First of all, my apologies for talking a few days off from posting. I got hit by a runaway train of a cold on Easter Sunday and have hardly been able to write a thing. I am, as a footballer might say, still not 100%.
However, I am well enough to bring you the latest Viola news, even though it is a generally quiet week with the internationals and all.
First, we can start with the great man’s thoughts on Saturday’s win. He argues here that winning 1-0 earns just a many points as winning 5-0 (or whatever) so maybe we should all be satisfied. You said it, boss.
Next, here is my pal Giampaolo Pazzini discussing his goal on Saturday. He thinks it was important, and I agree. Good job by him.
On the same note, here is a hysterical story from Violanews.com that describes Pazzini’s personal life. Basically, he’s a sweet kid who spends his holidays at his Mom’s house, and his only real vice is eating chocolate. He’s a little angel. Just like all pro athletes.
(The article is doubly amusing because of the rough Google translation; it continuously refers to Pazzini’s girlfriend as “it,” just like the puppet Jose Mourinho does to the puppet Sven on the magnificent “I’m on Setanta Sports” ads.)
Here is a piece describing the Viola’s hunt for Daniel Majstorovic, the Sweedish centerback. His contract is up, and apparently Lazio also wants him, but Fiorentina have the inside track because they have more dough and might be going to the Champions League. Nice.
I’ll end on a sad note (or at least a sad note for Martha, former big cheese here at Italy Offside): it looks like the magic is gone from the relationship between Bobo Vieri and the Viola and he is leaving at the end of the season. It’s possible this might have something to do with the fact that he is slow, disinterested, and generally ineffective. Anyway, the story goes on to say that the big fella might go to Roma, and that apparently Francesco Totti has already given his permission to the club signing him and everything. Lucky Bobo! As soon as Totti gives his permission for the design of next year’s shirts, they will be all set.
I’ll be back later this week with more news in the run-up to the big Udinese game on Sunday!