Been a fan since his Parma days. Like I and I believe Rubentino said, he would and is discovering his scoring boots again.The often-ridiculed Alberto Gilardino has started his Fiorentina career with a bang. Scott Fleming pays tribute to the re-born striker
Be honest. Beneath the admiration we all feel for footballers there’s a simmering resentment isn’t there? They’re living our dreams after all, performing what is essentially a hobby for astronomical pay packets. Shouldn’t it be those who perform the toughest, dullest jobs that earn the most? Meanwhile, the majority of fans would actually pay a kings ransom to be out there on the pitch.
The fact is, however, that any player who breaks through at the highest level deserves respect, because it takes talent, determination and desire.
As for a player who can break through only to flop, ignored by club and country, ridiculed by fans and journalists, and considered for the ‘Bidone d’Oro’ – the Golden Bin award for Serie A’s biggest dud – yet return to fine scoring form in domestic and European action, the word respect perhaps doesn’t go far enough.
Alberto Gilardino is undoubtedly the man of the moment in Serie A. The former Parma striker was stagnating at Milan, fit to be confined to the history books as another who failed to deliver on his early potential. Following his £11m summer switch to Florence, there was reason to hope that his old Parma Coach Cesare Prandelli could gradually bring Gila back to a semblance of his old self.
Funnily enough, there’s been nothing gradual about the process whatsoever. Gilardino netted against Slavia Prague in the Champions League qualifiers, scored a vital late equaliser versus Juventus in Week 1, provided a delightful assist for Adrian Mutu at Napoli in Week 2, and scored Sunday’s winner at the Franchi against Bologna. Sandwiched amongst this action he managed a double in Lyon’s imposing Stade Gerland.
Marcello Lippi’s first squad list was the cause of much consternation, but few could question Gilardino’s call when he scored on his international return against Austria.
Much of the credit for this remarkable renaissance must go to Prandelli. Once again, like he did with Gila’s strike partner Adrian Mutu, he has completely transformed a troubled career. Prandelli has afforded Gilardino the plaudits however, and since he’s not often wrong, I will do likewise.
Fiorentina’s new No 11 has demonstrated true mental strength to ignore Carlo Ancelotti’s attempts to keep him out the side, even if it involved the creation of strange new formations, cut his losses and leave Milan at the age of 26. This new season has seen him richly, and deservedly, rewarded.
Just better not score this week.
