Serie A Superthread

0-1 in the Bunga-bunga derby. Snap shot from Messias was too strong for the keeper.

Problem I often feel for playmakers, if they don't have moments that stand out, people start saying they do nothing. Whereas, even when quite, their role is still the most important, giving structure and tempo to the teams play.

You'd often look at guys like Riquelme or Aimar and people complaining they did nothing in a game, because they didn't get a goal or give a defence splitting pass, but even when quite are linking it all up.

I suppose big things are expected by guys playing in the traditional 10 role, and when quite are often criticised or seen as luxury players which is often unfair, their influence often going unnoticed. Think about how hard it would be to conjure up moments of magic every game, and that being expected of you as a given, as your the playmaker?

You look at Xavi and Iniesta, even Pirlo, and even when they're quite, we're told you should accept they are the geniuses pulling the strings. Which they are, but it's hard for other playmakers, playing in weaker teams to get that benefit of the doubt I often find.

Even Aaronson getting panned at Leeds, people saying he's too weak and getting pushed off the ball. Yet since he's been benched, they have become completely rudderless in structure, he was doing the quite but important work, linking everything.

Edit, Diaz like Collado deemed too good to sell, yet parent club refuses to play them. That limbo situation not fair. If your on loan two years, parent club should be forced to sell if that's what player wants

Funny you mention Riquelme in this type of role.

Was a big fan of him, but he was the type of guy many folk wouldn't see what he did in a game.

There is a great clip of him on YouTube against England. It's basically all his touches in the game in a compilation. When you see them all taken out and in that format, you realise that he controlled the whole game, against the highly touted English best in a generation midfield, without doing anything that would make the casual fan sit up and take notice.

But the game revolved around him.

Absolute shte as usual out of you. Plucked entirely out of your imagination.

Diaz was not the difference. In fact that is the first time I have ever heard anyone claim this.

Really disappointing match tonight

Atalanta have been absolutely woeful

I remember Ilicic getting a near carbon copy of that a few years back for Atalanta when they hammered Toro.

Really like Biraghi, when you see him in the flesh you realise how high his workrate is. He's constantly up and down the flank and is a quality crosser of the ball.

It's a fascinating battle for the top four as they are all so inconsistent behind Napoli. Roma vs Juve should be interesting. If Juventus can win they will be only 6 points off Mourinho's side and 9 behind Milan. I figured they were finished after the points deduction.

Great to see the viola totally outplay Milan last night. So frustrating to know Fiorentina are capable of great performances but have zero consistency.

What a goal by Kvaratskhelia.

Line-ups for the Derby d'Italia:

Inter: Onana; Darmian, De Vrij, Acerbi; Dumfries, Barella, Brozovic, Calhanoglu, Dimarco; Lukaku, Lautaro Martinez

Juventus: Szczesny; Gatti, Bremer, Danilo; De Sciglio, Fagioli, Locatelli, Rabiot, Kostic; Soulé, Vlahovic

No sure how I expect it to finish, just hope it's a good match.

I can't see any other outcome.

Fine goal by Leao to take the lead.

Cracking shot from Leao.

Made by Tonali who must be one of the most underrated midfielders in the world. Won the ball and made the pass. Has all the skill of a pure all round midfielder.

We know our football !!

Saelemaekers with Maradona stuff at the Maradona.

4-0

Napoli will say they weren't trying or were missing this and that player ahead of their European match v Milan, but it's a very dangerous game they are playing. Milan would of been quitely confident of turning Napoli over in Europe, and this will give them even more belief and momentum.

I said before Milan will do them in Europe, and Milan were the worst team Napoli could of drawn. Milan hold the indian sign over them, and when the pressure was applied over the years, Milan always come out on top. The psychology will be huge in this European tie, and Milan beating them to the title last year, this result, and on top of that Milans European pedigree, it will weigh heavily in the back of Napolis mind, make no mistake about it

I repeatedly said last year Milan would win the title when in 3rd and if Napoli are to ever win it needed to run away with it like they have this year. Theres a bit of Spurs in them, apply the pressure and they can be rattled quite easily.

They've yet to be tested but have been now tipped by everyone to win it, but haven't proven much imo, and Milan have been completely written off by everyone despite showing steel last year and at times this year.

Napoli could get the run on Milan if Milan aren't on top of their game, but if Milan can hang in for the two games they'll twist the screw. Could see the nerves kick in for Napoli when they enter the San Siro on a huge European night, they think they know what they're walking into like they do every year, but they'll get a rude awakening this time in Europe.

I'd take my hat off to Napoli if they go through, but I don't think they will. Meeting fellow Italian opposition for Milan, and potentially in the next round, is a huge boost for them.

Good article here about Lentini and his career, including his ill fated move to Milan.

Nostalgia for those of use who remember that golden era of Italian football.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65116702

Half happy I forgot there was games last night because no games Easter Sunday.

Milan 0-0 Empoli.

Salernitana 1-1 Inter

Lecce 1-2 Napoli.

Doesn't sound too riveting.

Milan are in a precarious situation, top four or winning the champions league. I'm not from there, but from following their private groups, the feeling was top 4 was a priority, European progress would come in time.

Since the draw has opened up, the feeling now seems to be, win in Europe and the top 4 will take care of itself, the rest are that inconsistent. Even if they aren't, winning in Europe will guarantee a spot in the champions league next year anyway.

The parameters have changed in the club drastically, and suddenly there's an expectancy that wasn't there before.

Win or lose, people were under the impression, Napoli would be taking the game to Milan for the two legs, Milan holding out. Make no mistake, its Milan coming for Napoli, Napoli with everything to prove.

Their beating teams 5-0 is gone out the window, if they can turn Milan in the San Siro in Europe everyone will hold their hat off to them. Can they? History suggests otherwise.

All the "shrewd" punters who tipped Napoli to win the Champions League, like others who follow serie A hadn't seen it before, fail to grasp one thing. Napoli in their strongest era, lost the title to Milan last year, one of the weakest Milan teams many would say in years. Yet Milan did them. Milan at their very worst, beat Napoli at their very best.

We'll wait and see what happens in the San Siro, I'd be of the impression that Napoli and their fans should wind their neck in, it's not a forgone conclusion

As someone who follow the league, Napoli are just a team. In Milan, they've to topple an institution. It's easier said than done, forget the form

That's all 6 points to Berlusconi's Monza vs the old enemy iirc.

Juventus up to 3rd after their points deduction was cancelled.

With 8 games left I can see it be applied from the start of next season.