Army of Darkness Rising…

By: Christopher | July 24th, 2009

(Yeah Uncle Dino you get some love too, Army of Darkness rules)

Amid our preseason friendlies (which I ditched work to attempt to stream but ended up not finding one regardless) there are some conclusions to draw, even though I don’t believe you can draw conclusions from preseason friendlies. And they are: Lavezzi, sit down shut up and play. For a little while I was beginning to think Palermo were going to take the lead from us in the race to see which team can sign the best South American talent. Bertolo and Pastore look to be some promising additions to an already good squad. But then Zuniga took the field and showed a good chunk of worth in his versatility and play making ability. The 3-5-2 against St. Polten saw him switched to the left side on which he dominated, and Donadoni has even mentioned about moving him up in the formation to assume more of a defensive mid role. Against Wiener Schnitzel we played 4 at the back and Zuniga adapted once again with a solid defensive performance and creating opportunities offensively (would have been on the records for some assists if Pia could finish). If there is a formation change (no more 3-5-2 suggestions Reja! when do you not think that is ‘the best formation for the team?’) no doubt it will be a more seamless transition with Zuniga’s ability to play either side, as well as a midfield role if a more concrete LB is signed. This would allow Maggio to remain on the right, which if I’m not mistaken, translates in Napoli SSC footballing language to: “Deadly accurate crosses bombarding from either left or right.” Zuniga is turning out to be all I hoped for, and more. When he dribbled through three defenders and ’stuck it in the back of the old onion bag (think of something new Tommy Smyth),’ the cheer from the fans ‘brought him to tears.’ If he’s crying in a July, we are going to need some serious Prozac in May if we don’t make a top four finish. That is the type of passion that we need this season if we are to succeed, and I hope he can become a role model for the team ( on second thought maybe just Lavezzi) to follow.

$Look at this picture and tell me you don\'t love this guy. I dare you.$
Look at this picture and tell me you don’t love this guy. I dare you.

Now look at Zuniga and go sit in the time out chair Lavezzi. I’m going to have to agree with our president in that I’ve never heard a bigger fuss over seven goals then I have in this ordeal. There are plenty of contracts that should be improved before Lavezzi’s. If money isn’t enough motivation for Lavezzi next season, maybe the possibility of being eaten by another human is? Don’t worry I found some dramatic music to accompany this notion:

(Lavezzi could be that troll from 300 that betrays the Spartans? Other than that the video doesn’t really apply sorry)

“He is an inconsistent player. He is not the new Maradona and his contribution doesn’t help the team. For the moment, we have not made any mistakes. If an actor were to behave like this I would eat him alive”- De Laurentiis.

You have to applaud the intensity of De Laurentii’s efforts in laying down the law with restrictions on crazy parties (listen up Lavezzi) before and around games/ practices. The basis of ‘Lippi-an footballing philosophy,’ there’s a lot to be said for building a team oriented mentality as player talent goes only so far. This being said, what do you think… How bad do we need Pocho, at what point is enough enough?

The question has at one point entered all of our minds…
Could we place a top four finish without Lavezzi?(survey)