Big Pile of News Before We Get Distracted by Champions League

By: Martha | October 24th, 2007

Look at the pain! •Despite the wins over Georgia and South Africa, Italy have fallen to third in FIFA’s ranking, behind both Argentina and Brazil. Curses! This has nothing to do with Brazil and Argentina actually being way, way better than the Azzurri — rather, it’s because big wins from last year have essentially expired in FIFA math, so Italy lost over 100 magic FIFA points last month and dropped off the top.

•Alessio Secco’s trip to London in pursuit of Frank Lampard is now also rumored to include a bid for Arsenal’s William Gallas, who suddenly seems to be fighting with Arsene Wenger. Juve certainly could use some solidity in their defense, but Gallas is already 30 years old — how many old men do they need to have hanging around on long-term contracts? I mean, what is this, Milan?

•Bobo Vieri is still seriously pissed about that Inter spying thing, and he’s not going to get over it. The case is still in court so he won’t give us any details about what exactly happened (dammit), but he’s holding a serious grudge against the club for their hot and cold behavior towards him, and sees the whole Adriano debacle as just another sign of how fickle Inter are with the superstars. Bobo, man, I love you, but Adriano sucks. What are they supposed to do, play him anyway to keep him from feeling bad about himself?

•Lazio chairman Claudio Lotito was indicted in Italy yesterday. Doh! He’s being accused of surreptitiously gaining control over more than 30% of the club’s shares with the help of a secret partner, something that can’t legally be done without a public IPO. Christ, what is it with Lazio? No matter what decade it is, something seriously shady is going on (and, unlike other clubs, they’re always getting caught).

•Patrick Vieira, who just finally returned from injury for Inter, got hurt in the first half against CSKA Moscow yesterday and could be out for two more months. Patrick, I think this is God’s way of telling you to retire.

•Just so you know, if you want Gigi Buffon, Fabio Cannavaro or Francesco Totti to show up at your event (I’m thinking this is more club opening than Super Sweet 16, but you never know), it’s going to cost you about €20,000, so start saving. If you’re willing to settle for Marco Borriello, though, you can get him for about half-price — I’m sure Borriello’s tattoo would be a big hit with the kids.