Friday 16 April
Parma - Juventus Preview
It’s third against fourth at the Stadio Tardini as both clubs look for more crucial Champions’ League points. Juventus want the victory in a bid to pip Roma to second, while the home side are in a real scrap with Inter and Lazio for that top four finish.
Despite all their financial troubles, Parma have been nothing short of exceptional this term under the tutelage of Claudio Prandelli. His young guns keep shining and it is no surprise that Juventus have been linked with the likes of Daniele Bonera, Matteo Ferrari and Alberto Gilardino.
All three will start against the Turin giants in a bid to not only win the game but impress their possible next employers. Manuele Blasi will also be keen to do well as he is on loan from the Stadio Delle Alpi side.
It’s unclear what formation Marcello Lippi will field. He played with just David Trezeguet up front last week in the 1-0 win over Lazio. Trez scored the winner but Fabrizio Miccoli and Marco Di Vaio are available for selection. Alex Del Piero may also return to the bench after recovering from a thigh strain.
Ciro Ferrara should be back from injury, while Paolo Montero is available after his one match ban. They could start in the centre of defence at the expense of Nicola Legrottaglie.
Del Piero back in action
Alex Del Piero could feature against Parma this weekend after successfully completing a practice match today.
The Juventus star, who has been sidelined for 38 days with a thigh strain, scored twice in a 7-2 win over Sanremese. Although he still looks short of fitness, he could be named as one of the substitutes at the Stadio Tardini on Sunday.
The No 10 picked up the problem during the 1-0 home defeat to Deportivo La Coruna in the Champions' League. He now has just over a month to get back to his best in order to be available for Italy at Euro 2004.
The other Juventus scorers today included David Trezeguet, Enzo Maresca and Fabrizio Miccoli who netted a hat-trick.
Juventus chiefs to meet Real Madrid next week over Morientes
Tribal Football
Juventus chiefs will be in Madrid next week for talks with Real officials about striker Fernando Morientes. Morientes is being put up for sale by Real, after he spent this season on-loan at AS Monaco.
Juve sports chief Luciano Moggi and fellow directors Roberto Bettega and Giraudo will be in Madrid next week to open serious negotiations over Morientes. The Turin giants will offer £6 million cash plus veteran defender Lilian Thuram in exchange.
Juventus join Inter Milan interest for Chelsea's Veron
Tribal Football
Chelsea are making Juan Sebastian Veron available to interested clubs.
Juventus have joined Inter Milan in their bid to land the Argentina international. Inter have already made two offers to Chelsea for Veron. Juve will wait until the end of the season to see Veron prove his fitness before moving for the player.
Ferrari ignores Juve whispers
Parma star Matteo Ferrari insists that he isn't paying too much attention to rumours linking him with Juventus. The defender will face the Bianconeri on Sunday but he claims he's just focused on the game and not his future.
"I'm not thinking about the stories," he said. "If Juventus are looking for a defender then I think it is obvious that I could be associated with them.
"After all, I am a defender, I'm reasonably young and I'm also regularly involved with the international side. But I'm just concentrating on the game this weekend which will be very tough for us but not impossible.
"If they turn up with a few problems then we can beat them. If they play to perfection then it seems clear that they will have the better of us."
The 24-year-old has been associated with the Turin giants for some time now after Juve's problems in defence this term. Ferrari, and his teammate Daniele Bonera, are said to be on the Old Lady's wish list as they look to replace the ageing Ciro Ferrara and Paolo Montero.
Gilardino happy to remain
Parma ace Alberto Gilardino feels that he could benefit by spending another season at the Stadio Tardini.
"I would never rule out a move to a big club because other players of my age have managed it, like Antonio Cassano at Roma," he said. "Others have struggled though and I think another year at Parma would be good for me as they are a strong side and it is a good environment to grow up in."
The youngster is wanted by a host of giants, notably Juventus, after a stunning campaign in Serie A. Having started this term on the bench as a reserve to Adriano, he is now the League's top scoring Italian with 17 goals.
However, the club's uncertain financial future is set to play a major part in whether the Azzurrini hero stays or goes. "I would happily remain if a buyer for the club came forward with real plans," added the former Piacenza starlet. "Otherwise I will have to think carefully about the situation.
"I'd like to have my future sorted out before I go to play for Italy at the U-21 European Championship - even if that probably isn't possible," he continued.
There have been suggestions that Gilardino could actually break into the full Italy side for Euro 2004. "It's best not to think about that," he concluded.
Auxerre deny Mexes claim from Liverpool
Tribal Football
Auxerre have denied a statement that appeared on Liverpool's website quoting coach Guy Roux saying that Philippe Mexes would be on his way to Anfield in the summer. A club statement read: "Guy Roux is not in the habit of expressing himself on the Liverpool website.
"The quotes saying Philippe Mexes will play for Liverpool are consequently the fruit of a web surfer's imagination."
Liverpool on outer as Arsenal, Man Utd move for Mexes
Tribal Football
Arsenal and Manchester United have joined the race for Auxerre defender Philippe Mexes.
Auxerre coach Guy Roux revealed last week that Mexes was all set to move to Liverpool at the end of the season. But his agent has since warned that any switch to Anfield will be off if Liverpool fail to qualify for next season's Champions League.
The Daily Express says both Arsenal and Manchester United have made contact with Auxerre informing them of their intentions to bid for the French international defender.
Sacchi urges Barcelona to go for Juventus striker Di Vaio
Tribal Football
Parma chief Arrigo Sacchi has recommended Juventus striker Marco Di Vaio to Barcelona. Sacchi, who worked with Frank Rijkaard at AC Milan, has told the Barcelona trainer to go for Di Vaio, who could be snapped up as an alternative to David Trezeguet.
Sacchi has also worked with Di Vaio at Parma and has told Rijkaard that the striker's pace could be a big asset to his team.
Roma may put De Rossi up for sale
Tribal Football
AS Roma are considering putting young winger Daniele De Rossi up for sale. The 20 year-old has been one of the revelations of the Serie A this season, but could be made available by cash-strapped Roma as they seek to wipe out their debts by selling top names.
Juventus and Inter Milan are interested in the youngster, who could be sacrificed along with teammates Emerson and Walter Samuel.
Barcelona tells Man Utd to forget about Puyol
Tribal Football
Barcelona insist Manchester United can forget about signing defender Carles Puyol at the end of the season. The Spanish international is reportedly to be offered in a swap for United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy. But Barca president Joan Laporta said: "Puyol is not for sale."
His No2, Sandro Rosell, also said: "Carles Puyol will absolutely be staying at Barcelona. He is a key player and not going to be sold."
Chelsea have 10-man wish-list for Ranieri replacement
Tribal Football
Chelsea have put together a 10-man wish-list of names to replace manager Claudio Ranieri at the end of the season.
The Mirror says Chelsea have gone behind Ranieri's back to sound out the likes of Roma coach Fabio Capello and Jose Mourinho of Porto. Yet Ranieri has refrained from talking to other clubs for fear of breaking the terms of his contract and kissing goodbye to a £6m pay-off.
Chelsea's shortlist is said to be:
- Fabio Capello (Roma)
- Jose Mourinho (Porto)
- Marcello Lippi (Juventus)
- Ottmar Hitzfeld (Bayern Munich)
- Martin O'Neill (Celtic)
- Arsene Wenger (Arsenal)
- Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United)
- Carlo Ancelotti (AC Milan)
- Jacques Santini (France)
Thursday 15 April
Drogba cools Juve talk
Didier Drogba says he's delighted to have caught the eye of Juventus but he is keen to avoid questions about his future.
"It is very pleasing that such a prestigious club like that are interested in me," said the Marseille star. "But this is not the time to be talking about these things. I want to just concentrate on Marseille right now as this is the respect that my teammates deserve."
The 25-year-old striker has been talked about as a possible replacement for David Trezeguet if he leaves the Delle Alpi club.
Drogba showed Italian fans what he is capable of last week as he scored in the 1-0 win over Inter in the UEFA Cup quarter final. The Frenchman was a constant threat to the Nerazzurri defence but he won't play against them tonight as he is suspended for the return leg.
Drogba has already scored 19 League goals for his club this term but he also impressed during Marseille's Champions' League stint.
Mexes denies Liverpool deal
Philippe Mexes could still be on his way to Italy after his agent dismissed reports of an agreement with Liverpool. Stories last week suggested that the Auxerre ace was on his way to Anfield at the end of this term. Yet his representative has denied those claims which leaves the door open for Juventus, Roma and Inter.
"There has been no contact with the English club," stated Olivier Jouanneaux. "Things have been written which are not true."
The 22-year-old central defender is one of the most promising youngsters in the European game right now. And Jouanneaux added that his client is very keen to play Champions' League football next term.
"That is what the player really wants," he added. "If Auxerre get there then there is a good chance that Mexes will remain where he is."
However, the French outfit are currently fifth in the table - nine points adrift of European Cup qualification.
Juventus chasing Arsenal fullback Cole
Tribal Football
Arsenal fullback Ashley Cole has emerged as a target for Juventus. Juve sports director Luciano Moggi has made strengthening his squad's defensive options a priority and is studying the English transfer market.
Juve believe they can land Cole for less than £5 million and press reports yesterday suggested Moggi would be willing to discuss a swap involving David Trezeguet with Highbury officials.
Chelsea in fresh offer for Roma pair
Tribal Football
Chelsea are being linked with a fresh offer for AS Roma duo Emerson and Walter Samuel. Roma president Franco Sensi has failed to attract new investment to his cash-strapped outfit and is now making all his players available - apart from Francisco Totti and Antonio Cassano.
Chelsea are said to be offering £40 million for Emerson and Samuel. Argie defender Samuel admitted this week that if he must be sold, he'd prefer to move to a foreign club.
Barcelona offering Man Utd Puyol for Van Nistelrooy
Tribal Football
Barcelona are set offer skipper Carles Puyol to Manchester United in a swap for Ruud van Nistelrooy.
The Sun says Barcelona president Joan Laporta is desperate for Van Nistelrooy to spearhead his side's Champions League assault next term though. And he will offer United a deal which will save them spending money on a central defender and add to Alex Ferguson's transfer fund. The offer will include Puyol and £12 million for Van Nistelrooy.
Manchester United and Barcelona are two of the closest clubs in Europe with massive amounts of shared marketing information and a common shirt manufacturer in Nike. United marketing director Peter Draper is due to meet with Barcelona's directors at the Nou Camp in early May.
Wednesday 14 April
Thuram: Juve must keep duo
Lilian Thuram believes that Juventus should do all they can to keep boss Marcello Lippi and David Trezeguet. Both men are being tipped to leave the Stadio Delle Alpi in the summer but the Frenchman believes that would be a massive mistake.
"In order to make such changes a club needs to evaluate many factors," said the stopper. "But Lippi has done so much for this club that there is no reason for him to leave. If he wasn't in charge of pre-season training next term then I would be very surprised."
While Lippi is being associated with the Italian national job and Real Madrid, Trezeguet is reportedly close to Barcelona. The French striker is only tied to the club until 2005 but talks over a new contract continue to stall.
"There are some very good players around right now but it is difficult to find champions like him," noted Thuram when asked about the Trezeguet situation. "I think it will be very important for a club such as Juventus to make sure that they don't let go of a player like that."
The former Parma captain was finally asked about his own future with the outfit after a highly disappointing campaign. "I still have two years left on my agreement in Turin," he stated. "As far as I'm concerned, I want to stay."
Thuram pledges Juve loyalty
Planet Football
Juventus defender Lilian Thuram has pledged his future to the Serie A champions, in light of speculation linking him with a move away from the Old Lady. The talented French defender has a contract that expires in 2006 but Thuram insists that he has no intention of quitting Turin.
"When I feel good in a team I don't move," confirmed Thuram. "In my career I've spent seven years in Monte Carlo and five in Parma. Now I feel good here. Then in two years, at the contract's expiry, we will see what happens."
Thuram also reiterated that he firmly believes Juve coach Marcello Lippi will remain at the club beyond the current campaign and not leave to manage the Italian national side, as has been widely predicted.
"I'd be surprised not to find Lippi here again in July," continued Thuram. "Our coach has a contract with Juve and before changing, it is necessary to evaluate a lot of things."
Pizarro will leave Udinese
David Pizarro's agent has confirmed that both Juventus and Inter are keen on the Udinese ace. The Chilean youngster will leave the Stadio Friuli this summer and Jorge Cyszterpiller will hold talks with both Italian giants.
"I will meet with Juventus director general Luciano Moggi next Thursday about Pizarro," said the representative. "Udinese have agreed to sell Pizarro so we have to make sure that we get a good deal for all the parties involved.
"They have decided to replace him with Leandro Romagnoli, of San Lorenzo, so I have to get the best for my client. I will firstly meet with Juventus but we shouldn't forget that Inter are also very interested in him."
Pizarro is rated by boss Luciano Spalletti as one of the best playmakers in the European game right now. The midfielder first hit the headlines after a string of fantastic performances last season but he has struggled this term with injury.
Juve and Inter have been heavily linked with the 23-year-old in the past even if he was on the verge of a move to Lazio last summer. However, that transfer collapsed.
Mexes warns Liverpool over ambitions
Auxerre defender Philippe Mexes has warned Liverpool over their interest. Mexes' agent Olivier Jouanneaux told BBC Sport: "Philippe will not join Liverpool if they do not qualify for the Champions League next year.
"It is a key motivation for him to play in the European Cup."
Auxerre coach Guy Roux told Liverpool's website last week: "Mexes knows Liverpool is his destination when the season finishes. It is true he has been followed by the great European teams, including Juventus, but nobody has made a concrete offer for Mexes except the Reds."
Roma's Samuel closer to Chelsea move
AS Roma defender Walter Samuel is closer to sealing a move to Chelsea. The Argentina international is a big-money target for Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and said yesterday: "If I must be sold in July, then I only ask that I am sold to a foreign club.
"It's not that I do not want to stay in Italy, but I would find it impossible playing against Roma. I just couldn't play in front of Roma's fans for a club like Juventus or Inter Milan."
Chelsea track Porto playmaker Ribeiro
Chelsea are being linked with Porto midfielder Maniche Ribeiro. Ribeiro has two years left on his current contract. Benfica lost an appeal to over-turn his deal - after they claimed he signed for them six months before his contract at Estadio da Luz was due to expire.
The midfielder, 26, has impressed both Chelsea and AS Roma scouts in Porto's Champions League run this season.
Tuesday 13 April
Trez wants Arsenal move?
Arsenal could join the chase to sign David Trezeguet after the striker admitted that he may leave Juventus. "It will take time in order to understand what will happen," said the Frenchman. "The club and I will make a decision at the end of this season.
"For now I just want to concentrate on finishing this term as we still have some important games to play."
Although Trezeguet continues to score for Juventus, as he did on Saturday in the 1-0 win over Lazio, rumours persist that he will be sold. The former Monaco man is only tied to the club until 2005 and talks over an extension have hit problems.
Trezeguet allegedly wants a substantial pay increase which the Turin giants are not keen on awarding him. If no deal is agreed then he will be sold by the club in the summer - rather than risk losing him for nothing next year.
Spanish giants Barcelona have admitted they are interested in the 26-year-old but reports suggest that a London switch could occur. Trez apparently would like to experience the Premiership and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has always been a massive fan.
It's unclear though whether the Highbury outfit could finance the move after they splashed out £20m on Antonio Reyes at the start of the year.
No Italy move for Mexes
Roma and Juventus are set to lose out in the chase to sign Auxerre youngster Phillipe Mexes. The French international has been heavily linked with both sides but reports suggest he's on his way to the Premiership.
Although it is believed that the central defender would like a move to Serie A, Liverpool are in pole position for the stopper. The Anfield outfit are allegedly ready to offer £6m for Mexes, a fee that neither Juve or Roma are willing to match.
Juventus have been tracking Mexes for a number of months as they look to strengthen their ageing defence. The Bianconeri officials had visited the French club on a number of occasions this term to watch Olivier Kapo - who will arrive in the summer.
Yet they were also left impressed with the performances of the 23-year-old defender who is tipped for a great future.
Milan make Cheva contact
Lecce ace Javier Ernesto Chevanton has moved closer to a Milan switch according to reports in Italy. The Uruguayan spent time in Milan over the weekend where he allegedly met with Rossoneri officials. It's believed that they discussed terms over the four-year contract that he was supposedly offered.
Chevanton has been heavily linked with a move to the European champions after a splendid season with the southern minnows. Stories suggest that he will definitely move to the San Siro even if the two clubs have yet to reach an agreement.
Lecce want £13m for the player even if Milan don't want to pay more than £8.5m for the 23-year-old. There is also the possibility that a few players could be involved in the negotiations. Cash plus Sam Dalla Bona and Marco Borriello could be offered to Lecce.
Juventus challenge Man Utd, Barcelona for Porto stars
Tribal Football
Juventus are keeping tabs on Porto defensive pair Ricardo Carvalho and Paulo Ferreira. Juve chief Roberto Bettega watched the duo in action last week and was also impressed by midfield teammate Maniche Ribeiro.
Ferreira is fast emerging as one of the hottest defensive properties in Europe, with Manchester United and Barcelona also keen on the right-back.
Pizarro to decide between Juventus, Inter Milan - agent
Tribal Football
Udinese midfielder David Pizarro will decide his future this week. The Chile international has fielded offers from clubs across the continent, but his agent says he is likely to stay in Italy next season.
"Next Thursday I am going to have a meeting with Luciano Moggi (Juventus general manager) about the transfer of David Pizarro," said Jorge Cyszterpiller. "Udinese accepts to transfer Pizarro so we have to negotiate for reaching the best deal for all the parties involved.
"Udinese have decided to replace Pizarro with the midfielder of San Lorenzo, Leandro Romagnoli, so I have to get the best for my client. The negotiations will be first of all with Juventus but we don't forget that Inter is also interested."
Man Utd, Inter, AC Milan push for Tevez
Tribal Football
The race for Boca Juniors
striker Carlos Tevez is hotting up.
Manchester United, Inter and AC Milan are all chasing the Argie youngster, while it appears Bayern Munich have admitted defeat in the chase.
Bochum's Iranian striker Vahid Hashemian confirmed yesterday that he is on his way to Bayern, suggesting that the transfer has been made as an alternative to Tevez.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has made contact with Boca about Tevez, who is rated as the 'new Maradona' in his home country.
Monday 12 April
Barcelona wait as Trezeguet to decide Juventus future
Tribal Football
David Trezeguet says he won't make a decision on his future at Juventus until the summer. A major target for Barcelona, Trezeguet said: "Rumours about my future? I think that the most important thing is knowing the club is counting on me.
"After that there will be the right moment to see what the future will hold. There are five matches left to be played and the second leg of the Coppa Italia final against Lazio.
"Let us think about these matches, then we will see."
Messina's Lavecchia hopeful of Juventus move
Tribal Football
Juventus are monitoring the progress of Messina
midfielder Luigi Lavecchia.
The 23 year-old has been one of the stars of this season's Serie B and is aware of Juve's interest.
"It would be a dream to move to Turin," he said. "I know I must do all I can to impress the watching Juventus people. Next year I want to play in the Serie A.
"With respect to my current club, it would be fantastic to play for the Bianconero."
Sunday 11 April
Juventus 1 - 0 Lazio
David Trezeguet rose to nod in the winner for Juventus with just two minutes to spare for their first home win over Lazio since 1997. The Bianconeri had not beaten Lazio here in six years and were already defeated twice this season with a 2-0 scoreline, including the first leg of the Coppa Italia Final.
Marcello Lippi has never beaten Roberto Mancini in a League match and was forced to make changes with Paolo Montero suspended, Enzo Maresca, Alessandro Del Piero and Ciro Ferrara injured. He therefore fielded David Trezeguet as the lone striker upfront supported by Mauro Camoranesi, Gianluca Zambrotta and ex-Lazio star Pavel Nedved.
Lazio are still on track for fourth place and came to Turin looking to continue their fine record against the giants. Cesar was the third prong in a trident attack alongside Bernardo Corradi and Simone Inzaghi.
Juve had an aggressive start and within the opening minute Trezeguet nodded wide from eight yards, then a deflected Nedved free kick looped over the bar.
Lazio thought they had broken the deadlock on 17 minutes when Cesar's volley slammed into the roof of the net, but it was disallowed for offside. However, the Brazilian came from the back and only Simone Inzaghi was standing in an illegal position.
Zambrotta was playing in a more advanced position and his fierce rising drive was fingertipped over the bar after he had skipped past Jaap Stam. Gianluigi Buffon did well to hold a Sinisa Mihajlovic free kick, while Alessio Tacchinardi and Camoranesi fired long-range efforts over the bar.
Lazio really should have taken the lead on the half-hour mark following another defensive howler from the Bianconeri. Nicola Legrottaglie's missed header let Stefano Fiore in and his cross was palmed out by Buffon into the path of Fabio Liverani, but the midfielder incredibly fired wide of the target.
Juve hit back when Nedved's curling cross was turned wide by Trezeguet under pressure from Mihajlovic, but Buffon was at full stretch to turn Cesar's dangerous cross past Stefano Fiore.
Just before the break Trezeguet released Camoranesi on the right flank and his angled drive whistled inches wide of the far post.
Roberto Mancini made a change at half-time, introducing the more attacking fullback Massimo Oddo for Jaap Stam.
The first scoring opportunity of the second half fell to Juventus, as a corner wasn't cleared effectively and Mark Iuliano drilled an angled effort wide. Soon after Mihajlovic nearly scored directly from the corner flag, but Stephen Appiah was ready to clear at the near post.
Trezeguet's looping header was easily controlled by Matteo Sereni, then the Frenchman didn't quite reach a dangerous Zambrotta cross that only needed to be tapped into the net. The two players changed places on 64 minutes when Zambrotta's powerful finish was over the bar.
Lazio made another substitution with striker Roberto Muzzi taking over from Simone Inzaghi in that trident attack. With his first touch the former Udinese star charged into the box and it took a crucial Legrottaglie challenge to prevent him scoring.
Juve's injury crisis deepend with Iuliano limping off, while Mihajlovic was able to carry on despite a muscular problem. The Bianconeri needed a spark and threw on Fabrizio Miccoli for the final 13 minutes, moving Zambrotta back to his habitual left-back role.
Within two minutes of stepping on to the field Miccoli curled a free kick from a very tight angle that was fingertipped on to the crossbar by Matteo Sereni. Lazio had timid penalty appeals for a handling offence by Zambrotta on Cesar's sweeping cross.
The deadlock was eventually broken with two minutes to spare as a Camoranesi cross was whipped in for the head of David Trezeguet. The Frenchman was allowed a free header into the far corner.
Lippi: Trezeguet goal according to plan
Lippi claims he had always planned for David Trezeguet's winning goal, although the timing of it was perhaps a surprise. "In the second half I think Juve did far more than Lazio," assured the Coach after tonight's 1-0 result, "and the victory was certainly deserved."
The deadlock was finally broken with two minutes to spare as the Frenchman rose to nod in Mauro German Camoranesi's centre. "I am satisfied because our intention was to put in plenty of crosses for Trezeguet, as he is made for games like this."
"Lazio had a few chances, mainly created by our errors," noted Lippi, "but after the break we settled down and did a lot more than our opponents to win the match."
Gianluca Zambrotta was fielded as an attacking wide man in the trident supporting lone striker Trezeguet, but the Bianconeri boss suggests it is only an experiment.
"Zambrotta is among the best fullbacks in the world," explained the Coach, "but that doesn't take away the fact he is very versatile and can also play in a more advanced role. He isn't the only one, as Cesar and Serginho have that same characteristic."
Mancio rages at Turin linesman
Roberto Mancini was furious with the linesman who disallowed Cesar's first half goal, while Marcello Lippi insists the match went to plan.
"All I can say is that the linesmen have to be told what to do, once and for all," snapped the Lazio boss. "Wait to see where the ball goes and then raise your flag. A couple of seconds proves the difference between a win and a defeat."
In the first half the flag was raised for Simone Inzaghi's offside position, but the ball reached Cesar at the back post to volley in.
"At the start of the year this is how the rule was described to us by the authorities. The linesman should wait until he can see where the ball is going. We keep on seeing these goals disallowed against us."
The Biancocelesti were eventually defeated by a late David Trezeguet header and Mancini was critical of his defenders.
"We often make the same mistake as every time we allow crosses into the box and when there's a striker like Trezeguet in the box it will cause trouble."
Once again, Lazio create plenty of chances and their finishing lets them down at the crucial moment.
"We could have scored twice in the first half and needed to hit our attempts low and hard," insisted the former forward. "It needs a better finish than that to beat Gianluigi Buffon."
Lazio now slip down to fifth place behind Parma, even if they have a game in hand, but their tactician is confident of that Champions' League spot.
"I am certain that we will end the campaign in fourth place, but we must start putting the ball in the back of the net when we are playing well. Our target is 60 points this season."
Stefano Fiore was disappointing at the Delle Alpi, but Mancini points the finger at his teammates.
"Fiore is capable of taking on a variety of roles and the pressure of goals or telling passes can't always be on his shoulders. We have many different players and they should start taking their chances."
Juventus scouts watched Drogba star against Inter
Tribal Football
Juventus had scouts in the stands to watch Olympique Marseille and Inter Milan last week. Juve are hot on the trail of Marseille star Didier Drogba, who was outstanding on the night and managed to grab the winner in the 1-0 UEFA Cup victory.
L'OM coach Jose Anigo has compared Drogba with George Weah and the Frenchman has declared that he is ready to move to a bigger league.
Mexes to follow Cisse to Liverpool
Tribal Football
Auxerre coach Guy Roux has confirmed the interest of Liverpool in defender Philippe Mexes. Mexes' clubmate Djibril Cisse is expected to move to Anfield in the summer for £14 million and Roux has revealed that the defender could follow him.
Diego to snub Spurs for Santos stay
Tribal Football
Santos midfielder Diego has declared he wants to stay with the Brazilian club. The teenager is a big-money target for Tottenham and has admitted an ambition to move to London. But he said yesterday: "I want to stay with Santos until the end of my contract. I will never get tired of saying it."
Diego is contracted at Santos until 2005.
Barcelona in Stuttgart talks over Hinkel
Tribal Football
Barcelona have opened talks with Stuttgart over midfielder Andy Hinkel. The German international has only just signed a new contract at Stuttgart, but Barca are pressing for the Bundesliga club to make the youngster available at the end of the season.
Both sports director Txiki Beguiristain and vice-president Sandro Rosell have spoken with Stuttgart about Hinkel, who is expected to be valued at £8 million.
Mancio aims for Turin treble
Roberto Mancini has never lost to Marcello Lippi and already beaten Juve twice this season, so the Lazio boss is confident of completing a hat-trick.
"Since I have been in charge of Lazio," explained the former player, "we have always put in great performances against Juventus and won nearly every encounter. I hope to continue that trend."
The statistics certainly back Mancio's confidence, as the Biancocelesti are unbeaten in Turin since December 1997, while he has beaten colleague Lippi three times and drawn twice. Above all, there are already two 2-0 victories under his belt during the current campaign, including the first leg of the Coppa Italia Final.
"Juventus are an excellent side," he assured, "and are receiving some unjust criticism despite their positive season. Unfortunately in Italy success is quickly forgotten in the face of defeat."
Former Lazio hero Pavel Nedved has been among their most disappointing stars in recent weeks, but that doesn't fool Mancini.
"Nedved has seemed a bit more human recently," smiled his old teammate. "Evidently even a superman like him can have a dip in form occasionally, but he remains a fantastic player and we will have to be very wary of his influence."
The Biancocelesti are eager for every point available, as Parma and Inter continue to battle them for that precious fourth Champions' League place.
"Every match is like a Final for us now," insisted Mancini. "There are three of us fighting for one spot and each game could be the decider. We must go to Turin looking for a victory."
Saturday 10 April
Juventus vs Lazio preview
Juventus have failed to beat any of the top clubs this season and take on a side that has already humiliated them twice.
This fixture ended 2-0 for Roberto Mancini's men at the Stadio Olimpico back in December, but the rather more recent meeting saw them again thrashed in the Coppa Italia Final. There is still some hope of recovering in the second leg after that identical scoreline, but points are everything in Serie A and that automatic Champions' League qualifying spot is sailing away.
Last week's 3-2 defeat at Inter showed once again that this Bianconeri side is losing its grip and in particular its psychological strength. Juve have picked up just two points from their seven games against Inter, Roma, Milan and Lazio this season.
Discipline is also a worry with Paolo Montero receiving their third red card of the campaign - a mistake that rules him out of this match through suspension. Pavel Nedved returns to take on his former club after recovering from a back problem, but Alessandro Del Piero and Lilian Thuram are still sidelined. Marcello Lippi was criticised for failing to include Enzo Maresca in the starting eleven against Inter and is expected to rectify that error with Fabrizio Miccoli again supporting David Trezeguet.
Lazio are back on track following their 5-2 demolition of Siena and with a game in hand are still the favourites to take that precious fourth place. They went through a rough patch with defeats to Bologna and Milan, but with two wins on the trot under their belts Roberto Mancini's men are flying high.
Cesar bagged a hat-trick last Sunday and will be eager to prove his worth again, while Roberto Muzzi could push Claudio Lopez out of the line-up. Matteo Sereni retains the goalkeepers' gloves after Angelo Peruzzi's thigh strain.
Lippi soon to reveal future
Juventus boss Marcello Lippi is still keeping people guessing about his future with the Italian giants. The tactician has a year left on his Delle Alpi contract but many are expecting him to quit the outfit at the end of this campaign.
Lippi was again asked about his plans today but he isn't giving too much away as speculation continues. "You'll all know soon enough as I will talk to the club in the near future with regard to my future," he said on the eve of the game against Lazio.
Many people believe that Lippi will replace Giovanni Trapattoni on the Azzurri bench after the 2004 European Championships. Yet there is also the possibility that he could join a foreign club, with Real Madrid and Chelsea feasible destinations.
Should the tactician leave the Old Lady at the end of term then he will almost certainly be replaced by Didier Deschamps, Claudio Prandelli or Gigi Del Neri. The Frenchman seems to be the favourite to take over in Turin after leading Monaco to the Champions' League semi-finals this term. While Prandelli and Del Neri have continued to impress with Parma and Chievo Verona respectively.
Meanwhile, Juventus will have numerous absentees for tomorrow night's game against the Biancocelesti. Ciro Ferrara, Alessandro Birindelli, Antonio Chimenti and Alex Del Piero are all still struggling with fitness. Defender Paolo Montero is suspended, while Enzo Maresca is a real doubt after picking up a fever.
Juventus in Lazio talks over swap for Fiore
Tribal Football
Juventus chief Luciano Moggi is ready to offer Andrea Gasbarroni to Lazio in part-exchange for midfielder Stefano Fiore. Juve are among big spending Serie A clubs aware that Fiore will be available at the end of the season at cash-strapped Lazio.
Gasbarroni is currently on-loan at Palermo and Juve are set to pay £3.5 million to buy the 50 per cent of the youngster's registration owned by the Serie B club. He will then be loaned to Lazio next season in a cash-plus-player exchange for Fiore.
French duo in Italian link
Didier Drogba and Peguy Makanda Luyindula, two of France's most interesting young strikers, could soon be on their way to Italy.
Marseille ace Drogba has been linked with Juventus recently and they must have been impressed with his display last night. The 25-year-old scored the only goal in the win over Inter where he was a constant threat to the Nerazzurri defence.
Drogba is being talked about as a possible replacement for David Trezeguet who is being tipped to leave this summer. Talks over a new Trez contract in Turin continue to stall and the international is wanted by Barcelona.
Drogba has scored 19 League goals for his club this term but he also impressed during Marseille's Champions' League stint.
Meanwhile, Luyindula is already dreaming of a move to Serie A after a good season with Lyon. "I would love to play in Italy," said the 24-year-old. "An attacker can only consider himself to be a great if he can make an impact in that country.
"My contract here expires in 2006. I would love the opportunity to feature for Milan alongside Andriy Shevchenko and Manuel Rui Costa."
Prince Albert fighting Juventus for Deschamps
Tribal Football
AS Monaco supremo, Prince Albert, has declared his board are working on keeping coach Didier Deschamps. Deschamps has emerged as favourite to replace Marcello Lippi at Juventus in the summer, but Prince Albert said: "We're near an agreement that both parties will be happy with.
"I am confident we can go ahead together without any problems."
Juventus flogging Atletico Madrid target Carini
Tribal Football
Juventus are touting goalkeeper Fabian Carini to interested clubs around Europe. The Uruguay No.1 is on-loan at Standard Liege, which has refused to take up the £3.5 million purchase option on the keeper.
Carini was snapped up by Juve in 2000, but has struggled to make an impact in Europe. He has attracted interest from Atletico Madrid, though like Standard, the Spanish Liga outfit will baulk at Juve's asking price.
Roma must sell Emerson, Samuel to keep Totti
Tribal Football
AS Roma must sell Emerson and Walter Samuel in order to hold onto Francesco Totti and Antonio Cassano. Such is their massive debts, that its reported that if Roma want to secure Totti and Cassano to new contracts they must sell Emerson and Samuel, with both players attracting major interest from Chelsea.
Totti is said to be upset at the situation and may consider his future at the end of the season.
