek Zeman has blasted Parma’s inclusion in Serie A this season as “unjust” as Lecce prepare to face Udinese in the Coppa Italia.

The Lecce boss, who was in charge of Parma during the 1989-1990 season, was responding to a reporter who asked him if he thought it fair that the bankrupt club was still in the top flight.

“There are clubs which have been relegated even though they tried to follow the rules,” he said, “and other outfits which haven’t respected the regulations but are allowed to continue.”

There have been several cases of severely financially troubled clubs that have been relegated to a lower Division, such as Fiorentina, Ancona and this summer’s Napoli case.

Parma escaped a similar punishment because their situation – caused by the collapse of majority shareholders Parmalat – only became clear mid-way through last season and changes were made to the infrastructure that kept the side afloat.

“I’m not saying that the Championship has been falsified, merely that the inclusion of Parma in Serie A this season is unjust,” added Zeman.

Lecce are going through a tough time at the moment and have slipped down the standings. They need a victory away to Udinese this afternoon if they are to stay in the Coppa Italia.

“We have to try because success is within our grasp. Our previous games against Udinese prove that, as in Serie A we were leading by two goals and in the Cup we were 3-0 up after 30 minutes.”

However, Zeman’s notoriously slack defending saw Lecce lose both those encounters, 4-3 and 5-4 respectively.

What a fckin waste. His suspenion runs through May, so at most he could play the last 2 Juve games of Serie A this year.

The dude has proven to be unstable. I know he is young and all, but why not invest in guy like Gilardino who is a fantastic player and a good person (ie. not a head case)??!?

Moggi really has disappointed me this year. I know we are in first place, but this team is simply not that good. Maybe Capello will work miracles and we'll win the CL or Scudetto....if that happens it will be all Fabio, because this team isn't anything to go crazy about.

Mate

Thanks, though I have to concede I know very little about religion. It's never been of a great interest to me in the same way, for example, politics has. I think you know I'm an agnostic anyway :P

Barry posted on another thread, if I recall correctly. I'm sure Matt and he will be back soon enough so we can get into it again, just like we did in the old place

'Uaglio wrote:The dude has proven to be unstable. I know he is young and all, but why not invest in guy like Gilardino who is a fantastic player and a good person (ie. not a head case)??!?

But Piero, there was no investment in Mutu. He was a free transfer. Some look at him as replacing Del Piero (and there are rumors about the Japanese League showing interest in Del Piero). And if Mutu works out, he could become a profitable transfer some day.

As for Gilardino, he comes to Juve when they sell Trezeguet. Let's see if he has the same second half of season that he had last year. Parma needs it.

Piero - I beg to differ. Mutu is a stud and he can flourish with giuve. He will get his act together because I don't believe that they would even take a chance if they felt he couldn't.

Del Piero is finished and has been for quite some time. They needed to go after a replacement even if it won't pay dividends until next season. You want Gilardino? You don't need him as you already have the gypsy Ibrahimovic.

Zeman likes to shoot his mouth. He has a point but to be honest I do not know all the details of Parma's manipulations to remain in Serie A.

Let's not forget (even I do) that Parma has done more than Lecce, Ancona and Fiorentina. In the last 10 years, they've done more than Napoli so the federation may have closed an eye to keep them in Serie A.

This is how things are done Italy.

Mutu-

Gotta go with Pramzan on this one. He is a stud, and I'd also add that before he left Serie A, he was in a short list of dominant strikers. He's going to come back with a bang - it's a good pick-up for juve. Kind of makes up for the loss of DiVaio.

Gigi-

I guess that proves your theory that juve didn't need a striker as "off the mark"....I was right as far as Luciano saw it.

Let's see if I'm also right in predicting that juve goals will soon dry up before Mutu can save the day. Trez' is walking into shark-infested waters...with the extra weight of knowing that his team has striker concerns. Ibra's as far as it can go striker-wise - and that's not such a bleak prospect...I believe that he'll get stronger in the second half of the season should he stay healthy.

One thing on juve's side is that milan still lack a killer instinct when it comes to closing the gap....they played the late game this past Sunday knowing full-well the result of the juve game....they knew they HAD to win to make the Parma draw with juve the week before actually count for something, and in the end - nothing changed at the top of the table as they couldn't put the ball in the net ONCE.

MUTU--I'm not questioning Mutu's talent, I'm questioning his head. He's spent more time in a rehab clinic this year than a soccer field. Sure, he might get his life together, but it's a gamble. I think the better investment would have been Gilardino.

I think Ibra and Gilardino would have made an awesome pairing. Ibra is not your typical prima punta...he roams around alot and he's not that great of a finisher.

Trez is a cripple, ADP is pretty much done and Zalayeta is a journeyman at best. That leaves us with Mutu (a gamble) and Ibra for the future.

I don't like it.

Dezzi--

"He's going to come back with a bang" Let's hope he doesn't come back to Serie A banging a porn star while strung out on coke. LOL

RE: MILAN

For some reason they just don't scare me this year. They do seem quite inconsistent in Serie A at times. Palermo is a TOUGH team with a good young defense, but they should have closed that game out last week.

I think Milan will be much more of a threat in CL where the two game legs and more open style of play will favor them.

Dezi

Yeah right. Juve desperatley needs a striker and they go and buy one for the last 2 games of the season? And then you claim to be right? Just to make sure, I was talking about this season, not next season. And I guarantee you that Mutu won't save the day this season....

I stand buy my opinion (with which Moggi seems to agree, since he bought a striker for next year, not this year, unlikely that he'll go and buy another big one in January) that Juve doesn't need a striker, and if they need one Fava or somebody similar would be enough.

Mutu's head is questionable, he was a little short tempered bitch with Parma too, but who cares, as long as he can play, and he definetly can play.

Saluti

Mutu

He probably would have been here sooner but for the ban. I agree Juve feels he can work out and can regain top player form.

ADP: Is it a foregone conclusion he's history from the NT? Please some of you don't snicker too much it's bad for digestion….

Dez, Give Palermo some credit for holding Milan scoreless at home.

Bineaz -

Yeah, Palermo at home is tough for anybody. But a team with a legit shot at the title (milan) needs to, at least, get on the scoreboard EVERY GAME.

ADP 4 the NT? He's still in there, imo....not for anything he's earned, but for the simple fact that "Daddy" Lippi is at the helm and he has earned a second chance. At this point he's a longshot for 06, but I suspect we'll see him at least in a couple of games before then just out of respect.

Here's a better question........is Montella going to help Gli Azzuri?

Imo - he won't. Not unless he gets called up for every game from now until 06. He needs time to work with the squad and KNOW them as Vieri, ADP, and Totti do....timing, chemistry....we can't simply expect Vincenzo to step in and light it up. He'll need time. He's also not the best "team'guy", although his attitude had turned a 180 with Roma this season.

What about DiVaio? Has Italy forgetten him since his excursion to Spain?
They better not have.

Sorry for the ugly and nasty comparison, but sometimes Del Piero's recovery of his former greatness seems as likely to me as Liza Minelli's.

FCK Milan--I can't stand this team. Udinese deserved better but their backs were broken by that stupid autogol from Jankulovski.

INTER--LOL...They laid another egg. Why don't they just pack up and go on vacation now, because they aren't going anywhere.

PALERMO--This team moves into 5th place. What a tough team to play. Winning at the Olimpico is never easy, but with Toni playing like that, they are tough to beat.

PARMA--They should have killed Lecce, but made the game closer than it should have been. Gilardino gets the game winner with seconds left. He's got 9 goals this year on a shitty team...not bad at all.

ROMA--If only they had a defense. Montella has 16 goals..that's unbelievable!! He's just a goal scoring machine. Lippi can't ignore him at this point...he definitely deserves a call up to Gli Azzurri.

Tonight is a HUGE game. Cagliari is a tough ass team. We need the full three points. FORZA JUVE

Roberto Baggio On Verge Of Boca Jrs. Move-Report
1/16/2005 5:49:00 PM
Argentine daily El Clarin is reporting that Boca Juniors are attempting to convince Italy legend Roberto Baggio to join them for the upcoming Clausura Championship.
“Anything can happen,” said Boca’s vicepresident Pedro Pompilio when asked to comment on the rumours.

Argentina can be considered Baggio’s second home as he owns a hacienda close to Buenos Aires.

Baggio officially quit the beautiful game at the end of last season

I was glad to see Parma pull it off. They should have won easily but missed TWO PKs.

Juve is hysterical. They control their games only to give up late goals to teams like Parma and now Cagliari.

Zola was awesome but the blame here goes firstly to Appiah, who in the span of 2 minutes turned the ball over three times to Cagliari in the mid field. Secondly the blame goes to that other bidone Zebina who let Zola, 10 cm shorter, out jump him to put the ball past Buffon. IT was a splendid goal. Some of the blame has to go to Capello too. The game changed almost immediately in Cagliari's favor as soon as Del Piero and Appiah entered the game.

Buffon was livid. I never saw him that angry.

Parma

Parma has gotten 7 out of 9 pointsd in their last 3 matches. Hopefully they can ride this to the middle of the table.

Milan

I caught yesterday's match against Udinese and sorry Piero, but Milan is the real deal and IMO are the team to beat this season.

Hard to read and post. I say we move back to WFF.

Juve signing a party animal cokehead? and a mediocre striker to boot?

Not exactly "Juve" material.

Seems to me they're getting desperate.

You guys know you can change the background and text colours in your personal preferences, right?

And we should really start up different threads for different topics - that's the advantage of this type of forum.

If you want to discuss, say, the steroid issue....just start up a new thread. Want to discuss the Azzurri lineup? start a new thread.

In fact, I'm gonna start up my very own Inter thread ASAP.

Well, Zebina is starting to show his true BIDONE colors. I knew it would happen sooner or later.

Why Appiah is still getting playing time is beyond me? How we let the likes of Maresca go and kept Appiah makes me sick.

I still don't think Milan is all that. Udinese should have made it 2-0, but they flubbed their changes and hit the post. Then Milan gets the lucky auto-gol, and you knew the game was over then.

Even though Milan is not a great team this year, the sad thing is...neither is Juve. Our attack simply is not dominant, and our midfield has too many bidoni. Throw in the fact Zebina is starting to fall apart, and we are going to have a tough Scudetto race on our hands. Luckily Milan is inconsistent and will drop stupid points along the way.

Fuck WF! Stay here. Can't be bothered checking two forums every day for new messages. WF made their bed of charging people $12 a year; nobody here wanted to pay that, so they can lie in it 8)

Marko

Actually, quite a few of us were willing to pay to stay at the other place...I never knew there was a vote on the issue.

Was there?

I just thought it was ASSUMED we would move here, and we did.

I was willing to pay and I also saw eye-to-eye with those that didn't. But there quite a few who were willing.

I even offered to pay Pabsy's fee!