He then returned to addressing the match, saying, "After a great first half, we slowed down a bit after halftime. I’m not happy about conceding three goals to Parma, we could have done better in the second half but we reacted when we were down a goal. We must still adjust something in the defence. We must continue to attack when we are winning and create opportunities to score like we did today. In the end we won and we have to be happy because it’s been 50 years since Milan have won on January 8th. Today we also broke this curse."

Commentary by:
Goal.com

Toni, who was unknown outside of Italy a year ago, has spearheaded a renaissance in Florence not seen since Michelangelo held a paintbrush. And despite losing to Juventus on Sunday, Toni has transformed Fiorentina into one of the toughest and most entertaining teams to watch in Italy this season. 

The 28-year-old striker has also become a regular with the Azzurri and few Italians would be surprised if he is given a place in the starting line-up at the World Cup this summer. Since Toni’s debut for La Nazionale last year, he has developed into the leading striker during Lippi’s tenure with five goals in 13 appearances, including an impressive hat trick in Italy’s 4-1 win over Belarus last September. 

Toni made his Serie A debut at age 23 for Vicenza in a 2-0 defeat to AC Milan in 2000. A year later, he moved to Brescia, where he was paired with the legendary Roberto Baggio. Toni scored 13 goals in 28 games in his first year, but slipped into obscurity during his second, scoring just two goals in 16 games. 

At the start of the 2003-04 season he was sold to Palermo, then in Serie B. But what appeared to be a demotion for Toni turned out to be an opportunity. In his first season, Toni scored 30 goals to lead Palermo back to Serie A. Many doubted he would prove quite so impressive against tougher Serie A defenses, but Toni made a successful return to the top flight, scoring 20 goals as Palermo finished an astonishing sixth place and earned a spot in the UEFA Cup. 

I was able to see Toni play at Giants Stadium last June against Ecuador. Though Lippi brought over a mostly experimental side, Toni played his heart out, putting the Azzurri ahead 1-0 with one of his trademark headers. The friendly ended 1-1, but I came away with the belief on that rainy afternoon that Toni was the sort of player any coach would want on his roster and one that could change the course of a game with the touch of a ball. 

Fiorentina, who avoided relegation at the end of last season, spent $12 million in July for a chance to have Toni in a Viola jersey. Turns out it was money well spent. But Palermo fans weren’t pleased with Toni’s decision and whistled him – the European equivalent of booing – in October during Italy’s 1-0 win over Slovenia. Once a hero, Toni has become an outcast in Sicily. Palermo fans may change their tune if Toni is able to lead Italy to World Cup glory. 

Ironically, Toni may also help heal the wounds that have traditionally existed between Fiorentina fans and La Nazionale. Italy’s training center may be in Coverciano, in the suburbs of Florence, but the Azzurri have not played in the beautiful Tuscan city since 1993 when a game against Mexico was marred by Viola fans heckling the Italian players. 

To the Fiorentina faithful, the Azzurri somehow represent the Italian Federation and what they see as a long tradition of mistreatment against their beloved club. Things only got worse three years ago after the Italian FA sent Fiorentina down to the Serie C2 for bankruptcy. It also doesn’t help that Italy’s line-up has always featured a disproportionate number of Juventus players – and we all know how much Viola fans love the white and black. 

With Toni now leading the way for Italy, Fiorentina fans may actually cheer the next time the Azzurri score a goal -- even if it doesn’t come from the tall guy with the floppy hair who wears a Viola jersey on weekends. 

Commentary by:
The Resident Paisan, Clemente Lisi, can be reached at residentpaisan@goal.com

In our top 2006 prospects, Eurosport.com takes a look at some of football's rising stars that could make a real impact next season. Leo Messi is our top man and the only player from one of the 'big three' leagues in a list drawing from leagues as diverse as Russia, the English Championship and MLS.

What do you think of our top ten prospects for 2006? Bear in mind we only include those eligible to play in this summer's World Cup, but is there anyone we've missed or that you feel doesn't warrant inclusion? Email iholyman@eurosport.com!

1. Lionel Messi (Barcelona/Argentina)

Tipped to be 'the New Maradona' by none other than Diego himself, the Argentinean has dazzled fans and defenders alike in La Liga this season.

Having already ousted Ludovic Giuly from the starting eleven, he overshadowed Robinho in Barcelona's 0-3 triumph at the Bernabeu, and followed that with a magnificent performance capped by a glorious strike against Racing Santander.

Although Javier Saviola remains Hernan Crespo's strike partner in the Argentine national side, things could change if Messi continues his current form.

2. Nemanja Vidic (Spartak Moscow/Serbia)

Nemanja Vidic has emerged as one of the top defenders to be playing outside the "major" European leagues, particularly as part of the miserly Serbia and Montenegro back-line that only conceded one goal in their group-winning World Cup qualification.

Vidic has been the subject of tentative enquiries by the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United, although Spartak aren't short of cash and will hold out for close to 14 million euros for the player.

3. Yaya Touré (Olympiakos/Ivory Coast)

The younger brother of Arsenal central defender Kolo, Yaya Touré is that rare commodity - a strong and ruthless holding midfielder of high technical ability.

With Manchester United, Arsenal and Real Madrid struggling to find top quality replacements for Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira and Claude Makélélé, Touré is one of the few emerging players in the position with genuine potential (see Rio Mavuba and Javier Mascherano below for two more).

With a series of impressive displays both domestically and in the Champions League, January could be the time when he makes the move although a move may be delayed until the summer on account of his participation in the African Nations Cup that month.

4. Freddy Adu (DC United/USA)

Perhaps the most sought-after teenager in world football. Despite being only 16 years old, the striker is coveted by a host of major clubs around Europe, as well as both the American and Ghanaian national sides.

While Ghana, the country of his birth, have already offered him a place in their 2006 World Cup squad, Freddy is reportedly keen to represent the USA, his adopted home country.

He still has 4 years left on his contract at DC United, but after that, a big money move to Europe is likely to follow. Named in Bruce Arena's provisional US squad this winter, despite mostly featuring as a substitute for DC this season.

5. Rio Mavuba (Bordeaux/France)

Mavuba's rapid progress up the footballing ranks was confirmed by Raymond Domenech's decision to include him for France's key World Cup Qualifying fixture against Ireland two months ago.

As a midfielder, he has been likened to Patrick Vieira, and is seen by many as his natural successor in the French side. Although he has only just become one of the stars at Bordeaux, he has his sights set higher, telling FIFA magazine:

"Juventus are the club of my dreams, but I would not mind playing for Arsenal or Real Madrid either."

6. Sergio Aguero (Independiente/Argentina)

To give an indication of his value, reports in Spain and England suggested just last week that Villareal were preparing an £18m (27m euros) offer for the 17 year old Independiente forward.

Having drawn comparisons with Romario due to his stocky stature and predatory instincts, the Argentine starlet's hopes of a place in Jose Pekerman's World Cup squad were raised after recent praise from the coach.

7. Romeo Castelen (Feyenoord/Netherlands)

Following his move from ABO Den Haag to Feyenoord in Summer 2004, Surinam-born Castelen has proved himself a dangerous, free-scoring winger, and able deputy for Arjen Robben in the Dutch National side.

Tall, graceful and blessed with pace, his return from injury will be a welcome boost for Feyenoord in the New Year.

8. Theo Walcott (Southampton/England)

Plying his trade for the recently relegated South Coast club, 16 year-old Walcott has become an instant hit with four goals in ten starts in his debut season.

With a sublime touch and ferocious turn of pace he came to the fore with a superbly taken goal against Luton and is reportedly interesting Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United.

Valued at 18 million euros and new boss George Burley will do well to hang onto him.

9. Javier Mascherano (Corinthians/Argentina)

The tough tackling midfielder moved from River Plate to the big spending Brazilian club Corinthians last Summer and played a key role in their winning of the &lsquoCampeonato'.

Small but robust, the 21 year-old has already attracted the attention of Arsenal and Atletico Madrid, as well as being mentioned as a possible successor to Roy Keane at Manchester United.

10. Emanuel Adebayor (Monaco/Togo)

Rangy and skilful, not unlike a Nwankwo Kanu blessed with pace, this 21 year-old has mostly come to the fore through top-scoring for African minnows Togo in their shock World Cup qualification campaign.

Linked with January moves to Premiership clubs, if he holds out until the summer a good performance in Germany could see his stock rise further.

Commentary by: 
Eurosport - Mike Fitzgerald

 What a bunch of BS that Group E is the group of Death.. Such BS.
If they are basing this on the FIFA Rankings than they are a bunch of fools because the FIFA rankings are bogus.

A true soccer fan will know that Group C is the group of Death

Group C
Argentina (2 time World Cup Champions, 2 time runners up, great Olympic team, Most recent World Cup success than all 8 teams in these two groups)
Ivory Cost (Great Qualifying campaign led by one of EPL's top scorers Drogba)
Serbia and Montenegro (Very very tough team, great qualifying campaign and always very hard to beat)
Holland (2 time World Cup runners up.)

Group E
Italy (3 time World Cup Champions, 2 time runner up)
Ghana (No world cup history, good qualifying compaign but no really well known threats and didnt have to face any tough European countries)
USA (No real World Cup success. Good qualifying compaign but they didnt have to face tough European teams)
Czechs (2 time World Cup runners up and dangerous team)

So I think Holland and Czechs cancel each other out.
Argentina is better than Italy
Ivory Cost is better than Ghana
Serbia and Montenegro is better than USA

Group of death my arse

Commentary by:
Silvio Taglieri

Juventus 2 Sampdoria 0 
The Bianconeri succeeded to reach the 9 consecutive matches target and break the previous record held by the Bianconeri teams from the 1930s and 1980s. The winning goals were scored by Trezeguet and Mutu respectively in the 41st and 57th minute.

Commentary by:
Goal.com

10/10/2005 7:05:00 PM

Hard times for Cameroon star Pierre Wome after he failed the penalty kick that would have allowed his country to participate in the 2006 World Cup.

At the turn of the century, Wome was practically a national hero as he scored the penalty that clinched the gold medal for the African Lions at the Sidney 2000 Olympics.

But the last gasp miss from the spot he committed against Egypt have drastically changed his reputation from national hero to 'see you no more' villain.

Reports coming out of the African nation are indicating that Wome's villa was raided by vandals, his car destroyed, and his girlfriend’s store damaged in the wake of the dramatic exit suffered by the African equivalent of Brazil. 

The police authorities were forced to come up with an emergency plan to avoid any further consequences for the Inter player. 

On Sunday a police car escorted him to the airport, where he took the first flight available to Italy. 

The last time Cameroon missed a World Cup qualification was back in 1986 .

Commentary by:
Goal.com

Juventus ran away with it, garnering nearly half the votes. Chelsea were second with 11% and Spanish surprise Getafe took third. 

POLL RESULTS

1 Juventus (ITA) 48% 
2 Chelsea (ENG) 11% 
3 Getafe (SPA) 8% 
4 Club America (MEX) 7% 
5 Bayern Munich (GER) 6% 
6 Lyon (FRA) 6% 
7 Porto (POR) 5% 
8 AZ Alkmaar (HOL) 4% 
9 Corinthians (BRA) 2% 
10 San Jose Earthquakes (USA) 2% 
11 Boca Juniors (ARG) 1% 

Commentary by:
Goal.com

LONDON (Reuters) - Liverpool will be allowed to defend their Champions League trophy, UEFA said on Friday.

Liverpool's failure to finish in the Premier League's top four meant they were not entitled to a place in next season's competition, despite lifting the cup after a penalty shootout win over AC Milan in last month's final.

They will go into the first qualifying round with their first match on July 12 or 13.

Commentary by:
Reuters

UEFA spokesman William Gaillard has insisted European football's governing body had no plans to change the rules at the moment and allow Liverpool to defend their Champions League crown. 

Gaillard insisted the precedent set in the 2000-01 season, when Real Madrid defended the trophy despite finishing fifth because the Spanish football federation decided to hand them Real Zaragoza's place, would make no difference. 

He told BBC Radio Five Live the decision lay with the Football Association, who recently decided to allow Everton, who finished fourth in the Premiership, to keep their place in next season's Champions League qualifying rounds. 

"The rules are what they are," Gaillard said. 

"They were used already once when Real Madrid won...and actually were not among the qualifiers in the Spanish league." 

"The Spanish FA told us they would replace the fourth-placed team - Real Zaragoza - with Real Madrid." 

"It is a tough decision to make but it is not for us to make, it is for the FA and they told us Everton would be the fourth English club." 

"Rules are rules and they were passed for a very good reason." 

Despite Gaillard's comments, the door may not be closed completely on Liverpool playing in the Champions League next season. The FA have been lobbying hard and are expected to intensify that to persuade UEFA to allow five English teams in Europe. 

The final decision is expected to be made at the UEFA executive committee meeting in Manchester on June 17. 

Earlier in the season, as the argument over which Merseyside team should play in the competition was heating up, Reds boss Rafael Benitez cited the Real Madrid case as a reason why his side should defend the trophy if they won it. 

"The FA have a big problem, normally if you win a trophy then common sense says that you must defend it next season," he had said. 

"They are waiting for a solution to appear because it is so difficult for them to make a decision." 

"There was a precedent in Spain, and I always say you must use common sense - if you win a trophy you must be allowed to defend it." 

"I do not remember there being too much disagreement in Spain when Real Madrid won the trophy and were nominated ahead of Real Zaragoza, who were fourth." 

"It was Real Madrid, it was normal. What are you talking about, to defend the name of your country in Europe? If Real Madrid were in Europe at the end then you know they can win the trophy." 

"I am sure Zaragoza were disappointed, but I say again, it was the normal decision to make." 

"There is no guarantee we will be in the Champions League next season even if we do win it, I know. It seems to be a special rule." 

Anfield chief executive Rick Parry believes their performance last night boosted their argument to be allowed to defend the trophy - which they will be allowed to keep after winning it for the fifth time. 

The Reds staged perhaps the greatest comeback in European football history, drawing 3-3 after being 3-0 down at half-time before winning on penalties. 

"As it is our fifth European Cup triumph, we now get to keep the trophy for good, and keeping the cup is special, it is ours now and they can't take it back," said Parry. 

"No English side can say that, even if they don't let us play next season we will keep their cup!" 

Parry admitted he had not directly asked UEFA about being allowed to take part in next season's competition but he hoped they would be in. 

"I haven't asked UEFA about that, but you would expect that the world would want to see us have the opportunity to defend it after that," said Parry. 

"We do tend to specialise in dramatic cup finals that entertain the whole continent."

Commentary by:
PA Sport