Christmas comes early!

I recently received a package from my cousin from Italy. In it were four items commemorating Italy's win in the World Cup.

There were two fold out posters and two magazine/photo books. I wish I could share these with everyone or figure out some way of scanning and posting all of the pictures but there are just so many great shots.

So here are a few samples. Enjoy!

And thank you Mariella.

Cannavaro collects the Golden Ball

Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro recieved the Ballon d'Or or Golden Ball award Monday in Paris. It is awarded annually by UEFA for the Player of the Year. Cannavaro was second in the Golden Ball voting to Zinedine Zidane during the World Cup and some have complained (see the French) that he should not have won this award either. But that is another story.

Cannavaro, shown with Italian actress and girlfriend Monica Bellucci, is the fourth Italian player to win the award joining Gianni Rivera, Paolo Rossi and Roberto Baggio.

Cannavaro wins

Cannavaro joins other Azzuri

Zidane selected as year's biggest turkey

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I hope that you have had a lot to be thankful for this year. I know I have been blessed this year for many things. I am especially thankful for Italy's World Cup victory over France in July.

In that spirit, Kevin Hench of FoxSports has selected his top 10 turkeys of 2006. Topping the list was our friend Zinedine Zidane for his headbutt of Marco Matterazzi during the World Cup. Zizou edged Dallas wide Reciever Terrell Owens to claim the No. 1 spot.

Top Turkeys of 2006

Champions League Results - Matchday 4

In Group B action, on Tuesday October 31, Inter defeated Spartak Moscow 1-0 in Moscow on a goal by Julio Cruz in the first minute of action.
Inter 1 - Spartak 0

Roma came from behind to draw even with Olympiacos at 1-1 at the San Siro in Rome in Group D. Francesco Totti equalized for the home team on a goal in the 66th minute.
Roma 1 - Olympiacos 1

On Wednesday, November 1, AC Milan dominated Anderlecht 4-1 on three goals by Kaka and one more by Alberto Gilardino at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milano.
Milan 4 - Anderlecht 1

Inter trails Group B leader Bayern Munich by four points with 6. Roma, with 7 points is second to Valencia with 10 in Group D. Milan holds a commanding five point lead with 10 total over second place Lille with five in Group H.
Standings

Matchday 5 will take place on November 21 and 22.
Matchday 5 schedule