Then you would be incorrect in your assumption. Dont really know what you mean by general, i was simply stating that italian defending wasnt what it "used to be" even compared to when they won the world cup. Comparing any further back would be a bit unfair considering the talent there was. I used to watch serie a when players like vierchowod were bullying attackers off the ball way into their 40s. In fact i remember bergomi doing it for inter milan, heck costacurta played at left back in the champs league for milan when he was touching 40. I dont watch as much italian footy as i used to but its clear as day that the last few greats (cannavaro, nesta with maybe chiellini an exception) of italian defending have gone to be replaced by cheap imports.Bigga said:shevtheblue said:Theres actually more attacking football in italy than there used to be...ac milan guy, correct me if im wrong but there are more goals per weekend than there used to be right? But thats partly due to less superstars and the defenders are not what they used to be. Zapata and bonera, makeshift as they are even so prove defenders arent what they used to be.Bigga said:The ref clearly wanted to be in 'The Mario Show' and got his wish.
As dire a decision for a penalty as I've seen of late.
Oh, and a reminder of why I don't watch Italian football any more.
A game I used to love.
"...Used to be"??
That's so general. Never better than when the likes of Maradonna, Batistuta, Van Basten and Gullitt played in Italy. Before the refs wanted to make names for themselves. Before the general standard of defending became a lost art, missing the Maldinis, Nestas, Baresis and the Cafus of the world.
It seems to me you missed the greatest period of Italian football stretching over 15/ 20 years.
gordondaviesmoustache said:People are getting too wound up about this. He was a 19 year old boy when he first came here, basically a child at heart, who never really settled in this country.
If he then moves back to his homeland to the club he supported as a kid of course he's going to be happier. Fuck me if I was good enough to play for Milan and City came knocking I'd be over like a shot with a smile from ear to ear.
He gave us some great memories and helped propel the club forward in PR terms. He repaid the investment in him several times over.
Good luck Mario.
tolmie's hairdoo said:And that's why, Mario, you will always be a twat.
His performance, general demeanour and happiness shows why he stole a living all season.
Smiled more at full time than he ever did winning trophies with us.
black mamba said:No doubting that Mario is a fantastic character , and will never be forgotten here , or in England for that matter ...... but i said after his debut at Molyneux that the flaws were there for all too see , and as he left last week they were quite clearly still there
.... as with that other dreamer , by name of Robinho , Balotelli will NEVER achieve his aim of being the worlds best player.