At
the onset of the 1996/97 season, a new word had entered the Football Lexicon:
‘Bosman’. The landmark ruling was made midway through the previous season but
this was to be the very first season that it would go in effect. This would
ensure a large contingent of foreign player signings all over Europe and Italy
was no exception as the already strong league sought to strengthen itself with
a new wave of exciting foreign signings.
Defending
Serie A Champions, AC Milan of Silvio Berlusconi were one of the first to
exploit this new ruling by signing the Dutch duo of Edgar Davids and Michael
Reiziger on a so-called ‘Bosman Free’. This meant that since the players
contracts had expired with Ajax, Milan did not need to pay a transfer fee for
the players.
The
two Dutchmen had been instrumental in Milan’s downfall in the 1995 Champions
League. In another attempt to sign a player who had defeated them, they signed
French striker Christophe Dugarry from Bordeaux (who had scored twice against
them in the previous season’s UEFA Cup and eliminated them).
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Photo From: World Soccer, September 1996
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Milan
had offloaded many players now surplus to requirements, such as once great
Portuguese Superstar Paolo Futre, who rarely featured for the side in the
previous season, as he never appeared to fully recover from his serious injury
upon joining Reggiana in November 1993. He left the join the new El Dorado of
the English Premier League (to West Ham) that was becoming more and more open
and attractive to foreign players with Bosman in effect.
Bosman
allowed the almost unheard practice of Italian players also to venture abroad
and Milan’s Paolo Di Canio departed to Celtic Glasgow.
Another
departure (though on loan) was that of once great hope and the World’s most
expensive player in 1992, Gianluigi Lentini.
He
left to join his old mentor Emiliano Mondonico at Atalanta.
Others
to leave Milan included long-serving veteran Roberto Donadoni (to USA’s new
League, the MLS and NY/NJ Metrostars) and Gianluca Sordo.
One
departure that went un-noticed was that of rarely used young French midfielder
Patrick Vieira. He was shipped off without much regret to Arsenal.
Time
would tell that Milan had lost out on a future world-class player.
The
main departure at Milan was that of Manager Fabio Capello. He had left to
manage Real Madrid. Despite winning four Scudettos in five seasons, he was
offended in Milan’s requirements in Team Performance related clauses in his
contract.
His
replacement was Uruguayan Manager Oscar Washington Tabarez, who had achieved
solid results at Cagliari in the past.
He
was inheriting a good though ageing side that was still led by stand-bearer and
Captain Franco Baresi.
The
backbone of the team still contained the likes of Maldini, Costacurta, Boban,
Savicevic and Simone, with Liberian striker George Weah firmly established
after an excellent first season.
Juventus
with its Director Triumvirate of Antonio Giraudo, Luciano Moggi and Roberto
Bettega in place were firm with their policy of modernization and austerity.
Despite
winning the Champions League in the previous season, their aim was to
rejuvenate the team to be built around Alessandro Del Piero.
Leader
and Captain Gianluca Vialli left the team to join Ruud Gullit’s Chelsea.
His
strike partner, Fabrizio Ravanelli also joined the gold rush of the English
Premier League and joined Middlesbrough.
Portuguese
midfielder Paulo Sousa after an excellent first season (1994/95) had been
somewhat disappointing and he was on his way out to Borussia Dortmund.
Veteran
midfielder Giancarlo Marocchi signed off to join his previous club Bologna
(newly promoted), while veteran defender Massimo Carrera joined Atalanta.
Roberto
Bettega had stated that the aim of the new Juventus was to change players
before their standards started to slip and these departures confirmed this.
The
Management provided Manager Marcello Lippi with a new set of young and hungry
emerging players.
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Photo From: Football Italia, May 1997
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These
included Croatian striker Alen Boksic (from Lazio), young striker Christian
Vieri (from Atalanta), Uruguayan defender Paolo Montero (also from Atalanta),
defender Mark Iuliano (from Salernitana), striker Nicola Amoruso (from Padova)
and Raffaele Ametrano (from Udinese).
Their
main signing was French midfielder Zinedine Zidane that many were comparing to
old Juventus and France great Michel Platini.
His
star had been on the rise after Bordeaux had eliminated AC Milan in the UEFA
Cup in the previous season.
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Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 94, November 1996
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Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 91, August 1996
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He
was to join fellow Frenchman Didier Deschamps now firmly established as a vital
member of the Juventus engine room after two solid seasons.
Nevertheless,
there were some doubts about Zidane’s ability. He had been a shadow of himself
in the recent 1996 UEFA European Championships as he had been in a car accident
just before the Tournament and did not perform up to his standards. Gianni
Agnelli himself questioned the signing after witnessing his performance in the
Euros.
After
a number of disappointing seasons, confidence was high at Inter. Club president
Massimo Moratti had maintained his faith on English Manager Roy Hodgson, now in
his first full season in charge.
The
club went on a shopping spree of quality players to reclaim their glory.
Frenchman Youri Djorkaeff (from PSG), Nigerian forward Nwankwo Kanu (from
Ajax). Chilean striker Ivan Zamorano (from Real Madrid), Swiss midfielder
Ciriaco Sforza (from Bayern Munich), Dutch midfielder Aron Winter (from Lazio),
French defender Jocelyn Angloma (from Torino) and Italian players Massimo
Tarantino (from Napoli) and Fabio Galante (from Genoa) joined the new-look
Inter.
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Photo From: Panini Italy 1996/97
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Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 100, May 1997
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Photo From: World Soccer, September 1996
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Inter
offloaded some of their Italian old guard such as Davide Fontolan (to Bologna)
and Antonio Manicone (to Perugia). The Brazilian Caio had been disappointing
and he was sent to Napoli.
Surprisingly
Inter sold Brazilian Roberto Carlos after a solitary season, who would go on to
serve Real Madrid for over a decade with titles galore.
Parma,
with Parmalat’s backing, were also intent on reclaiming their place after a
disappointing season.
Nevio
Scala had departed at the end of last season and was replaced with Carlo
Ancelotti in his first Serie A managerial post. Ancelotti had been Assistant to
National Team Manager Arrigo Sacchi for a number of years. The previous season,
in his first sole Managerial job, he had led Reggiana to promotion to Serie A.
Italian
veterans such as Alberto Di Chiara and Gabriele Pin departed along with the
disappointing Bulgarian superstar Hristo Stoichkov who returned to his old love
Barcelona (now that Johann Cruyff had been sacked).
Portuguese
defender Fernando Couto also joined Stoichkov at Barcelona, while Fillipo
Inzaghi was loaned to Atalanta (more on
him later….).
The
new arrivals were younger and ambitious players such as striker Enrico Chiesa,
who had shot to fame in the previous season with Sampdoria.
Argentinean
striker Hernan Crespo (from River Plate), Brazilian defender Ze Maria (from
Flamengo), French defender Lilian Thuram (from Monaco) and Brazilian Amaral
(from Palmeiras) gave a new youthful impulse to the side.
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Photo From: Football Italia, May 1997
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Surprisingly,
Parma also picked up French veteran Daniel Bravo (from PSG), who had stood out
in the previous season when the French side had eliminated them in the Cup
Winners Cup. Bravo had been a promising forward in the early 80s, who had
transitioned successfully as a defensive midfielder in his advanced years.
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Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 93, October 1996
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Sergio
Cragnotti’s Lazio with Walter Zeman still at the helm still had Scudetto winning
ambitions.
They
had lost Boksic (to Juventus), Winter (to Inter) and Roberto Di Matteo (to
Chelsea).
They
signed last season’s co-top goalscorer Igor Protti (from Bari) to partner up
fellow co-top goalscorer and ever-present Giuseppe Signori.
Lazio
signed young Czech Republic midfielder Pavel Nedved (from Sparta Prague) after
he had impressed at the recent Euros in England.
Just
like Parma’s Crespo, he would forge a love affair with the peninsula that lasts
to this day. Nedved appeared to be headed to PSV Eindhoven before Lazio stepped
in and changed his destiny.
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Photo From: Panini Italy 1996/97
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South
African Mark Fish (from Orlando Pirates) and the Australian Paul Okon (from
Club Brugge) were part of the more unconventional signings now feasible and
possible due to Bosman.
Lazio
completed its signings with solid Italian players such as Roberto Baronio (from
Brescia), Renato Buso (from Napoli), Giorgio Venturin (from Cagliari) and
promising goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini (from Prato).
Just
below the favorites were the likes of Roma and Fiorentina. Roma appointed
Argentinean Manager Carlos Bianchi to lead a squad without Captain Giuseppe
Giannini, who had departed to the Austrian League (Sturm Graz) after more than
a decade of service in the Capitol.
Bianchi
had brought Argentinean defender Roberto Trotta, along with him from Velez
Sarsfield. Italian midfielder Damiano Tommasi arrived from Hellas Verona along
with Swedish striker Martin Dahlin (from Borussia Moenchengladbach).
Claudio
Ranieri’s Fiorentina were still dependent upon the goals of Argentinean
goleador Gabriel Batistuta.
They
made a triple signing from Cagliari to strengthen themselves for Europe and the
Cup winners Cup. Brazilian-born Belgian forward Luis Oliveira arrived with
former club-mates Vittorio Pusceddu and Aldo Firicano.
The
Viola also bought-out the remaining 50% of goalkeeper Francesco Toldo's
contract from AC Milan.
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Photo From: Panini Italy 1996/97
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Sven-Goran
Eriksson’s Sampdoria side were powerless to stop the departures of young Dutch
midfielder Clarence Seedorf (to Real Madrid) and Enrico Chiesa (to Parma),
while veteran goalkeeper Walter Zenga departed as well.
Fabrizio
Ferron was signed from Atalanta to be the new goalkeeper.
Argentinean
midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron (from Boca Juniors) started his Italian
adventure with the club. Young up-and-coming striker Vincenzo Montella was
signed from cross-town rivals Genoa as a replacement for Chiesa.
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Photo From: Panini Italy 1996/97
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Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 98, March 1997
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Sampdoria
also made a triple signing of French players. Defender Oumar Dieng (from PSG)
and midfielders Pierre Laigle (from RC Lens) and Alain Boghosian (from Napoli)
arrived to join the already established Frenchman Christian Karembeu.
After
his fine work at Cremonese, Napoli had appointed Luigi Simoni as Manager.
Young
players such as Belgian defender Bertrand Crasson (from Anderlecht), Brazilians
Caio (from Inter), Beto (from Botafogo) arrived along with Italians
Massimiliano Esposito (from Lazio) and Mauro Milanese (from Torino).
Cagliari
had appointed a new Manager as well. The Uruguayan Gregorio Perez was appointed
with the hope that he could emulate countryman Oscar Washington Tabarez’s
previous fine work at the Sardinian club.
Cagliari
made a double defensive signing from Switzerland of goalkeeper Marco Pascolo
(from Servette) and defender Ramon Vega (from Grasshoppers).
Udinese
were trying to build momentum from the previous season. German striker Oliver
Bierhoff had ended the season on a triumph as his Nations’ new hero when he
scored two goals for his Nation in the Final of the Euros.
Albero
Zaccheroni, their Manager very much on the rise, was hoping for even more
fireworks up front with the signing of Brazilian striker Marcio Amoroso (from
Guarani).
Vicenza
and Piacenza had generally retained the backbone of the squad and were a stable
unit with hopes of extending their Serie A run.
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Photo From: Football Italia, May 1997
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Photo From: Football Italia, May 1997
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Atalanta’s
brief was maintaining their Serie A status. Emiliano Mondonico’s return to the
bench was a plus as was Lentini’s loan.
Their
most important signing would be that of striker Fillipo Inzaghi (still owned
50% by Parma) who had arrived after a disappointing season at Parma for much
needed playing time.
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Photo From: Panini Italy 1996/97
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The
four promoted sides included Hellas Verona, who was now yo-yoing between the
Divisions.
Bologna
returned to the Serie A after five years. Renzo Ullvieri’s side appeared the
most equipped to maintain survival at the top and made a number of efficient
signings.
Swedish
striker Kennet Andersson (from Bari) and Russian forward Igor Kolivanov (from
Foggia) arrived to add quality firepower up front.
Italian
veterans Giancarlo Marocchi (from Juventus) and Davide Fontolan (from Inter)
added much needed experience.
Reggiana
had appointed veteran Romanian Manager Mircea Lucescu. Many players were signed
such as Belgian defender Georges Grun (Anderlecht, ex-Parma), German defender
Dietmar Beirsdorfer (from Koln), Romanian midfielder Ion Sabau (from Brescia),
Colombian striker Antonio Valencia (Independiente Santa Fe), Portuguese Antonio
Pacheco (from Belenenses) along with Italians such as Gianluca Sordo (from AC
Milan), Gianluca Cherubini (from Roma) and Sandro Tovalieri (from Atalanta).
While
these were numerous signings it remained to be seen whether they would be
enough to keep the side up.
Perugia
with volatile owner Luciano Gaucci had grand ambitions. The side with veteran
Italian Manager Giovanni Galeone made many signings in the hopes of staying up.
Veteran
Italian Pietro Vierchowod arrived from Juventus to anchor the defense. Other
signings included Croatian Milan Rapajic (from Hajduk Split), Dutch midfielder
Michel Kreek (from Perugia) and other Italian veterans Alberto Di Chiara (from
Parma) and Antonio Manicone (from Inter).
Events
at the National Team and Federation level were also unstable and changes were
on the horizon.
This
season would bring forth many changes at the National Team level as well as
Administrative level.
After
the failure at the 1996 Euros, National Team Manager Arrigo Sacchi’s position
was weak as was for the man who had appointed him Federation President Antonio
Matarese.
Matarrese
resigned shortly after the Euros on August 6th and many predicted Sacchi
would follow shortly.
Elections
ended in a stalemate on August 12th, as a result Raffaele Pagnozzi
was appointed as caretaker President for three months, until a permanent
President was chosen.
The
action on the field started on August 25th with AC Milan hosting
Fiorentina, at San Siro for the Super Cup.
Milan’s
loss (1-2) would foreshadow their upcoming season, though at the time this loss
was deemed insignificant.
Before
the start of the season, Milan’s neighbors Inter were met with a bigger problem
off the field. On September 5th, examinations discovered that their Nigerian
recruit Nwankwo Kanu had a problem with his heart. Inter’s Team Doctor Piero
Volpi even stated that Kanu would never play again.
However,
Kanu was defiant to play again and would seek out specialists and would
eventually have a surgery at Cleveland, Ohio in USA.
Massimo
Moratti stated that the club would stand by the player.
However,
as far as this season was concerned, it was over for him.
Italian
veteran Pietro Vierchowod also made the news in this pre-season. In Perugia’s
friendly loss to Flamengo (2-5), he was so angered by Manager Giovanni
Galeone’s tactics that he refused to show up in the second half.
His
contract was mutually ended before he had even made a single League appearance
for his new club.
At
Milan, Baresi was injured and AC Milan took advantage of this and signed the
37-year-old Vierchowod as a stopgap measure.
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Photo From: Football Italia, April 1997
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The
season proper kicked off on September 7th and 8th. The defending Champions Milan hosted Verona
and comfortably defeated the newly promoted side (4-1).
The
highlight of this match was George Weah’s goal that already laid claim as the
best goal of the season and one of the most memorable goals in the History of
the Serie A that is still referenced to this day.
The
Liberian striker got the ball in Milan’s half and went solo from one end of the
field to the other to score this memorable strike.
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Photo From: World Soccer, November 1996
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Photo From: Goal, December 1996
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Rivals
Juventus started slowly and were held to a draw at Reggiana (though Vieri
scored his first goal for Juventus).
For
their part, Inter defeated Udinese at Friuli (1-0) to make a positive start. In
a somewhat strange move, Udinese would sue Inter’s Salvatore Fresi for breaking
Giovanni Stroppa’s leg in the match.
As
early as Matchday 2 (September 15th), Milan suffered their first
defeat already as Sampdoria defeated them (2-1).
Juventus
earned their first win defeating Cagliari (2-1). Fillipo Inzaghi scored twice
for Atalanta in their home tie (2-2) with Fiorentina to give an indication of
things to come.
On
Matchday 4 (September 29th), Juventus became sole leaders after
their win over Fiorentina (1-0). Milan were close behind, while Inter lost a
good chance as they were held at Atalanta (1-1), as the now free scoring
Inzaghi salvaged a point near the end.
The
following day on September 30th, Luciano Nizzola was elected as the
League President.
After
the International break, Inter took control of the leadership on Matchday 5
(October 13th), after defeating Piacenza (2-0), as both Juventus and
Milan suffered defeats. Juventus lost for the first time at Vicenza (1-2),
while Milan were comprehensively defeated the day before at Rome (0-3).
On
the following week, Matchday 6 (October 20th), Juventus regained the
lead by defeating Inter (2-0). This was a significant psychological win over a
close rival. After a somewhat slow start Juventus were regaining form and this
match also signaled Zinedine Zidane’s reference match with the Bianconeri.
He
scored with a wonderful long-range shot to score his first goal for the club
and signal his arrival.
Milan defeated Napoli (3-1) to maintain contact with Juventus.
The
Uruguayan Gregorio Perez became the first managerial casualty of the season
when he was sacked on October 21st. he was replaced by veteran Carlo
Mazzone.
At
Roma, Argentinean defender Roberto Trotta was failing to adapt and he was sent
back to his homeland.
At
the Federation front, Luciano Nizzola stated on October 26th, that
one of his first tasks would be to dismiss the unpopular Sacchi.
On Matchay 7 (October 27th), Inter responded to the
Juventus loss by defeating Parma (3-1). Carlo Ancelotti’s Parma lost for the
second successive week and at these early stages the players were somewhat
struggling and had not completely absorbed Ancelotti’s game plan with all the
newcomers.
Milan lost for the third time (already too much for a title
contender) as Fiorentina were victors (1-0).
The win over Parma allowed Inter a joint share of the leadership
as Juventus were held at Rome (1-1).
Inter once again took control of the League on the following week
(Matchday 8, November 3rd), after a win at Verona (1-0).
Juventus could only muster a draw at home vs. Napoli (1-1) and
were now even behind surging Vicenza winners over Lazio (2-0).
Francesco Guidolin’s side would be one of the revelations of the
season and surprise many.
Milan fell further behind as they were held at home by Atalanta
(1-1) with yet another Inzaghi strike.
At Genoa, Inter were making approaches to sign Sampdoria’s Captain
and veteran Roberto Mancini.
The Sampdoria fans protested outside the club’s training grounds
and eventually Mancini would turn down Inter.
At Parma, Zola’s days were numbered especially after he criticized
Carlo Ancelotti’s tactics on November 8th. Shortly, thereafter,
Gianfranco Zola would also jump ship and join the English Premier League at
Chelsea.
Parma would offload many others who either past their sell-by date
or unable to adapt to the new tactics. Former starting goalkeeper Luca Bucci
was now expendable given the brilliance of the young Gianluigi Buffon. He was
loaned to Perugia in the new year. Another veteran of the old guard, Lorenzo
Minotti was also transferred out to Cagliari (In December). Massimo Brambilla and the Brazilian Amaral
left to join Bologna and Benfica respectively.
In December, Parma would sign Croatian Mario Stanic (from Club
Brugge).
Parma registered the return of their former Swedish star Tomas
Brolin. His career had never been the same since his serious injury in November
1994 and had in the interim joined Leeds United. He had failed to make an
impact there and was loaned back to Parma from the English side.
After setbacks at home and Europe, AC Milan Manager Tabarez would
make a tactical switch. Milan would now play in a 4-4-2 formation (instead of
4-3-3). As a result Baggio would be dropped for a new strike force of Weah and
Simone. However, this would not have a desired effect and their struggles would
continue. Their negative season would trickle in the players’ minds, as the
normally calm George Weah would resort to head butt Porto’s Jorge Costa in the
Champions League. In the November transfer window, Milan would sign Swedish
midfielder Jesper Blomqvist but the struggle went on.
On
November 16th, Juventus were dealt a blow as key midfielder Antonio
Conte was ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing knee ligament
surgery.
Two
days later, Juventus would sign Portuguese defender Manuel Dimas from Benfica.
On Matchday 10 (November 24th), Vicenza took leadership
after a win vs. Reggiana (2-0), while Inter and Milan cancelled each other
(1-1) in the Milan derby.
On the following day, Reggiana’s Romanian Manager Mircea Lucescu
became the second coaching casualty of the season. Francesco Oddo would replace
him on November 26th.
At Sampdoria, French midfielder Christian Karembeu’s success had
earned him suitors. He was caught in a tug of war between Real Madrid and
Barcelona.
Karembeu himself wanted to join Real Madrid, but Sampdoria wanted
to sell him to Barcelona who were offering more money. This conflict would
spill into the following season.
Vicenza’s lead was short-lived as Juventus regained the top spot
on the following week (Matchday 11, December 1st). Vicenza were held
at Perugia (1-1), while Juventus defeated Bologna (1-0, Zidane goal).
Milan lost once more, this time at Piacenza (2-3) and this sealed
Oscar Washington Tabarez’s fate and he resigned (the third Manager to lose his
job).
This had been Milan’s seventh defeat in 22 competitive matches.
Inter were held at home by Cagliari (2-2) and lost ground, while
Parma were now just above the relegation zone after a loss at Udinese (1-3).
The coaching vacancy in Milan paved the way for the shock return
of Arrigo Sacchi to Milan after five years.
The already under-fire National Team Manager resigned from his
post on December 2nd.
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Photo From: World Soccer, January 1997
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On Matchday 12 (December 8th), Juventus opened a
three-point gap at the top with a key away win at Sampdoria (1-0).
Vicenza and Inter’s tied match (1-1) did not help either side,
except Juventus.
Former Italy boss and AC Milan Manager took charge for the first
time in Milan’s win over Udinese (2-1). It still remained to be seen whether he
could turn their fortunes around. He certainly was unable to stop Milan from
being eliminated from the Champions League in group play as the die had already
been cast for some time.
On December 14th, the Italian Federation (FIGC) finally
elected a President. The new President Luciano Nizzola would appoint Cesare
Maldini as the new National Team Manager on the following day. The Italian
National Team now had a father managing a side with his son the legendary Paolo
Maldini as Captain.
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Photo From: World Soccer, February 1997
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On Matchday 13 (December 15th), Juventus opened a five
–point gap after a win over Verona (3-2).
Vicenza were once again held at home (1-1) vs. Parma while Inter
lost (3-4) at home to Sampdoria.
On Matchday 14 (December 22nd), Juventus’ lead was
increased to six points. Vicenza lost ground after a loss at Sampdoria (1-2).
Luigi Simoni’s Napoli caught up with Vicenza at the second spot after a win
over Lazio (1-0).
Sacchi’s Milan lost for the first time against Ancelotti’s (his
former National Team Assistant) Parma (1-0). This win was perhaps more
significant for Parma as it would spark a revival into the second half of the
season.
Before the end of the year, Perugia’s Giovanni Galeone became the
fourth Manager to be sacked. Former Parma Manager Nevio Scala was appointed at
Perugia on December 29th (after Mauro Amenta had managed one match
in the interim).
Perugia would also sign former Brazil and Torino striker Luis
Muller for their relegation fight.
The New year started with Juventus losing for only the second time
against a resurgent Parma (1-0) on Matchday 15 (January 5th).
Vicenza closed the gap the top to three points after a win over Bologna (2-0).
Milan suffered another loss (0-3) vs. Lazio to further slip down the table. At
this juncture even a UEFA Cup qualification appeared beyond the Rossoneri.
The day was remembered for Youri Djorkaeff’s wonderful overhead
volley in Inter’s win over Roma (3-1). This has been another much referenced
goal in the annals of Calcio.
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Photo From: Football Italia, April 1997
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Many other transfer dealings were also conducted in this first
month of the New Year. The arrivals included Russian (actually Ukrainian)
midfielder Andrei Kanchelskis who joined Fiorentina from Everton.
French defender Vincent Candela arrived at the capitol to join AS
Roma (from Guingamp).
Shortly thereafter, French midfielder Reynald Pedros would join
Parma from France’s Olympique Marseille.
The departures included Swiss defender Ramon Vega who left
Cagliari to join Tottenham. Inter defender Gianluca Festa also joined the
English Premier League and signed for Middlesbrough.
The most significant departure was that of Italy and AC Milan
defender Christian Panucci. He was at odds with new Manager Arrigo Sacchi and
jumped at the opportunity to join Fabio Capello’s Real Madrid.
The following week (Matchday 16, January 12th),
Juventus’ lead was cut to two points after they dropped points at home in a
scoreless tie with Atalanta.
Vicenza’s unlikely title challenge was all but over after a loss
vs. AC Milan (1-0). Inter (2-1 winners away over Napoli) and Sampdoria (4-1
winners over Cagliari) were now just behind Juventus.
Juventus displayed its dominance away from domestic game as well.
Having already won the Intercontinental Cup just before the New Year (1-0 over
River Plate), they gave a lesson to Paris St Germain at Paris with an emphatic
(6-1) win on January 15th for the first leg of the UEFA Super Cup.
The return leg would now be a formality and they won (3-1) on February 5th.
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Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 95, December 1996
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Just as their lead appeared to be dissipating, Juventus increased
it to four points on the following and midway stage of the season (Matchday 17,
January 19th)
Juventus picked up a key away win at Lazio (2-0), while Inter lost
(0-2) at home to Bologna and Sampdoria dropped points at Fiorentina (1-1).
Parma won its fourth straight match (1-0) over Verona to be on the
top four.
The second half of the season started on January 26th
(Matchday 18) with Juventus maintaining its four-point lead over Sampdoria.
This Matchday would bring bad luck to Lazio Manager Zdenek Zeman,
whose side lost to Bologna (1-2). He was sacked on the following day to become
the fifth sacking of the season.
On January 30th, Lazio President Dino Zoff resigned
temporarily to take over as caretaker Manager until the end of the season.
On the following week (Matchday 19, February 2nd),
Sampdoria cut Juventus’ lead to two points after an away win over AC Milan
(3-2) as Juventus were held to a scoreless draw at Cagliari.
However, once again Juventus’ nearest challenger failed to
capitalize and on their following week (Matchday 20, February 16th),
Sampdoria lost at home to Roma (2-1) as Juventus defeated Perugia (2-1) and
their lead was now up to five points.
At Milan, Sacchi’s arrival had hardly calmed the state of affairs.
Just like in the latter stages of their National Team relationship, Sacchi had
no confidence in Roberto Baggio and continued to bench him.
On February 19th, Baggio even demanded a personal
meeting with Silvio Berlusconi to discuss the situation. Baggio was now being
linked to Napoli among other teams. Baggio famously likened his situation, to
that of a Ferrari being driven by a traffic warden.
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Photo From: Football Italia, May 1997
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Photo From: Football Italia, May 1997
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As far as Lazio, their coaching situation for next season was
clarified after Sampdoria Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson agreed to manage them.
He had been linked with Blackburn Rovers and seemed set to join
them but he officially informed them on February 21st that he would
not be joining them next season.
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Photo From: Football Italia, April 1997
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By Matchday 22 (Match 3rd), Juventus’ lead was up to
seven points after a win over Vicenza (2-0). Sampdoria’s challenge appeared
over after another home loss (1-2 vs. Bologna).
Inter and Parma were now the joint challengers.
On the following week (Matchday 23, March 9th), Inter
failed to capitalize as they hosted Juventus and had to settle for a scoreless
draw.
Juventus defender Moreno Torricelli suffered a season ending
injury in this match to join Antonio Conte on the sidelines.
Parma took advantage to place themselves five points behind
Juventus after a win at Perugia (2-1).
On the coaching front after Sven-Goran Eriksson’s recent refusal,
English side Blackburn Rovers had approached Inter Manager Roy Hogdson for the
next season. Hodgson had agreed as his position in Inter was becoming unstable
and he was losing the faith of the fans.
Massimo Moratti had been active in the search for a Manager and
was openly eyeing Napoli Manager Luigi Simoni to become the manager next
season.
Parma further staked their claim on the following week (Matchday
24, March 16th) after defeating Inter (1-0).
On March 22nd, young strikers and the season’s
revelations, Fillipo Inzaghi and Christian Vieri were rewarded by being called
up to the National Team by new Manager Cesare Maldini for matches against
Moldova and Poland (Vieri would celebrate with a goal vs. Moldova).
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Photo From: World Soccer, June 1997
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After the International break, the League resumed on April 6th
(Matchday 26) with a headlining match-up between defending Champions AC Milan
and Juventus
Juventus handed Milan its worst defeat at San Siro. The (6-1)
scoreline summed up the season for the respective teams.
This Juventus display was even more impressive given the absences
of Del Piero, Deschamps, Montero, Padovano, not to mention Conte and Torricelli
(out for the season).
This was the nadir of AC Milan’s season and perhaps of the entire
Berlusconi era. It clearly signaled the end of an era, while also heralding a
new era for the much younger Juventus side. At this point, the Bianconeri
appeared to be the best side in Europe. This display confirmed to many that
Juventus were on their way to become champions despite Parma’s valiant effort
(now six points behind).
French midfielder Zinedine Zidane had fully adapted now and
two-goal scorer Christian Vieri was now seen as Italy’s striker of the future
and his value had skyrocketed.
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Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 97, February 1997
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In contrast, Franco Baresi had never looked so old and this match
may have indicated to himself that perhaps his time was up.
Much of the blame was laid on Arrigo Sacchi. He had been unable to
get Milan out of their slump. Many questioned his suitability for rebuilding a
side in midseason.
Upon his departure in January (because of Sacchi), Christian
Panucci had attacked Sacchi by accusing him of transmitting his anxieties to
the team. Given their performances not many could question his analysis. Many
observers felt the Milan players looked uneasy and nervous in matches.
This scoreline against Juventus confirmed this and questioned the
wisdom of Sacchi’s recall.
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Photo From: World Soccer, June 1997
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Photo From: World Soccer, June 1997
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On the same day, Roma’s loss at Cagliari (1-2) led to the sacking
of Argentine Manager Carlos Bianchi (becoming the sixth Manager to lose his
post).
On April 8th, Roma’s 1983 Scudetto winning Swedish
Manager Nils Liedholm came out of retirement to help out his former side.
Carlos Bianchi would later (rightly or wrongly) blame xenophobia
for his sacking. He remarked that 5 out of the 6 Managers sacked were
foreigners.
The following week (Matchday 27, April 13th), Juventus
came down to earth after a heavy home loss (0-3) vs. Udinese.
Zaccheroni’s Udinese had been an improving side with the attacking
trident of Bierhoff-Amoroso and Poggi in fine form.
Their lead was cut to three points as Parma won at Rome (1-0).
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Photo From: Panini Italy 1996/97
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As in previous instances with Vicenza, Inter and Sampdoria,
Juventus nearest challengers were unable to take advantage just as Juventus
appeared vulnerable.
Parma was no exception and on the following week (Matchday 28,
April 20), they lost to Udinese (0-2) at home as Juventus were winners away at
Bologna (1-0) and the lead was back to six points.
On April 21st, Napoli Manager Luigi Simoni was sacked
after a loss vs. Atalanta (0-1) (becoming the 7th sacking of the
season).
Just days prior on April 18th, Massimo Moratti had
confirmed the open secret of Luigi Simoni’s arrival.
Many believed he was sacked mostly because he was Inter-bound
rather than for technical reasons (as Napoli were to play in the Coppa Italia
Final in weeks time).
His detractors believed that he was more concerned in making
arrangements for his upcoming departure to Inter rather than concentrating on
Napoli’s upcoming objective of the Coppa Italia.
He was replaced by youth coach Vincenzo Montefusco.
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Photo From: Football Italia, April 1997
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The following week (Matchday 29, May 4th), Juventus’ lead was once
again cut to four points as they were held to a home scoreless draw by
Sampdoria, while Parma picked up yet another win at Atalanta (2-1).
Inter squandered a big chance as they lost at home to Vicenza
(0-1).
On Matchday 31 (May 15th), Juventus took one step
closer to the title after a win over Piacenza (4-1) as Parma were held (1-1) by
AC Milan. The gap was back to six points with three matches remaining.
Parma’s final chance to stop Juventus was on Matchday 32 (May 18th),
when they hosted the Turin side. The tie scoreline (1-1) all but guaranteed the
title as Juventus maintained their six-point lead with two matches remaining.
Only a catastrophe could stop Juventus now.
As far as the chasing pack, Lazio had improved in the second half
of the season and were now in their place challenging for the UEFA spots.
Juventus officially secured the title on the penultimate match of
season at Atalanta. The tie (1-1) scoreline gave them the point needed to be
unreachable , as now they had a four-point lead with a single match remaining.
On May 23rd, Inter Manager, the Englishman Roy Hodgson
resigned with two League matches left in anger after being pelted with coins
and lighters by Inter fans. Inter had just lost out in the Final of the UEFA
Cup to Schalke and the Inter fans had vented their frustration in such manner.
He would be replaced with Inter’s goalkeeping coach Luciano
Castellini for the final matches.
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Photo From: Football Italia, April 1997
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The title out of the way, the final round of matches (Matchday 34,
June 1), the focus was shifted on Inter’s faint hope to overtake Parma at the
second place for the Second Champions League spot (from the following season,
second placed teams were to gain entry to the new expanded Champions League).
In the end Inter could do no more than a share of the spoils at
Bologna (2-2), while Parma were defeating Verona (2-1). Inter, Lazio and
Udinese had to contend with the UEFA Cup, while AC Milan had ended up in
mid-table mediocrity with not even UEFA Cup qualificatiob after a decade of
glory. They finished their worst season since the dark days of double
relegation from the early parts of the last decade.
Arrigo Sacchi had arrived in 1987 to herald a decade of domestic
and European glory. He was departing the same club a decade later with his
reputation in tatters following his dismissal as Commissario Tecnico and his
inability to change Milan’s fortunes. An era had ended it was clear for all to
see that wholesale team changes would need to be made.
Inspirational Captain Franco Baresi saw the writing on the wall
and retired on June 23rd at the age of 37, after nearly two-decades
of flawless service. It was a shame that it had to end that way for him after
such a miserable season.
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Photo From: World Soccer, June 1997
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The departure of his defensive partner, veteran right back Mauro
Tassoti was more un-noticed as he had been displaced first by Christian Panucci
and later by Michael Reiziger in the previous seasons. It nevertheless
represented a changing of the guard. Milan’s entire policy was questioned;
Davids, Reiziger nor Dugarry had met expectations, while the signing of
Vierchowod was always intended as a short gap purchase.
Christian Panucci’s mid-season departure to Real Madrid benefited
the player only and not Milan. He left a poisoned atmosphere given his
relationship with Sacchi and ended winning the League Title with Capello.
George Weah had fallen off his pedestal following the head-but
incident in the Champions League vs. Porto’s Jorge Costa.
Sacchi was out and Berlusconi and Galliani turned back to Fabio
Capello, not happy at off-field dealings in Madrid, despite basking in the glow
of a League title.
At this point the Milan hierarchy perhaps believed that he was the
iron hand needed to whip the team back into shape as the old were to make for
newer and more exciting arrivals (including Patrick Kluivert…more on that on
the next edition).
Reiziger and Dugarry would be shipped off to Barcelona after
solitary seasons.
Capello would tell Baggio and Savicevic to look for new
destinations (eventually Savicevic would stay).
Baggio would join Bologna to resurrect his career.
As far as Juventus, Lippi’s team had after a relatively slow
start, picked up steam and forged ahead at home and in Europe.
In contrast to the 1994/95 Scudetto winning squad, this team had
won due to its strong defense and ability to pick up points away from home.
The additions of Montero and Iuliano in defense had been
successful as had Vieri’s explosion at the front. However, Vieri’s success
would be to his detriment as Juventus would cash in on him after a solitary
season and sell him to Atletico Madrid. Juventus had another replacement in
mind, Fillipo Inzaghi (Atalanta) had much to most observers surprise ended as
capocannoniere with 24 goals.
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Photo From: World Soccer, July 1997
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Juventus would sign him up for the next season. Croatian striker
Alen Boksic would be returned to Lazio, along with Yugoslav midfielder Vladimir
Jugovic.
The world seemed to be Juventus’ for the taking and a second
successive Champions League victory would have been the icing on the cake for a
near perfect season.
However, Juventus’ Champions Cup/League curse would strike (and it
has to this day for another four finals) and they lost the Final to Dortmund
(1-3).
But with Milan’s dynasty seemingly over, Lippi’s Juventus were the
team of the era (at least domestically).
Given their difficult start many would have tipped Carlos
Ancelotti to get the sack at Parma. However, the team vastly improved in the
second half of the season. Had they been in form sooner, who’s to say they
would have pushed Juventus even harder for the title or even overtake them.
Youngsters like Buffon in goal and Cannavaro in defense were
established members of the squad, while new signings such as Thuram, Crespo and
Chiesa had adapted well. Frenchman Thuram was even considered as one the best
player of the League that season by the prestigious ‘La Gazzetta dello Sport’
sports paper for his marks.
For the first time in the Moratti era, Inter were a title
challenger and that was a step up. The team appeared to be on the verge of
being a League winning side .
Moratti had ambitions matching his father’s era and he made his
intent clear by signing Brazilian striker Ronaldo in the off-season. Ronaldo
had in one season at Barcelona become the greatest and the most sought after
player on the globe.
Lazio had also been in the running for the Brazilian, but Moratti
got his man, whom he believed would be the missing link in making Inter
champions.
His appointment of Luig Simoni as Manager with Ronaldo seemed a
good match.
Vicenza had been the feel-good story of the season.
Francesco Guidolin’s Provincial side had exceeded expectation and for a number
of weeks given the big boys a run for their money. The Uruguayan pair of
Gustavo Mendez and Marcelo Otero spearheaded a side containing Italians such as
Gabriele Ambrosetti, Roberto Murgitta and veteran Domenico Di Carlo.
They capped off a memorable season by winning the Coppa Italia by
defeating Napoli in the Final and qualify to European competition (Cup Winners
Cup).
As for every end of the season there were many goodbye. While
Baresi’s was historically the most significant, there were many other
noteworthy ones.
Another era ended when Roberto Mancini left Sampdoria after 15
years to join Sven-Goran Eriksson at Lazio.
The once teenage sensation from Bologna was entering the autumn of
his career at Cragnotti’s big spending Lazio.
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Photo From: World Soccer, April 1997
|
Inter’s Englishman Paul Ince followed Roy Hodgson and waved
goodbye to the Serie A and joined Liverpool.
Swedish striker Martin Dahlin also failed to succeed at Roma and
in fact joined Hodgson at Blackburn Rovers.
His compatriot at Roma, Swedish midfielder Jonas Thern also left
the Serie A after five years.
Fiorentina Manager Claudio Ranieri left his post. Likewise, Nevio
Scala left the relegated Perugia and decided to try his luck abroad and joined
Borussia Dortmund.
Bosman allowed more Italians to leave their borders. Apart from
Vieri, Marco Simone left AC Milan after eight years to join Paris St. Germain,
while Stefano Eranio also left the Rossoneri to join Derby County in the
English Premier League.
Attilio Lombardo left Juventus to join Crystal Palace. Juventus
defender Sergio Porrini joined Rangers Glasgow.
French
defender Jocelyn Angloma left Inter to join Spanish side Valencia.
Gianluigi
Lentini would exit the Serie A, and return to his former side Torino to help
their promotion push.
As
far as Cagliari, Perugia, Verona and Reggiana, it was life in Seri B. From that
season’s promoted sides only Bologna managed to remain in the top. Cagliari was
back to Serie B for the first time since promotion in 1990.
Despite
all the newcomers on their way, the only transfer at the end of that season was
that of Ronaldo. Never since the days of Maradona, had there been such hype for
the arrival of a single player. It was the year of Ronaldo; ‘Il Fenomemo’ was
on his way to the peninsula. This was further proof that despite Bosman, the
Serie A was still the place to be (1997 / 98 season, to be continued…..)
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Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 100, May 1997
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References:
World
Soccer, September 1996
World
Soccer, October 1996
World
Soccer, November 1996
World
Soccer, December 1996
World
Soccer, January 1997
World
Soccer, February 1997
World
Soccer, March 1997
World
Soccer, April 1997
World
Soccer, May 1997
World
Soccer, June 1997
World
Soccer, July 1997
World
Soccer, August 1997
Onze-Mondial,
Issue 93, October 1996
Onze-Mondial,
Issue 95, December 1996
Onze-Mondial,
Issue 99, April 1997
Football
Italia, April 1997
Football
Italia, May 1997
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