Sampdoria-Juventus, Cassano and Del Piero plead their case to Donadoni

By: Francesco | May 17th, 2008

Del Piero scores his first of two goals.

Because of the Pope’s visit to Genoa, Sampdoria-Juventus had to be played today at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. Samp were closing out a good year, where they impressed under Walter Mazzarri, even challenging for the Champions League spot at various times during the season. It was a real team effort, and the added magic of Antonio Cassano was a luxury. Juventus were closing out a very positive year as well. At the start of the season many doubted the Bianconeri’s chances of even qualifying for the Champions League, yet Claudio Ranieri pulled the squad together, and they finished an impressive third and proved to be a force to be reckoned with. They also profited from the splendid year of Alex Del Piero.

So basically this game was important to two people. Antonio Cassano, and Alessandro Del Piero. Antonio Cassano had one last chance to impress Roberto Donadoni before the CT unveils his list of call-ups (23 players + 4 alternates) on Tuesday. Del Piero wanted to grab the capocannoniere title, having most probably booked his plane ticket for Austria/Switzerland already. Also, no TV channel decided to show the match, so I had to watch by internet stream. (although it was the same feed that FSC gets, not bad)

Juventus struck first through none other than Del Piero. Nedved ran from the left wing and threaded through for ADP who slotted home past (Juve-owned) Antonio Mirante. That brought his tally to 20 goals, 1 over Borriello and Trezeguet. Cassano then had some moments of magic, but Juve went ahead again. This time Del Piero was taken down in the area, and instead of taking it himself, he left it for Trezeguet, who scored his 20th goal of the season, tying Del Piero. It’s like they had their own personal contest going. Zebina was tripped in the box later, but no call from the referee.

Samp then got back into the match through none other than Antonio Cassano. Cassano dribbled past through Juventus players on the left, cut past them in the box, and then took a shot on goal that was deflected by Molinaro on the way in. That was Il Pibe di Bari’s 10th goal of the season. (10 goals in 18 appearances, not bad at all)

Christian Maggio, who has been the best right back in Italy this season hands down, drew level for Samp with a nice long range effort. A ball was deflected his way and he struck it first time with the outside of his boot and it skipped past Belardi. 2-2.

In stoppage time, Emiliano Bonazzoli ran onto a Cassano assist, and Chiellini made a clumsy tackle on the tall striker. Cassano stepped up to take it, and shot it straight down the middle, but Belardi didn’t dive and the penalty was stopped.

After the break Del Piero was once again fouled in the box on a clumsy tackle from Pietro Accardi. Del Piero stepped up this time and buried it, making that 21 goals on the season, his best ever since 1998. A few moments after that Ranieri subbed off Del Piero. Del Piero was shaking his head in disbelief, saying “no, not me”, and threw his armband angrily off of his arm. He then put his head down and walked past Ranieri. Now, time out. If Cassano had done this, every media outlet possible would be talking about, “Cassano has mental problems!” “Another Cassanata!”, “This guy will never grow up!!!”. Yet lovable Alessandro Del Piero does it, and everyone forgets it happened.

Back to the game.

Sissoko was sent off for a second yellow, and Juve were down to 10 men.

Cassano then inspired the comeback. Peter Pan took on 2 defenders, slaloming past them and cutting the ball back for Vincenzo Montella, who scored his first goal of 2008 and tied the game.

In the 89th minute, Ranieri started to throw on Primavera midfielder Luca Castiglia instead of Alessandro Birindelli, which I thought was a little rude considering it was Birindelli’s last ever game in a Juventus jersey, and the guy has given 11 years of loyal service.

The spectacular match finished 3-3.

So my thoughts- Del Piero and Cassano both deserve to go to Euro 2008. Del Piero has had a great season and has won over the media and Donadoni it seems. Seeing Cassano play like he did for 90 minutes today, one has to wonder how a talent like that can be left off of the Nazionale. He’s a player that can change a game at any moment with one play, he’s the fantasista we need in Austria/Switzerland this summer. I know everyone will flood the comments with “NO NOT THAT BABY, HE’S A NUTCASE! I NEVER WANT TO SEE HIM PLAY FOR THE NATIONAL TEAM!”, well here’s my response, “I do. Cassano, when in form, is the most talented Italian player hands down. Punto e Basta.” So let’s hope (well I hope) that Donadoni takes the risk. It’ll be well worth it.

Highlights:

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