We Still Control Our Destiny

By: Jeremy | April 15th, 2009

As much as I want to complain about the Fiorentina loss, this game was the latest example where we played well at the wrong time and ended up losing despite on the surface having arguments that we deserved better.

This match was similar to the Genoa game. While we were less impressive the in first half against Fiorentina, we still could not get a breakthrough and went down 1-0 after Pasquals goal in the 53rd minute. Our play was somewhat reckless throughout and Conti was lucky not to get a straight red for his assault on Gilardino. When we play out of control, a dismissal seems inevitable and Agostini got his second yellow in minute 65.

As with the Genoa match, we actually dominated Fiorentina once we went down to ten men. If not for the brilliance of Frey, maybe one of our many chances could have equalized. Fiorentina wanted to get the extra goal but left themselves open to the counter attack. When they went up 2-0 on Vargas goal, that was pretty much it even if we did get one back from young Ragatzu in minute 88. Canini got sent off ending any chance at a point.

While the players seemed to think we deserved better, coming out flat and falling behind and then losing a player does not lead to good results. While it may have seemed we were pressure free going into this game, that was not the case. Even if you exceed expectations, when you are in a position for a european spot, there is pressure. Only after we go down a man do we seem to play the football we are capable of. Totally inexplicable.

Despite our recent problems with top tier opponents like Fiorentina and Genoa, we are still very much in the hunt for a UEFA Cup spot and the team needs to stay focused. Allegri signed a contract extension last week and that has to make the club feel good. We now feel like we have one of the better young coaches in the game and he has pledged his future to our team. Even if we fade these last eight games, he had laid the foundation that might bring players to Cagliari and cause Cellino to spend some money to get the players that can help us take the next step to Europe.

With Roma seemingly not caring about finishing in the top four, despite our losses in the big games, we still just four points behind them and one behind Palermo. We get Palermo away followed by Roma at home so we can play our way into Europe. These games will be tough as Roma is still way more talented then us and Palermo is playing great so we will not be favorites in either of those games. First we must beat Napoli this weekend and Sampdoria on the road to make the Palermo and Roma matches meaningful. Simply put, we dont need other teams to put us into a european position. It will be tough and odds are against us, but its too early to pack it in and be happy with a mid table finish.

For now the team seems to be on an inconsitent wavelength and unable to put together a run of play that can win games against strong opponents. These issues can be overcome against the likes of Bologna, but Napoli and Sampdoria, even in disappointing years, are not clubs we can beat with this type of performance. Motivation has to come from somewhere and the team has to step up its play or the Palermo and Roma matches will mean nothing.

For now, we still have a chance to take that big step into european football which would be a huge achievement considering where we were after the first five weeks.