What makes the perfect goal? For some it is the culmination of a free-flowing attacking move that demonstrates gliding passing and movement. Take for instance Estebian Cambiasso’s goal at the 2006 World Cup, or Carlos Alberto’s strike against Italy in 1970.
For others, the sharp electrifying shock of a stunning shot is of greater satisfaction. If that’s the case then few come better than Giuseppe Mascara’s 50 yard volley.
Sunday’s Sicilian derby between Catania and Palermo was a feisty affair with plenty of talking points besides the wonder goal. Palermo had Marco Bresciano sent off after 15 minutes, Catania notched up three more goals and there were more than a few penalty shouts.
The final score was 0-4, but unfortunately for the Catania faithful they weren’t there to see it, having been banned from the ground thanks to previous indiscretions.
Further north in the champagne tie of the round Inter hosted Roma on Sunday evening.
The reigning champions found themselves 0-2 down at half time, thanks to goals from Daniele Di Rossi and John Arne Riise, and it was largely thanks to Mario Balotelli that Inter managed to pull it back to 3-3.
The 18-year-old scored twice in swift succession after half-time to mitige the third Roma added. But it took a striker 16-years Ballotelli’s senior to level the scores as Hernan Jorge Crespo nodded home with 10 minutes to go.
At 6 ft 3ins tall and exceptionally quick and powerful, Balotelli has the potential to become one of the best strikers in the world. The problem for youngster is that in spite of his physical capabilities, his mental faculties are yet to catch up. He has bickered incessantly with Jose Mourinho, and even requested a transfer in January. .
After the match Mourinho said of his young charge "On the pitch Mario doesn't fear anyone and he doesn't respect anyone." A fair appraisal of the precocious talent’s off field antics to boot.
Elsewhere, Milan’s recent struggles continued as they went down 2-1 at Samdoria.
The result sees the Rossoneri slip to within 3 points of fifth place Genoa and the possibility of not qualifying for the Champions League for a second consecutive season.
Having missed out on the £25m pot of European gold this season, Milan are determined not to do so again. However their recent poor domestic form, coupled with their dismal UEFA Cup exit, has started the alarm bells ringing.
On Friday it was revealed that Milan’s vice-president, Adriano Galliani, held crisis talks with the players, warning that if they finish below third (i.e. not automatic Champions League qualification) then the club will have to reduce outgoings.
The fear is that in such a case another offer from Manchester City for their prize asset will be too much to turn down.
Results: Atalanta 0–2 Chievo, Cagliari 0–0 Torino, Inter 3–3 Roma, Juventus 1–0 Napoli, Lazio 2–0 Bologna, Palermo 0–4 Catania, Reggina 1–1 Fiorentina, Sampdoria 2–1 Milan, Siena 0–0 Genoa, Udinese 2–0 Lecce