Fri 13 Feb
Del Piero: The Coppa Italia Is An Important Competition
Alex Del Piero talked about last night's victory against Inter that put Juventus through to the final: "We knew that it was going to be a difficult match because all of the reasons that were involved and a lot of it was down to pride. We conceded a goal early on but we had the strength to come back and we deserved to win the match."
On his performance, Del Piero said:"I think I played a good game and I am happy that I scored and I saved a goal in extra time, I have completely recovered from my injury now."
Juventus shortlist Deschamps as next manager
AS Monaco trainer and former Juventus midfielder Didier Deschamps is being linked with a move to Juventus. The Juve board has lined up Deschamps as a replacement should Lippi accept any possible offer to manage the Italian national squad. Deschamps is understood to be frustrated at the lack of spending power at Monaco.
Juventus to sacrifice Nedved and Thuram?
Juventus are rumored to be willing to listen to offers for Lillian Thuram and Pavel Nedved. Nedved's many admirers include Chelsea and Barcelona, while Thuram has also been linked with several English Premiership clubs. Juve are expected to buy several defenders in the summer and money acquired from their sale would be used to fund a number of major swoops.
Barcelona have already made prelimiary enquiries about Nedved, and Juve general manager Luciano Moggi has told Barcelona President Joan Laporta that a cash-plus-player exchange involving a major star (believed to be Carles Puyol or Javier Saviola) is preferred.
Currently top on Juve's list of target defenders include Lazio's Jaap Stam, Parma duo Matteo Ferrari and Daniele Bonera, and AS Monaco's Sebastien Squillaci. Bayer Leverkusen's Lucio are also linked, but is unlikely after Chelsea and Lucio expressed mutual interest.
As for a replacement for Nedved, Chelsea's Adrian Mutu and Barcelona's Javier Saviola were heavily linked with Juventus before eventually moving to their current clubs.
Juventus through to Coppa Italia Finals
Juventus drew 2-2 with Inter in the second-leg of the Coppa Italia Semi-Finals at the San Siro, and won the penalty shootout 5-4 after extra-time ended goalless.
Juventus dominated the entire game but trailed 0-1 to an Adriano goal. Tudor and Del Piero both scored to give Juventus a 2-1 lead, as Inter defender Cordoba was sent off in between for bringing down a goal-bound Nedved. Adani then scrambled in a last minute goal for a repeat of the first leg's 2-2 draw.
In extra-time Del Piero cleared off the line from an Adani header to ensure it finished goalless. Miccoli hit the winning penalty after Vieri missed Inter's last to send Juventus into the Coppa Italia Finals against Lazio.
Inter scored first in the 7th minute of play through Adriano, who broke the offside trap due to Legrottaglie's error and rounded Chimenti. Tudor equalised just before half-time after a Miccoli shot rebounded into his path but, due to injury, was immediately replaced by Trezeguet.
Half-time ended Inter 1 (Adriano 7th), Juventus 1 (Tudor 44th).
In the second half Lippi brought on Nedved for Pessotto, and Del Piero for Di Vaio. Cordoba was sent off in the 66th minute for hacking down Nedved. Inter were then denied a penalty in the 71st minute as Montero seemed to bring down Emre.
Instead Juventus lead 2-1 six minutes later when Del Piero headed in a Miccoli corner. However Adani scored a scruffy goal to level the aggregate at 4-4 and send the match into extra-time.
Full-time ended Inter 2 (Adriano 7th, Adani 90th), Juventus 2 (Tudor 44th, Del Piero 71st).
In extra-time both teams were tired but although Juventus' play was better, the best chance came to Adani whose header was cleared off the line by Del Piero.
Penalty shootout followed and Inter went first. Adani, Adriano, Stankovic and Helveg scored while Del Piero, Maresca, Nedved, Legrottaglie levelled it at 4-4. Vieri missed Inter's final attempt while Miccoli scored and Juventus were into the finals.
Thurs 12 Feb
Juventus: Moggi confirms transfer talks
Juventus general manager Luciano Moggi has confirmed the club is already working on summer transfer deals. Several names are being considered, with defenders such as Lazio's Jaap Stam, Parma's Daniele Bonera and AS Monaco's Sebastien Squillaci high on Juve's wanted list. Also in the frame are Parma forward Alberto Gilardino and Udinese schemer David Pizarro.
Juventus: Lippi comments on AS Roma players' attitude
Juventus coach Marcello Lippi has commented on the lack of respect for opponents from some AS Roma players after their recent match. He was likely to be referring to Francesco Totti for reportedly telling Igor Tudor to "take it and go home", and holding up 4 fingers and putting his finger to his lips, in a taunt towards the player. Roma won the game 4-0.
Totti has since admitted that "if you saw my gesture to Igor Tudor, then I cannot deny it." The incident has since been incorporated as comics on a tee shirt by an enterprising Roma fan.
Weds 11 Feb
Juventus: Mexes and Squillaci for next season?
The agent of Auxerre defender Philippe Mexes has confirmed a string of offers from Juve, Roma, Inter, Manchester United and Arsenal. Mexes is expected to quit Auxerre after the European Championships in June 2004 and is said to favor a move to a Serie A club which can guarantee him regular football.
Juventus's board are said to have discussed a possible £6 million proposal for Monaco's 23 year-old defender Sebastien Squillaci.
Tues 10 Feb
Milan make cash-player offer for Lazio's Stam
Milan have joined Juventus and Inter in the race for Lazio defender Jaap Stam. Milan have made a preliminary verbal offer of £6 million plus one Milan squad member, believed to be striker Marco Boriello.
Inter make formal offer to Real Madrid's Cambiasso
Inter Milan have made a formal three-year contract offer worth £1.3 million-a-season, with the option of another 12 months, to Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Cambiasso. The Argentine has reportedly agreed terms after Cambiasso's agent held productive talks with Inter chiefs Marco Branca and Lele Orali, and the midfielder is scheduled to undergo a medical before signing the contract.
Juventus tracking Atalanta duo and Ternana star
Juventus chief Luciano Moggi have assigned scouts to keep tabs on Atalanta duo Giampaolo Pazzini and Riccardo Montolivo. Pazzini have also caught the attentions of Inter Milan after an outstanding Serie B campaign.
Juve are also reportedly keeping a close eye on Serie B star Houssine Kharja who plays for Ternana. The 21-year-old French-born midfielder is currently representing Morocco in the African Cup of Nations in Tunisia. Inter are also interested.
Mon 09 Feb
Juventus monitoring Trabelsi offer
Manchester United have reportedly made a £4 million-a-year contract offer to Tunisian fullback Hatem Trabelsi, whose current contract with Ajax expires in the summer. Juventus, Inter and Milan are all chasing Trabelsi.
Sun 08 Feb
Juventus offer contract to Lazio's Stam
It is reported that Juve chief Luciano Moggi has offered Lazio's Dutch defender a £2 million-a-year to choose the Turin giants over other clubs. Inter Milan are also interested in Stam.
Di Vaio ponders Juventus exit
Italian international striker Marco Di Vaio has reportedly asked for a move from the Turin giants after failing to start regularly. Lazio have already made inquiries about Di Vaio, who could then become part of any deal that brings Jaap Stam to Juve.
Other suitors include Newcastle United, Birmingham and Middlesbrough, while several Premiership scouts were also spotted at last week's Coppa Italia semi-final against Inter.
Juventus and Inter battle for Cambiasso
Inter Milan have joined Juventus in the race for Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Cambiasso. Only days after Juve made contact with Cambiasso's representatives, Inter have started talks about a possible move. Cambiasso is asking for £1.2 million a season.
Sat 07 Feb
Juventus watch as Lucio reveals Chelsea offer
Juventus have been alerted to comments from Bayer Leverkusen defender Lucio over the interest of Chelsea. The big Brazilian international is being chased by Juve and Chelsea, with both clubs locked in advanced talks with Bayer over the player's transfer fee.
Fri 06 Feb
Cambiasso fancies Serie A move
Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Cambiasso has declared his interest in moving to Serie A next season. The Argentine is a target for Juventus GM Luciano Moggi, who wants to sign the combative midfielder as a replacement for Edgar Davids.
Cambiasso's contract expires in the summer and he has confirmed that Real Madrid have not contacted him about renewing it.
Juventus monitoring Motta's Barcelona contract talks
Juve, Inter, AC Milan and Lazio are monitoring the contract situation of Barcelona midfielder Thiago Motta. The young Brazilian had verbally agreed terms with Barca over a new, long-term deal in November, but the forms are still to be signed. The arrival of Edgar Davids on-loan from Juventus has further clouded the picture. Juve had asked about Motta during talks over Davids' loan move.
Thurs 05 Feb
Juventus: Moves for Stam and Cambiasso
Juventus are pushing for an early agreement with Lazio over defender Jaap Stam, who has been told that he will be sold. Juve are said to have already made a preliminary offer of £6 million, plus the shared registration of one their top young players, while Lazio are demanding £7 million.
Juventus have also opened talks with 23 year-old Argentinian midfielder Esteban Cambiasso who contract with Real Madrid expires in the summer and is being lined up as a replacement for Edgar Davids. Juve chief Luciano Moggi said he will "replace Davids with a player who will not cost us any transfer fee."
Weds 04 Feb
Ferrari expresses interest in move to big club
Parma's 24 year-old defender Matteo Ferrari says he would join Juventus at the end of the season if they came in for him again, and if his sale was needed to help the club's finances. Juve made a bid for him during the transfer window, but was turned down by the player as he preferred to remain with Parma. Adriano's move to Inter and Nakata's to Bologna raised enough cash to stave off Parma's creditors until the end of the season. Manchester United have also been linked.
Trezeguet nearing contract extension
French striker David Trezeguet has confirmed he is close to signing a new contract with Juventus after meeting with the leaders of Juventus who "showed confidence in him and now made him feel wanted".
