Champions League, Global, Serie A
The return of goal king Gila
Alberto Gilardino has been transformed in the violet of Fiorentina, from a Milan misfit into a goal predator in the space of just a few months. Matthew Day argues he is now ready to fire club and country to silverware.
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- Alberto Gilardino has scored five times this season
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- He also scored for Italy last month - and could prove key for the Azzurri
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- Fiorentina are in the Champions League for the first time since 2000
Alberto Gilardino is the laughing stock of Europe - a hapless forward who is more likely strike his own mother than a ball into the net and someone who rose to fame at AC Milan not for his talent or goal tally but for being completely out of his depth.
Whether it was the Champions League or Serie A, Gilardino seemingly didn’t have the confidence or ability to score on a regular basis and continued to stutter in front of goal while incurring the wrath of his own supporters. Ultimately, he was used less and less and when he did play, the expectation on him to score had been completely lifted. Instead, assisting in a goal or supporting the midfield would suffice.
Until now, that is.
Gilardino may soon be able to use the past tense to describe his episode at Milan after an unexpectedly auspicious start to his career in the distinct colours of La Viola. After five goals in six matches, the former Parma hitman can safely assume he is no longer the laughing stock on the peninsula.
Whether it is the less hostile and expectant environment or the reunification with his coach at Parma, Cesare Prandelli, Gilardino has gone from a first class misfit to Italy’s saviour.
As the national side struggle to adequately fill their striking positions, Gilardino’s recent performances suggest that he may finally be ready to bear the responsibility of leading the line for the world champions. He scored in the recent friendly draw with Austria and is certainly in Marcello Lippi’s thoughts.
Four of his goals this campaign have come from headers when last season under Carlo Ancelotti at Milan he appeared fearful of meeting any sort of aerial cross. Over the last week, he has scored a stylish double at Lyons as Fiorentina kicked off their Champions League group with a draw and then secured the club’s first league win with the only goal against Bologna.
Less pressure and more belief and attention from coach Prandelli has aided Gilardino’s cause immeasurably. Over two years at Parma, the 26-year-old netted 51 times in 87 matches but after transferring to Milan, he became increasingly disenchanted and his form suffered greatly. After averaging nearly one goal every two games during his first season, Gilardino scored just 19 league goals in 60 matches in the following two while only managing four in 19 European ties.
The turnaround in fortunes has been immense.
‘Gila’ has already scored more times in Europe this season than he ever managed during any of his three years at San Siro and those who snickered at the 15 million euros summer price tag are not so forthright now.
About to enter his prime years Gilardino, with continuing care and attention, might at last live up to his Parma potential and could soon be firing both club and country to silverware.
Tags: AC Milan, Alberto Gilardino, Cesare Prandelli, Champions League, Fiorentina, Italy, Parma, Serie A
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