No 10 shirt downsized

Once a clear pointer to a side’s best player, the No 10 shirt is starting to lose its magic in Serie A.



The No 10 was once a sacred jersey in Italian football. A second skin for the game’s most gifted and creative players, an instant indication of a team’s source of inspiration, today it continues its sliding transition from the shirt kids dreamed about wearing to just another squad number.

In a country where players of the calibre of Gianni Rivera, GiancarloAntognoni, Michel Platini, Roberto Mancini, Giuseppe Giannini, Roberto Baggio, Francesco Totti and Alex Del Piero have had their fantasy, class and geniusrecognised by a number on their back, the majority of today’s 17 Serie A players who have been given that mythical 10 by their club have little in common with its tradition.

Juventus are one of three top-flight clubs, along with Napoli and Cagliari, where the numeral remains unassigned. While Napoli’s has been withdrawn in honour of the great Diego Maradona, the Turin giants opted to keep the number free following the departure of previous owner Alessandro Del Piero– who was against its retiring – this summer.

“Del Piero is missed a lot, but I would not put on his No 10 shirt,” stated Claudio Marchisio. “Whilst it was an ambition of mine when I was younger, I was an attacker back then and now I am a midfielder. I am not Platini, Baggioor Del Piero. I’m not one who can decide a game, so I do not deserve to ever wear that shirt.”

Not everyone, unfortunately, holds the jersey and its historical significance in such high regard. Fiorentina goalkeeper Cristiano Lupatelli did the previously unthinkable while at Chievo and asked for the 10. The club, unbelievably, gave it to him. “The value of numbers in football is changing,” the custodian noted. “The No 10 is not as special as it once was.”

That was further highlighted by the events at Genoa this summer when a dispute between Alexander Merkel and Cristobal Jorquera over who would get the jersey ended up in a blind auction. Although the money ended up going to charity and Merkel is a promising player, he’s not your archetypal – or what we once perceived as a typical – No 10.

So what’s changed? There is no doubt that a combination of factors have seen the jersey lose its uniqueness. The introduction of stable squad numbers in the 1990s worked wonders for merchandising, but allowed players worthy of the 10 to go and pick other digits. Antonio Cassano, for example, has opted for the 99 in recent years.

The evolution of tactics in Serie A may also be a factor given the downturn in true trequartisti, whereas the economic crisis has also had a part to play, given that the peninsula has lost more than one high class player with the ability to shine in a No 10. Take Milan, for example. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was all set to inherit the 10 from Clarence Seedorf until he was sold to Paris SG this summer. Kevin-Prince Boateng subsequently filled the void.

Boateng can be a great player on his day, but he’s no Wesley Sneijder or Francesco Totti when it comes to being a natural fit. But the Ghanaian isn’t the only man on the Serie A landscape whose ability and squad number don’t add up.

Alberto Aquilani, a mezz’ala, was handed the status symbol at Fiorentina this summer despite being half a player on the evidence of his last two seasons on the peninsula. While it seems bombers now have a right to the combination of the one and the zero after Maxi Lopez and Alberto Gilardinotook up the number following moves to Sampdoria and Bologna respectively.

“I’ve come here to score goals, not set them up,” admitted Gilardino, perhaps with a hint of embarrassment, after attacking schemer Gaston Ramirez opted for a switch to Southampton. “I admit that it’s a bit weird to have the No 10 jersey with my name on it, but it was one of the only shirts left.”

And for those who’ll no doubt question what all the fuss is about, that the 10 is only a number, well, that’s now the point…

Serie A’s present No 10s: Giacomo Bonaventura (Atalanta), Alberto Gilardino(Bologna), Francesco Lodi (Catania), Luciano (Chievo), Alberto Aquilani(Fiorentina), Alexander Merkel (Genoa), Wesley Sneijder (Inter), MauroZarate (Lazio), Kevin-Prince Boateng (Milan), Fabrizio Miccoli (Palermo), JaimeValdes (Parma), Mervan Celik (Pescara), Francesco Totti (Roma), Maxi Lopez (Sampdoria), Gaetano D’Agostino (Siena), Alessandro Sgrigna (Torino), Antonio Di Natale (Udinese).

Juventus’ guide to the summer transfers

Juventus 2011/12 etched their place in history by completing an extraordinary 38-game unbeaten season and ending their nine-year long wait for the Scudetto. They also boasted the best defensive record of any team across the top leagues in Europe. With the return of Champions League football, Juventus will need to strengthen their squad to remain competitive and Venkat Akella takes a look at a few players who might help Juve’s cause in the 2012/13 season.



Martín Cáceres (Central Defender/ Right back, Aged 25) – Let’s begin with one that’s been wrapped up. The Italian giants confirmed that they’ve take the option to sign Martin Caceres from Sevilla after he impressed the Bianconeri faithful while on loan during the second half of the campaign and the Uruguayan international has put pen to paper on a four-year deal that’ll tie him to the Serie A champions until 2016.


Courtesy of Paul Blank

Luis Suarez (Striker at Liverpool, Aged 25) - Juventus are also now widening their net and that could be a worry for Liverpool as Suarez is on their hit list despite him publicly announcing his intention to remain at Anfield. The Uruguayan striker has had a troubled campaign at Liverpool following controversy both on and off the pitch and a move to the Turin giants might allow him to rebuild his shattered reputation. Meanwhile, Uruguayan defender Caceres recently admitted that Suarez had been in touch regarding a possible move to the Old Lady.

Paul Pogba (Midfielder at Manchester United, Aged 19) – Considered by many as one of the brightest stars in United’s academy, Pogba is a tall, long-legged midfielder with wonderful ability on the ball and a fine range of passing. He has been described by his club as a powerful and creative player with an eye for a goal. Reports from The Guardian indicate that Pogba has turned down a lucrative contract at Old Trafford to join the Italian outfit, his head seemingly turned by his agent and money on offer.

Stevan Jovetic (Second Striker at Fiorentina, Aged 22) – Jovetic plays as a Second striker and his impressive dribbling, close control and hair have drawn comparisons to the legendary Roberto Baggio. Scoring 14 goals in what was dubbed as the worst season for Fiorentina in their recent campaigns, a move away from Viola might just be another step forward in his career. Juventus are thought to be thinking about Jovetic as their heir to Del Piero.


Courtesy of Tutto Sport

Sebastian Giovinco (Attacking Midfielder at Parma, Aged 25) – A product of the Juventus youth system, Giovinco is currently co-owned by Juventus and Parma. He struck rich form at Parma this season, leading the scoring charts with 15 goals and providing 11 assists in the Serie A. With Conte rumoured to be keen admirer of the 25 year old, Juventus look determined to acquire the midfielder’s full economic rights and a move back to Juventus could well be on the cards.

Robin van Persie (Striker at Arsenal, Aged 28) – Robin van Persie turned heads around in Europe after topping the scoring charts in England with 30 league goals in 38 appearances. Juventus are looking to reinforce their forward line with Del Piero departing after spending close to two decades with the club and on-loan Marco Borriello returning to Roma. The Mirror suggests that Arsenal will find it difficult to turn down a bid in excess of £25M.

Serdar Tasci (Defender at VFB Stuttgart, Aged 25) - One of the bright spots in VfB Stuttgart’s Bundesliga campaign, the defender is on the radar of the power houses of Italian football – Juventus. The defender is rumored to have a €15 release clause in his contract and with Juventus keen to bolster their defence; this might just be the perfect match.


Courtesy of Funky Opti

Edin Džeko (Striker at Manchester City, Aged 26) – Dzeko, who cost Manchester City £27M in 2011, has fallen down the pecking order following the return of Carlos Tevez from his self-imposed exile. However, he wrote his name large in Manchester City’s history by equalizing in the second minute of stoppage time in the season defining game against Queens Park Rangers, which was crucial in the title win. With the win, and Mancini now in the market looking for established stars that can help City defend their Premiership crown, Dzeko might be surplus to Mancini’s requirements. A move to the Italian giants Juventus, where he’ll be a regular feature in the starting lineup whilst being involved in the Champions League might be too good a proposition to turn down, but it remains to be seen if Juventus can afford the expensive striker.

Leandro Damião (Striker at Internacional, Aged 22) – Brazilian football is on the rise with a host of young players making a name for themselves both at club level and on the international stage and Leandro is one among them. Already capped at International level, Leandro looks to continue in his predecessor’s steps by making a big money move to Europe. Juventus could be in pole position to sign him for a fee believed to be in the region of €15M. They might face unlikely competition from Tottenham Hotspur, but the chances of rubbing shoulders with Europe’s elite might be too good an opportunity to turn down for the Brazilian.

Edinson Cavani (Striker at Napoli, Aged 25) – Juventus might have one of the best defensive records in leagues across Europe, but their strike force was often found wanting with Matri losing form and focus mid-season. The lack of a top striker among their ranks is a concern with Juve’s midfielders outscoring their strikers this season. Rumours suggest that Juventus are preparing a bid of almost €50M to prize away the Uruguayan star.

The Long Lost Link Between FIAT and Bianconeri

Well, First of FIAT (Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino) or (Italian Automobile factory of Turin) is an automobile giant based in Turin. Yes, the same place where the Bianconeri ply their trade in Serie-A.
FIAT was founded in 1899 by Giovanni Agnelli along with a group of investors. His stake in FIAT which he bought for 400 US $ is worth Billions now. History apart, the Agnelli family have taken over the presidency of the Bianconeri in 1923, which constitutes the oldest sporting partnership in Italy, thus making Juventus the first professional club in the country.

Over time, the club has become a symbol of the nation's culture due to their tradition of success, some of which have had a significant impact in Italian society, especially in the 1930s and the first postwar decade and the ideological politics and socio-economic origin of the club's sympathizers. This is reflected, among others, in the club's contribution to the national team, uninterrupted since the second half of 1920s and recognised as one of the most influential in international football, having performed a decisive role in the World Cup triumphs ​​of 1934, 1982 and 2006. The club's fan base is larger than any other Italian football club and is one of the largest world-wide. Support for Juventus is widespread throughout the country and abroad, mainly in countries with a significant presence of Italian immigrants.


The club seems to be progressing well under Andrea Agnelli, the last Agnelli male. Ever since their promotion back to Serie-A, the club has always found the backing of Agnelli family, be it the funds required to build their new stadium or acquisition of new talent. This season, they have financed the deals of Vidal and Vučinić who are quite proving to be decisive in the title chase. Hope Juve win their 30th Scudetto and the 3rd STAR is in the way :D

FORZA JUVENTUS \m/ 

TAKNEV

Serie - A, 2011-12. 30th Gameweek Review

Before the start of the GW 30, Milan looked to increase their gap over Juve to 7 points considering that they are at Home to Napoli and Milan playing away at Massimino.
A stirring display by Catania, left Rosoneri, reeling under pressure. Goal on either side of the half time, ensured that Juve can reduce the gap at top of the table to just 2 points, provided they beat Napoli tonight.

On a happier note, Inter's former youth coach, Andrea Stramaccioni started his first team career on a positive note, leading Nerazzuri to a tense 5-4 win over Genoa, Considering that Inter led 3-0 in the first 40 minutes, the visitors never gave up, staging a dramatic comeback through Gilardino and co. What a match it has been. 9 goals, 4 Penalties, 2 red cards. A perfect thriller.

On the other side of the Serie-A Table, Fiorentina are heading into a relegation dog fight, after losing to Verona. This result leaves them 5 points ahead of 18th placed Lecce with 8 more rounds to be played. Will Viola survive the drop? Only time will tell.

Roma's fight for Europe next season got a boost, when they thrashed Novara convincingly at Olimpico, with Bojan dedicating his goal to his former team mate Eric Abidal.

As it stands, Juventus have been gifted with a golden opportunity to capitalize on Milan's error. Today's clash with Napoli, is a test of strength as well as character for Conte's men.

Dear Pavel

One great player ever to don the colors for Bianconeri celebrates his 39th birthday today.
Ever since 2003, i was a fan of Juventus, knowing the fact that the club has a rich tradition and a great reputation both nationally and internationally. Among the players i grew up watching, Alessandro Dep Piero, David Trezguet,Pavel Nedved and Gianluig Buffon were my favorite players.

Pavel Nedved, arguably the best player to emerge from Czech Republic has won numerous accolades and is a recipient of the prestigious Ballon d'Or in 2003, thereby becoming only the second Czech Republic to win the prestigious accolade. He will be best remembered for his 8 long years he played at Juventus. Being brought to Turin in 2001 as a direct replacement for Zinedine Zidane, he proved to be one of the few players capable of assuming the "trequartista" role of his French predecessor.

Over his time at Turin, he was instrumental in leading Juventus into UCL final against Milan in 2003. He eventually missed the match as he was booked in the semi-finals. However, Nedved won the European Player of the Year. He's one of the very few players who stood by the team when they were relegated in 2005 following Juventus involvement in Calciopoli. He helped them return back to Serie-A and extended his stay till 2008-09 season dispelling rumours of moving to J-League. He stated that he will retire in February,2009 after playing almost 327 games for Bianconeri and scoring 65 goals. His retirement has caused a void on the left wing which Juventus had problem. I hope that Marcelo Estigarribia can fill the void.
Nedved returned to Turin as one of the directors of the club.

Dear Pavel,
Juventus may miss your brilliant runs, crosses and spectacular goals, but it will never see Pavel playing again. Happy Birthday once again.

love
One among your millions of fans.