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Surprising Verona turn their sights on Europe
By Simon Evans
MILAN, May 1 (Reuters)(DS) - Verona's 2-0 win over Serie A leaders Juventus on Sunday has allowed the unfashionable northern Italian team to dream of playing in Europe next season as well as opening up the title race.
Two goals from Fabrizio Cammarata gave Cesare Prandelli's side a win wich allowed second-placed Lazio to move within two
points of Juve, with two games remaining.
The victory also moved Verona into ninth position, offering them the chance of a place in the UEFA Cup via the summer Intertoto tournament.
The prospect of playing in an often ridiculed competition in July may not appeal to many of Italy's elite but it is remarkable that Verona are now contemplating Europe when just three months ago they were staring relegation in the face.
At the start of February, Verona were deep in relegation trouble, third from the bottom of Serie A.
They then embarked on a 13 match unbeaten run which has seen them pick up 25 points including a 1-0 home win over Lazio and a
thrilling 3-3 draw with AC Milan at the San Siro.
"Maybe some who watched the game talk about a mediocre Juventus but I just think that we were excellent in everything we did," said Verona defender Cristian Brocchi.
"Now we truly have the right to think about qualifying for Europe. The Intertoto is no longer a dream".
SECOND CHANCE
Brocchi, a hard working defensive midfielder, is like many of his team-mates enjoying a second chance in the top flight.
He began his career with AC Milan but failed to make a single Serie A appearance and disappeared into the lower reaches of Serie C, before Verona snapped him up and placed him at the heart of the team which won promotion from Serie B last season.
Sunday's goal hero Cammarata played alongside Alessandro Del Piero in the Juventus youth team before he moved to Verona for just $25,000, having never made the grade at the Delle Alpi.
And the player who sparked the club's turnaround in fortunes this season, midfield playmaker Domenico Morfeo, struggled at
Fiorentina and AC Milan before he was rescued from the substitute's bench at lowly Cagliari for a knock-down fee.
From this collection of rejects and misfits, Prandelli has created a side whose battling qualities have been enough to see off the millionaires at the top of the table.
"They are a fantastic group of lads," says Prandelli.
"Earlier this season when we were in great difficulty they didn't give up, not one of them.
"They accepted my philosophy and they got down to work. The determination, the spirit and the sacrifice made the difference. I am proud of them".
But while Prandelli's squad may be adored by the fans at Bentegodi stadium, they still have some way to match the achievements of their predecessors in the eighties.
A similar squad of young and relatively unknown players coached by Osvaldo Bagnoli stunned Italian football by winning the club's only Serie A title in 1985.
That side was carefully constructed over three seasons but such a luxury may not be afforded to Prandelli.
Already a number of big clubs are reported to be eyeing players such as Brocchi and Danish defender Martin Laursen and it is unlikely Verona would be able to turn down serious offers.
http://www.dailysoccer.com/news/text/done/20000501/mdf35993.html
****
Well, this article isn't that related to Parma. But I have heard a rumour that Parma is interested in signing Martin Laursen. What do you think? I never have the chances to see him play... argh, no telly!
I also wonder if you feel Verona is a bit similar to some teams like Vicenza (before the takeover of some English businessmen. Where is this team now?) or Udinese (with someone like Oliver Bierhoff) a few years ago...
Forza Parma!
Ciao,
Shanie
------------------
Forza Parma!
Shanie Yau
[email protected].de
http://i.am/shanie/
By Simon Evans
MILAN, May 1 (Reuters)(DS) - Verona's 2-0 win over Serie A leaders Juventus on Sunday has allowed the unfashionable northern Italian team to dream of playing in Europe next season as well as opening up the title race.
Two goals from Fabrizio Cammarata gave Cesare Prandelli's side a win wich allowed second-placed Lazio to move within two
points of Juve, with two games remaining.
The victory also moved Verona into ninth position, offering them the chance of a place in the UEFA Cup via the summer Intertoto tournament.
The prospect of playing in an often ridiculed competition in July may not appeal to many of Italy's elite but it is remarkable that Verona are now contemplating Europe when just three months ago they were staring relegation in the face.
At the start of February, Verona were deep in relegation trouble, third from the bottom of Serie A.
They then embarked on a 13 match unbeaten run which has seen them pick up 25 points including a 1-0 home win over Lazio and a
thrilling 3-3 draw with AC Milan at the San Siro.
"Maybe some who watched the game talk about a mediocre Juventus but I just think that we were excellent in everything we did," said Verona defender Cristian Brocchi.
"Now we truly have the right to think about qualifying for Europe. The Intertoto is no longer a dream".
SECOND CHANCE
Brocchi, a hard working defensive midfielder, is like many of his team-mates enjoying a second chance in the top flight.
He began his career with AC Milan but failed to make a single Serie A appearance and disappeared into the lower reaches of Serie C, before Verona snapped him up and placed him at the heart of the team which won promotion from Serie B last season.
Sunday's goal hero Cammarata played alongside Alessandro Del Piero in the Juventus youth team before he moved to Verona for just $25,000, having never made the grade at the Delle Alpi.
And the player who sparked the club's turnaround in fortunes this season, midfield playmaker Domenico Morfeo, struggled at
Fiorentina and AC Milan before he was rescued from the substitute's bench at lowly Cagliari for a knock-down fee.
From this collection of rejects and misfits, Prandelli has created a side whose battling qualities have been enough to see off the millionaires at the top of the table.
"They are a fantastic group of lads," says Prandelli.
"Earlier this season when we were in great difficulty they didn't give up, not one of them.
"They accepted my philosophy and they got down to work. The determination, the spirit and the sacrifice made the difference. I am proud of them".
But while Prandelli's squad may be adored by the fans at Bentegodi stadium, they still have some way to match the achievements of their predecessors in the eighties.
A similar squad of young and relatively unknown players coached by Osvaldo Bagnoli stunned Italian football by winning the club's only Serie A title in 1985.
That side was carefully constructed over three seasons but such a luxury may not be afforded to Prandelli.
Already a number of big clubs are reported to be eyeing players such as Brocchi and Danish defender Martin Laursen and it is unlikely Verona would be able to turn down serious offers.
http://www.dailysoccer.com/news/text/done/20000501/mdf35993.html
****
Well, this article isn't that related to Parma. But I have heard a rumour that Parma is interested in signing Martin Laursen. What do you think? I never have the chances to see him play... argh, no telly!
I also wonder if you feel Verona is a bit similar to some teams like Vicenza (before the takeover of some English businessmen. Where is this team now?) or Udinese (with someone like Oliver Bierhoff) a few years ago...
Forza Parma!
Ciao,
Shanie
------------------
Forza Parma!
Shanie Yau
[email protected].de
http://i.am/shanie/
