Fulham’s magnificent victory capped what must be a schizophrenic week for the Serie clubs.
Just as the dust from Inter’s momentous win over Chelsea had settled, the Italians were treated to the sight of one of their most storied clubs come apart at the seams, as Juve capitulated to the Cottagers.
What has happened to Fabio Cannavaro? The four years from the pinnacle of FIFA’s world player to the nadir of a red card at Craven Cottage is a histogram of a player’s slow decline. Today, it was a free fall.
Cannavaro was brushed aside contemptuously by Bobby Zamora for Fulham’s equalizer in the 9th minute. The big forward drove home past Chimenti after controlling Paul Konchesky’s cross with his chest. The Italy’s captain nightmarish venture ended when he brought down Zoltan Gera in the 27th minute and was sent off by Bjorn Kuipers.
Alberto Zaccheroni might have a case that the punishment far exceeded the crime. But one can argue that Cannavaro could not have dented Fulham’s drive had he remained on the pitch.
For Juve, their Europa euphoria is over and they have reached a dead end in the Serie. It has been a frustrating season after they looked the best bet to challenge Inter for the Scudetto.
After the match, Zaccheroni said:
“Unfortunately, this team can not find stability.”
Antonio Chimenti, the 39 year old third choice goalkeeper was used adding context to these words of fatalism.