Mazzone full of praise for 'robotic' Nakata

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2004

ROME (AFP) — Bologna coach Carlo Mazzone has lavished praise on Japanese midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata whose mechanical skills have contributed significantly to the Serie A club's three-match winning streak.

Nakata, who celebrates his 27th birthday today, joined Bologna on loan from Parma at the beginning of the month and the team has since pulled clear of the relegation zone thanks to successive wins against Empoli, Lecce and Chievo.

"For me, he's like a robot. You put in a disc and the pedals start turning," Mazzone told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

"He has great technique, but at the same time he is a great athlete, really ferocious in a tackle."

Nakata sought a move from Parma after he fell out with coach Cesare Prandelli, who reneged on a pre-season...