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Lazio’s Felipe Anderson lights up surreal Sunday with his ‘dance rock’ style Lazio’s Felipe Anderson lights up surreal Sunday with his ‘dance rock’ style
(about 1 hour later)
Just over two decades have passed since Serie A’s first Sunday evening game. Many people opposed the innovation back then. Giampiero Boniperti growled that football was becoming a “slave to television”. The prominent radio commentator Alfredo Provenzali likened the situation to churches introducing a Saturday evening service for worshippers who preferred to be elsewhere on the Sabbath. “Having Mass on a Sunday was more than just a formality,” he sighed. “In the end, something has been lost.”Just over two decades have passed since Serie A’s first Sunday evening game. Many people opposed the innovation back then. Giampiero Boniperti growled that football was becoming a “slave to television”. The prominent radio commentator Alfredo Provenzali likened the situation to churches introducing a Saturday evening service for worshippers who preferred to be elsewhere on the Sabbath. “Having Mass on a Sunday was more than just a formality,” he sighed. “In the end, something has been lost.”
Imagine how he might have felt surveying this weekend’s fixture list. Just a single game, Juventus versus Genoa, was to kick-off in Italy’s traditional 3pm Sunday slot. One other would be played at 12.30pm the same day, while two more were scheduled for the night before. That left an incredible six matches for Sunday evening.Imagine how he might have felt surveying this weekend’s fixture list. Just a single game, Juventus versus Genoa, was to kick-off in Italy’s traditional 3pm Sunday slot. One other would be played at 12.30pm the same day, while two more were scheduled for the night before. That left an incredible six matches for Sunday evening.
Serie A’s administrators would defend the move by saying that they wanted to be even-handed. Five of these late games involved clubs that had played in the Europa League on Thursday night. The league has gone out of its way in recent seasons to accommodate clubs competing in continental competition, in a bid to help repair Italy’s diminished Uefa coefficient.Serie A’s administrators would defend the move by saying that they wanted to be even-handed. Five of these late games involved clubs that had played in the Europa League on Thursday night. The league has gone out of its way in recent seasons to accommodate clubs competing in continental competition, in a bid to help repair Italy’s diminished Uefa coefficient.
Still, it made for a surreal Sunday. Rather than abandon their traditional 6pm highlights show, 90º Minuto, state broadcaster Rai called in a pair of retired analysts and had them review classic games from the 1990s instead. If officials had hoped that this weekend’s unusual arrangements might generate a little extra hype around Serie A, here instead was a reminder of how the league’s standards had slipped.Still, it made for a surreal Sunday. Rather than abandon their traditional 6pm highlights show, 90º Minuto, state broadcaster Rai called in a pair of retired analysts and had them review classic games from the 1990s instead. If officials had hoped that this weekend’s unusual arrangements might generate a little extra hype around Serie A, here instead was a reminder of how the league’s standards had slipped.
Even more damaging, in the eyes of some observers, was the fact that the bulk of Italy’s top-flight matches had been pitted directly against El Clásico in the TV schedules. La Repubblica’s Concetto Vecchio deemed such a wilful clash to be “incomprehensible”. His colleague, Fabrizio Bocca, acknowledged that, “Once the remote has switched over to [La Liga rights holder] Fox, it is hard to go back.”Even more damaging, in the eyes of some observers, was the fact that the bulk of Italy’s top-flight matches had been pitted directly against El Clásico in the TV schedules. La Repubblica’s Concetto Vecchio deemed such a wilful clash to be “incomprehensible”. His colleague, Fabrizio Bocca, acknowledged that, “Once the remote has switched over to [La Liga rights holder] Fox, it is hard to go back.”
If there was truth to those words, then anyone who did stick with the Serie A schedule will still have found plenty to hold their attention. At the Marassi, Éder – the Brazilian-born forward who last week accepted his first call-up to the Italian national team – swerved a breathtaking free-kick past Samir Handanovic to see Sampdoria past Inter. At the Stadio San Paolo, 10-man Atalanta fought to an improbable draw against Napoli.If there was truth to those words, then anyone who did stick with the Serie A schedule will still have found plenty to hold their attention. At the Marassi, Éder – the Brazilian-born forward who last week accepted his first call-up to the Italian national team – swerved a breathtaking free-kick past Samir Handanovic to see Sampdoria past Inter. At the Stadio San Paolo, 10-man Atalanta fought to an improbable draw against Napoli.
Most captivating of all, however, might have been Lazio’s Felipe Anderson. After signing a new five-year contract with the club last week, the Brazilian had issued a rallying cry to his team’s fans, saying he wanted “everyone at the stadium”. Those words were heeded. Lazio’s average attendance his season has hovered at just over 30,000 people but more than 40,000 showed up for Sunday night’s fixture against lowly Verona.Most captivating of all, however, might have been Lazio’s Felipe Anderson. After signing a new five-year contract with the club last week, the Brazilian had issued a rallying cry to his team’s fans, saying he wanted “everyone at the stadium”. Those words were heeded. Lazio’s average attendance his season has hovered at just over 30,000 people but more than 40,000 showed up for Sunday night’s fixture against lowly Verona.
It is a wonder that anybody needed the encouragement. Anderson has been one of the most entertaining players to watch not only in Italy this season, but in any of Europe’s top leagues. Claimed by Lazio’s in-house telemetrics team to be the fastest player in Serie A, his sudden accelerations and knack for improvisation led Gazzetta dello Sport to define his style as “dance rock”. Anderson dribbles past opponents more frequently than any other player in the division.It is a wonder that anybody needed the encouragement. Anderson has been one of the most entertaining players to watch not only in Italy this season, but in any of Europe’s top leagues. Claimed by Lazio’s in-house telemetrics team to be the fastest player in Serie A, his sudden accelerations and knack for improvisation led Gazzetta dello Sport to define his style as “dance rock”. Anderson dribbles past opponents more frequently than any other player in the division.
His resilience, as well has his talent, has been extraordinary. It took Anderson a full year after his 2013 switch from Santos to adjust to both football in Italy and life away from the pitch. As noted previously in this column, he put on significant weight during his first season simply because he did not know how to order anything other than a spaghetti carbonara and a fizzy drink when he went out for dinner.His resilience, as well has his talent, has been extraordinary. It took Anderson a full year after his 2013 switch from Santos to adjust to both football in Italy and life away from the pitch. As noted previously in this column, he put on significant weight during his first season simply because he did not know how to order anything other than a spaghetti carbonara and a fizzy drink when he went out for dinner.
Having finally found his feet and begun to establish himself as a leading protagonist for Lazio this past winter – racking up five goals and five assists in as many games – he saw his progress checked by a January knee injury that would keep him out of action for four weeks. In the same month, his father was arrested on homicide charges.Having finally found his feet and begun to establish himself as a leading protagonist for Lazio this past winter – racking up five goals and five assists in as many games – he saw his progress checked by a January knee injury that would keep him out of action for four weeks. In the same month, his father was arrested on homicide charges.
Anderson took all this in his stride, returning to the starting XI in mid-February, and almost single-handedly demolishing Sassuolo a fortnight later, when he scored Lazio’s first and set up the second in a 3-0 win. He has not looked back since.Anderson took all this in his stride, returning to the starting XI in mid-February, and almost single-handedly demolishing Sassuolo a fortnight later, when he scored Lazio’s first and set up the second in a 3-0 win. He has not looked back since.
Europe’s richest clubs have been taking notice. Whilst even some Italians might have preferred to watch El Clásico on Sunday night, at least one Manchester United scout is reported to have shown up at the Stadio Olimpico for a close look at Anderson instead. Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City had all been linked with the Brazilian in recent weeks, their interest no doubt influencing Lazio’s decision to extend his contract – which already ran through 2018.Europe’s richest clubs have been taking notice. Whilst even some Italians might have preferred to watch El Clásico on Sunday night, at least one Manchester United scout is reported to have shown up at the Stadio Olimpico for a close look at Anderson instead. Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City had all been linked with the Brazilian in recent weeks, their interest no doubt influencing Lazio’s decision to extend his contract – which already ran through 2018.
United’s scout had chosen a good week to see what all the fuss was about. Anderson opened the scoring against Verona in the fourth minute with his first-ever headed goal. Just after the quarter-hour mark, he combined with Lucas Biglia to release Miroslav Klose – only for the German to fluff his lines. Later, Anderson intercepted a pass in midfield and embarked on a 60-yard run that ended with his shot being tipped onto the crossbar.United’s scout had chosen a good week to see what all the fuss was about. Anderson opened the scoring against Verona in the fourth minute with his first-ever headed goal. Just after the quarter-hour mark, he combined with Lucas Biglia to release Miroslav Klose – only for the German to fluff his lines. Later, Anderson intercepted a pass in midfield and embarked on a 60-yard run that ended with his shot being tipped onto the crossbar.
So great has the media focus been on the Brazilian been lately that Lazio made a post on their own Facebook page earlier in the week insisting that the team was not “Felipe dependent”. They were justified in arguing that their team contains several other fine players – not least among them Antonio Candreva, who scored their second against Verona from a free-kick that he had earned himself on the edge of the area.So great has the media focus been on the Brazilian been lately that Lazio made a post on their own Facebook page earlier in the week insisting that the team was not “Felipe dependent”. They were justified in arguing that their team contains several other fine players – not least among them Antonio Candreva, who scored their second against Verona from a free-kick that he had earned himself on the edge of the area.
However, it is no coincidence that Lazio have won six games in a row since Anderson returned from injury, vaulting Napoli as they moved up into the Champions League places. He has now scored or set up a total of 16 goals in his last 12 appearances. Lazio finished the weekend four points clear of their nearest rivals in third.However, it is no coincidence that Lazio have won six games in a row since Anderson returned from injury, vaulting Napoli as they moved up into the Champions League places. He has now scored or set up a total of 16 goals in his last 12 appearances. Lazio finished the weekend four points clear of their nearest rivals in third.
Earlier this season, Anderson was nicknamed FA7 by Lazio’s supporters – a nod to Cristiano Ronaldo’s CR7 moniker. But he owes much more in his career to Neymar, with whom he played at Santos and who has referred to him in the past as a “little brother”. “He was the one who advised me to come here, to have courage and to believe in myself more,” said Anderson after Sunday’s game. “I will thank him forever.”Earlier this season, Anderson was nicknamed FA7 by Lazio’s supporters – a nod to Cristiano Ronaldo’s CR7 moniker. But he owes much more in his career to Neymar, with whom he played at Santos and who has referred to him in the past as a “little brother”. “He was the one who advised me to come here, to have courage and to believe in myself more,” said Anderson after Sunday’s game. “I will thank him forever.”
So too might Lazio’s supporters. Even if Neymar and his Barcelona colleagues did steal a few TV viewers away from their team on Sunday night.So too might Lazio’s supporters. Even if Neymar and his Barcelona colleagues did steal a few TV viewers away from their team on Sunday night.
Talking points to follow ... Talking points:
• We already touched on Éder’s goal and international call-up above but Sampdoria’s all-around form also merits a mention. Their four consecutive wins means they too have leapfrogged Napoli to move into fourth place. Despite selling their most prolific player, Manolo Gabbiadini, in January, Sampdoria remain very much alive in the hunt for a Champions League place and that alone is extraordinary.
• Éder was not the only foreign-born player called-up by Antonio Conte for Italy’s games against Bulgaria and England. Franco Vázquez also made the cut, although in his case the timing seems a little more curious since Palermo – who lost 1-0 to Chievo at the weekend – have not scored in a month. Both players’ inclusion will inevitably kick off fresh debate about Italy’s use of oriundi but Conte did make one other intriguing first-time selection in the person of Mirko Valdifiori, whose distribution from the heart of midfield has contributed a great deal to Empoli’s surprisingly assured first season back in the top-flight.
• One man not included in this latest Italy squad was Daniele De Rossi – whose recent form has not merited inclusion. He responded by scoring the goal that brought Roma their first league victory since 8 February. An 1-0 win away to Cesena ought not to be a big deal for this team but after their humiliating Europa League defeat to Fiorentina on Thursday – and subsequent pow-wow with the ultras – a fillip of any kind was urgently required.
• Francesco Totti missed the Cesena game due to injury, instead going to watch his son Cristian play in an Under-11s derby against Lazio. The younger Totti set up a goal in his team’s 3-1 win.
• Milan collected their third league win of 2015, beating Cagliari 3-1 but more illuminating than anything that happened on the pitch were the images of an empty Curva Sud at San Siro. Ultras from that section of the stadium had issued a statement declaring themselves to be on strike on Friday and inviting all other fans to both stay away and stop purchasing official club merchandise. They accused Silvio Berlusconi of blowing smoke in their faces by promising a return to the glory days of the past and demanded to know if he was serious about either investing in the club again or selling it. On the day of the game itself, a small number entered to hang banners which read (in English) “Game Over”, “This is the end” and “Insert coin & #SaveACMilan”.
• Although the Rossoneri were, ultimately, good value for the three points, their margin of victory might have been smaller were it not for the scandalous penalty decision given in their favour 12 minutes from time. Alessio Cerci was a good half-yard outside the box when he was brought down by Luca Ceppitelli but was awarded a spot-kick anyway. The latter player’s team-mate, Danilo Avelar, highlighted the injustice by walking behind Milan’s Ignazio Abate as he conducted a TV interview after the game, holding up a phone which showed a still image of the foul taking place.
• Carlos Tevez kept Juventus rolling towards their fourth-straight Scudetto with a brilliant slalom and finish against Genoa. He once again leads the scoring charts with 16 goals, although Jérémy Ménez is now level with Mauro Icardi in second-place on 15.
• Napoli were none-too-impressed with the failure of referee Gianpaolo Calvarese to spot that Mauricio Pinilla had fouled Henrique in the buildup to Atalanta’s goal against them on Sunday and duly railed against the decision to assign the official to their game. “[FIGC president Carlo] Tavecchio cannot lose his credibility in this way,” tweeted Napoli’s official account, presumably whilst also nudging shut a stable door through which horses had long since bolted. “A refereeing performance not worthy of Serie A which falsifies the league. In England this would not have happened.”
Results: Cesena 0-1 Roma, Chievo 1-0 Palermo, Empoli 3-1 Sassuolo, Juventus 1-0 Genoa, Lazio 2-0 Verona, Milan 3-1 Cagliari, Napoli 1-1 Atalanta, Parma 0-2 Torino, Sampdoria 1-0 Inter, Udinese 2-2 Fiorentina