[Centraal] Serie A 2004-2005 #11

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Juve stunned by Ibra suspension

Juventus claim they are amazed and worried by the three-match ban given to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and will appeal, while Milan see their Scudetto chances boosted.

“We will lodge an immediate appeal against this decision,” revealed director general Luciano Moggi. “The Disciplinary Commission’s findings were like a bolt from the blue.”

Ibrahimovic was caught on camera striking out at Ivan Cordoba during Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat to Inter when the ball was in the other half of the pitch.

The Swede was also involved in another incident during the same game, in which he tried to head butt Sinisa Mihajlovic.

“We really weren’t expecting this, especially as none of the newspapers or television programmes had really zoned in on that situation,” continued Moggi.

“We hope to have the ban reduced on appeal, as if it stands then he would be suspended for the May 8 encounter with Milan. I can confess that we are worried.”

The Bianconeri will already be without the injured David Trezeguet and possibly Jonathan Zebina for that Scudetto showdown, so to lose their top scorer as well would be a heavy blow.

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Player of the Week: Toldo (Inter)

Francesco Toldo was undoubtedly the hero of Inter’s 1-0 win over Juventus at the Stadio Delle Alpi on Wednesday. The goalkeeper was literally unbeatable, not only helping to maintain his side’s record as Serie A’s most in-form outfit of 2005, but also keeping alive the title hopes of city rivals Milan.

It has not been a great campaign thus far for Toldo, with club owner Massimo Moratti hinting that the veteran ‘keeper may be on his way out at the end of the season. But the 33-year-old has responded in the best way possible.

Against League leaders Juventus in Week 32, the shot-stopper made a string of fantastic saves, most of which came against Zlatan Ibrahimovic. And when he was finally beaten, the frame of the goal came to his aid on two occasions.

After Julio Cruz gave Inter the lead in the first half, it was a dominant second-half display from the Bianconeri, with Toldo making at least three match-winning saves from the super Swede. As well as a fierce free kick from Ibra, Toldo performed heroics again as the international chested down and rifled a shot towards goal, only to see the massive ‘keeper palm it away.

The former Fiorentina man has undoubtedly been one of Inter’s best players since the turn of the year and perhaps deserves to stay at the club for another season. With speculation rife, however, of a possible return for current Parma ‘keeper Sebastien Frey, Toldo’s future at the club remains uncertain.

Although the San Siro giants have lost just once in the League, to neighbours Milan, they are too far off the pace to worry the Serie A leaders. Going out to the Rossoneri in the Champions’ League quarter-finals effectively ended their major goals for the season and could have signaled the end of Toldo’s time in Milan.

Toldo’s early season form with Inter was so indifferent that he was dropped by Roberto Mancini, who favoured veteran Alberto Fontana for a time. However, even he proved unreliable between the sticks as Mancio searched for some consistency at the back. Now, with Toldo back in goal, Inter have the best defensive record of 2005, conceding just 11 - better than both Milan and Juventus.

Whether Toldo is forced out of the Nerazzurri or if he decides to quit the club in the summer remains to be seen. However, one thing is for certain. With so many English clubs desperate for a world class ‘keeper, the former Italian international won’t be short of suitors – especially if he puts in a few more performances like the one against Juventus.

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Op vrijdag 22 april 2005 12:14 schreef DIGGER het volgende:
Marco Tardelli is ondertussen ontslagen als trainer bij Arezzo.
Prijsvraag: Hoe lang is deze Italiaanse legende daar trainer geweest?

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Op vrijdag 22 april 2005 17:14 schreef methodmich het volgende:

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Maandje ofzo?