Fri 20 Feb
Juve hit back at Stam
Juventus have responded to Jaap Stam's claim that he doesn't want to join the club — by insisting they are not interested in him anyway.
"Who's asked him here?" stated Juve director general Luciano Moggi when quizzed on the situation. "It is our objective to bring in some younger defenders because we already have enough players over the age of 30."
The Lazio ace, 31, has claimed that Juve, Milan and Inter are all keen on his services but he stated on his personal website earlier this week that he doesn't fancy a summer switch to Turin.
Since then reports suggest that Milan are in pole position to net the former Manchester United man, leaving Juventus to look elsewhere. The Italian champions now have four players who they are monitoring very closely.
Matteo Ferrari and Daniele Bonera of Parma are known to be targets and they should be available for transfer in the summer given the Gialloblu's uncertain future. The duo would cost five and seven million euros respectively.
Brazilian international Lucio is also an option but the Bianconeri face stiff competition from Chelsea. The London club are leading the chase for the Bayer Leverkusen man.
Another possibility is Monaco centre-back Sebastien Squillaci. The 23-year-old has been watched on a number of occasions by Juve representatives recently.
Ferrara: Maldini still the best defender
When asked if Stam is the best defender in the world, Ciro Ferrara stated that in his opinion, Paolo Maldini is still the world's number one.
The Juventus defender declared: "Stam is not the number one defender in the world; he plays with Milan and his name is Paolo Maldini. And Milan has an older defence than ours but is doing well, which means that age is only one of the problems."
New Cafu snubbed Juve
Unconfirmed reports claim that Juventus failed in a January bid to sign a Brazilian defender dubbed the "New Cafu". Stories suggest that the Bianconeri offered Seville £3 million for Daniel Alves but that was rejected by the Spaniards.
Alves, captain of the Under-20 Brazilian national side, was seen as a future replacement for the ageing Lilian Thuram.
The Turin giants could make a new approach in the summer but their chances of success are slim given the latest developments. Since the alleged bid was tabled, the attacking right-back has extended his contract with the Liga club until 2008.
Juventus deal back on for Rodriguez
Juventus are expected to push through a summer deal for San Lorenzo defender Gonzalo Rodriguez. Rodriguez's Argentine club have announced they must sell at the end of the season to arrest growing debts.
The U21 international almost joined Juve in January and is highly-rated by general manager Luciano Moggi, who made a personal check on the defender last year on a trip to South America.
Juventus interest in Grygera and Hubschman
Juventus have two Czech Republic defenders in their sights for the summer market.
Working on the recommendation of Pavel Nedved, Juve chief Luciano Moggi is exploring the availability of Ajax stopper Zdenek Grygera and Sparta Prague centre-half Tomas Hubschman.
Both players carry price-tags of around £4 million, although that could rise after the European Championships.
Juventus interest in Saviola
Juventus have approached Barcelona about striker Javier Saviola. After several weeks of speculation, Juve have made official contact with Barca about the 22 year-old's availability.
Despite a recent run of scoring form, Saviola remains in the bad books of Barca president Joan Laporta over his refusal to push through his application for an EU passport. Barca have reportedly been touting the striker around Europe and Juve are ready to firm up their interest with a serious offer.
Also considering his future at the Nou Camp is Thiago Motta, a favourite of Serie A clubs. The young Brazilian has lost his first team status to January arrival Edgar Davids and may seek a move at the end of the season.
Thurs 19 Feb
Italy 2 Czech Republic 2
Italy gave three players their international debuts, but even two goals couldn't end the Czech Republic's unbeaten run.
Giovanni Trapattoni performed several experiments in this friendly game as a warm-up to the Euro 2004 Championships.
Sampdoria left-back Stefano Bettarini received his first cap at the ripe old age of 32 in a defence that was forced to do without the injured Fabio Cannavaro and Marco Materazzi.
Fellow Samp star Sergio Volpi and young Parma midfielder Simone Barone were also prepared to make their debuts, but did not start the match.
Milan man Andrea Pirlo was given a rare start in a deep midfield role, while Lazio's on form Stefano Fiore took the right side of the support trident behind lone striker Christian Vieri.
Antonio Cassano was originally included in the squad, but pulled out with a knee problem in favour of his Roma teammate Marco Delvecchio.
There were several familiar faces in the Czech side, above all Juventus hero Pavel Nedved and Marek Jankulovski of Udinese. Going into this game Italy had won just one of their thirteen encounters with the Czechs, who are unbeaten since November 2001.
It was a particularly special occasion for Nedved, who captained his side after winning the 2003 Czech Player of the Year award and the Balon d'Or.
The visitors had the first real chance after seven minutes when Nedved took advantage of Nicola Legrottaglie's woeful error, but Juve teammate Gianluigi Buffon performed a fine save at the near post.
Soon after ex-Lazio midfielder Karel Poborsky sprung the offside trap and managed to lift the ball over Buffon, but Alessandro Nesta was well placed for a goalline clearance.
The Azzurri had more of the possession and eventually took the lead in determined fashion. A brilliant Andrea Pirlo pass found Alessandro Del Piero out wide on the left and his cross was nodded on to the upright by Vieri.
The move continued and Del Piero saw his own effort parried at the near post, but the Inter man pounced on the loose ball to bundle it over the line. Replays suggest he may have used his arm as a Czech defender cleared the ball straight at his torso.
Vieri nearly doubled his tally soon after when he ran on to Francesco Totti's splendid through ball, but goalkeeper Blazek somehow managed to palm it away from his feet.
The Azzurri thought they had made it two on 24 minutes when Christian Panucci's header back across the face of goal was met by Vieri, but the goal was disallowed for an extremely tight offside decision.
Nesta was again decisive with a well-timed intervention after Jan Koller had chested down the ball in the six yard box.
Just before the break Totti's precise long pass found Vieri and his angled drive shaved the far post.
Tomas Rosicky, who has been linked with Juventus this season, drilled over the bar and caused a few problems in the Italy defence.
But it was Stajner who equalised for the Czech Republic in the final minutes of the first half. The midfielder was left relatively unmarked to nod in a free kick from six yards.
This was the first goal the Azzurri had conceded in the Peninsula for 644 minutes of football.
Trap made seven changes at half-time, including a debut for Parma midfielder Simone Barone. Del Piero moved to a central position behind new striker Bernardo Corradi, while Delvecchio took the left point flank.
Goalkeeper Francesco Toldo's first touch came on the hour mark when he blocked a free header from substitute Lokvenc.
Antonio Di Natale made his return to the international scene after a series of fitness worries for the Empoli man, while Bologna's Carlo Nervo earned his fourth cap.
The Czechs seemed to settle into their new line-up more quickly and Toldo turned a Heinz angled drive round the near post.
Italy's first real chance of the second half came on 74 minutes. Massimo Oddo's free kick was nodded back by Corradi, but Delvecchio ballooned over from close range.
When Nedved was substituted in the final stages, he was warmly applauded by the Palermo crowd and responded to the gesture.
Sergio Volpi was also allowed to make his international debut at the age of 30, taking to the field in the last eight minutes.
The game looked to be dragging itself towards an inevitable draw, but Carlo Nervo broke past three defenders and put in a perfect cross for Di Natale's header as Italy restored their lead. It was the Empoli star's first Azzurri goal.
But the Czech's were not going to let go of their unbeaten run after all this time and Tomas Rosicky curled in a magnificent shot that beat Toldo at the near post.
Moggi hails capital loss
The 4-0 disaster at Roma has been a blessing in disguise for Juventus says director general Luciano Moggi.
The Bianconeri were totally outplayed by the Giallorossi in Week 20 but Moggi insists it may have done the club some good.
"That defeat was a punch in the face that has woken us up," he stated. "We were heavily criticised and that has helped to stimulate us."
Juventus immediately hit back from that loss with a 1-0 victory over Reggina. A win that saw them close the gap on both Milan and Roma in the table.
And Moggi maintains that things are shaping out well for the Italian champions this season.
"We've won the last two titles," he added. "We lifted the Super Cup, we won our Champions' League group, we are in the Final of the Coppa Italia and we're third in the League.
"This is a good time to be a Juventus supporter no matter what the critics say. We accept their comments because it spurs us on."
Bettega Denies Nedved Will Join Chelsea
Following the latest declerations of Pavel Nedved, where he said that he would like an English experience, Juventus' vice President, Roberto Bettega, has denied that the Czech player will be heading towards Abramovich's court.
Bettega declared on this matter: "I think he was joking. Anyway, also I think that London is a great city and I go there often."
Weds 18 Feb
Nedved: Juventus could sell me
Juventus star Pavel Nedved has admitted that the Turin giants could decide to sell him in the future.
The Czech ace says he would like to end his career with the Bianconeri but he has revealed that his club may have different ideas.
"It is my objective to close my career with Juventus but they may decide that they don't want me anymore next year," he stated.
"Nothing and nobody stands in the way of Juventus, a club that quite rightly looks closely at their financial situation.
"They've already sold Zinedine Zidane in the past and they could so the same with me. However, I am keen to honour my contract."
Nedved's current deal expires in 2006 and it was his intention to retire from the game. Yet he also states that he may be tempted to carry on.
"I promised my wife that I would call it a day in 2006," he noted. "I may continue if she lets me."
Chelsea are known admirers of the former Lazio star who would fetch around £20m after his 2003 Golden Ball triumph.
Juve may be tempted to sell as the club expects to make a financial loss for the first time in seven years.
Meanwhile, Juventus have been boosted with the news that they will play the second leg of their Coppa Italia Final against Lazio in Turin.
The first leg takes place in Rome on March 17. The return is set for the Stadio Delle Alpi on May 12.
Stam future not confirmed
The Jaap Stam saga has taken another twist with his Italian agent insisting nothing has been decided.
Reports yesterday suggested that a move to Milan was on the cards after the Lazio star's representative Henk van Ginkel spoke to a Dutch newspaper.
That claim was backed up by Stam himself who on his personal website stated that he was only interested in moving to one of the Milan clubs and not Juventus.
Yet Pasquale Bruno has insisted that anything can still happen which has left the door open once more for all three Italian giants.
"It is true that Stam could join Milan but it isn't right to say that Inter and Juventus are out of the running," he insisted.
"I know the Bianconeri officials well and they are not easily put off in situations like these."
Bruno also insisted that there was still the possibility that Stam would remain in the capital until his contract expires in 2005.
"He could stay," he added. "He loves Rome and gets on well with his teammates. If someone came in to take a controlling stake of Lazio then it may all change."
However, the cash strapped club themselves seem to have admitted that the former Man Utd player is on the transfer market.
"We can't allow ourselves to deal with another Dejan Stankovic situation," said President Ugo Longo. "We already paid a high price for failing to agree an extension with him.
"Jaap's contract expires in 2005 and he hasn't any intention of renewing it with us."
Lazio lost Stankovic to Inter in January for £3m – just a fraction of what the player is worth as he would have been able to leave on a free in the summer.
Tues 17 Feb
Nedved nets Czech Player of the Year award ...
Juventus star Pavel Nedved has won yet another honour after being crowned the 2003 Czech Footballer of the Year.
The midfield star collected the prize at a ceremony in Prague after winning votes from a jury that consisted of managers and players.
The former Lazio ace finished ahead of Borussia Dortmund striker Jan Koller and Sparta Prague winger Karel Poborsky.
Nedved had a stunning last year. He helped Juventus win the Scudetto and reach the Champions' League Final.
He has since been handed the 2003 Golden Ball and also named as Italy's Player of the Year which he shared with Roma's Francesco Totti.
... and plans to retire in 2006
Pavel Nedved has declared, ahead of the International friendly match between Italy and the Czech Republic in program tomorrow, that he will stop playing football in 2006.
This is because he made a promise to his wife that 2006 will be his last football season. "My wife made me promise that in 2006, when I`ll have 32 years, I would stop. And I promised her so. However then, I know that I will miss the football pitch, and maybe she will tell me 'go back to play...'. Well we shall see."
Moggi declares fighting spirit
Luciano Moggi is not the kind of man that gives up easily and Juventus reflects the spirit of the general manager. "I don't want to hear the fans saying that we have to change the players because we have won the last two championships, the Italian Supercup, we have won our group in the Champions league and we are going to play the final of the Coppa italia. The 4-0 defeat with Roma has waken us up and we are ready to fight for every trophy".
Jankulovski wants Juve move
Udinese ace Marek Jankulovski has admitted that he is dreaming of joining Italian champions Juventus.
The midfielder has been linked with a summer switch and he's hoping that Juve give him a call.
"My future can still be Bianconero but in Turin," said the Czech international who will face Italy on Wednesday.
"If I could choose where to go then I would join Juventus so that I could play alongside my friend Pavel Nedved."
The former Napoli star is just one of many players to have caught the eye at Udinese in recent times.
The wide man is having another exceptional season in Serie A and a move does seem to be on the cards.
However, he is keen to concentrate on a few more immediate objectives with his club and country for now.
"I'm just focused on helping Udinese get into the UEFA Cup," he added. "Then I want to have a great European Championships before hopefully joining a big club."
Stam snubs Juve option
Juventus will not be signing Jaap Stam in the summer after the Dutchman revealed they don't appeal to him.
The Bianconeri are in the hunt to net the Lazio ace but the stopper says he would prefer a switch to either of the Milan clubs instead.
"I do know that there is interest from three big clubs in Italy, but without meaning any disrespect to Juventus, I do not want to play for them," he told his Icons.com website.
"They have a good team but the prospect of joining Juve just doesn't attract me very much.
"I have always been the sort of person that follows my gut feelings and in truth I just don't have any feelings for Juventus."
Stam made the statement in response to growing speculation over what shirt he will be wearing next season.
The former Man Utd player is contracted to the capital club until 2005 but may be sold in the summer before his contract expires.
"If I am going to leave Lazio – which isn't certain by any means – then I would prefer to join a team from Milan," he added.
"The challenge of trying to win things in Milan is something that would excite me. I would love to win more medals before I retire and I believe that the Milan clubs give me the best chance."
If Stam joins Milan or Inter then he will become the second Lazio player to snub a switch to Juventus.
The Bianconeri were seriously keen on signing Dejan Stankovic but he opted to join Inter in January.
Meanwhile, reports in Holland suggest that Stam has agreed to join Milan. A two-year contract has apparently already been agreed. It is now up to the two clubs to sort out a fee.
Juventus to consider Ferrari alternatives
Juventus are keeping tabs on Parma defender Matteo Ferrari this season. The youngster was close to signing for Juve in January, but the Italian champs now face competition for the defender leading up to the summer market.
Manchester United representatives have been regular visitors to Parma in recent weeks and manager Sir Alex Ferguson is considering Ferrari, who is likely to be sold at the end of the season.
The revitalised PSV Eindhoven defender Kevin Hofland is also on Juve's shortlist. Like Ferrari, the Holland international is expected to be sold in the summer, though he would prefer a move to England.
Inter ponder Mexes swoop
Philippe Mexes may follow in the footsteps of his idol Laurent Blanc by wearing the Inter No 5 shirt.
The 22-year-old is one of the most highly rated defenders in Europe and the Nerazzurri are keen on his services.
Mexes, who has also been linked with Roma and Manchester United in the past, may finally join a big club this summer.
It's believed that Auxerre may consider his sale if they receive a bid of around £4m for the French international. Inter are ready to offer him a five-year contract.
Inter are expected to sign at least one defender for the new term after also being continually linked with Jaap Stam of Lazio.
Meanwhile, there are a few whispers that Inter may sell Fabio Cannavaro after a difficult spell with the club.
The Italian international, tied to Inter until 2006, has never really played at his consistent best since moving from Parma and a split may be on the cards.
Roma are keen on adding him to their defensive line-up after they failed to sign him three-years ago.
Chelsea and Manchester United are also set to bid for Cannavaro if he is made available by his club.
Inter tempt Mexes with Blanc jersey
Inter Milan have held talks with the agent of Auxerre defender Philippe Mexes. Olivier Jouanneaux has told the Italian giants they can sign the 21 year-old in the summer for just £3.5 million. Inter chief Massimo Moratti is ready to table a five-year contract worth an initial £1 million-a-season to the French youngster.
Manchester United and Chelsea are also chasing Mexes, though Moratti has promised the youngster he can have his hero Laurent Blanc's No5 jersey if he chooses Inter in the summer.
Juventus is following the advancements.
Davids: I'd sign for Barcelona today!
Juventus midfielder Edgar Davids has confirmed he would sign outright for Barcelona today if it was up to him.
After helping Barca defeat Atletico Madrid on Sunday, the Dutchman said, "I feel very happy here. If I had to renew my contract today, I would do it, but it depends on the two clubs. Hopefully it can happen, I could follow in the footsteps of Michael Laudrup after his time in Italy."
Davids added, "The players, the public, the people on the street... all deal with me very well; they show their affection to me and I have great desire to give it back to them."
Rochemback focused on Sporting
Fabio Rochemback insists that he is fully focused on helping Sporting Lisbon in their domestic campaign despite various reports linking him with several top European clubs.
The Brazilian joined the Portuguese giants on loan this season as part of the deal that landed Ricardo Quaresma in Barcelona in July.
His impressive form this season has caught the eye of several Serie A clubs including Lazio and Inter.
Rochemback's season is going so well that he was called up by Brazil for the international friendly against Republic of Ireland.
"This is a good season for me. Sporting have given me the opportunity to play and everything is going well to the point I have been called up by Brazil," said Rochemback.
"I have a contract with Sporting and at the moment Sporting is all I am thinking about," he added.
"I am not thinking about anything other than this club. All I can say is that lately I have not talked to my representatives. I am calm, I am going to see out my contract and think only about helping Sporting," he said.
Rochemback has the option to stay with Sporting Lisbon for two more seasons on loan, but is expected to rejoin Barca this summer.
Mon 16 Feb
Azzurri squad named
Italy manager Giovanni Trappatoni has recalled Del Piero to the national squad for the friendly against the Czech Republic. However Fabrizio Miccoli and Marco Di Vaio are not included. Other Juventus players named are Gianluigi Buffon and Nicola Legrottaglie.
Del Piero believes in Scudetto
Following Juve's home win against Reggina, Del Piero is confident that the bianconeri will be fighting for the Scudetto till the very end.
Yesterday the Old Lady decreased the gap between them and the top two teams by two points and this has induced Del Piero to be confident about the future.
"Surely having recovered 2 points from Roma and Milan at one go makes us realise our strength; we have made an important step forward. We want to be there till the very end; we believe we can."
Jaap Stam news
Milan and Juventus are still in the chase to sign Jaap Stam despite Inter being in pole position. The Lazio ace, 32, is set to leave the capital club at the end of the season and he's set to join one of the big Italian three.
Stam, who is tied to the Olimpico outfit until 2005, does seem to prefer a move to Inter and the Nerazzurri are lining up a swoop. Reports over the weekend suggested that they are ready to offer £11m for Stam and teammate Cesar at the end of this campaign. Under-21 international Giovanni Pasquale may also be offered to the Biancocelesti as part of the deal.
That bid is likely to tempt the cash strapped outfit but Milan and Juventus are not about to throw in the towel. Milan's director general Ariedo Braida reportedly met Lazio officials recently where they discussed terms over a possible deal. The European champions are set to offer around £5m but also include Fernando Redondo and Marco Borriello in the bid.
That just leaves Juventus who are only considered as outsiders at this moment in time having admitted they won't go crazy on the transfer market. The Italian champions are set to offer less cash but sacrifice a range of higher calibre players in a swap deal. Reports suggest that Enzo Maresca, Mark Iuliano and Manuele Blasi, currently on loan at Parma, may be included in an agreement.
Chevanton interested to join big club
Lecce's Uruguayan 23-year-old striker Javier Ernesto Chevanton has stated today that he intends joining a big club later on, even though he is not sure yet when. However, he has said that he wants certain guarantees as he has no intention of becoming a super sub for an Italian giant.
Following his excellent performance against Milan and throughout the whole season, Chevanton has been tipped to join a big team next season.
When asked which team he wishes to join, Chevanton's diplomatic answer was: "I am a fan of Lecce and I owe them a lot. However I would like to play in a big team which offers me the possibility of playing, because consistency is important."
Chevanton is being followed by Juventus, Inter and Milan, as well as Barcelona and Roma.
The Lecce star admits that he is eager to join a big club in the summer "I'm very happy at Lecce," he told ‘TG5' on Monday. "But it is true to say that I would love to play for a great club.
"I don't care whether it is Inter, Juventus or Milan. Yet I want to join a side that gives me the chance of playing regularly." "Consistency is one of the key aspects for all players. Being able to play as much as possible is very important for me."
The Uruguayan sensation has had a splendid season so far and captured more headlines yesterday with a splendid free-kick in the 1-1 draw with Milan.
"I'm happy with my performance," continued the 23-year-old. "It is great to come up against defenders like Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta." "Dida? He is a great ‘keeper and that makes the goal that I scored past him even more satisfying."
Cheva is set to become one of the most wanted players on the transfer market at the end of the season.
The three Italian giants all like the youngster even if Roma and Barcelona are also keeping an eye on the striker. In fact, Barca sent former Parma striker Hristo Stoichkov to watch him and 17-year-old Bulgarian ace Valeri Bojinov in Sunday's clash at the Via Del Mare.
Pizzaro dreams of Inter
Udinese midfielder David Pizarro is still hoping for a move to Inter despite only recently signing a contract extension until 2007.
"I still dream of one day moving to Inter," he told the 'Corriere dello Sport'. "I have a contract with Udinese for three more years but anybody would love to play for such a big club."
Pizarro is being watched by Juventus and Inter.
Udinese ace David Pizarro is hoping that Italian giants Inter renew their interest in his services. The Chilean was heavily linked with a January switch to the San Siro but he signed an extension with Udinese until 2007 instead.
"I still dream of one day moving to Inter," the 23-year-old told the ‘Corriere dello Sport' on Monday. I have a contract with Udinese for three more years but anybody would love to play for such a big club."
Pizarro is rated by his Coach Luciano Spaletti as one of the best playmakers in the Italian championship. He had a stunning campaign last term that saw him linked with summer moves to Juventus, Inter and Lazio. Things have been a bit more complicated this term for the midfielder though.
He's had numerous injury problems as well as enduring a spell on the sidelines after a contract row with his club. But Pizarro was back to his best yesterday afternoon when he was man of the match in Udinese's 2-1 win at Inter.
Cambiasso denies Inter link
Esteban Cambiasso has dismissed stories suggesting that he will definitely leave Real Madrid for Inter. Recent reports have suggested that the 23-year-old has already agreed terms with the San Siro side but he's denied that claim.
"There is no truth in the stories which say that I've already signed for Inter," said the Argentine. I think it is disrespectful towards me and Real to make such claims. I'm just concentrating on winning the League and the Cup with Madrid this term."
The midfielder is set to leave the European giants in the summer on a free transfer as Real haven't offered him a new contract.
Although Cambiasso has rubbished talk of an Inter deal, his agent has confirmed that the Nerazzurri are keen. The Italian outfit have held initial talks even if Arsenal and Chelsea have also expressed an interest.
Cambiasso was first linked with a move to Italy last month when Juventus were reportedly keen. However, his agent has confirmed that they are not in the chase.
Thuram comments
Juventus are back on the Scudetto trail but Lilian Thuram admits his side are still not at their best.
The Bianconeri beat Reggina 1-0 last night to close the gap on Roma and Milan but the Frenchman says it was tough.
"We are not playing great football at this moment in time and we did have our difficulties against Reggina too," he added.
"Fortunately the three points have helped our morale after the 4-0 defeat we suffered at Roma last week."
The Bianconeri were put on trial after that Olimpico display but showed signs of recovery with their Coppa Italia victory at Inter on Thursday.
"I think the win at Milan in the week may have been significant," he added. "We are slowly picking ourselves up."
Juventus were undoubtedly the big winners in Week 21 as Milan were held at Lecce and Roma failed to beat Ancona.
"That's true but let's not talk about that yet. We firstly need to start playing with determination and a better brand of football.
"We must continue to give our best in every game and just hope that the teams above us make a few errors."
Lippi grief at Pantani tragedy
Revered Juventus coach Marcello Lippi has revealed to skysports.com the
intense grief he felt upon hearing that cycling hero Marco Pantani had passed
away.
The Bianconeri boss spoke of the sadness he felt upon hearing of Pantani's
death, with the cyclist having been found alone in a Rimini hotel room,
just minutes away from his hometown Cesenatico.
Pantani, a national hero to fans of cycling, had been suffering from depression and Lippi believes that not enough was done to help him, and indeed other sportsmen, who struggle to cope once their careers are over.
''That is what moved me most,'' Lippi told skysports.com. ''He wasn't miles away, yet still he died alone in a hotel room.
''If something like that should happen to me, I am sure that my close friends in Viareggio would rush in to bring me out of trouble, but where were Pantani's friends?
''Having been in football as a player and now a coach, I think it is deadly important to keep in touch with the friends you meet in childhood, that is something I try to teach my younger players.
''At the peak of your career, you get overpaid and over praised, but then everything ends and you have to get on with your life.''
Lippi continued to pay tribute to Pantani, a sportsman who enjoyed consistent success in the cycling world.
''Pantani the champion will never be forgotten, but what shocked me in his death was the solitude of the man,'' Lippi concluded.
Sun 15 Feb
Rochemback scouted by Juventus
Juventus scouts were spotted in Portugal, with their target reportedly being Sporting Lisbon's 22-year-old Brazilian Fabio Rochemback, who is on loan from Barcelona.
Lecce to sell Chevanton and Bojinov
Lecce's director of sport has hinted that star strikers Javier Ernesto Chevanton and Valeri Bojinov will be sold this summer.
“I am very close to this club and therefore have two main targets with the start of every transfer negotiation,” revealed Pantaleo Corvino in the ‘Corriere dello Sport'.
“The first is to continue Lecce's good results on the field of play with a competitive squad and the second is to ensure the deal is in our economic interests.”
Chevanton was already rumoured to be leaving the Stadio Via del Mare last summer, but moves to Lazio and Parma fell through.
His price-tag will have increased even more after the Uruguayan international notched up ten Serie A goals.
Still only 23 years of age, Chevanton has attracted interest from Juventus, Inter, Milan and above all others Roma.
Overseas clubs such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain have also tracked the hitman.
Bojinov has been a real revelation for Lecce this season, as the Bulgarian teenager has made quite an impact in his first top flight campaign.
Arsenal even sent their scouts over to watch the forward, who turns 18 years of age today, although they face competition from Milan.
Maresca: Lucky Goal
Maresca scored the goal that gave Juventus the victory tonight against Reggina and the midfielder was one of the best players of the match.
"I have been playing quite well lately even if we have been struggling as a team ," he said. "I am happy that my goal gave us the three points even if I must say that I was very lucky".
"I know that I am not part of the starting line up every Sunday but I try to do my best in order to impress the manager," he added. "To play for Juve is a dream come true and I'd love to stay here for the rest of my career".
Lippi: Three important points
Marcello Lippi last week was very angry after the defeat with Roma and he had announced that his team wasn't going to give up. It looks like he was right.
"My players played a very clever game," he said. "We were coming from a very tiring match against Inter on Thursday but they reacted very well and were in control of the game from the beginning to the end".
"We have been working a lot and I think that one step at a time we are getting where we want to be," he added. "These are three important points if you consider the results of the other clubs and if we carry on like this we will close the gap".
Thuram: Consistency
Lilian Thuram, man of the match this evening against Reggina, is not satisfied yet and wants his team mates to work hard.
"We have won two games but we still haven't solved our problems," the French international said. "We have a lot of work to do because this team has been underachieving this season".
"Last week we had no chances of winning the league according to the papers and now they will say that we are back in the race," he added. "The truth is that we can try to win all the games but if the other clubs don't lose then there isn't much that we can do about it".
Juventus make up grounds in Serie A
Football Italia
Juventus cut the gap from the leaders to just six points after Enzo Maresca sealed a tight win over Reggina.
Juve needed a show of force after their 4-0 humiliation at the hands of Roma, while there was a great deal of controversy surrounding their Coppa Italia semi-final win against Inter midweek. Current Reginna and ex-Torino Coach Giancarlo Camolese had never previously lost to Marcello Lippi's side.
David Trezeguet and Mauro German Camoranesi are out injured, while Paolo Montero is suspended. Marco Di Vaio stepped in to partner Alessandro Del Piero, who missed the Roma game with a minor thigh problem.
The first scoring opportunity was created by Reggina after two minutes when Gianluigi Buffon scrambled a save on Francesco Cozza's fierce free kick. Juve hit back with Nicola Legrottaglie nodding a corner kick over the bar from eight yards.
The Bianconeri thought they had opened the scoring when Enzo Maresca skipped past two defenders and only had the goalkeeper to beat, but the former Piacenza man incredibly fired wide of the near post.
Del Piero's intelligent flick found Di Vaio in the area, but the attentive Reggina defence managed to close him down before he could squeeze in a shot. The captain went for goal himself on 35 minutes with a fierce drive that skimmed the near post.
But Reggina had the best chance of the first half when Roberto Stellone took the ball off Lilian Thuram and passed across for the unmarked Cozza, but Buffon stood his ground and performed a stunning reaction block to prevent the Amaranto captain scoring.
Moments later there was another controversial incident, as Del Piero's diving header on a Nedved shot hit the back of the net. The referee disallowed it and booked the Italian international for a handling offence, but replays left an element of doubt as to how much contact - if any - his hand made with the ball.
Juve finally broke the deadlock on 50 minutes, but it was a very scrappy goal indeed. Emanuele Belardi bravely came out to smother Di Vaio's shot, but the ball rolled out to Maresca and his effort went in off the upright.
That boosted their confidence and Belardi did well to fingertip a curling Del Piero free kick over the bar, then blocked Legrottaglie's effort from the resulting corner.
However, those defensive problems reared their ugly heads once again when Thuram and Legrottaglie both left the ball and Buffon threw himself at Cozza's feet to prevent an equaliser.
Substitute Fabrizio Miccoli's angled drive tested Belardi at the near post, but Buffon was shaken by a Cozza volley from the edge of the box.
Del Piero had another attempt with his head on a splendid floated Pavel Nedved pass, but this time it just clipped the crossbar. The captain was desperate for a goal and in stoppage time his splendid strike was fingertipped on to the crossbar by Belardi.
Soccerage
Enzo Maresca scored the winning goal as Juventus earned an important victory. Juve trail Milan by six points, and are now just a single point behind Roma. Both of the top two teams were held to draws earlier on Sunday.
Maresca was starting just his sixth league match of the season and was an unlikely hero. Del Piero who was first to threaten in this match as his left-footed shot was deflected wide for a corner after nine minutes. Maresca had missed a golden scoring chances in the 22nd minute after he dribbled past a defender but his low shot was just wide of the left post.
Juve were nearly punished in the 40th minute when Roberto Stellone beat Lilian Thuram on the and played a great pass to Francesco Cozza, but the frontman saw his shot saved by Buffon. Juve had a goal disallowed three minutes later and Del Piero was booked for handball after he punched a Nedved's cross into the Reggina net.
Maresca scored the winner in the 51st minute after he connected powerfully from eight yards our with a cross from the right, the went in off the post before passing the goalline. With this goal, Reggina had looked lost and allowed Del Piero to head just over the bar after 82 minutes.
Juve dominated this match and deserved to win.
Lippi: Treble still possible
Marcello Lippi insists that Juventus can still aim for all three trophies and dismissed Inter's Coppa complaints. “After the collapse at Roma,” he noted of their 4-0 defeat, “we all sat down and discussed why there were so many peaks and troughs in our performance. I can guarantee that this won't happen again.”
The Bianconeri got back on track in controversial fashion with an explosive Coppa Italia semi-final win over Inter. “We are entirely accustomed to controversy in the press about us,” he smiled. “It goes in one ear and out the other.”
Emilio Pellegrino's refereeing was not the only headline grabber this week, as Lippi also lambasted Francesco Totti for teasing his players during the 4-0 victory. “I have said what I wanted to say,” he added. “Juventus answer their critics on the field of play and we proved that this side is still alive and kicking.”
The reigning Italian Champions are now the only team still in the running for the Scudetto, Champions' League and Coppa Italia. “We know that we are strong and very competitive. I can assure you that Juventus have no intention of giving in on any objective.”
The Serie A title is perhaps beyond them now that Juve are eight points adrift of Milan, but Lippi's men will be expected to beat Reggina this evening. “Giancarlo Camolese will be particularly fired up as he has a good record against us from his Torino days,” warned the Coach. “Nonetheless, we hope to cut that trend short.”
The Bianconeri will be without the injured David Trezeguet, Mauro German Camoranesi, Igor Tudor, Alessandro Birindelli and suspended Paolo Montero.
Giraudo sneaks accusations at Roma
For the first time in seven years Juventus have failed to make a profit, but they continue to accuse other clubs of failing to play by the rules. “The competitions are not legal,” insisted administrator Antonio Giraudo. “Some clubs are not sticking by the rules and those who cannot afford to pay their players should not be allowed to compete.” The statement is clearly aimed at second placed Roma – who have only recently paid wages up to and including June 2003 – and Lazio.
However, for the first time in seven years the Turin giants have failed to make a profit at the end of the financial year. “After all this time we can afford a slight slip,” insisted Giraudo in an interview with ‘La Stampa' newspaper. “We have always been competitive and will continue to be at the top of Italian football. In any case, we plan to cut costs by a further 10 per cent next year.”
It has been suggested that this financial hiccup could push Juve to sell ageing top stars such as Pavel Nedved. “I predict few major moves,” added the director, “and a lot of swop deals in the current climate.” “Juventus must remember that it has an extraordinary youth system at its disposal and the club must make the most of that.”
Giraudo: No Crisis
Juventus chief Antonio Giraudo has played down talk of a crisis after Marcello Lippi's team recent poor domestic run. General manager Luciano Moggi declared last week that he was actively seeking to "upgrade" the squad for next season and Giraudo also said yesterday: "The club is solid, the club will always be competitive. "At the moment we are more than ever reliable on our experienced players, but we want to strengthen our younger division.
"The drop in finances from the Champions League has had an affect, but we hope to readjust the accounts through television contracts, the advantage we have from Juve World and the new stadium - which will come from the proceeds of the Champions League."
Sat Feb 14
Juventus outbid by Milan for Bonera
AC Milan have offered £3.5 million for Parma's young fullback Daniele Bonera. However, despite their massive cash problems, Parma are holding out as they expect Premiership and La Liga clubs to join the auction.
Squillaci flattered by Juventus interest
AS Monaco defender Sebastien Squillaci has confirmed he knows Juventus are chasing him, and has said that "it would be great to play in Italy." The young fullback was watched this week by Juventus general manager Luciano Moggi.
Del Piero: Proof of Juventus character
Juve's Coppa Italia victory over Inter may have been tainted by controversy, but Alessandro Del Piero maintains it was proof of their character.
“It was a difficult Nerazzurri side to encounter,” he noted on his official website, “but in the end we had that little bit extra to reach an important objective.”
“We knew that it was a very important match and that we needed character, pride and clinical finishing.”
The Bianconeri drew 4-4 on aggregate and eventually won a penalty shoot-out to set up a Coppa Final date with Lazio.
That 2-2 draw at the San Siro saw Del Piero make his comeback after missing out on the 4-0 defeat to Roma with a slight muscular problem. The captain pushed critics aside by scoring a decisive goal and performing an extra time goalline clearance.
“It always pays to keep a cool head in difficult situations,” continued the Italian international.
“Despite conceding an early goal from Adriano, we reacted immediately and dominated the play.”
“This was a test for Juventus and I have to say we passed it with flying colours in terms of our approach and concentration. Now we must think of our Serie A match with Reggina and the Champions' League.”
Juventus are under fire for the refereeing decisions that played a large part in their Coppa Italia triumph, but that is not the only controversy surrounding the club.
Director General Luciano Moggi has been charged by the Disciplinary Commission for telling the press that he had signed a pre-contract agreement with Dejan Stankovic before Christmas.
The claims held up the Lazio man's planned move to Inter until the final day of the January transfer window amid fears of a suspension.
An inquiry was opened into the affair and it has now emerged that Stankovic did not sign official paperwork with the Bianconeri.
