I always find summer friendlies interesting, you get to see how new players interact with their new teammates as you get a sneak peak to the next season. The first “big” friendly was played out recently between Juventus and Hamburg, all of the other friendlies are against teams representing regions with the score often ending up in double figures for the Serie A teams. Other than Juve we also saw Fiorentina, Catania, Bologna, Palermo, Cesena, Chievo, and Napoli play out friendlies.
Juve’s first big test would probably be a passing grade, it wasn’t a failure, but it wasn’t a great performance. The bianconeri started with a 4-4-1-1, Storari in goal with the Italain back line (from right to left) of Motta, Legrottaglie, Ferrero, and De Ceglie. The midfield was composed of Martinez on the right wing, Lanzafame on the left wing, and Sissoko and Ekdal in the middle of the park, supporting Diego who was acting as a second striker to Trezeguet.
Things didn’t start very well, early on Guerrero hit the post after having his shot deflected by Legrottaglie, but Juventus began to wake up after that creating a great chance for Martinez, who was signed from Catania. Martinez was one on one with Hamburg goalkeeper Rost, but he began to stumble as he passed the ball to Trezeguet who also stumbled, only to have the ball taken away from a defender. A certain goal wasted by a new signing, and a player trying to return to form, not a good sign.
After that miss, it was Storari’s turn to shine, the ex-AC Milan goalkeeper completed a number of great reaction saves against Guerrero in the first half, and later also against Petric. Hamburg hit the post again with the young striker Berg (a player to look out for, very similar to Ibrahimovic), but neither of the teams were able to score, and this friendly ended 0-0.
As for looking at new signings, we got to see probably one of the strangest signings in action with Roma, Adriano made his debut for the giallorossi with a goal. Roma played a mixed team of Riscone-Brunico, and the final score was 13-0 for Roma, with the Emperor playing for 60 minutes. Ranieri is looking for revenge this season, not only against Juventus, but also against Inter Milan as he hopes to steal the scudetto from the nerazzurri.
Here are some of the other friendly results, Fiorentina beat Cortina 6-0 with Jovetic scoring a hat trick; Palermo won 7-0 against Radenthein, with 18 year-old Kasami shining with two goals; Catania were guided by Maxi Lopez in their 6-0 victory over Val di Non Monte Ozolo; Bologna beat Raliana 6-0 and Garibaldina 4-0; Chievo scored the most goals than any other friendly in their 18-0 victory over San Zeno di Montagna; and Napoli won 13-0 against US Altipani.
What are your thoughts on these friendlies? Share your thoughts below by commenting.
Related posts:
- Previewing Serie A’s Opening Weekend: Another “New” Juventus
- Serie A Predictions for 2011-12 Season: Third Place — Juventus
- Where Juventus Failed to Capitalize in the Market Ahead of Serie A Season
- Juventus vs Milan the First Real Test for Both Teams in Serie A: Week 5
- Serie A Tickets: Leaders Juventus Face Tough Away Days at Inter & Napoli
Big one in Baltimore MD at the end of the month with Inter Milan playing Manchester City.
Yep, especially if Balotelli will move to Manchester City, it’ll be very interesting…
Anyone going to that game? Would be interesting to see who features for both teams.
Nothing clear about Balotelli’s future at the moment but I think it would be best for Inter to sell him to reduce unnecessary distractions.
Inter have enough firepower with D. Milito and Eto’o while selling Balotelli will bring in funds and remove a controversial member of the squad.
I’m not going to that game, and it will be interesting to see if both teams are going to go for the win, or play youngsters.
Right now, it’s been revealed that Inter Milan are looking at Diego Forlan as a possible replacement. I’m not sure what to think about this, Forlan is old, but a useful player, what do you guys think?
Balotelli is so unpredictable and he might end up staying! If he leaves they might go for Forlan as you mentioned but he doesnt complement the play of D. Milito.
They need someone different but I am not sure of other available options at this point. Main issue with Forlan is, as you mentioned Niccolo, his age. I was shocked when Juve were linked with him at first.
He’s a good player but he has 1 or 2 good seasons left in him at most at high level.