What's up? Time for another brief post to talk about the latest happenings. There's a new captain, a new Eastern European prodigy and a match against the flying donkeys to discuss.
Captain Jorgensen
Let's start with the fact that the Old Man will be the primary captain of the team for the rest of the season. No arguments from me, as he's been with Fiorentina since the start of the 2004-5 season and is a tremendous player. Also, his given first name is Lars, even though he goes by Martin. I might have to switch up and start calling him Lars, so that he'll sound tougher. We'll probably see Bassy with the armband on quite a bit, as Jorgensen is no longer fit enough to be relied upon for 90 minutes or to start every match. Lots of commenters agreed with me that RickyMonty should merit consideration for the captaincy, but I think that may have to wait until the beginning of next season. Either way, the team will be in good hands out on the pitch with either Old Man Jorgensen or Bassy in charge.
New Guy!
The Viola have grabbed another young prodigy from Jo-Jo's old club, Partizan Belgrade. Adem Ljajic is an 18 year old attacking midfielder, who was acquired for 8 million Euros (I think but I forgot where I read this so I don't have a source). He had previously agreed to join Manchester United once he turned 18, but the Red Devils backed off of this, apparently over concerns that he would not be able to obtain a work permit. Not being familiar with league football in the former Yugoslavia, it seems like a good move even if the young man might not be able to contribute much this season. Requisite highlight video, complete with terrible techno soundtrack. Based on the available information and the highlights, it looks like he could slot in anywhere in the bank of 3 in the 4-2-3-1 setup. Good luck to him, and hopefully Jo-Jo will help him get settled quickly.
Coppa Italia
Cesare is taking the competition seriously and will put out a fairly strong team tomorrow. The flying donkeys are not fantastic, and I'm of the opinion that the Coppa is probably the best chance the Viola have to get some silverware this season. I don't think this means that Prandelli should prioritize the tournament over everything else, as advancing in the CL and getting back into 4th place are pretty important, but I don't want to see him put out a team of kids tomorrow. Let's take a look at what to expect. Gila had a bit of a fever and Bassy is going to be taking a well deserved break. Here's the 18 that were called up:
Agyei, Avramov, Babacar, Carraro, Comotto, De Silvestri, Donadel, Felipe, Gobbi, Jorgensen, Kroldrup, Marchionni, Montolivo, Mutu, Natali, Pasqual, Santana, Seculin
I think we'll see this:
4-2-3-1: Avramov; Comotto, Kroldrup, Felipe, Pasqual; Donadel, Montolivo; Santana, Lars, Gobbi; Mutu. Also, Babacar will get some time off the bench for Mutu and Marchionni will come in for one of Santana or Lars to try and get 30 minutes of work to get himself ready for Sunday.
Prediction Time:
I think the Viola get it done, 2-0 with one from Mutu and one from the sub Babacar to increase his hype on these here comments. Game begins tomorrow at 10 am EST, I have no idea if there will be a stream but I'm going to miss it for a job interview. Forza Viola!