Francelino Matuzalem
has adapted to the cynical ways of Genoa CFC. After injuring ex-Lazio teammate Cristian
Brocchi in February, he has ended the season of Sampdoria midfielder Nenad
Krsticic.
Genoa has a
way of turning players into thugs and its fans are no better. Their thuggish
ways and lack of intelligent football should be punished with relegation. It
will be great revenge for Sampdoria fans after their distasteful procession two
years ago, celebrating Samp’s relegation.
Matuzalem
was a player I liked when he played for Brescia from 2002-04. He played a part
in the Lombard club’s fights for survival and played alongside the likes of
Luigi Di Biagio, Stephen Appiah and, of course, Roberto Baggio.
He was a
useful player at Shakhtar Donetsk and even at Lazio but he has injured two
players during his time at Genoa, ending their seasons. Worst of all, the
referees had only given him yellow cards for each tackle.
Matuzalem
injured Krsticic during the Derby della Lanterna on the weekend. The Serbian
has three lesions on his left ankle and he had to be stretchered off the field.
To rub further insult to the wound, Matuzalem scored Genoa’s equaliser in the
1-1 draw.
Krsticic
told Genovese newspaper Secolo XIX: “In
the locker room he asked how I was and that was it. He didn’t apologise. If
anything, he was giggling. I received many messages of support and solidarity,
but none from Genoa.”
Matuzalem
didn’t apologise to Brocchi either for his tackle and Genoa fans have been
making fun of Krsticic’s injury on social media. Both Matuzalem and the Genoa
fans have been despicable with their actions.
The
Brazilian has nothing on former Genoa captain Marco Rossi though. He is biggest
Doria-hater of them all. Not only does he tackle roughly but he pushes and
shoves players and referees let him get away with it. Fortunately he wasn’t
playing on Sunday otherwise Genoa might have got away with more rough challenges.
Emiliano
Moretti did a sufficient impersonation of Rossi, perhaps without the ferocious
pushing. At least he nailed down the complaining to the ref part, which Rossi
is known to do during derbies. Marco Rossi complains so much during derbies, he
would complain if he got a papercut.
Juan Manuel
Vargas was a player I admired for Catania and for Peru. During the derby, he
was more interested in having arguments with Sampdoria right wing-back Lorenzo
De Silvestri. When they weren’t arguing, De Silvestri was the better player
going down that side.
Marco
Borriello made his breakthrough season with Genoa back in 2007/08. He had a good
season with Leonardo’s Milan and his stint at Roma wasn’t too bad. On his
return to Genoa, he has got his scoring boots on but he still has the Genoa
attitude.
Complaining
to the referee is a common habit of Genoa’s and usually the get a referee who
is intimidated by them. Wouldn’t it be good if they faced a ref who likes to
dish out a few red cards?
It’s a shame
that players like attacking midfield Andrea Bertolacci and Ciro Immobile play
for the grifoni. They are great young
talents and their technical ability would thrive a lot more at Sampdoria than
with the rossoblu. Unfortunately they
are currently playing with a club of thugs.
The Derby
della Lanterna on the weekend showed Genoa in its true colours more than Samp
at its best. The grifoni wanted a
physical contest, they got it and it suited them.
When it came
to playing proper possession football, it was Samp that was showing everyone
how it was done. Pedro Obiang stood tall and controlled the play. He was the
reason any decent football was seen and only Doria were interested in playing calcio, not Genoa.
November’s
Derby della Lanterna showed everyone what Genoa would be like without their
physical and rough play. Sampdoria won 3-1 and calcio was the winner. Football intelligence and skills prevailed.
The Doria-style triumphed over grifone
stupidity.
Genoa die-hard
fans come from the poorest parts of the city. That clearly reflects on the club
they support, judging by the attitudes of the players and fans.
Former
England manager Sir Alf Ramsey once said about Argentina in the 60s: “Our best
football will come against a team which comes out to play football, and not to act
as animals!” Sampdoria could apply the same logic to the recent Genoa derbies.
Genoa fans
celebrated Sampdoria’s relegation with a mock procession in 2011 and used a
coffin with a Samp flag on top. Genoa die-hards stabbed Sampdoria fans after
Doria won promotion back to Serie A last year. Now there are Matuzalem’s acts
of evil from the derby. Even with the draw, Genoa is still at risk of being
relegated. Wouldn’t that be sweet?
Krsticic
said this about Matuzalem and his tackle: “Tackles like that were made to hurt
players, just as he did in other occasions during his career. I’ll wait for him
next year, if he’s still in Serie A...”
The
Brazilian might not be in Serie A next season, particular if he stays with
Genoa and it serves them right. If Genoa survives, it would provide a chance
for revenge but seeing Genoa get relegated to Serie B would provide great
satisfaction to blucerchiati fans.
Genoa
footballers can’t play with intelligence and their fans don’t know the meaning
of class. Relegation to Serie B for them and Sampdoria’s likely survival this
season will prove that.
To stay with
the big boys, you must do things with class and intelligence. You must do it
like a Doria!
P.S GENOVA
E` SOLO BLUCERCHIATA!
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