Offside Sarah

In another league: Foreign Football Players in Europe

(via European football: In another league | The Economist)

Robert Baggio Hair- business in the front, party in the back 

Wow, Ronaldinho was so adorable before all the fame, trophies, and glory! 

(via pitchinvasion)

Check out these great photos of the Rome Derby from @dannylast. (via Roma v Lazio (04:03:12) - a set on Flickr)

Reading Rec: Milan v Napoli Post-Match Thoughts

If you missed the Milan-Napoli game today, catch up with @MilanPete’s piece for @themilanguy for in-depth dissection of the tactics, the mistakes, and the occasional positive moment in the match. 

Excerpt: 

For me, Urby Emanuelson still hasn’t found his “role” as a player yet. Not to say being a utility player isn’t a role, but what is it exactly that Urby does? He’s become more timid with crosses, which used to be his forte. His dribbles can be successful if he actually beats the first man, but he’s prone to losing the ball with his over reliance on starting dribbles with his left foot. He’s not great with short passes, but is better with long-passes. He seems to have some Seedorf-esque vision for playmaking, but makes too many poor decisions too excel in that position. He’s not sure what to do when he gets the ball, and I think that’s his biggest issue.

Robinho has the latest miss of the season. Tune in next week to see how he’ll do it again!

Read the full article at The Milan Guy.

What would the Pope say? 

Roma…a me me Like! 

Reading Rec: The Only Play

A great article by Pete Acquaviva (@MilanPete) for The Milan Guy (@TheMilanGuy) on a winning formation for Milan. 

Excerpt: 

This year, Milan’s combative midfield consistently manages to boss around the smaller teams in the league but not the bigger teams in the league this year or even the clubs in the Champions League over the last two years under Allegri. The “Milan default” was successful against these top domestic teams last year with two wins against a very similar Napoli squad, two wins against Inter, and two draws against Udinese. This season, however, Milan struggles against the top in the league. In fact, for teams realistically competing for Europe in Serie A, Milan this season has one win, three losses, and two draws. Why are they struggling and how did opposing teams exploit them?

Read the full article on The Milan Guy. 

Vintage Serie A Ultras. Does anyone know what this sign is referencing? 

(via trottwa)

Reading Rec: THE SAVIOUR OF CALCIO

Excerpt: 

“When Italian national team coach Cesare Prandelli reveals his next squad list there will be at least one name you haven’t heard of. He’s not a player tearing up the Champions League or catching the eye with an astonishing strike-rate in the lower leagues. His team Gubbio currently sit fourth from bottom in Serie B and he is part of a defence which has conceded thirty-two goals in their opening twenty-two games, of which they have won just four.

Yet Simone Farina will be part of the Italy set-up and join in the preparations for Euro 2012 when the Azzurri meet for the friendly against USA next month; Italy’s only match before they convene in May for the tournament.

So why will he be there? Because he said no.’

Read the full article at In Bed with Maradona. 

pitchinvasion:

Franco Baresi helps Diego Maradona up. Epic.

The ‘Magic’ of PSG: Menez’s hair

Wow, Diego is TINY… 

bundesligaclassic:

After the 1982 World Cup, Maradona transfered to Barcelona where he was welcomed by former Borussia Mönchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern München coach Udo Lattek (right). The pair later had a difficult relationship after Lattek left without Maradona after the Argentina failed to show up to the team bus on time.  Also pictured is Argentina coach Cesar Luis Menotti.

Platini strikes a vogue pose while pouting. 

roimichel:

1985, In the Intercontinental Cup match against Argentinos Juniors, Platini scored a beautiful beautiful goal which was disallowed. His reaction was priceless ;)

Vintage Maldini: Rocking the mullet.