Columns - Irish Examiner

David Shonfield

What if Roma really fight back tonight?

Jim Pallotta is worried, writes David Shonfield.

Wed, 02 May, 2018

Post-Moneyball business models go head-to-head

Pallotta’s backroom group is focusing more on computer analysis of players and opponents, using methods developed by an American data team, writes David Shonfield

Tue, 24 Apr, 2018

Football equivalent of the gunfight at the OK Corral

It has been billed as the Battle of Britain – or at least England. But tonight’s showdown in Manchester is more than simply a contest to decide the best English side in Europe, or even which of two rival cities has this season’s bragging rights, writes David Shonfield.

Tue, 10 Apr, 2018

Can Italian nous match Spanish flair in Champions League?

There is always an edge to matches between the Spanish and the Italians, and football is only part of it.

Tue, 03 Apr, 2018

ACF Fiorentina Fans Fans Pay Their Respects to Davide Astori

Italian football struggles to come to terms with Davide Astori tragedy

Flags flew at half-mast in Italy yesterday: At the Italian football federation in Rome, and at other buildings and grounds, including the national coaching centre in Florence that overlooks the stadium where Davide Astori used to play. Professional football in Italy came to a halt on Sunday and teams will be wearing black armbands this week.

Tue, 06 Mar, 2018

When football and politics collide

When Catalonia went to the polls eight weeks ago there was a sense among Barcelona fans that this was a defining moment for their club as well as the country.

Tue, 20 Feb, 2018

Austria v Republic of Ireland - FIFA World Cup Group D Qualifier

Austria enjoy success away from home

You could call this a breakthrough season for Austrian football, but it is a breakthrough with a catch, writes David Shonfield.

Tue, 06 Jun, 2017

Grand masters Allegri and Zidane prepare for Cardiff chess match

Both come from old port cities beside the Mediterranean, but the two men arrived at the top of their profession by completely different routes, writes David Shonfield.

Tue, 30 May, 2017

David Shonfield: Ajax young bloods impress old Wesley Sneijder

There are men with a foot in both camps for tonight’s Europa League final. Daley Blind is one, another is Wesley Sneijder.

Wed, 24 May, 2017

Time we saw through soccer’s dazzling numbers game

If ever Uefa should be minded to look for a more appropriate Champions League anthem, my nomination will be Liza Minnelli singing her Cabaret hit ‘Money Makes The World Go Round’.

Tue, 16 May, 2017