Heroes and Zeros

Heroes

Massimo Ambrosini

The forgotten man of Milan popped up with another decisive winner against Atalanta. A 40th minute header was enough to ensure their neighbours from Bergamo secure their Consistently Crap Away Award for another week.

Raffaelle Palladino

The Juve hotshot hit his first hat trick for the old lady in a 5-1 victory against a pub side from the depths of Serie C2, or wherever it is that Juventus play these dark days. Reports that Luciano Moggi was refereeing the match are yet to be confirmed, though even that would not take the shine off a fine performance by the youngster.

Ascoli

For having the decency to let Inter beat them. Bottom table teams can sometimes pop up a crocker for the big clubs (read: the red and black half). Apparently Inter deserve a mention too, but nobody really cares about them anyway.

Palermo

Playing in pink shirts takes some guts. Unless you're Italian, in which case it's perfectly masculine. Or something. Seems to work however, and Real Madrid are reportedly going to follow suit. Or shirt. Or underpants.

Lazio

Claudio Lotito's men seem to have forgotten they're still supposed to be in dire financial straits and are instead, quite indignantly, playing some fine football. Which is quite frustrating since The Italian Spot would like to see the Rossoneri in the champion league places, but is quite convenient for The Italian Spot, seeing the Romans halted Empoli's delusion rise to the money.

Fransisco Guidolin

For surviving another week under the mafia-friendly, trigger-happy finger of Maurizio Zamparini

Zeros

Fransisco Guidolin

For endorsing a team that plays in pink shirts. And having to endure another week under the mafia-friendly, trigger-happy Maurizio Zamparini.

Parma

The prospect of playing Albinoleffe next season in front of 12 supporters was enough to propel Claudio Ranieri's men to a 1-0 victory, but probably not enough to avoid a trip to Albinoleffe next season in front of... why, 12 supporters.

Catania

In the not too distant past the islanders were sitting nicely in the Champions League places. Losing 4-1 at home to Reggina probably didn't help. A recent search and rescue effort by The Italian Spot found the Sicilians wallowing in the murky depths of mid-table obscurity. With Atletico Madrid.

Livorno

A 4-0 reverse is not usually the best day at the office as anyone from Athletic Bilbao will tell you. Even worse if the perpetrators are Udinese, another side who have been struggling for form, goals, pretty women at their matches, and some purpose in their season. Marco Amelia, Milan is waiting (ok, so they may not have the first two or the last one, but the women, certainly). Livorno, so is Serie B.

Robert Mugabe

Got a little lost and ended up in an Italian Football blog, but while he's here it's worth saying the man is, quite simply, a muppet.

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