30 May 2009

Pavel and Juventus, a fantastic story which lasted eight years

Like all beautiful stories, even the one featuring Juventus and Pavel Nedved has come to an end. It was a fantastic story which lasted 8 seasons and which is rich in satisfaction for both parties.

Nedved joined Juventus  from Lazio at the beginning of the 2001/02 season. Lazio was the team that brought him to Italy and with him won a scudetto, 2 Coppa Italia, 2 Italian Super Cups, a Cup Winners Cup and a UEFA Cup.

In black and white his trophy cupboard added to its content. As from his first season he contributed to the winning of the scudetto after coming from behind Inter. His unforgettable goal against Piacenza two days from the end of the season re-opened the title race.

The 2002/03 season was even richer in satisfaction: another tricolour and a Champions League final against Milan which he missed due to suspension. Notwithstanding this he still won the golden ball 2003 which he more then deserved.

After the Lippi era, with Capello as coach, he contributed to two scudetto won on the field and then revoked. He was amongst the bianconeri who decided to stay with the club even during the season spent in Serie B and with his performances and his goals helped to bring Juventus first back into the Serie A and then into the Champions League.

Tomorrow’s match against Lazio will be his 326th appearance in which he scored 65 goals. The numbers say much (but not all!) about Pavel Nedved and what he has meant to Juventus.

 

 

 

Bologna	Sampdoria	1 - 1
Catania	Inter	3 - 1
Genoa	Cagliari	5 - 3
Juventus	Siena	3 - 3
Lazio	Bari	0 - 2
Livorno	Roma	3 - 3
Milan	Chievo	1 - 0
Napoli	Fiorentina	1 - 3
Parma	Atalanta	1 - 0
Udinese	Palermo	3 - 2