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Napoli On Fire | Juventus Collapse | Conceicao vs Calabria | Inter Frat Party & Much More (Ep. 489)
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From Romelu Lukaku matchwinner as brilliant Napoli 2nd half performance sending Scudetto message, Juventus collapse after Randal Kolo Muani scored on debut, AC Milan comeback to win at death followed by Sergio Conceicao vs Davide Calabria beef, Inter Milan demolish Lecce after Davide Frattesi quashes transfer rumors, to Mateo Retegui can't stop scoring for Atalanta, Roma win after comeback over Udinese, and Lazio defence crumbles to Fiorentina who are back in top 4 race as well as this week's Baggio, Serie ASS and Premface of the week plus much, much more when Nima and Carlo break down all the main talking points from Match Day 22 of the 2024/2025 Serie A season.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
02:09 Napoli: Romelu Lukaku Matchwinner In Brilliant 2nd Half Comeback
16:57 Juventus: Excellent 1st half followed Up By 2nd Half Collapse
33:46 Inter Milan: Lecce Thrashed In Davide Frattesi Frat Party
45:04 Atalanta: Mateo Retegui Turns On Style In Como Comback
51:16 AC Milan: Dramatic Comeback As Sergio Conceicao Goes To War With Davide Calabria
01:04:05 Lazio Defence Crumbles To Fiorentina Who Are Back In Serie A Top 4 Race In Crazy Ending At Olimpico
01:07:04 Roma Beat Udinese After Two Penalties & Lorenzo Lucca Scores Against Next Club?
01:16:11 Best Of The Rest + Champions League & Europa League Preview: Torino Win After Che Adams Brace, Empoli & Bologna Draw
01:17:52 Baggio, Premface & Serie ASS Of The Week
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Transcript
Italian Football Recap: Napoli, Milan, Inter
00:00:03
Speaker
Welcome to the Italian Football Podcast. Hello, everybody, and welcome to the Italian Football Podcast, the official podcast of Football Italia. I'm Kylo Garganese, joined as always by Nima Tavalli. On today's show, we will review the weekend Serie A matches. Napoli beat Juventus in a huge boost for their Scudetto hopes and a huge blow for Juve's top four chances. Milan capitalized after an incredible injury time comeback win over Parma.
00:00:31
Speaker
But the comeback cause was overshadowed by incredible scenes at full time as manager Sergio Consesel and captain David Clabria had to be dragged apart by players. It was ah incredible to see. um Inter, though, Thrash Lecce, while Atalanta's Mateo Retegui continues his stunning recent form against Cormor.
00:00:54
Speaker
Roma finally win away from home while in their evening game on Sunday Lazio lose at home to Fiorentina who return into the top
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00:01:03
Speaker
four. retant We'll also preview the middle week Champions League and Europa League match as the final match day of the league phase and we'll have our usual bad show prem phase and Celia Ass of the week and there's some quite incredible Celia Ass of the week.
00:01:17
Speaker
And for all our first thumbnails, this is our free weekly episode that we do every Monday, reviewing the weekend Syria action, all the biggest talking points in Italian Football. well If you want to support the Italian Football Podcast and receive all of our content that we do throughout the week, including a weekly Q and&A episode every Tuesday,
00:01:32
Speaker
plus the weekly Thursday midweek review show, plus interviews, post-match reaction and much much more, then go to patreon dot.com slash T-I-F-P, become a subscriber for just $2.99 a month plus VAT. You can also sign up to be a paid subscriber on Spotify. And for all of you who listen on Spotify, Apple and ah iTunes podcasts, we'd really appreciate it if you give us a five star rating.
00:01:51
Speaker
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Napoli's Tactical Mastery Over Juventus
00:01:58
Speaker
memberships. Go to our YouTube channel on youtube dot.com slash at ittafootspod for more details. Okay, let's get into today's show.
00:02:09
Speaker
So we'll start off with the big match in Naples from Saturday evening. in Napoli against Juventus. Napoli win 2-1 in a fantastic second half performance problem from Napoli. and Most importantly for Napoli, this is a huge win for their hopes of of winning the Scaretto this season. and In consecutive weeks, they've beaten Atalanta and now Juve. They're on seven straight wins. And I would argue, Nima, that if Napoli beat Roma next week,
00:02:46
Speaker
they would have got rid of three of their really tough games for the second half of the season. I could say, I could argue that maybe that that makes Napoli's good essay favorites. What do you think? I think it's too soon to make them favorites. I think what is important is that they continue to win and they continue to win, not the way they did before Christmas, where people correctly were criticizing them for you know, this isn't sustainable. This is very sustainable. They dominate teams. They just manhandle them. That second half, Napoli were just, they, the way that they, that I mean, if you compare the first half to the second half, Napoli comes out and just do everything they do quicker with more intensity at a higher rhythm. The pressing was,
00:03:42
Speaker
cohesive and fast and it happened at a much higher tempo and Juventus didn't know what hit them and they couldn't recover. They they just outran, outfought and Konta outthought Juve. It was wonderful to see how Lobotka dropped down in defense with Rahmani and Juan Jesus going wider. And then the Lorentz and Spinach Sol are stretching the pitch. Politano, Neresh, somewhere in the middle middle between wide and the center. And again, the dancing field with Anguissar running for three people in the middle and Scott McTominay linking up with Lukaku, who was
00:04:34
Speaker
that equalizer is all Lukaku for me because the way that he holds off three, four, draws attention from and wins the battle from three, four Juventus defenders is how that space is created um for Anguisato equalize. ah it was And then they just kept on drumming. They just kept on going. It was like that they put Juva through the ringer and just relentlessly
00:05:03
Speaker
systematically and again we see an apolly that goes a goal down but it doesn't face them it doesn't bother them it has absolutely no impact on them they know what they need to do they know who they are they believe in themselves And they just do everything they do, but at a higher tempo and turn the screws on. And that's another thing at this point in the season, usually with contour teams. And this is what I meant when I said before Christmas that, well, let's wait, because after Christmas is usually when contour teams kick in. It's it's the physicality. They look fresher than everybody else. And it's no, you know, it's not strange that they look and they are fresher physically than everyone else, given that they only play once a week. They only got the city out.
00:05:45
Speaker
But the fact that Conte continues to be able to keep his squad fresh mentally and physically at this decisive moment and in in in in the season is why he has twice before, when playing once a week, won the league in the Premier League and the Serie A.
00:06:03
Speaker
um and it was just fantastic they you know he he he just they just dominated you it was a second after brilliant they were possessed second half i mean first half will come to you they after you you've entered us with a better team tactically technically and physically all three areas they were the better team in the first half the second half napoli there was only one team on the pitch in the second half and and yeah that physical aspect um definitely but plays into it although you know I want to look at the other things that went wrong for Uwe when we talk about Uwe but um you know maybe Uwe did start to tie in the second half because they played in midweek and I'm sure that is part of it and that's and that's why Napoli do have such a big advantage because they had a week to prepare for this game
00:06:46
Speaker
and the the physical difference in the second half. I mean, it was it was so apparent. um But also, you know, and this comes down to Conte, and the praise that we have to give Conte is that, you know, whatever Conte said at halftime, you know, this is what makes him so special. You know, he is, he's able to get a response out of his players. They didn't play particularly well in the first half. And, you know, he is,
00:07:12
Speaker
you know who I mean, everything that he said in his play said after the game is the way that they're all fighting for him. You know you can you can imagine what he said to them at half time. you know You've got to go out there. you got want If you want to win, you've got to fight. You've got to run. You've got to win every duel. And that's exactly what they did in the second half. Look at Conte's quotes after the game.
00:07:32
Speaker
you know He even used the word leader. Whoever is a leader must do the most with what he has. I have a group of guys who follow me blindly and believe in work. They have grown exponentially. Not everything comes by divine grace but with work. The others are more beautiful and fragrant. We play European football.
00:07:49
Speaker
So, you know, it shows that, you know, that is what he is demanding from his, from his players. And, you know, and spin at solar says with Mr. Con say, there is never a day of rest or recovery. He makes us run and go at our best always. And I love this quote, the day we run the least, the day of the match.
00:08:05
Speaker
when we have fun. I love that quote. That's beautiful. Their day off is the match. It's brilliant. So I think that, listen, what Conte is getting out of it, and this is the difference also between him and Tiago and Motta, and this is a great sense of a Motta, like with Motta,
00:08:22
Speaker
you know I don't want to become the whole English journalist here or that the person that shouts the most in the touchline is the better manager, because that's kind of the English way of thinking. There is some element of truth there, like look at the difference between the manager and look at the way that Conte, like in Zaggy rants and raves and he demands and you know, Conte so demands and you know, that that gets the players play with life because they respond to that.
00:08:43
Speaker
And that's what a leader does. And with Motta, he's all calm and collective, even when they're 2-1 down. and And he can't get a response out of his players, partly because of that. I mean, ah listen, that's ah that's a basic way of looking at things. But you can see that this Conte, he gets everything. And, OK, it's not sustainable. And it's why his teams, after two years, three years, usually fall apart because it's exhausting. But for those first two or three seasons, I mean, he gets the best out of him. And that's i think if he and and the thing that he does the is is how he gets the best out of those who are not even starters. like If you look at Cholito Simeone, when he came on, he was
00:09:25
Speaker
I mean, he was foaming at the mouth. He was on the floor crawling like a dog, throwing head first towards the ball that was being kicked by Gatti. I mean, it was just... Well, did you see Billy Gilmour? Yeah, they were all going to die. Billy Gilmour's played about an average of 30 seconds this season, OK? Billy Gilmour.
00:09:45
Speaker
who, you know, in the in the injury time is fighting with with with McKinney. And then at the full time, you see you see Philip Billing has even played a minute since he's since he's come and he's celebrating wildly that they won. I mean, this is he creates this is the togetherness and team spirit that Conte creates. And it's so you know, this is this is what this is what Windjuice, you know, titles and Windjuice gave. He creates a group like Feudu in football.
00:10:12
Speaker
Um, he has this ability to create a unit, a team, a team spirit where everyone gives everything for the team and works hard. Um, and he has, and because of the fact that tactically the football is like a well old machine, the players aren't stupid. They feel comfortable in, in the system because, and they, they understand the system now and it's not just running m aimlessly. Um, and they feel that when they can.
00:10:42
Speaker
come back from games in big games when there are gold down and win home away that breeds confidence that breeds belief and he you know and the way that he he also behaves because he is he is a volcano you know of of emotion on the side No, I mean, also, you know, you know, he's done this losing Victor, he's done this this season, losing his two best players. Victor Ross, I mean, don't get me wrong, playing once a week is a huge, huge advantage, right? And i and I'm sure next season, I think Napoli, you know, they'll need they'll need to do some really good business in the transfer market. I think they might struggle a bit next season. you thought But, you know, what he's done, having lost his best two players, Victor Ross Suman,
00:11:26
Speaker
And kuri ah clarit these two superstars, let's be honest, Khvitra Claret scared him mid-season in such chaotic circumstances off the pitch due due to incompetence above his head on both players. And it's been chaotic and it's been very public, both of them. The way that he's managed to override that and and do what he's done is is is incredible. And even for this game,
00:11:47
Speaker
you know they're They're without Juan John not and Olivera, they have to play Juan Jesus and and and spin it solo. I'm looking at that before the game and I'm i'm thinking Juventus or whoever the opponent is, that is a real chance to to to to to to target that area. That looks weak to me.
00:12:04
Speaker
and And, you know, so it's incredible really what he's done with what what he has available and with the circumstances. I mean, I thought Spinet Zola was brilliant in this game. I thought after Anguisa, I thought he was the best player on the pitch. He was rolling back the year, some incredible dribbles and he was beating McKinney for fun, um you know, and then Anguisa, you know, the the guy has turned him into a beast and he scores again. and But as well as the kind of the mental aspect from what he's got, psychological aspect of of what he's brought, Conte, you know,
00:12:35
Speaker
tactically, and this was apparent in this game, but it's been apparent all season is, you know, he was He was targeting Uwe's fullbacks in this game. That was a clear tactic for me. Juventus fullbacks are weak on crosses, and they were putting lots of crosses into the box. That's how the equalizer came on Mckenny, targeting Mckenny, and the Cambiasos weak on the other side as well. They were putting a lot of crosses onto it, so that was tactical. But also, just generally, the number of players Napoli get in the box on crosses all season, especially in the last few months, last couple of months or so.
00:13:09
Speaker
um You know, they're getting five or six players and there's a lot of big guys, you know, Lukaku and Guisa, you know, and Tomine. You know, these players are so good in the air, so dangerous from the air, and and that's why they they're starting to score a lot of goals. You compare that to, to say, Juventus, who one or two players are in the box every time they put a cross in. and They don't even really have much of an aerial threat on those crosses from their midfield and attack onward upwards.
00:13:35
Speaker
um you know That's the difference. that that that is I mean, it's quite basic, but Conte has these these basic rules, what he wants from his squad, what he wants how he wants his team to play, and everybody does it. And then he does for individual games. He has certain tactical tweaks, such as you know targeting the U of A full-backs in this game on crosses. So yeah that's why it's all working. um and And it was great. And I think individually, um yeah, like I said, I think those were the key ones for me. Anguisa, Spinet Sola, and then I thought Lukaku,
00:14:05
Speaker
you know he he he played the role that he's been doing. And and and I thought Politano was pretty good as well. It's very funny with Politano given that the last two coaches that Juventus have had, have had,
00:14:21
Speaker
are coaches that discarded Politano at Inter. He struggled under Spalletti and they didn't get along. Well, he wins the Scudetto under Spalletti. Then Conte comes and he doesn't want him, gets rid of him. And now he's finding him at Napoli and he's actually working really well there. It's like it's It's very, very funny to me, just ah as a note how Politano couldn't work with them at Inter, with Spalletti or Contre, but at Napoli everything's great. it's ah it's it's it's It's a funny little anecdote there. But no, I mean look, just the tactical aspect of it. Stretching the pitch, you know, when Lobotka drops deep and the two centre halves in the back form move out to right and left centre back and you have the full back going as wing backs, you have the wingers becoming
00:15:08
Speaker
some sort of inverted wing is creating a numerical advantage there you have a Lukaku who plays who's the best in the world still at with his back against the goal holding off defenders no one gets near him and he's also looking much more energetic and dynamic now at this point in the season and fitter um And then you have the midfield with the Anguissar, who is everywhere, is a Toto Campista, and McTominay as well, and they just outrun and dominate and create advantages numerical advantages, overloading, overlapping, and just putting the work in.
00:15:42
Speaker
is is is just so interesting and that's why, you know, that's what he did against the Yuva fullbacks because they he basically knew that he could overload and dominate them and create you know give give his wingers and wingbacks time for crosses.
00:16:00
Speaker
Aniflu got Lukaku dragging players out of position and you've got Anguisa and McTominay running in from behind with space. Well, that makes it really, really difficult to to defend against against. For sure. I mean, now now it's the transfer market big last week of the transfer window, but what has happened here is, you know, and we'll see what happens. They need a replacement for Kvarat Scalia. So, Conaccio and Andiemi, they're in negotiations for both.
00:16:23
Speaker
and they're hoping to get one of one or the other. Obviously, Conaccio is the priority, and but they also you know they they want a another sentiment fielder and defender as well. I mean, I think, listen, Conte has basically, with these two wins, he's basically, that's given him the the authority to basically say, now give me what I want and let me win the Scudetto.
00:16:46
Speaker
because he's put himself in that position and so you know we'll see what happens in the last week but Conte's in a strong bargaining position put it that way when it comes to buying a player but let's talk about Juventus now um first Serie A defeat of the season for Juve and so excuse me They were really excellent in the first half, um really excellent. they They were the better team. and They created two big chances, scored scored one of them. um I thought the pressing was great, the high pressing, the energy levels were really good. Tactically, Motta was getting the better of Conte in in that in that first half. They conceded almost nothing in terms of chances, just I think an anguista header of
00:17:31
Speaker
was at corner or cross ah towards the end just before Columwani scored. And of course Columwani on his debut scored, had a good first half. It was looking really, really good. It was looking really, really good. What happened in the second half, ah it was shocking. I've never seen a team a difference between a first half and a second half in the events of performance since probably since that Cardiff final and the Champions League final against Madrid where the second half they just literally from the second they stepped onto the pitch for the second half they just completely collapsed
00:18:06
Speaker
and events i mean the second half was the worst performance of the season by Juve. I mean, this and Napoli were excellent and we've given them the credit, but Juve were just awful, shocking, shocking. Look at these stats for the second half for Juventus. Zero shots of any kind on or off target, zero corners,
00:18:25
Speaker
38% possession. And let me just tell you, I checked after, at the time that Napoli scored their second goal, I checked the possession stats and Juventus had 19% possession at that time for the second half. Obviously after Napoli went ahead, they probably, you know, they went a little bit more conservative and that's where the position west why the possession number came up a little bit. Zero XG for the second half versus Napoli, who in the second half had 10 shots, six corners, 2.25 XG. I mean,
00:18:53
Speaker
absolutely shocking what happened in that second half now motter gave a lot of excuses at at the end of the game, which I didn't particularly like. ah One of them was obviously the physical angle, i mean which is which is true. you know Obviously, they're going to be more tired. They played in midweek away to Club Bruges in the Champions League. ah And you know Napoli have a whole week to to to prepare, obviously. But it was just the way that it happened instantly from the moment they stepped onto the onto the pitch in the second half. It wasn't a gradual physical decline during the game. It was just instant.
00:19:29
Speaker
and throughout the entire second half. So, I mean, it was just shocking. It's shocking what happened to you, Vate. And I think that this showed me a few things. um Number one, physically, this team is not up to it. We've seen way too many physical deeps dips this season, either in games or throughout the whole game. The start of the season, physically, Juventus looked good. When they were winning those early games, they were pressing high. The intensity was good. A bit like what we saw in the first half of this game, a bit what we saw against Milan.
00:19:59
Speaker
during that kind of 25 minute um ah period at the start of the second half where they won the game against Milan with those two goals. Motus physical preparation isn't up to it and this totally, totally backs up what I said when I was speaking to my sources and I said that some players are unhappy with the physical preparation that Motus was preparing them for games like they're playing once a week, as if he was still the manager of Bologna playing once a week.
00:20:24
Speaker
And I think it's true. but Physically, they're not up to it. Your physical preparation is not good enough because that's unacceptable, that the the way that they just fell apart in the second half physically. But number two, and this is more on juntily, they're too experienced. The UVA lack experience. This is the eighth game this season that UVA have been in the lead, and then they've not won. and They've dropped 16, no, it's eight, 16, 17 points this season.
00:20:50
Speaker
from leading positions, they've thrown away. So Junsadi has built a team that is too young, no one in the team has based virtual no one in the team has won anything and and the the the average age is too young. They can't handle these moments in games, key moments, balance moments where they're ahead. What do you stick or twist?
00:21:07
Speaker
or key moments of games that we've seen so many late goals that they've conceded, they cannot handle it. That's on generally and I think that happened in this game as well. They were ahead, the second half started and then the the crowd started to get behind Napoli and they couldn't handle it. They couldn't handle it um and then of course just the general gaps and weaknesses ah in the team that that we've spoken about for a long time where that where there's gaps and they're being exploited by the opposition and I've given one example, the full bats can't defend can't defend crosses um and teams are exploiting that. We've seen quite a few goals recently, goals at the back post, Juventus on crosses are ah weak and they also don't score any goals off crosses either. um So I think note that that's you know it's a combination of all of those things but the conclusion is that second half performance was embarrassing.
00:21:55
Speaker
For me, look, mot this is the first time Motta's playing three, you know, having to balance a couple of more than one competition or two, i did really just one, in his coaching career. And he's being thrown into a deep end where it's five. It's a super co-op, it's the cop a co-op, it's a Serie A, this Champions League, and it's going to be a World Club World Cup.
00:22:16
Speaker
Which is baptism by fire, and that's what it means when you are appointed coach of Yulva. It's just how it is. So I was kind of expecting to see him struggle with balancing and juggling all of this. But there's balance struggling and then there's collapsing.
00:22:34
Speaker
You were collapsed in the second half. They just weren't there. And that is worrying. And that is unacceptable. That is the thing that costs people their jobs at the big clubs. Losing when you learn, losing whilst learning on the job, that can that that's that's that's acceptable. But collapsing in big games from one half to another is not. That's the kind of things that gets you sacked in Italy from the big clubs. And not now.
00:23:04
Speaker
But I'm just saying, he needs they can't continue doing that. and they they can't He can't he doesn't ah can't afford another collapse like that, because then questions will be asked. And it's very ruthless, especially at Yule. So that's the first thing. The second thing is the individual quality.
00:23:22
Speaker
um I respect, actually, I think Lele Adani is, I like listening to him break down movements. I like to listen. I think he's, you know, he can be a little bit over the top when he's gets too much of a fanboy when he's commentating for Rai. But I do think he understands the game and I actually think he's a decent play by play tactical analyst. But when I don't know what they were trying to prove or what he was trying to prove,
00:23:51
Speaker
together with Cassano's an idiot. I expect an idiot to say he's the village idiot, so I don't take anything he says seriously. But when him and Cassano go on this rant, and it is a rant, arguing that the best Italian midfielder is Manuel Locatelli, Cassano believes it because, well, he's he's he's not you know he doesn't live in the same reality as the rest of us. But Adani does.
00:24:18
Speaker
And in it's it's it's it's a stupid thing to say. It's it's that it's just deliberately inflammatory to create waves. it's He's a good player, but he's not a top player.
00:24:31
Speaker
and these individual mistakes that he makes, these brain farts that he does, time and time again when under pressure, giving away insane penalty kicks in decisive moments, missing simple passes, putting his team... This is no longer just a one-off. It happens time and time. Again, for Locatelli to be good, he needs a top player next to him. Like we saw in the Euros with Barela and Verati,
00:24:59
Speaker
or Giorginio. He needs top players next to him for him to be very, very good. That's just how it is. i And he needs to play in a three as well. Yes. I agree with all that. He's too slow. He's too slow. He needs players to run for him as well. I agree. I think this this game, that we've had the proof now this month, two penalties given away. but utter of but His career shows that.
00:25:23
Speaker
It's not just these two games. It's it's you know, he's not child. Well, yeah, I mean a major anymore. I mean, he's an experienced play. He's one of the people that you were supposed to be one of the more worrying fingers. He's actually been one of the events is better. place this season Yeah. Well, that's what I'm saying. And that's the worrying thing. I mean, that what he's doing diving in like that on dominate. He wasn't even.
00:25:44
Speaker
about to shoot either it was like a last gasp desperation tackle either it was he wasn't if you see the body of of the I mean it's just madness it's utter madness um he's like you said I think that you summed it up perfectly he's a good player can be a very good player, but he's not a top player he's not and player. He's not a player for a top club. He can be probably a rotation player at Juventus, like a force ah fourth midfielder. fifthfielder you know yes That's exactly my thought. And I think Spoletti's been proven prove right on him, but you know it's not just him. i mean like The individual performances can be Esso again. Can be Esso gives away another goal.
00:26:26
Speaker
The way that he, his again, this is happening time and time again, um he gives the ball away. When Juventus are 1-0 up, they're at a delicate point of the game when Napoli were put on the pressure. They just missed that chance from Lukaku's header where Di Gregorio made a miracle save. um And Napoli are piling on the pressure. A delicate moment. Cambias is in the centre of the pitch, doing his stupid inversion again. And he he just gives away the ball so casually and stupidly to Napoli and then they go on and and then they score. um It's the fourth goal in in in a number of weeks now that Juventus have conceded after Cambiaso losing the ball stupidly. um And you know this is this is the problem with Cambiaso. He's not there from a ah ah defensive mental point of view.
00:27:16
Speaker
um you know He he doesn't you know doesn't seem to recognize danger and ah and an act appropriately. you know You're one nil up in injury time. You've got to understand the moment. You don't mess around playing cute in stupid areas of the pitch to lose the ball. you know And you're you're winning one nil at a moment where Napoli are piling on the pressure, the crowd are behind you, your your team are suffering. You don't mess around with it and play a stupid pass and lose it.
00:27:44
Speaker
Like that like he did against Napoli that that you know, can be a suit doesn't seem to understand this This is this is what's on and then I mean, I don't know maybe the man city stuffs play played on his mother He's been horrendous that this month for a while now can be a so That one's starting to think you bet this maybe they get an 80 million offer. Maybe they should accept it I mean, I don't think that but but you know is so you know, it's can be a so there's Loca Telly Mckenny All of those that that were having a go at me last week, are you going to admit, Carlo, you were wrong about McKinney? Well, well but you saw McKinney. You saw McKinney. This is what I mean by standards, Juventus standards. McKinney is not a Juventus standard player. We saw that in this game. I mean, he's playing at full back. We saw his limitations at full back. He couldn't defend crosses. um He was getting done all the time by Spinach Sola in this game. um yeah We're talking Juventus standards. McKinney is not a Juventus standard player.
00:28:39
Speaker
um You know, and then Nico Gonzalez, ah it's just not happening. He's been a non-mitigated disaster since joining Uwe. I mean, I can't tell you, like, I'd say the worst ones in the top have been Douglas Lewis, Nico Gonzalez and Corp Miners. Those three signings have been dreadful. And together, how much did they cost? It's there's there's mess. People telling me that you're too harsh on Juntoli Do you want to tell me in what galaxy a sporting director spends a hundred, 10, 20 million on players and every three, every single one of them of those three that you spend over a hundred million on has turned out to be not bad disasters.
00:29:25
Speaker
And you want to tell me that is not on the sporting director? There's no blame. There's no responsibility. I'm sorry, but that's ridiculous. There was a moment when Nico Gonzalez in the first, I think it was the first half where he got the ball in acres of space on the left and he had a one on one at De Lorenzo, who, let me tell you, De Lorenzo is not the best one on one defender at all. not Right. And he basically started to run at him and then turned around and passed it back. but That was the moment where, where I, where I just thought.
00:29:54
Speaker
Yeah, it's over. You almost think it's over. Listen, they needed a winger. They went for him. It's not happening at the moment. He doesn't look like Juve level as a starter. But again, this is where we're talking about Juve standards, the Juve standards. Legal Gonzalez was an excellent player at Fiorentin. He was He was the best player. The level he's playing at this season at Juva, he wouldn't even get into Fiorentina. No, no, no. He's not getting into the Fiorentina team now.
00:30:31
Speaker
that's how poor he is he's not getting into any team that in the in the top eight playing like this well yeah but that that happens though doesn't it you know you there's there's there's there's players that can they just can't can't move up the level and then they I don't want to say anything definitive on these yet because I think a lot of it is also down to Yeah, he's had injury problems as well. yeah And also the fact that also the fact that there's the the striker situation as well, Columwani is obviously looking like he's more adaptive. Well, that's the one positive from this game is Columwani. He starts, he scores.
00:31:07
Speaker
ah great finish. he He was moving much better. Well he was moving. I mean not hard to move much better than which the Serbian striker that moves. Well the Serbian tree it's not harder to to move move more than the Serbian tree but is is um listen he can switch positions with the other attackers. Yes.
00:31:28
Speaker
which which was you know which was causing Napoli problems. and he did And I love this go. I thought that was a fantastic, effort so like instant ah finish. I saw some people comparing it to Tressegue. It was. It was a Tressegue, like the way that it just banged, not even thinking about it. um so So that's the policy. I think he's got quite a few for you, but to be honest, he looked really fresh.
00:31:48
Speaker
Yeah, he looked good. and So that's the positive. Juventus need to pray that Moani can play like he did in the first half and get them the goals to try and get them in that top four. Because at the moment, it doesn't look like they're going to get it. um It doesn't look like it. um Two wins in 10 games. And they're fighting against, I mean, Fiorentina and Bologna are there as well. But I mean, I think it's going to be out of Milan and Lazio, realistically.
00:32:14
Speaker
um um Yeah, but look, Juventus in the Serie A, the next three out of four games are against Empoli Cuomo and Calieri. Well, that's what I mean. Listen, they need, they need, we need nine points from those three games. If we don't get it, then I think you you start asking questions, whether it's but is it you even, it's even worth trying to bring in another manager instead of Mozart, because Juventus cannot afford not to be in the Champions League next season. They can't. If they don't, if they're out of the Champions League, this project goes back about two or three years. It's a disaster.
00:32:44
Speaker
is a complete, doesn't they have to almost have to rebuild again? They're going to lose players. I mean, it's ah it's a total unmitigated disaster if Juventus don't get it in in the Champions League. Italian teams cannot afford not to be in the Champions League, especially once the Juventus have already weren't in it last season. And we've seen, as I was saying on Thursday, show the financial effects of that and how they plummeted down the Deloitte Money League. They're below even Milan and Inter right now, Juventus. I mean, that's how bad it's got. It's a total disaster. so Listen, and the next I think the next those three games you mentioned are key for Motta, otherwise, because I'm starting to lose faith in Motta now. I really am. And I look at the other teams, I mean, would I back Juventus against Milan and Lazio? I don't know. Two wins in ten games, Juventus have got. It's getting worse.
00:33:30
Speaker
It's getting worse now. and But you know, they've got they've got Moani in. We'll see if he can make a difference. um And and we'll see how they finish the transfer market as well. They might bring in another defender. Well, they will bring in another defender before the end of the transfer market. Let's move on to insert.
00:33:47
Speaker
um They thrashed Lecce 4-0 in this game. Fraterzi, frat's party he had, and two two more goals. And just to close off the Juventus theme, Fraterzi has more goals this season and he's ah and he's a reserve for Juve, for Inter. Some would say he's the sixth choice, Inter midfielder. He has more goals this season than Juventus' entire midfield of Coupe miners Taram Louise, who Juve spent over 130 million. I think that tells two stories, that does.
00:34:20
Speaker
Look, this was one of the few times this season, maybe fifth or sixth, like I explained on Thursday Port for Patrons, where Inter or Padroni el Campo, they dominated from start to finish, had two goals disallowed,
00:34:42
Speaker
There was a penalty situation which we'll get to. um But this finally was an inter that imposed themselves from start to finish. And they had control in midfield. And they had control in midfield because, okay, it was leche. It's not, you know, it wasn't a world beta.
00:35:03
Speaker
But it was they were they had more control in midfield, even though they were instances they got overrun, because Zielinski does not like playing as a regista, as he keeps telling us time and time again.
00:35:14
Speaker
but The fact that because of the fact that he is technical, he's much more dynamic, dynamic he's a great passer, he moves, he understands how to change positions, um he's actually more press resistant than Aslani and all of those things and that allows Inter to become more fluid and get the most out of someone like Fratesi.
00:35:36
Speaker
um who I think we saw already midweek after the Sparta Prague game when he came on that he looked whatever issue has been between him and Inter has been resolved. They've had a conversation and they have resolved the issue ah um Personally, my my hunch is that they've basically had this conversation where they're like, listen, you're going to get more time, you're going to get more minutes, but you're going to have to prove when you do get minutes and let's be professional. At the end of the season, we'll make a decision whether you stay or go. But until the end of the season,
00:36:12
Speaker
You stay and you give everything and we give you a fair chance. You know, let's be professional about it. And this is, again, I think a situation which shows how important the sporting director or someone like Marotta is maintaining the happiness, you know, as sport your your role is not just to buy and sell players. Your role is also to keep the happiness inside the house, keep everyone happy. And Marotta is a master at that.
00:36:36
Speaker
And it seems he's managed to do this too, because Fratesi was emotional after the game, talking about how much he loves to be a reinter and how happy he is, and he's never asked to leave. And, you know, it's important to be able to handle these situations, not just Marotta, but Inzaghi. And Inzaghi afterwards was talking about how much he, you know, he called him, he was, Fratesi was a secret weapon last season. And he's got an excellent relationship with him and so on and so forth. So,
00:37:05
Speaker
that was very key and then Denzel Dumfries I mean the he's having that season of his life that I think he scored he's scored eight for Inter in all competitions 11 for both club and country this season 11 is absolutely insane the thing is with him is Ever since that contract extension, players when they get a contract extension, they slow down. Dumfries has put in an extra gear after that contract extension.
00:37:37
Speaker
in the sense that he's um unlocked his full potential. And that tells me, again, is a testament to his mentality and his leadership. And he is a leader. He, the only aspect about Denzel Dumfries' game that is world class, and I mean world, world class, is his mentality and his mental strength. It's steel. He has a will, desire of steel.
00:38:02
Speaker
And he he puts himself and always at the service of the team. it's He is a team player and he leads by example. And the way that he's being used by Inzagi this season, he's understood that role much more. He's not really a wing back, he's a winger.
00:38:19
Speaker
He doesn't participate in the build-up play, but given that he doesn't, he allows intas, one of the turam and lautara to drop deep, but then they don't lose that depth in attack, profondita, because he pushes forward, he becomes a striker, and his finishing ah is is excellent.
00:38:37
Speaker
um aerily Aereally, when he gets into positions, i mean that goal, he just powers through. that he's got ah you know He's got a backpack ah of a lecture player hanging on him, but it doesn't that ball is going into the back of the net. That is his desire, that is his passion, that is his mental strength. he he just never He's relentless. and For all the criticisms that you can aim at him, and you can because he's not very technically gifted, he is very limited,
00:39:07
Speaker
He can't beat his man, he can't dribble, but it doesn't matter because what he does, he actually offers into many other options that they don't, you know, that the other ones wouldn't have. And it's just... I would say pound for pound, he's the most effective player in Serie A. And that's that's and that's that's the biggest compliment I get. in In football, sometimes there are just incredibly effective players. yeah ah People in SAGI is another one. you could All those criticisms you could say about technique, physique,
00:39:34
Speaker
all those things you could say about people in Zaghi, but mentally in terms of game intelligence, like in terms of his intelligence, getting into the areas, positioning, positioning, all that kind of stuff. You know, I mean, he was he was well class, one of the best of his generation. Yeah, but he was much more technical than Anzal Dumfries, but well, i know i'm I'm not I think I'm more technical than Anzal Dumfries, and I literally have two flat feet. 11 goals for a right wing back is absolutely so there's no doubt about it. I'm not saying he's the best wing back in the world. I'm saying this season he's the best wing back in the world. I think that's what I was going to get to. Don't score 11 goals and three assists as well by the way. That's what I was going to get to. I think when you look at on performance
00:40:19
Speaker
I don't think you you have to say that he's by far the best wingback or fullback in the Serie A this season. And I think you can make an argument that he's, if not the best, this season on performance alone. He's top three in the world. He's having the season of his lifetime.
00:40:35
Speaker
And it's important that he does have that, because he didn't need him to score. When Lautaro, Turam, and Midfield is aren't having you know there their best days, you just need the goals to come from somewhere. And you know the Dens of Dunfries will.
00:40:51
Speaker
will Will will provide because he's he's just relentless and of course Lautaro Martinez world-class There's no other words to describe him when he's in this form when he's fit when things are working for him Lautaro is a world-class player and that's why he does world-class things from back Heels flicks to the dumb freeze for the goal to to that Thunderbolt finish with his left foot to his link up play his movement Now he was just outstanding absolutely outstanding um So no it was a very important game and also it was really important for Inter to win and dominate from start to finish without breaking wasting too much energy. It was important that Taremi gets on the score sheet that he breaks his duck. You could see that meant a lot to the players um and the team and they need him, they need depth.
00:41:44
Speaker
ah that they need the depth players to deliver, and they did. and It was it was just and was a very, very overall calming performance going into the dubb into Derby Week, where they first play Monaco at home to secure top eight. and If they win, there's a big chance they can even finish second behind Liverpool, so which will be very important, not just financially, but also for seeding in terms of You know home game advantages and also avoiding Liverpool until the final and stuff like that So it's ah it's an you know, it was a good game. The only negative though, and I absolutely lost it whilst I was watching This is this is something Italian coaches do and you know that if Allegri was there he would have done it, you know that if Gasperini was there he would have done it, you know
00:42:36
Speaker
This, there is no need whatsoever to bring on Nicola Barella when you're 3-0 up. There's just no need for it on that potato farm of a pitch. There's no need for it. And then when he goes into that, when when he's when when when he looks, when he's on the floor screaming in agony, his knee, and everyone is thinking, oh my God, ACL, the look on Alessandro Bastoni of complete fear and just he couldn't even breathe how scared he was. Everyone at Inter were just holding their breath, right?
00:43:09
Speaker
Then, yeah so there's no need to play him when you're 3-0 up. That's the first thing. After that situation, I don't care if he wants to continue. You're 3-0 up. You play with 10 men until the end because you've done all your subs. you don't needat This is lecture away. Sorry, at that point, there were 4-0 up even.
00:43:29
Speaker
And this is the Italian coach thing where they just sometimes this archaic thing of, oh, you can't, you know, you need to have a few minutes to keep them fresh and in match tempo. This is lecture away. You're 4-0 up. There is no need to risk Nicolo Barrella. It's dumb and it's stubborn. And I, you know, interdodged the bullet because an ACL for Barrella, that's interseason. Goodbye. Arrivederci.
00:43:57
Speaker
Bye. Finished. And it's and at a sort it's a stupid risk. I mean, risk versus reward. it just That just pissed me off. It was no need for it. Now, let's hope that he's not injured. you know But he said he took a bad knock. Yeah, it is a hit. It'll be fine. But but but yeah, definitely it was ah probably an unnecessary risk to to to take from from from the start.
00:44:20
Speaker
um let's yeah yeah ah The only other the other thing and with this game from Lecce is Patrick Dolgu and Man United are in talks to sign him and they're about to table a new offer of around 37 to 30 million. fall into nigoles skira le orrovino My brother,
00:44:42
Speaker
what are you doing? No chair asking for 40 million, so we'll see. Pantaleo Corvino. We're getting closer to the... Pantaleo Corvino is doing a masterclass. That's all I'm going to say. I love it. Well, yeah, that's what everyone does to Man United. Yeah, but Pantaleo Corvino is just... To do it when you're at lecture is just... chefs Let's move on to Colmore versus Atalanta.
00:45:11
Speaker
comeback win for a lot of comebacks this this this weekend, big comeback win for Atalanta and their first Serie A win of 2025. came after an awful first half where they created nothing, and they had an XG in the first half of 0.02. Gasparini made widespread changes at half-time, and at the start of the second half, four changes, and it changed the game. and But the one I mean, Crescianini was probably the biggest ah impact play, two assists.
00:45:42
Speaker
and which added to the goal that he scored against Sturm-Gratz. It was a really good week for him. He kind of added that drive and penetration. But it's obviously that the story is once again, Matteo Retugi, who scored both of Atalanta's goals, two more goals for him, two more clinical finishes. That's four games in a row now he's scored since returning from injury, five goals in that time. The first goal in particular was a brilliant finish. So, so, so clinical.
00:46:10
Speaker
the movement to get goal side of his man and then scoring and then the second goal was quite easy finish, but it was still, you know, he put it away. and So, you know, two shots on target for Atalanta and Retagie at the time of the second goal, I didn't check it after that. so you know, Rettigy was a difference really in this game. This was a difficult game, it was a tight game, Como were playing well and Rettigy was a difference. So I mean, we're running out of superlatives now for Rettigy. The development he's taken, the growth of this season, I can't think of, there's lots of players that have grown this season, but the most difficult
00:46:50
Speaker
step to take is the one that Ritigy has taken from to a top player. He's playing at a top player level. He's one of the best strikers in Europe this season, not just for goal scored, not just for aerial ability, but again, movement, link up, pressing, making those around him better, playing them into position, himself being able. the The way that he moves around that box is just relentless the way he runs.
00:47:19
Speaker
and and find space. And of course, the the the Assassins touch, but he's always had that. Gasparini has worked his one magic wand again, and I'm glad that he has done so with Retegi because the Italian national team need him. They do. They really, really need him.
00:47:40
Speaker
um And it's just it's so impressive to see. He I think I don't think anyone is stopping him from being top score in the Serie A this season. And I think if he hadn't had that injury, he probably would have already been above 20. It's it's it's and I'm looking at him in the summer and I'm thinking, I don't think he stays at Atalanta. I think I don't see him going to the Premier League either. And I think he's a Premier League player. But I look at Juve,
00:48:09
Speaker
And I look at Wlawicz, and I see, I think that's the most natural move ever. and it would And there's some historical precedent there, isn't it? I mean, the last time in Atalanta, or the only time that an Atalanta player has won the Cup of Canada, it was in 96-97 when Filippo Inzagi scored 24 goals for Atalanta and then went to Juve.
00:48:28
Speaker
well I think he's going to probably be the second one. I hope that he stays at Atlanta for one more season until the and until the World Cup because I want him going into that World Cup as a guarantee of another excellent season. I don't want him joining a new club where maybe he maybe has to he has to, you know, adjust to a new style of play. Although I think he's proven now that he can adjust to any style of play. but But I want him to stay. I don't want him to be cooped-minded, put it that way. I don't think he will be cooped-minded because of the fact that if he continues to move, I mean, it depends on who the coach at UVA is and what they tell him to do. Well, not just UVA anywhere, but you know what I mean? We've seen it with so many Atalanta players. Yeah, thing I know. But I think it's a guarantee. like Everybody thought cooped-miners would be a guarantee. oh I did.
00:49:12
Speaker
I thought, oh, he's not going to get atalanted. And he has, even he has as well. So it makes you think whether, you know, but listen, that yeah, that fantastic. And I just want on Brescanini, he wrote, he he's he's at the Lantas McTominay, these piercing runs, these linking up of midfield and attack with just his movement and penetrating runs. Like you said, he he's he's very in and the drive and and and and the way that he carries the ball and like gallivant gallops forward.
00:49:41
Speaker
he's going to be very useful for them. it's ah ah ah it was not I'm not surprised that Brescanini turned this game on its head. Yeah, for sure. um Let's move on. well Let's move on to Milan. um Can we just say about Nico Paz? Nico Paz, yeah, a great finish. I mean, i've've I've been speaking about him all season. He's a fantastic player. He's pure Pure class. so as pure class like I saw someone, I can't remember who it was, who said something that they don't think he's good enough for a big club and I'm like, hi why do you say that? Real Madrid will bring him back, I'm sure. and then well if Look, Real Madrid. They'll sell him on for a fortune. I know you've been linked with him and a few other teams, but I'm thinking he's probably
00:50:32
Speaker
too expensive even for Italian clubs now. He's he's that good. if they do He's so good. If they do if they do sell him Real Madrid when they bring him back, they'll do one of these kind of Morata deals where prime yeah that's the way it's deal but they sell him for an affordable price to an Italian club, but they'll put in a buyback clause and they'll bring him back. So, yeah you know, listen, if you can get, but even if you're into and you can, because i I'm sure they want it, Zanetti went to watch him.
00:51:01
Speaker
and ah Zanetti had dinner with his dad at one of Zanetti's restaurants in Milan, El Gaucho. If you're interested in having him for one or two seasons and then lose him, I would still take him because I think he's fantastic, but he's someone with a big, big future for sure.
00:51:17
Speaker
um Milan versus Parma, there's only one incident. well The thing is that the story of this game should have been the crazy injury time comeback from Milan. They scored two goals in injury time through Reinders and Chukwesi to overturn a 2-1 defeat into a 3-2 win um and a game in which they were horrendous but but for the entire game until injury time. And we saw again, kind of what I was saying about Motta, that this was basically Conseil's spirit within this game, getting the team to fight, fight, fight until the end and getting, you know,
00:51:49
Speaker
getting that out of them and somehow managing to win a game they didn't deserve to win. They were so bad. um That should have been the that's the the talking point of this game, but it's been completely completely overshadowed by this insane incident at the end of the game between Concy Cell and Calabria. Calabria had already been substituted on. At the end of the game, as they were celebrating the win, Calabria must have said something to Conseil, which Conseil didn't take very well. They then started basically shouting at each other, and then they had to be separated. Fafana dragged Conseil away in one direction. Calabria was dragged away by somebody else in the other direction. It was very, very ugly. It really didn't look good at all. After the game, Conseil
00:52:41
Speaker
Calabria apologized um for for what happened and said basically said, you know, misunderstanding, you know, everybody's adrenaline was high, you know, these things can happen. um Conseil Sal was more kind of asserting his authority saying, you know, these things can happen, but, you know, sometimes off a parent with their child, they have to kind of discipline and, and and you know, so he he was he asserted his authority. but The bottom line is that this was this really didn't look good and at all. And I think that when you add the fact that Conte Sal took off Leo and Teo Hernandez at halftime as well, um this is showing that, and I think Conte Sal can handle it, and I think he's the right man to handle a bit. This this kind of shows just,
00:53:28
Speaker
the situation that Conseil finds himself in with a bunch of ah players who really aren't behaving in a way that they should be behaving if they they want to create a winning team. I look at this a little bit differently, this this this particular incident. um I think this was, from a strategic point of view, Sergio Conseil just won with a TKO. He played a diplomatic masterclass.
00:53:56
Speaker
Regardless of the official reason, this talk of Calabria, Ruben Loftus Cheek and Teo all go into a concert on Friday night, coming in at 2 a.m. Regardless of Calabria kicking a water bottle at Consi São, which Guy Spotritaglia reported after he was subbed to Consi São and Consi São looked at him, regardless of all of that.
00:54:17
Speaker
Calabria is, to put it mildly, far, far from popular among Milan fans. In fact, you can go so far as to say that he's very hated. And I don't think hate is a strong enough is is too strong a word here. The fact that he's wore the captain's armband has been seen among many Milanisti in the media as well as out just fans. that And it's been an affront. So I view this from a little different angle. It's not good enough.
00:54:46
Speaker
Well, that and also his attitude. But I view this from a little bit of a different angle. So six days ago, ahead of the Champions League match against Girona, Consul São said to the fans, you might not like us, but we're the ones here at Milan. If you don't support us, the club suffers. Don't be the 12th man, be the first man. Please pick up on the atmosphere. So what he's essentially said there was support the player. He supports the players and and the team outwards. And inwards, we all know that he demands that every single player give their all for the shirt. And if you add to this, he wants, you know, Manon is the new captain. He wants to make that permanent.
00:55:24
Speaker
Now, fast forward to the San Siro yesterday against Palma. I think it was 57th or 60th minute. Calabria miss kicks across on the back of a dreadful performance and the San Siro explodes in boos and jeers. I mean, he's already had a torrid game. Now, add to that the Karl Walker has just arrived.
00:55:43
Speaker
and And of course the concert with Theo and Ruben Loftus-Cheek that Calabria was there. Ruben Loftus-Cheek didn't play. Theo was subbed off. Now add to this that Milan come back in dramatic fashion with through heart, fight, grit as demonstrated by Pavlovic. They win it to death.
00:56:02
Speaker
And I think Consé São just sees his chance to prove a point to the fans, the squad, and give himself exactly the excuse he needs to go after Calabria and nip this in the bud, this this this rut in the squad. And it all happens in the week leading up to the Derby. For me, this just ticks every single box. This makes it easier to bench Calabria. It makes it easier to permanently and officially just strip him of all authority in the team.
00:56:29
Speaker
It wakes the team up psychologically and it and it breeds confidence that you get from winning the at the death and the fans will love him for this. Look, Konsi Sao is breeding a red and black army inside and outside of this club.
00:56:47
Speaker
This is how Moringo used to build teams. um This siege mentality based on strength, determination, hard work, and respecting the shirt. It's similar to what Conte does, Simeone does. It's pure mentality monster stuff. And I have to say, well played Conseisao and congrats Milan because you now have a strong man and he's breeding an army.
00:57:12
Speaker
No, i listen, that's a brilliant theory. I love it. and I love how the way you explained it. What I would say I 100% agree with you is, as I said myself,
00:57:25
Speaker
the way that he comes out of this as authoritative. You know, there's no, i mean there's no questions. And I not even mean the way that he, he comes across as somebody that that's in control. yeah If this had happened under Fonseca, Fonseca would have probably come out of it. He probably wouldn't have even squared up. He would have come out looking weak. And, and, and, you know, and this is the difference between console and Fonseca is that console can handle these situations, even handling a squad, the I mean, that this and the the way that they behave, they don't behave like like ah like winners and that you can add the concept to that um as well. um And, you know, we saw it a lot, you know, we saw it half time and he's taken off Teo Hernandez and and
00:58:11
Speaker
and and Liao, um so he's recognizing the same problems that Fonseca recognized, but I'm sure that he will so that he will handle that situation in a way that won't affect the squad negatively in the way that he did with Fonseca, because Conseil Sal, I think, is is you know his personality and his character, he's able to to to handle these kind of things better and in a more authoritative way, but he's clearly recognized those problems are there.
00:58:38
Speaker
um on and off the pitch. And we saw, you know, Liao and Theo were shocking. in the first half, ah their work rate, their lack of desire. um I mean, Teo's defending on the Clancilieri goal is just embarrassing. I mean, he's a left footed player playing on coming from the right and he he shows him onto his left foot. He says, come on, come in inside, i'd come onto your left foot. Come on. ah mean you know I mean, I He's a lollipop man there. I mean, it' this it's is it' horrendous defending. It is.
00:59:11
Speaker
He takes both off at half time. Didn't really improve things. ah but I just have to talk about Liao here for a second because that is one of the worst halves I've seen him play for Mila. Just look listen to this.
00:59:24
Speaker
He played 45 minutes, zero shots on target, one off. He had three attempts at dribbling, succeeded with zero of them. He had nine attempted passes, six of them were accurate. He made one cross, not accurate. This this is where it gets really embarrassing.
00:59:47
Speaker
The number of ground duels he he he partook in was eight. He won zero. He lost possession ten times. He was dribbled past by Paramah once. I mean, that is just that is awful. that is nice that that that is is I don't even have words to describe how bad that is. That that attitude, I don't know what's going on.
01:00:10
Speaker
and we he was you know This is on the back of a midweek performance where he he decided the game for for for Milan with the lovely draw, you know the usual luau stuff. And Conseil São had to do what he did. He took him off in half-time and brought him on Benacer.
01:00:29
Speaker
It didn't become better, but you can't allow for that kind of lack of passion, lack of desire, lack of caring. And that's what I, again, this is what I mean about Conseil São winning, breeding an army.
01:00:45
Speaker
He's breeding an army. He's winning over every everyone inside, outside the club by doing these things. And the team reacts, you know, scoring three times and in five minutes towards the end, once off for offside. I mean, nobody example, you know, embodies this more than Pavlovitch, who shows that even though he might make mistakes and even though they play a little bit too high of a line for him to really thrive, because he's not very quick,
01:01:14
Speaker
Passion, desire, and and mental strength count for a lot wanting to win and that's what Conseil brings and hes he's a strong character and this this war these wars inside the squad he's going to win all of them and in the summer he's going to drive out those who does he doesn't want and when that happens You know, Milan are going to be very dangerous moving forward. Like, he he doesn't you know hes he's breed like i said he's breeding Urukhai. Not even an army. He's breeding Urukhai. He's like Saruman. He's breeding monsters.
01:01:52
Speaker
and they react and the fact that they continue to come back from goals late on and win games is is is again a sign of unbelievable mental strength. Yeah it's a huge win for them in the top four race. and They win their game in hand and and then they're level with the Juventus and obviously Lazio um lost as well. So so it's it's been a it's been a big weekend in more ways than one and for for for Milan. Obviously they've got the Derby next as well. So, I mean, this is what I was saying before. like I feel like the Conse self-factor is really giving Milan an advantage over Juventus. Well, I don't think it matters if they finish in the top four because Italy are about to secure
01:02:39
Speaker
for the second year in a row, that extra fifth position. um and the chamberla well there's a long way oh they are not far off I percentage-wise, they're like 80% sure of it.
01:02:51
Speaker
um that they're they're in ah They're in a good position at the moment. they're a long wait There's a long way to go. they're going to be fired England have basically got it so now. England have won. they They're top. yeah But there's the ages to go. There's the whole knockout stages to go. i mean Yeah, but if you look at this, if you look at um i was ah there was someone who did a brilliant breakdown of this in terms of percentage-wise and and chances. Bundesliga are out of it. They have zero chance.
01:03:13
Speaker
um and Italy in terms of how far ahead they are to others to other leagues, and which is difficult given that Italy have the most places because you have to remember the number of points you get is divided. yeah like by len poet yeah So this is a really, really good. They're in a good position, but there's a long, long way to go. I think they're going to be fighting it out with Spain because a lot will depend on, you know, if Italian teams will go out in the next round. of the of the, you know, in Europe. And if Roma were to go out ex exactly for as well, who who who were in ah in a risky position, ah you know, and Spain have still got a lot, almost nearly all of their teams still in. So I think it's out there in Spain. There's a long way to go, but they're in a good but they're in a good position at the moment. and we we But we yes, the bottom line is yes, Juventus and Milan need to pray that the Italian teams continue to do well in Europe and get that that place because they're going to need it.
01:04:02
Speaker
um but But yeah, um let's listen let's move on to Lazio against Fiorentina. Yeah, 2-1 win for Fiorentina. From Lazio's point of view, yeah, very disappointing performance. um They almost as themselves got an incredible injury time comeback like Milan, scored in injury time, Pedro hits the post, the last kick of the game, but overall,
01:04:27
Speaker
they yeah they they didn't play well look for you and see they just look fresher again the the kind of playing once a week um angle this week because they didn't play mid-week um yeah that's a look more i mean that's who shouldn't have been tired because they played against real saucy that scene that played with played with 10 men for an hour it's basically a training game the last hour of that game that's real saucy that so they shouldn't have been tired um but they um but yeah they they they they were bad um in this game and and they have I think the biggest conclusion I would make from Lazio is the last month or so, the defence has gone off the boil. first The start of the season, the defence wasn't good, but they were kind of scoring enough goals to make up for it. But we are our our analysis of it was, yeah, Lazio doing great, great start.
01:05:12
Speaker
They need to sort this defense out if they want to stay up there. And they did sort it out for a while. But now the last month, we've seen those kind of baroni ah weaknesses in defense, and it's been costing them in the in the last one. And I think they lost a big chance there. They could have opened up a gap of five points to Juventus, and they've blown it. so That's why I think both Juve and Milan are going to make the Champions League. I think they're both i think they're finishing fourth and fifth. I think they're going to be saved by that. So I'm not too worried. But um look, it was a crazy ending to the game. I just got to talk about these penalties because, well, I think Pedro is not given a penalty for exactly the same situation that Pavlovic is given a penalty for in the Milan-Palma game.
01:05:58
Speaker
Like you can't give one and not the other. I personally don't think either is a penalty. This this nudge push goalkeeper on on the striker. I think it it takes more. um Other than that,
01:06:11
Speaker
It's the first time in almost nine years that Fiorentina win away against Lazio at the Olimpico in the Serie A. And they do so by really, really showing grit and determination to kind of end their rut as well. And there's been talk of Palladino being sacked and so on. And there's been collision course between Prade and Palladino. And Palladino was looking, you know, I think they both got sent off, but only in Palladino. It was very, very entertaining. The the end the ending to that game was insane.
01:06:39
Speaker
yeah It's a big win for Fiorentino though, seven games without a win, they end that run and but they also re-enter the top four race and because they're now six, one point beyond Juventus and three points beyond Lazio who are in four but they have a gaming hand on both so they can go back into the top four.
01:06:56
Speaker
and with Lazio. So yeah, a big win for Fiorentina and yeah, but very very big a big win for Roma as well. 2-1 away at Udenezer. Talking about penalties. I'm sorry, that first penalty is a joke.
01:07:13
Speaker
It's a Stonewall penalty. I don't know what you're talking about. It's a Stonewall penalty. His arm is out by his shoulder. It's literally out by his shoulder. Now, unless you work for Cirque du Soleil... I didn't see it out by shoulder. If you could show... If you could show me a video or image without my shoulder, I'll agree with you. Yes, I can. I absolutely can. His arm is shoulder length. Show it to me because the angle that I saw, it wasn't out by shoulder. If it's out by shoulder, I'll agree with you. If it's out by shoulder, I'll agree with you and say it's a penalty. It's a stone war penalty. If anybody can show me the picture. Just go on YouTube and look on Seria. Well, I watched the video back and it wasn't out by shoulder, the video that I I saw. was out by his, it was literally by up by his shoulder level. Like this is the reason if we look at inter lecture, the reason why Basquirotto penalty wasn't given, even though Basquirotto pushes his arm out towards the ball, there is an element of deliberate there that what they look at is where is his arm? Is it close to his body? Well, Basquirotto's was close to his body. Here the arm is up by his outside of his body and therefore it's a penalty. I don't see any problems with that. And the second penalty,
01:08:25
Speaker
I mean, the last time I saw someone sweep someone's leg like that was when I watched Karate Kid 1, when Johnny Lawrence sweep Daniel LaRusso's leg. I mean, it was it was two Stonewall penalties. i don't I really don't see the issue at all. like What they want with the handball rule is They don't want players arms up outside of their bodies. they um' I'm looking at a still of it now. It's not up by shoulder. It's to this it's to the side. I'm looking at it right now. I'm looking at it outside of his body.
01:08:57
Speaker
Yeah, I'm sorry, that that is a natural position. he's is not In football, not what i mean what what referees need to understand is in football, you use your arms you use your arms for balance. When you change direction, which he's doing here, and and your balance, you your arms and your hands will move slightly up or sideways. His arm has moved slightly sideways. It's a completely natural movement in the in the duel that he's having with Pellegrini. This should not have been a penalty.
01:09:24
Speaker
if you start Basically, we have to start tying players' hands behind the bat. This is a completely natural position. You play in football, this this happens all the time when you're in this kind of duel. if you look at it It's not a natural position. i'm sorry i mean is enough No, don't be sorry, be right. I played football, I played a lot of football. I don't care if you played in the Champions League colour. The laws of the game app apply to everyone. I'm looking at the image now now. The arm is outside of his body. It's at shoulder level. It's not shoulder level. you you know I'm looking at the image When you're 20 metres in the air, like a ballerina at the Cirque du Soleil, that's No, that's not like that at all. That was above his shoulder, for for political reasons some would argue. But regardless, his arm
01:10:18
Speaker
is outside of his body it literally is outside of his body there's no it's a natural movement it's not on that that's literally the definition of the law states that this that's and that's that's what i'm saying you have to put your arms you can't see it's wrong you have to say you put your arms behind their back that's what they need to's right to write write it into the rules everybody has to have No, that they don't need to write it in the rules. They don't need to do that because they've kind of already said that. It is a completely natural move from what he's doing in that du that you are not the natural movement as for the laws of the game. They have been very clear. It is not a natural movement because they have defined what a natural movement is. And they don't want arms i like that outside of the body. Again, the reason why Basquierotto penalty was not given is because it's by his side. Basquierotto wasn't given because his arms are behind his back. um No, it's not. It really isn't. if There's a movement of his arm towards the ball. But the but but the arm is so close to his body that they did that they prefer not to give it. It's completely consistent.
01:11:24
Speaker
with here. Here his arm is literally outside of his body. Yeah, but it's a complete, the Basquiatro incident is a completely different incident. He's he's he's about three yards away. Am I speaking Chinese here? Why don't you listen to what I'm saying? I'm saying his arm is by his body Basquiatro and even though his arm moves to towards the ball, they're completely different incidences. that but No, I am explaining the laws of the game as they are applied. Yes, and I'm explaining how football Well, there you go. I'm saying that's ridiculous, but youre so but also i'm I'm also disagreeing with you saying these arms by shoulder. It's not by shoulder. It's not by shoulder. It's slightly under shoulder level. We're talking five degree angle here. No, we're not. It's nowhere near him. We are. I'm looking at the image. I'm looking at the image as well. It's sideways. It's at this equal level with his middle of his body. That's literally it's literally halfway between his hip and his shoulder. It's not.
01:12:46
Speaker
literally I'm looking at the image right now. I'm looking at it now. The moment if you can go on Seria YouTube's channel, you can go to Udeneseroma highlights in the 50 seconds, 51, 52nd, 51 and 52, you can see when the ball hits his arm, his arm is outside of his body. As way that the laws of the game are written, that's a Stonewall penalty.
01:13:11
Speaker
I think it's bollocks is also the the distance between Pellegrini is literally they're right next to each other. So there's no distance between that's the difference with Basquiato. Basquiato is a few yards away. He's right there. He's got no time. He's about a yard and a half away. The difference is that again, what it's clear that the referees, what they look at when they look at handball offenses is if where is the position of the arm more than intention even.
01:13:36
Speaker
And here you can say that they don't like when the a player's arms are outside of their bodies. Whilst basquierotto, even though there is intention, they didn't give it. Well, listen, whether it's the law or the not, anybody that's played football will tell you this that is a ridiculous law, if that is considered a penalty. It's ridiculous because that is un problem it's a completely natural movement. If you played football, you will know that this happens all the time. That's all I'm going to say.
01:14:02
Speaker
its Well then there should be penalties given all the time for players to put their arms behind the back. Because Udenewse are one nil up in this game, they're in control and they they end up losing for, for again, well even the second penalty, there's ah there's a combined XG of under 0.1 on those incidences and they score two penalties. It's a joke, you know but that's another us another scratch yeah ga nothing things exist it's just It's just scandalous that that first one could be considered a penalty. It's just a joke. Anybody that's played football will tell you that's completely natural what he's done there. you know If that if it's a law if it's the law it's the law, fine. Let's have it as a penalty. I'm saying it's a scandal that that can be considered a penalty. Whether it's the law or not, it's a scandal but that we can give penalties for that.
01:14:44
Speaker
And as I move to Nez, I'm feeling really hard done by because they won their luck, they're playing really well and they end up losing this game and I feel really sorry for them losing this game. um but But anyway, let's move on. Roma is an important win for Roma.
01:14:57
Speaker
um They're, incredibly, they're only four points behind Milan and seven behind Juventus. So they're not actually that far off, but they do obviously have a big game this weekend <unk> against Napoli. And Luca scores with Inez, he's having a good season and Roma are actually interested in him.
01:15:16
Speaker
and which Ranieri confirmed so we'll have to see what happens there. um but I like Lorenzo Luca, I like what I've seen from him in the sense that that is a lovely finish um and he i love what his moot like he's a big guy, he's really strong but He's also very dynamic and and that finishes again, I think he shows off his strengths and I love that Roma are interested in him. I think he's exactly the kind of player that Roma should be buying, to be honest with you. I think he's exactly the kind of player who Roma should be buying. I think he's well within their budget and also the that where he is in his career. I think he could do a job for Roma.
01:15:59
Speaker
Yeah, um you know, i like like I think they need another show. They can't be bringing on Shimoda anymore. Anyway, listen, we're running out of time. I'm going to i'm gonna have to run through. So you've got no no time there for you to talk about your litigation game. So Torino two calorie meal, employee one.
01:16:15
Speaker
Bologna won and in the games on Monday of an Etsy Verona Genoa Monza um European fixtures so this week last day of the league phase for Champions League and Europa League um so um Barcelona, Atalanta, Dino Mozart, Greb Milan, Inter Monaco, Juventus Benfica and Sporting versus to win away to get in top eight Milan um need to win as well but draw might be enough and Inter are probably okay already but they but they just need a point to to clinch top eight. Juventus can't get virtually impossible for them to get top eight. They they need ah need a win to make sure that they're seeded in the ah last 24 draw and Bologna got nothing to play for although we want them to win for our coefficient.
01:17:06
Speaker
um Europa League though, ah Roma, Frankfurt and Braga, Lazio, I mean Lazio have already won the group bar in a miracle, they'll need to get hammered um not so not to, so they they can rest their team.
Roma's Qualification Challenges
01:17:17
Speaker
and But Roma's the big one, they need to win to guarantee qualification, draw could be enough.
01:17:22
Speaker
If they lose, they're going to be out. um So, yeah, very, very nervy because Brantford are a good team and that's going to be difficult. So Roma are playing with fire and they need to win. um Otherwise, I've jinxed it for saying that I thought that they could win. Yeah, you we've had some Roma fans in the in the Patreon chat saying that you've completely jinxed Roma. Well, I'm going to do the other way and say that Roma cannot win the Europa League. It's impossible. There we go.
01:17:51
Speaker
Let's finish off with Badjo, Prem Face and Cediass of the week. So Badjo, I've got a non-football one, and but he does love football and he also there was also a viral video of him doing kick-ups and juggling with the ball. He's a fantastic ball juggler actually, with a tennis ball.
Australian Open Highlights and Controversies
01:18:07
Speaker
Yannick Sinner winning the Australian Open, straight sets.
01:18:10
Speaker
against Alexander Zverev, absolutely brilliant performance, perfect performance from Sinhae, barely made a mistake, the entire match, what a player um he is. That's his third Grand Slam, second consecutive Australian Open, um incredible stat from this game that Sinhae did not face a break point on his serve in the entire game.
01:18:31
Speaker
and which makes him only the third player this century, or this millennium, um not to have a break point against him in the Grand Slam final. or The others were Federer in 2003 and Nadal in, I think it was 2017, in one of the slams. so He's one of only three in 25 years, which is astonishing. um I mean, this guy is this guy is just amazing. What a player.
01:18:55
Speaker
Yeah, but yeah I can't help but feel that this entire doping mess is marred, everything. It's been a... I don't like... It leaves a bad taste in the mouth, the way that they've handled it. The Tennis Association has handled it in the way that it's been appealed and it's back and forth and we now we don't even know if he gets to... What happens later on now if they when they make a final decision will they retroactively strip him of the Australian? I mean, it's just it's a mess the way that they've handled his doping case. Yeah, I mean from what I've read into it that that that he was over by such a minuscule amount that he would have had no... as a mit of almost enlancing Even though, you know, he claims it was done by the Messer
01:19:35
Speaker
um or you know but i mean they all claim that but but the fact that the fact that you know mexican beef the box is all my favorite is borello i got it through sex oh yeah that is the greatest my girlfriend uses a cream and i had so i mean it's just how much performance enhancing was there for borello it's the same of mudger No, but in for me it's like whoever gave my homework is the worst drug dealer in the history of drug dealers. You know what I mean? What has he feeded him? Like sugar cubes or something. No, but it's like for me it's like this this this dog ate my homework. yeah Listen, that their excuses are always, they're and they're always going to blame someone in their team, but what I'm saying is that that they found that the levels were so minuscule over the limit that it would have had no performance in hearts in the Well, it does. It was over the level and that's why they have such a minuscule amount. you know It doesn't matter if you're over the level, you're over the level. and But it's still the way that they've handled it and the way that they've still not decided it. I mean, it's just it's ridiculous. I think it's ridiculous. It leaves a bad taste. And I got to say, the Australian Open this this this year has been
01:20:44
Speaker
some of the most ridiculous things i think i've ever seen did you see the the the journalists with the fans and yeah yeah that is the Australian Open has been a clown show for years i mean the way they handle the Djokovic it's no but the way that you stand there and mock fans and mock one of if not the greatest tennis which jokovicch is the greatest australian open player of all time. The way that they one of the way that they could argue the best tennis player of all time based on results alone. And the way that the you don't either the mocking of him, the mocking of no but the way that they treated him since COVID, full stop, the country, they put him in a, in a bloody prison, basically. but but no but no it's it's It's just the way that they know they didn't, he just didn't go.
01:21:28
Speaker
But the way that he the way that they handled it, the way that they've behaved, this it's been a shit show, this Australian Open. It's been very unprofessional. It's been lots of scandals. And I just I don't know, it's it's been a bit of a clown show this tournament. And it's it's a bit sad the way that everything's been handled surrounding this doping case, the way that he could actually that from what I understand, he could be stripped of it, which makes everything just weird.
01:21:56
Speaker
but The whole thing is just, I don't know, I don't, I didn't like this tournament at all, the way that they've handled it. And it does leave a bad taste in my mouth. the way that Well, there's not, at least there was nothing overriding a plague in.
01:22:08
Speaker
overshadowing the word. hawa and zve yeah Not like he's got two cases of beating his wife. always got goldenfriend so yeah it's not a That's what I mean. It's a shit show. It's a complete shit show. It's just a shit show. Prim Face of the Week. I've got this from the Secret Scow on on s Twitter.
01:22:34
Speaker
who's quite a big account football account on Twitter. And so when Dango Uatara scored, he posted a picture of him celebrating with the caption, Dango Unchained.
01:22:56
Speaker
I'm sorry for laughing. but Are you? No, I'm serious. I'll put the link in there. You can look you can see. bloody hell no just no that's uh yeah and then the other one is um you had this uh another twitter user grace robertson saying that can you explain this tweet after you read it what what does it mean i've read it seven times and i don't understand what it means i'd say namer is
01:23:33
Speaker
to Villa era Grealish what Erwin Harland is to Chris Wood maybe similar style executed at a much higher level I think they're trying that they are trying to to compare Neymar to Jack Grealish basically but try to say he's maybe like a poor man's Jack Grealish just like Chris Wood is a poor man's early in the Harlem. Maybe that's what they're trying to say. But anyway, is it or is Grealish a poor man's name ah or like, yeah, whatever they're saying, they should never, ever compare Neymar to Jack Grealish. It's it's it's one of the dumbest things I've ever read. And it's just completely roundabout way. And it makes no sense. And yeah, no, it's not as bad as dango and chain. That is wow. You know,
Sports Industry Scandals and Mishaps
01:24:24
Speaker
Serias of the week on Takeaway Domenez de Menico di Carlo, then I want to take away the other one. um The Ascoli dismissal of di Carlo is just... So they lost on Friday night to Lucchese and Pulcinelli revealed that he relieved, rather, di Carlo of his duties on and on the Instagram story, saying, Mr. di Carlo fired, we apologize to our fans, unworthy performance.
01:24:52
Speaker
only late And then then later on, the club's official statement arrived. So you basically found out they were sacked on social media. um It's just... Oh, my God. To me, the the president's Instagram story is... Yeah, it's it's very serious. Yeah. Well, it doesn't beat this one.
01:25:18
Speaker
nice Which again, I shouldn't be laughing at this just just in just just in the way that we shouldn't be laughing at the dango unchained. But you know just just so everyone knows, we're mocking it, the ridiculousness of of this. We're not obviously laughing along with it. But the mascot for Lazio versus Fiorentina at the front of the queue as well um so they're doing the anti-racism campaign in Italy which they've been doing and which obviously does nothing but they're doing this anti-racism campaign and they have all printed on the mascots and the players have on their t-shirts walking out
01:25:54
Speaker
you know, keep racism out. Only that the the mascot, this this young girl, has has the t-shirt tucked in her shorts. And she's got the shorts very high up, a bit like Simon Cowell height.
01:26:10
Speaker
on on above her waist and out ah is being covered and by the shorts so all you can see as she walks out onto the pitch and because she's at the front the cameras are honing in on her so this is this has been publicized all around the world is you're just seeing the girl with a t-shirt that says keep racism.
01:26:32
Speaker
ah and how I mean it's just unbelievable you couldn't make this stuff up I mean it's it's like what's that is there nobody there that sees this and and realizes that you know and what makes it better is it's Lazio playing it's a Lazio game at the study or Limpico Lazio the team that are most associated with with with with, you know, right wing and fascism and racism. It's a last year game doing an anti-racism campaign. And they've got ah a girl coming out, a young girl, with keep racism on the T-shirt. I mean, it's just... I just couldn't stop laughing. It's it's some it's one of those things where
01:27:19
Speaker
you know, when this girl graduates, when she gets married, like, you know, like, that's going to be a photo that her friends use, because the look on her face, she looks so miserable, too. Like, it's so, so it's just... Why are these campaigns all such a failure? Every single one. Because they don't do it properly, Carlo. Every single one. Because they don't do it properly. It isn't the one painting, the eight pictures.
01:27:45
Speaker
um or I feel bad for the artist. Or the hashtags, don't call me gypsy. Or do some Vlalvich, don't call me gypsy. And then and then there's this, keep racism. i mean ah the The monkeys thing I feel bad for the artist because that's what that's literally what he does. He paints monkeys in human situations. That's literally his thing.
01:28:07
Speaker
So that he want like that's his overall thing, that we all come from apes and you know we we share DNA with 99% of chimpanzees. like That is literally his thing. So I felt bad for him. But again, the reason that was turned out to be a disaster, just like, don't quote hashtag don't call me Gypsy, and this thing is, they don't do it properly. now they kind home execute They can't execute it. And so it just becomes a farce. And it's its that's why we get these memes You know, yeah and the way that they, and also the way that they present these things on the screen, like the fact that they use a design where the the text is like, it rolls up instead of all of it showing at once. yeah So that's why when people screenshot it, it says, keep racism. And do you know what I mean? Like it's, it's just the execution. know yeah yeah And that's why it becomes a comedy comedy. Yeah. It's just, yeah.
01:29:04
Speaker
Yeah, they're the worst executioners since since the since the guy from a Game of Thrones who he went to to to the one that had his had his dick chopped off. I've forgotten his name, but he went to chop someone's head off and and and it was just the worst execution ever. like He like barely like made a little dent in the guy's neck and then he was good about 10 chops of it and he still couldn't chop his head off and then someone else had to come along and do it for him.
01:29:32
Speaker
That's so horrible. And this is a week off the penis gate as well. Yeah, I know. You have a penis gate will never stop being funny. Penis gate will never stop being funny. Like Juan Bernabe like, was what's his name? it's it's now It's never going to stop being funny. That will never stop being funny. And Lottito's comments as well. Like, no.
01:29:58
Speaker
Unbelievable. Okay, let's leave it at that. um So we will be back this week. We have an interview um coming up um this week, um which you you will find out about soon. And then we have a Q and&A and we'll do the Champions League. Thursday review as well. So there's a lot, a lot, an extra, some extra stuff for you um this week. So have a great week, everyone. Ciao ciao.