Champions League Day Uno Part 1

September 16th, 2008 | by: Julian |

Today

Basically, today was a mixed start for Italian clubs in the CL.

Inter started off greatly, with a 2-0 win over Panathinaikos. The Brazilian tag-team duo Adriano (!) and Mancini both got on the scoresheet, which is pretty ironic, considering last year both of them kinda sucked–Mancini was wildly inconsistent and Adriano was sent out on loan. But they’re at Inter now and started off their European careers there with goals. Mourinho was so happy with the win that he shot his nipples (see above) and praised Ibra. I didn’t see the game so I don’t want to comment on it, but this is obviously a great start for Inter. They tend to lose the first game of the CL every year- with a win today, have they finally broken their European jinx?

Roma, on the other hand would be wishing they had Mancini to score a goal… Roma, Roma, Roma: My favorite club and the one that seems to be struggling the most at the moment. They lost 2-1 to CFR Cluj, despite taking an early lead. I dunno what it is with Roma and losing after early leads, but it’s a pretty alarming pattern. But I did see the end of this one so I will comment on it. There were some positives to be taken from the game- Totti is back, and DDR played pretty well. But holy crap do they need Mexes and Juan asap. Spalletti seems optomistic about bouncing back, but if they don’t soon then there might be problems. Ie, his job.

Tomorrow

Tomorrow Fior and Juve play, and both have pretty tough games. Juve’s up against Zenit, winners of the UEFA Cup who famously defeated Man U this year in the Super Cup. So yeah, not exactly a cakewalk. And Fiorentina have the task of beating Olympique Lyonnais. Both teams are pretty evenly matched, so it should be a good game.

Hopefully both Juve and Fior win tomorrow and get started on the right foot. I wanna see the trophy in Italy this year, dammit.

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fg

Mourinho was so happy with the win that he shot his nipples (see above).

the special one would do that, wouldnt he?
http://italy.worldcupblog.org/ Julian

I personally think Mourinho is one of the best coaches in the world. He’s a proven winner (yes, yes, I know that Chelsea has money and Porto had a somewhat easy run through the CL, but hey. How many other coaches did half the stuff he did). More importantly though, he’s so damn entertaining. He’s a journalists dream, especially with all his crazy quotes
http://ivorycoast.worldcupblog.org gianfranco

Julian outside of the fact that Mourinho is a ham, he is a coach that makes players want to play for him, go to bat for him, but he is also a coach with tactical mindset and the ability to prepare a team to shift and tactically reform on the fly. A chameleon of sorts, who will continue to learn Serie A…
KJ

hate to admit it, but Im a mourhino fan..Spot on, gets players to fight for him, takes the brunt of the media pressure to keep his players focused, and tactically pretty good..Did I mention he is funny as hell too

He brings a whole new dimension to a club and a city…Sorry, Milan, you are now second fiddle
http://italy.worldcupblog.org/ Julian

KJ- all the things you said show that he’s basically the epitome of a good coach. He gets the players to play well, he’s pretty damn smart, and he protects them from the media. Not much more you could ask for in a coach, really
Jeff

Haha shot his nipples. But seriously it looks like the Italian teams are off to a good start. Roma didn’t seem to play that good(I only got updates online, I wasn’t able to watch it), but hopefully with Totti and DDR back Roma will recieve a shot in the arm, or kick in the butt whichever you prefer. But two people can’t carry a team, let alone two that a few days ago questionable for play.
http://italy.worldcupblog.org/ Julian

I love Spalletti but more and more I’m starting to think Roma needs a new coach. He’s done wonders and he’ll do great at other clubs but I think Roma need someone to kick them in the ass (and not literally). They need a Mourinho like guy who will motivate them and make them want to play. I don’t think Spal can do that
KJ

Julian, I know you are a Roma fan..

Pick one of the three to coach Roma..
1. Ancelotti
2. Spaletti
3. Prandelli
http://italy.worldcupblog.org/ Julian

Ouf. Our of those three, based on current results, I have to say Prandelli. I love Spalletti but again, can he take the club further?

To be honest, I think Roma need a Capello/Mourinho tough guy coach.
MAD

All I read since this summer is that Roma suckered Inter on the deal with Mancini.

2 Serie A games, one Champions League game=1 goal and 1 assist.

Very good.

“They tend to lose the first game of the CL every year” just in 2006 and 2007. Not EVERY YEAR. In 2005 we won the first game of our group stage.

As far as Mourinho goes, he was the person that Ibra celebrated the second goal with, I think. Also, after the full time whistle sounded the entire team came over and surrounded him/hugged him/laughed with him/celebrated with him.

He’s fantastic.
http://juventus.theoffside alessio

but can he make you guys be Champions?
asem

I don’t think Prandelli would leave Fiore for Roma. Ancelotti on the other hand would leave any team to coach Roma.
MAD

I am dying to see what is going to be written here re: the Lyon game.
asem

I’m sorry but that’s just so whack… I hate Lyon even more now. Even Grosso agreed w/ Gilardino in saying that Lyon cheated… AND HE’S ON THE TEAM! It’s not the first time Lyon’s gotten helped by the refs. Remember the 1st leg in the CL at the Olimpico a few years ago? I think the game set some kind of new record in most cards handed out…
MAD

Would that be the one where Chivu got an elbow to the face?
Buddy Guy

Any team who doesn’t play the ball out when a player is down on the pitch injured should be deducted points.
Buddy Guy

Cheating is strong word, they were just unsporting and that should be punished.