We’re playing Inter, so get ready to see a little bit of this!

Undefeated Inter are the next opponents of our beloved Amaranto Liberation Army.The ugly Milanese sister is coming off a controversial 2-0 win in Catania last week and will probably have their heads somewhere else, seeing how they probably fear Liverpool’s red a little more than Livorno’s. La Squadra Labronica is hoping that Inter’s Mental airings will come back to bite them in the ass on Saturday.

Livorno is coming off a positive outing against Milan this week. Unfortunately, Nico Pulzetti and Marco Amelia’s spectacular displays were overshadowed by Ronaldo’s career threatening injury.

I don’t want to remind Inter how Livorno is not a team to be taken lightly but Internazionale already knows this. Back at the beginning of the season, the Nerazzurri learned it the hard way, drawing Livorno 2-2. And that was in the pre Camolese days, when Fernando Orsi , Roberto Mancini’s ex-assisstant, was ruining our chances at getting a mid-table finish.

This is what happened last time, in 2 acts :

Good old Reliable crappy Italian pop soundtrack, Thanks again Jeyster ! at least we had a gratuitous Pisa Merda ! and no Karma cameleon of any sort.

Squads:

Inter convocati :

Portieri: Toldo, Julio Cesar
Difensori: Cordoba, Zanetti, Maxwell, Maicon, Burdisso, Materazzi, Rivas, Chivu
Centrocampisti: Stankovic, Figo, Cambiasso, Maniche, Pelè
Attaccanti: Ibrahimovic, Cruz, Crespo, Suazo.
Viera is out due to suspension, Jimenez won’t be there either but Stankovic is back !

Inter (probable): Julio Cesar; Burdisso, Cordoba, Materazzi, Chivu; Zanetti, Maniche, Cambiasso, Figo ; Suazo, Ibrahimovic

Livorno

GC Camolese won’t be able to count on Francesco Tavano for this encounter or Davide Balleri.
While GGiannichedda and Martin Bergvold are still out for another month or so.

Probable 3-5-2

Diamanti, Bogdani

Black and Decker, Match Plan:

Marco Amelia vs Inter:

No wonder Tottenham (get in line) is willing to pay top dollar for Vice Buffon. I just made it official.

Less than 3 days ago, Marco Amelia single-handedly denied Milan 2 points at the San Siro. Livorno need for Marco to strut his stuff at the San Siro again,, this time against 1st placed Inter. Marco Amelia will need to play like he did against Milan, Palermo and Portugal. Basically continuing on his excellent run. Livorno always depends on Amelia to save at least 1 or 2 sure goals a game. He might have to do a little bit more than that this time out

Tavano ‘s missing:

Ale Diamanti will probably get the nod based on his strong performance against Inter’s sexier younger sister AC. Tavano had to leave the Milan clash with a muscle strain, he’ll probably miss the next 2 games. Ciccio has 10 goals this season, which is actually 40% of Livorno’s total this season. Time for Bogdani, Diamanti or Tristan to step up to the plate.

Livorno vs San Siro :

Hoping the San Siro will be kind to Livorno for the 2nd time this week. Oddly enough, Livorno has the 8th best record AWAY from home in Serie A. Unfortunately; we’re 19th in the league for home games. What’s up with that? Let’s make the best of this away game and be the 1st team to say; «We beat the Nerazzurri» this year! And help Roma gain some ground in the title race…

Edit: Sorry*

Prediction

No Tavano, no Balleri, No Bergvold, no chance in hell. Who the hell would bet on Livorno beating Inter ? Only an idiot or someone with too much money looking for a kick would do such a thing! I’m betting on Livorno for the win, and i’m poor so basically i’m calling myself an idiot. Altough i prefer the term dumbass.

2-1! for Livorno Inter open the game on a totally legitimate rigore (no sarcasm i swear) , it’ll probably be Ibradoobadooba. Then Livorno will score in the middle of the 2nd half (someone like Diamanti or Tristan) and in the 93rd minute Livorno get a totally dubious penalty call for them when, Bogdani fakes being stabbed by Materazzi or something. 2-1 Livorno ! i can see it now !

Forza Ragazzi, andiamo a prenderla !!

!

Rubentus, i mean Juventus is coming to town! The northern Zebras are coming to the Picchi on Sunday, for once they’ll feel right at home playing in a stadium filled with about 10,000 fans. On their part, Livorno finally gets a little national/international exposure and a chance to avenge that humiliating game 1 loss in Turin.

Fernando Orsi’s short lived stint as Livorno gaffer started with that 5-1 loss to Juventus on the 1st matchday of the season. That game is a prime example of how bloody woeful Livorno looked at the beginning of the season; disorganised, unfit, poorly defending set pieces, giving up stupid penalties, all around Serie B-esque.

On the positive side of things, it also clearly demonstrates how far the Tuscan squad has come under the helm of Giancarlo Camolese. They looked headed straight to Serie B at the beginning of the season, but since Giancarlo Camolese’s appointment, Cagliari has taken over Livorno’s place.

Tavano now has 9 goals and Livorno is on a 9 game unbeaten streak. The Labronici have been completely rebooted and are looking to continue climbing the table. Juventus is the only ”big” team Livorno hasn’t drawn this season (it helps that we haven’t played AC Milan yet)

Livorno DS Elio Signorelli (yes, it’s shocking but Livorno has a DS, Livorno isn’t an Aldo Spinelli one man band) talked about the upcoming league game against Juventus, on the Radio;

“Everyone is talking about this game, We shall honour the enormous value of Claudio Ranieri’s squad.”

This is what happened last time they met;

Is it legitimate to think Livorno can take some points from their second Juventus game of the season? Aldo Spinelli sure thinks so. The Livorno President was blabbing on the Radio, as well, this week saying how ; “Against Juventus we shall make ourselves respected and we shall play our game ” “We are finally seeing some light again, The Camolese cure is the right one because the coach manages to use the strength of 26 players.” confirmed Spinelli

Inter and Roma tasted the mighty strength that is The Tavano/Tristan attack, both taking away only 1 Serie A miles from their stay at the Armando Picchi Bed and Breakfast (Michelin Rating – 3 stars!) Livorno might want to continue their unbeaten streak to 10 seeing how it’s a nice 2 digit number and all. Let’s see what Claudio Ranieri and Juventus bring on for this game.

La Squadra Labronica has managed to yield 21 points so far, which good enough for 13th place in Serie A. Livorno can boast more points than Lazio, Torino and Parma. Salvation looks like a better bet than 4 months ago

Squads:

Livorno,The Labronici, The Amaranto Squad a.k.a the Burgundy Liberation Army

The Livorno midfield is still decimated by injuries, At least, GC Camolese gets E. Fillipini a.k.a. the Good twin, back from suspension so he (and WE) won’t need to witness Massimo Loviso’s awful midfield displays. Jose Vidigal has been solid so far, since his return and he’ll likely fill out the Centre of midfield with Daniele De Vezze.

Juventus will be without usual suspects Zebina, Chiellini, Camoranesi and Andrade but they still can count on Gigi Buffon so you can’t really consider them to be ”decimated” by injuries. This just IN; Gigi is OUT!

The player that scares me the most on this Juve squad, apart from Argie/Frenchy Trezegol, is Marco Marchionni. The former Parma wing man is underrated à la Enzo Maresca, but this guy is dangerous. The little winger is quick on the wing and can whip in some wicked crosses from the flank. Giovanni Pasquale will have his hands full, trying to mark Marchionni out of the game. But he probably won’t play. (* Actually he’s out, remind me not to take to much advance previewing games)

GIGI BUFFON will also be missing the clash. The Inter-Juve, Coppa Italia game was too intense for Gigi and he’ll be missing the Livorno game, Thank You Soccer gods. Marco Amelia will have the joy of playing Juventus and still being the best goalkeeper on the field. It’s probably a first!

Juventus don’t have what you call, dangerous defensive backs. Birindelli is getting old and Cristian Molinaro, albeit talented, ain’t no Gianluca Zambrotta. Let’s hope that the Amaranto midfield (basically Daniele De Vezze ) will be able to exploit the right side of the field to send some decent balls to Diego Tristan and Ciccio Tavano.

I’m hoping Juventus will have their minds on next weeks Coppa game vs Inter or the Boumsong saga or the fact that Tiago sucks and they have 6 days left to place him in England or Sissoko or even Gianni Agnelli’s memory…. One thing is for sure; Juventus will probably underestimate Livorno or have their heads somewhere else.

Squads:

Juventus:
4-4-2

Belardi
Birindelli, Legrottaglie, Grygera, Molinaro;
Salihamdzic, Nocerino, C. Zanetti, Nedved;
Del Piero, Trezeguet

Bench : Vanstrattan, Ariaudo, Boumsong, Castiglia, Tiago, Palladino, Iaquinta

Livorno

Good old 3-5-2 a.k.a 5-3-2

Bench: De Lucia, Pavan, Rezaei, A. and E. Filippini, Diamanti, Bogdani.
Prediction:

Seeing how i’m now 2 for 2 in my predictions this year, millions, maybe more, of people are picking their bets based on my diagnosis. My system is extremely complex (it takes into account such factors as wind,stats,temperature, player body heat and Aldo Spinelli’s recent bowel movements, it has to be considered scientific, so diagnosis is a correct word )

Unfortunately for Livorno, Juventus are looking to end their non-winning streak and i think it’s going to happen in Livorno. Taking three points from the Tinkerman’s squad will be hard,GC Camolese is with me on this one, altough he said durissima, a more intense, more feminin, version of hard.

The -Fuck Juve-Go Livorno- part of my brain is saying hell we can surprise Juventus and their NHL referee shirt wearing asses, unfortunately the -eat your vegetables and exercise- part of my brain is saying don’t bet on Livorno.

2-1 loss seeing how the defence is tighter and more compact now, and i get the feeling that Diego Tristan likes shining against the big boys so he’ll get the go ahead goal before the Zebras figure out the way to get past the 9 man Livorno wall twice by going over it.

Forza Ragazzi!

I just love Serie A! Every team in this league is competitive. It’s one of the best leagues in the world because even the smaller teams have talented players that can give the big boys a lot of headaches. Just ask Palermo, Juve and Inter , the so called little teams gave them a run for their money this week. Even Livorno took away 3 points from World Beaters Empoli on Sunday !

Francesco Tavano slotted home a penalty in the 51st minute to give la squadra labronica their second home win of the season. Francesco Pratali stupidly pushed Davide Balleri down on a corner and the ref awarded a legitimate rigore to Livorno. Empoli keeper Balli guessed right but couldn’t steer the ball away from the goal. Ciccio Tavano’s 9th this season. 1-0 after 50 minutes and that’s how it stayed. Empoli had some great chances but Marco Amelia was in great form.

Verbal recap here

Audio-Visual recap a.k.a. highlights

LIVORNO – EMPOLI 1-0

LIVORNO (3-5-2)
Amelia ;
Grandoni , Knezevic , Galante ,
Balleri , Loviso , (59’ A.Filippini ) Vidigal , De Vezze , Pasquale

Coach :Giancarlo Camolese

EMPOLI (4-3-2-1) Balli , Raggi , (62’Abate ), Marzoratti , Pratali , Tosto , Marianini (84’Budel ), Moro , Buscè , Vannucchi (64’Pozzi ), Giovinco , Saudati

Bench : Bassi, Piccolo, Vanigli, Antonini.

Coach: Alberto Malesani

I want to be all fired up about his 9 game non-losing streak but yesterday’s game was quite un-entertaining, unless you love to see a 9 man defence working in unison. Empoli looked like the most dangerous team. The Alberto Malesani led squad deserved at least 1 point for this one, a lot like Parma didn’t deserve a loss against Inter. The Livorno – Empoli game didn’t garner as many exciting goals but at least, the game wasn’t marred by controversies.

Marco Amelia was by far the best player on the field yesterday, he prevented at least 3 ‘’sure’’ goals. Empoli put in 18 shots, but only 6 on goal. If Alfonso De Lucia was between the sticks, Empoli would have surely gone home with all 3 points on Sunday. (on the other hand, if Diamanti had passed that ball…) The Azzurri #2 was stopping everything, close range, long range, even deflections! I’m wondering if Christian Abbiati’s comments motivated the youngster…

For those who don’t know, Abbiati lashed out in the press at Amelia this week. The ex-rossoneri keeper claimed that the only reason Amelia was GiGi Buffon’s backup is because he’s better than he is ’’outside of the pitch’’, whatever the hell that means. The Athletico Madrid second choice keeper wen’t on to add that he was way better than Marco Amelia. The Livorno fans thank you for your motivating words Mr. Bitter…

Yes Francesco Tavano scored a penalty, but Livorno’s defense won the Empoli game all alone. With displays like yesterday, I’m just wondering where Livorno would stand in the table had Giancarlo Camolese started the season as Coach. The defensive side was so solid, compact and effective that Marco Amelia and Fabio Galante made Goal.com’s team of the week

The Knezevic-Galante-Grandoni 3 man defensive system has been working like a well oiled machine for the last 10 games now. However, one thing Livorno is clearly lacking is a decent link between midfield and offense. Daniele De Vezze and Martin Bergvold (out for 3 months now) have always done their best in this department but they’re missing that extra touch of class to be decisive. Jose Vidigal’s return to form couldn’t have come at a better time, but Massimo Loviso demonstrated yesterday why the Labronici need to add some adequate midfield depth . Sam Dalla Bona’s name has been flying around , and he’s , at least, one step above Loviso in terms of talent. Unfortunately, Aldo Spinelli has said that Sammy is too expensive…Cheap Bastard!

* 83 years ago Lenin Died, Ciao Comrade !

This game officially marks the end of the first half of the season.

The two Tuscan teams are both enjoying a positive spell since they have appointed new coaches. Alberto Malesani is working wonders (as in not losing every single game) with Juventus/AC Milan’s farm team.

Ignazio Abate, Nicola Pozzi, Luca Saudati, Richard Vanigli, Lino Marzoratti and Luca Antonini are all former AC Milan youth products. Rey Volpato, Sebastian Giovinco, Claudio Marchisio and Felice Piccolo are all on loan or co-owned by Juventus.

I like the fact that Empoli are trying to fool the world into thinking they are the Azzurrini. They have the right shirt colour, at least. I’m looking forward to seeing 11 year old Sebatian Giovinco in action.

As for our favourite squad, we haven’t lost a game since October of last year. That’s right, last year! Camolese is doing a great job, so much, that Aldo Spinelli can’t even verbally bitch slap him in the media. And Aldo doesn’t even need a good excuse to rant in the media about his coaches, just ask Daniele Arrigoni or that Italian NT Coach, the former NY player, I forget his name.

The tiny tactician has revolutionised the team since he picked up the pieces that Fernando Orsi left. After getting 2 points from their first 9 games, Livorno seemed more than certain to be joining arch-rivals Pisa in Serie B. Then comes in GC Camolese and Livorno have not lost in the last 8 games, winning 4 of them in the process. The only thing is that we can’t seem to win frequently at home. However, we now have a 4-point gap with the danger zone. Thank You Giancaro Camolese , I mean Mauro Camoranesi?

Here’s another example of Goal.com’s excellent journalistic skills and fact checking abilities;

Livorno had a disappointing start to the season, but following the arrival of coach Mauro Camoranesi, things have gone extremely well, with the team unbeaten in their last eight league games, even though at home they only picked up one win in their last four matches.

Thank God for that pony tailed Argentinean winger. I don’t know how he manages coaching Livorno seeing how he’s busy playing for Rubentus and the Azzurri. Come to think of it, if Daniele Prade can be Roma’s DS and emergency Left-back, anything can happen in Serie A. Thank You Goal.Com for your factual accuracy!

Team News:

As we now know, Livorno’s midfield has so many holes; it looks like a Montreal Street. (If you’ve driven in Montreal before, you know what I’m saying)Martin Bergvold and Giuliano Giannichedda are out for about 3 months each. The 1st with a fractured right collarbone and GG has a 420th degree contusion on his knee. On top of that, E. Filippini a.k.a. the good twin, is suspended for this game.

Thank God Daniele ”DDV” De Vezze is playing extremely well all around the field. The only changes in midfield will be with Nico Pulzetti Massimo Loviso and Jose Vidigal filling in for Bergvold and the twin. The Back 4 (including Amelia) remain intact and the Tavano/Tristan duo will be looking to terrorise the Empoli defense all afternoon.

Tavano is playing against his Ex-squad, however, I don’t think he holds a grudge against them. Empoli is the team that put Francesco Tavano on the Calcio map. His great 19 goal season in 2005/2006 was greeted with a 10M$ move to Valencia and the fringes of the WC squad. I still get the feeling he’ll want to show them that he’s still a Tuscan star. The Caserta born striker is now over the ½ a goal per game ratio, but let’s keep in mind Tavano fades into obscurity the game after a brace. I just want to see Diego Tristan break out of his freakin’ shell!

Mr. Tristan only has 1 goal this year. But I think that doesn’t demonstrate what he brings to this team. His Free-Kicks are still as deadly as ever and at least 3 goals started on a set piece he took. He holds up the ball very well, which is crucial for a defend-first team like Livorno. The Andalusian bomber is a real threat on the counterattack and it’s great to see him zigzag through defenders, just ask Mateo Ferrari of Roma. Tristan has only played 7 of 18 games this season and his partnership with Tavano is getting better every game. There is a real possibility that Tristan breaks out and makes the Livorno faithful forget about Lucarelli’s non-arrival.

My only worry is that Livorno are getting a little bit comfortable with this positive run and take their foot of the gas. Let’s hope Tiny Tactician, GC Camolese a.k.a. Little Napoleon, will be able to motivate his troops for this encounter. I’m just hoping it won’t be as boring as the Reggina-Empoli game or the Cagliari-Livorno game.

Probable line-ups:

Good old (3-5-2):

Amelia,
Grandoni, Knezevic, Galante,
Balleri, Vidigal, De Vezze, Pulzetti, Pasquale,
Tavano, Tristan

Empoli

(4-3-2-1):

Balli,
Raggi, Marzoratti, Pratali, Antonini,
Buscè, Moro, Marianini,
Vannucchi, Giovinco,
Saudati

Prediction:

The two Tuscan teams won’t want to lose points, and I think a draw would do them both some good. Like Livorno showed in Cagliari, they kind of become over protective against the relegation battlers. I don’t know how this game will unfold, but I know that Livorno need to continue on their positive run. A draw would not be a disaster at the Picchi but a win would be a great moral booster, not to mention the fact that climbing up the table is a good thing. So I’ll predict what I’d like here;

3-2 victory with a Tristan Brace and a Tavano winner! (Eternal enthusiast Indeed)

Forza Labronici !

On January 13th 1968 , Johnny Cash recorded his landmark album At Folsom Prison live, 40 years later ; Livorno will be traveling to the Olimpico in Turin to take on Torino.

After a nice long (too long if you ask Aldo Spinelli) winter break, Serie A is back on and ready to entertain Italian football enthusiasts for another 5 months . Finally some Italian football, don’t the big boys at the Serie A front office know that Christmas time means more people on holiday, hence a possibility of more people in the stadiums. (i’m indirectly complimenting the Premiership here, much to my disgust)

At least, The Scudetto and Relegation battles are closer and more competitive than in recent years, so let’s get ready for some nice games and some excitement and some photo finishes. Let’s hope this all starts with the Sunday Torino vs Livorno matchup. The 2 burgundy-ish clubs will both be looking to get as far away as possible from the drop zone.

Livorno

The Livorno outfit is currently on a 7 game unbeaten streak (Yes! 7 games and no losses) The unbeaten streak includes encounters against teams like Roma, Udinese and a Diego Tristan goal. Livorno has a game in hand on the rest of the relegation battlers, seeing how they didn’t play Milan yet because of that Japanese world conquering thing.

La Squadra Labronica stands only 1 spot over the relegation zone at 16th in Serie A with 15 points after 17 games. Torino is in 15th place with 17 points, so a win or a draw in Turin would do a great deal in helping the Labronici get closer to safety and start aiming for that 10th spot they deserve. Toro have drawn five of their eight home games so far this season, so let’s at least try to give them a loss at home. Taking all 3 points in Turin would make Johnny Camels very happy

Camolese started his playing and coaching career at Torino. He started managing the Primavera side and then went on to lead the Granata to 1st place in Serie B in 2001. He brought instant promotion to a team that was in the relegation zone (4th from Last) He was then fired in 2002.

Johnny Camels has stated that he wants to celebrate with Torino on the penultimate matchday of the season in Livorno but I get the feeling Giancarlo Camolese would still love to stick it to his ex-employer and show what a great coach he is.

Mr. Camolese deserves all the credit he gets from his peers for revolutionising Livorno’s mentality and play since his appointment. However, he doesn’t get enough recognition for his excellent squad tinkering and the fact that he reads the game very well, something that Luciano Spalletti must be jealous of.

Giancarlo Camolese has been working miracles with the limited Livorno roster he has to cope with; let’s hope he continues this way, seeing how the January Transfer Market will probably be very scarce.

Aldo Spinelli has declared that he’ll be passing on the reigns of the Livorno squad at the end of the season.
This might explain why Livorno aren’t even going to ‘’try’’ and snatch Cristiano Lucarelli back, or any other proven Serie A star.

President Spinelli , who acts more like a sporting director than actual DS Signorelli, has stated that the Winter Window will only be used for some very minor fine tuning. Diminutive Brazilian Left-Back Sidny, has been acquired (he won’t be travelling to Torino with the squad) from Nautico Recife to give Davide Balleri and his 39 years some well deserved rest.

Other than that, Livorno is looking around (especially in Serie B) for some cheap but smart, Daniele De Vezze style, acquisitions. The most pressing need is a backup for Pasquale on the left flank. At least, World Transfer Target Marco Amelia hasn’t left yet and will be starting in net for Livorno on Sunday.

Amelia is back from the minor injury that kept him out of the Atalanta game. The only players GC Camolese won’t be able to count on are Nico Pulzetti, Antonio Filippini and Fausto Rossini. The gaffer will be able to field his preferred starting XI, who of Giannichedda and E. Filippini will start being the only uncertainty.

The 3-5-2 will be in full effect !

Coach : Giancarlo ‘’Johnny Camels’’ Camolese.

Contrary to Livorno, Torino have some casualties on their side. Vincenzo Grella is suspended
,Marco Motta, Rubin, Vailatti, Ventola and ALÈ ROSINA are all ruled out due to injuries. Walter Novellino will probably field a Christmas tree with Alvaro Recoba in the Starting Eleven.

Probable Formation (4-3-2-1):

Matteo Sereni,

Comotto, Natali, Dellafiore, Lanna,

P. Zanetti, Corini , Barone,

Di Michele, A. Recoba

Bjelanovic

Bench : Fontana, Di Loreto, Bottone, Lazetic, Benedetti, Oguro

Coach : Novellino.

Even without their star player, Torino remains a dangerous opponent.
It’s a total mystery to me how they are still at the bottom of the table under such teams as Catania, Genoa and Atalanta. With a little bit more luck on the finishing end , Torino would have a much better place in the standings. Bjelanovic and Nicola Ventola are not getting the job done. This is the reason Torino have been linked with Rolando Bianchi, Lucarelli and pretty much every other available decent big man out there. Let’s hope their lack of atrue Center forward will turn to Livorno’s advantage.

Prediction:

These 2 teams are masters in the Art of the Draw. Most experts are predicting a low scoring Torino victory, but I get the feeling Livorno will at least get a draw in Turin. Rosina is out and Torino doesn’t have a lethal offensive threat (Alvaro Recoba doesn’t count!) If Livorno’s defence holds the fort and the Tavano/Tristan partnership creates some offence, the Amaranto squad could easily take all 3 points

2-1 Livorno!

Forza Ragazzi!

Livorno have a tough task ahead of them. Roma can count on an official return of Totti but the thing that scares me the most is that Taddei is back in the line up. He’s the player that truly is the most important to Roma’s Unique and complex system. Roma play a 4-2-3- , but let’s be honest, it’s more of a 4-6-0 if you ask me. The attacking midfielders switch often to create an all out, as Chris likes to say, Roman Clusterfuck in the attacking zone. Taddei is the barometer of this squad, he’s contribution is extremely underrated. I think it’s because he’s ooogly…
On a positive note, Roma has a tendency to lose easy points against the little teams. They can get a little cocky and try to walk the ball in the net or just start missing easy goal after easy goal. The recent 2-2 tie to Empoli or that 1-1 draw with Ascoli* a couple of seasons back are perfect examples.

* Delvecchio got the tying goal… so technically, 2 Giallorossi’s scored that day

Livorno have shown that they can snatch away a point from the big boys here and there. They drew Inter at the start of the season, so there’s actual proof that we can aim for at least 1 point in this game. Livorno’s playing at home, and Martin Bergvold is back from injury. Livorno can count on a full squad, minus Giannichedda, to face the scudetto contenders on Sunday. Ex-Roma 6 month leasee Francesco Tavano will probably want to show his former employer what they missed out on. If Tavano bottles up enough positive energy to play like he’s capable of, Livorno might be able to exploit the Roman defence. Diego Tristan remains a legitimate threat on the offensive end (He has even proven that he can attack on the Legal end to, he’s suing Deportivo La Coruna claiming they owe him 2 years of Salary! If he wins his case, Depor will face a Transfer ban for the Winter Window, something AS Roma can relate with)

Livorno could win this, If all the stars align correctly, meaning that;

*Bad Doni shows up: If he could just not stay on his line for crosses and corners and suck all around, à la Man U game, you know the one where De Rossi had that beautiful, yet unimportant goal. I don’t remember the scoreline , but I remember that was a night to forget for Roma. If Tristan and Tavano start blasting it on net regularly to gain a lot of corners, we should at least get a goal.

*Pouting Mancini : If his ex-Girlfriend calls and starts explaining that she left him for a less MetroSexualesque man and because he sucks in the sack. Then Stepover Mancini can turn into Pouting Sad Mancini and disappear for the game. He can, on any given day, make the Roma squad look like their down to 10 men. Livorno would have one less offensive threat to worry about

* De Rossi Dies : That’s the only thing i see that could stop his DDRness, Daniele De Rossi is one of my all time favourite players, sorry Igor Protti…

* Vuci-Goal stays Vucinic: Mirko Vucinic needs to miss sitters like he did in Empoli that would help a lot.

*Super Livorno shows up: Tavano and Tristan get all 2005 and 2002 on Roma’s ass And Marco Amelia plays the game of his life.

*Totti needs to stay out the game while in the game: I’m a big Totti fan, Back heels, Cucchiaio,Thumb Sucking, In Face spitting, and above all Ilary Blasi but let’s face it,
Totti is not the sharpest tool in the shed; he’s A few gunmen short of a posse and a few marshmallows short of a bowl of Lucky Charms… You know what I’m trying to say. If Galante or anybody can get in his head, Totti can get off his game and start looking at the ref more than looking at goal.
It happened earlier In January…

Here’s a video and a little nostalgia for the Giallorossi, I know how bad you guys miss Wilhelmson

If ALL of these things happen, Livorno have a god chance at even winning, But let’s face it, the Giallorossi are the better team on paper.

Finally,

Weekly stupid,False and/or to good to be true rumours:

Tuttomercatoweb.it is reporting Atalanta is interested in a swap of Zampagna for Bogdani. This one is actually not that far fetched. GiGi – I coached Porto – Del Neri was after Bogdani in the good old Chievo days. I’m a big Bogdani fan (only because I have some Albanian blood somewhere far down(or is it far up? ) the genealogic tree) but I would okaye deal this in 2 seconds. Zampagna would be a great fit, not Lucarelli great but still excellent…

Speaking of Rocco Siffredi’s best friend, we all know that Lucarelli wants out of Donetsk right now. The Ukrainian league doesn’t start until March 2008! With no more Champion League left (The Ukrainian team didn’t even qualify for the UEFA cup, or as I like to call it, Champions League’s retarded little cousin). The big Livornese wants to take his snowy boots back to the boot and who can blame him. We all hope for a Lucarelli return to the Labronici, even Amelia and Spinelli have claimed that the Big Man could very well return to Livorno, I don’t buy it yet. Unfortunately, A LOT of teams are interested in Cristiano’s goals and charisma. We’ll have to wait and see…

After flashing AS Roma earlier this week, Marco Amelia has been linked to Palermo: This one has been in the news for about 3 years now but here the kicker ; It’s not Fabulous Fortysomething Fontana + Ca$h, Tuttosport is reporting a straight swap for 4th string keeper Federico Agliardi !

I just LOVE Tuttosport

Squads
ROMA (4-2-3-1):
32 Doni,
2 Panucci, 5 Mexes, 4 Juan, 22 Tonetto,
16 De Rossi, 7 Pizarro,
11 Taddei, 9 Vucinic, 30 Mancini,
10 Totti.

The Pine: 1 Curci, 21 Ferrari, 3 Cicinho, 21 Antunes, 33 Brighi, 14 Giuly, 18 Esposito. .: Coach : Spalletti A.K.A. TGIP

LIVORNO (3-5-2):

1 Amelia,
77 Grandoni, 32 Pavan, 6 Galante,
69 Balleri, 9 Bergvold, 11 De Vezze, 7 Pulzetti, 26 Pasquale,
10 Tavano, 22 Tristan.
Bench: 14 De Lucia, 18 Rezaei, 4 E. Filippini, 21 Loviso, 17 Alvarez, 20 Rossini, 81 Big Bad Bogdani.
Coach : Giancarlo Camolese A.K.A. Johnny Camels
ARBITRO: Rizzoli di Bologna.

Prediction: Livorno – Roma 2-1 , It’s not really a prediction it’s more like a best case scenario thing, plus I’ve been predicting a Tristan late game winner, and this would be a GREAT place to have it come true…

At least, the streaming for this one should be easily available…

Forza Livorno!

7 points in 3 games and 2 coaches fired!

The Labronici are still at the bottom of the table but have a lot of company now, not to shabby. PLease allow me to get overly enthusiastic here; Livorno is on fire! We’re one win away from a decent standing in the table, our rightful place.

Livorno looked completely out of contention at the beginning of the season. The Livorno fans had to wait until match day 10 for the first win of the season against Reggina. Vikash Dhorasoo has left without playing a single game with the Amaranto. The nearly geezerish Jose Vidigal and Giuliano Giannichedda can’t seem to play 2 games back to back and are constantly battling injuries.

The sacking of Fernando Orsi and Fitness coach/athletic preparatory Giampiero Veltrone seems to have turned things around. It looked like a smooth and straight drop to Serie B was before then. It only has been a couple of games but even Ciccio Tavano , who gives GC Camolese all the credit for his new found striking capabilities, seems to have found his feet and Erjon «Big Bad Albanian Sensation» Bogdani has been fitting in well.

There’s little doubt that, the appointment of GC Camolese has probably been the best elixir for this squad. The Amaranto have tasted victory and they love it, I sense some hot flashes and i totally see Livorno officially breaking out of their shell against Sampdoria on November 25th. Ok…ok, the Labronici are semi on fire. None the less, the Burgundy boys are headed to the winter break with momentum on their side.The future looks bright, but then again, could it have been really worse thant the start of the season?

Summer buys Nico Pulzetti and Alè Diamanti have demonstrated that they belong in Serie A. Davide Balleri spent a week in the magical Milan Lab, temple of Old player rejuvenation, and has been playing like a 30 year old. Daniele De Vezze showed some nice things, he even managed to score against Argentina, i mean Inter. He has now served his sentence and will be available on November 25th.

Martin Bergvold is fitting nicely in the squad. The Dane, who was purchased from FCK Copenhagen in January, played an important part of the recent unbeaten streak and has become a mainstay in midfield. Let’s hope the Dane gets a call up to the Danish NT soon.

The international break comes at an excellent time. The team doctor only has one patient, A. Filippini. Vidigal, Volpe and Giannichedda should be in full form Fortunately for the fans, we’ll have the honour to see a full squad (minus one half of the Twins). The only question mark seems to be the non injured, but not at a 100%.
Diego Tristan.

Speaking of the Spaniard. He scored a goal yesterday!!! He netted a rigore against Sampdoria!!!

Livorno still lost and it was with the Primavera side, but that’s still a good thing. At least it shows Tristan’s commitment to getting better. It squashes the recent unfounded rumours that he wanted to pull a Vikash. Contrary to Bearded -French-Indo-Mauritian-Filmmaker/Réserve de Luxe, he actually didn’t mope and complain when asked to play with the Primavera. Kudos to Tristan for showing professionalism.

As for the Internationals:

Amelia watched the Azzurri ovecome Scotland from the Bench. He might get the nod to play the winners of Football Idol; The #1 TV show in the Faroes.

Dario Knezevic also made the bench for Croatia yesterday and Big Bad Bogdani scored in a 4-2 loss for Albania (Forza Ururi!)

Edgar Alvarez helped Honduras to a 1-0 win over Guatemala in Miami on Saturday. The speedster came on as a sub and had a clear run on goal, but his shot went wide left in the 82nd minute. Typical Edgar. Fellow Serie A partner David Suazo missed the game. The Dolphin Stadium saw 20,000 fans cross the gates.

Livorno are on Vacation until Tuesday when they’ll get back to training and get ready to upset the overachieving Sampdoria squad, I mean what the hell has gotten into Claudio Bellucci, illegitimate secret brother of Monica…

Forza Ragazzi!