Friday 14 May
Lippi: Coppa almost ours
Football Italia
Juventus boss Marcello Lippi has thanked his players for their efforts in the Coppa Italia Final last night. "We gave everything that we had," said the departing tactician. "We looked to win the tie until the very end.
"It's a shame because I would have loved to have left this club with another victory but it wasn't to be. I would like to thank the crowd for their support tonight, that will be something that I will remember forever."
The Bianconeri managed to level the aggregate scores thanks to goals from David Trezeguet and Alex Del Piero. But Lazio hit back in the second half as Bernardo Corradi and Stefano Fiore ensured a 4-2 aggregate victory.
"I thought we would win because we were so close," added the Coach. "We had a chance to go 3-0 up with Pavel Nedved but it didn't go in.
"The players illustrated their character and determination but it wasn't enough. I must also praise Lazio who certainly did well over the two games."
Lippi was disappointed that he had so many players missing through injury yet again last night. "We again went into a crucial game with a host of problems," he explained. "It's disappointing because we could have won it."
Juve look to Deschamps
Football Italia
Didier Deschamps has overtaken Cesare Prandelli in the race to become Juventus boss, insist reports in Italy. Whispers yesterday suggested that the Frenchman was back in the chase and that has been reflected in Thursday's media coverage.
Parma boss Prandelli was considered to be in pole position to replace Marcello Lippi but that is seemingly no longer the case.
The Turin giants have allegedly held further talks with the former French midfielder to discuss a move. It's been suggested that he has been offered a two-year deal worth £1m-a-season, plus guarantees that he can bring his assistant Jean Petit and fitness trainer Antonio Pintus to Turin.
Possible transfer targets were also discussed with the possibility that striker Fernando Morientes, midfielder Jerome Rothen and defender Sebastien Squillaci may follow him from the Principality.
Deschamps has supposedly asked for the club to not make an announcement until after his Monaco side have played in the Champions' League Final against Porto.
Juventus chief Bettega in talks with Monaco coach Deschamps
Tribal Football
Juventus vice-president Roberto Bettega held more talks with AS Monaco coach Didier Deschamps this week. Bettega met with Deschamps in Strasbourg and discussed with the ex-Juve star terms over a contract to bring him back to Turin.
It's understood Juve are offering a two-year deal, with the option of a further year, which will be worth £1 million in the first 12 months. The Italians are also prepared to appoint Deschamps' backroom staff, including coach Jean Petit and fitness trainer Antonio Pintus.
There are still some details to iron out, but Deschamps could be unveiled as Juventus' new trainer immediately after the May 26 Champions League final between ASM and Porto.
Bonera switch on hold
Football Italia
Juventus' proposed bid to sign promising defender Daniele Bonera from Parma has hit problems. The Under-21 international is a known target for the Old Lady but the deal may not be so simple to complete as first thought.
The Turin giants have offered £3m plus a player for the 23-year-old which has not been welcomed by the Gialloblu. The Stadio Tardini outfit reportedly want a player but also close to £7m for the Azzurrini regular. Talks are set to continue.
Juventus to break open race for Leeds striker Smith
Tribal Football
Juventus are ready to enter the race for Leeds United striker Alan Smith. Middlesbrough, Birmingham and Newcastle have all tabled bids for the England striker, who is also attracting interest from Manchester United and Everton.
Juve are ready to offer £6 million for Smith and will make their move as soon as the Premiership season finishes this weekend.
Interest in Perrotta grows
Football Italia
Five clubs are seriously interested in signing Chievo ace Simone Perrotta at the end of this season. The Italian international was linked with a summer move last season but nothing could be finalised.
However, it now seems almost certain that he will quit the Stadio Bentegodi and a queue has formed for his services. Juventus and Inter have been hotly associated with the 26-year-old for some time after his excellent form over the last two years.
But Roma boss Fabio Capello has reportedly asked his club to make enquiries about the former Bari player. Capello believes that the Azzurri regular could be a potential replacement for Emerson in the Giallorossi midfield.
Yet there are two massive Second Division sides that are also very keen if they are promoted to Serie A. The first is Palermo, with whispers suggesting that they have already contacted Chievo to start talks. The second club is Fiorentina even if their chances of promotion seem rather slim right now.
Thursday 13 May
Didier back in Juve chase
Football Italia
Monaco boss Didier Deschamps is reportedly back in the race to take over at Juventus next season. It was believed that Parma's Cesare Prandelli was in pole position but the Frenchman seems to be a serious contender again.
The Old Lady have already confirmed that one of the two men will replace Marcello Lippi in the summer.
Stories last week indicated that Prandelli would be handed the job after his success this season but also because of his salary. Deschamps reportedly wants a £2m a season deal but Prandelli would only expect around half of that amount.
However, stories on Wednesday suggest that the Deschamps has lowered his asking price which could tempt Juventus into a rethink.
Juventus approach Lazio about Oddo
Tribal Football
Juventus have approached Lazio about fullback Massimo Oddo. The Italian international is valued at £4 million by Lazio, which are being forced to sell some of its stars because of massive debts.
Juve are considering Oddo as an alternative to Ajax fullback Hatem Trabelsi, who is also being chased by several Premiership clubs.
Agent confirms Juventus push for Ajax's Ibramhimovic
Tribal Football
The agent of Ajax striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has confirmed Juventus have been in contact about a summer move. Juve chief Luciano Moggi is actively searching for a replacement for David Trezeguet, who is expected to join either Chelsea or Barcelona at the end of the season.
Ibrahimovic's agent, Mino Raiola, also has Pavel Nedved on his books and his good friends with Moggi. "If things develop as expected, Juventus are planning to take Ibrahimovic," confirmed Raiola yesterday.
Man Utd battle Chelsea for Marseille ace Drogba
Tribal Football
Manchester United and Chelsea are going head-to-head for Olympique Marseille ace Didier Drogba.
The Independent says both clubs willing to spend up to £15 million on the highly-rated striker. Club reps have been in touch with Marseille this week and have been told the 26-year-old is not for sale. However that could change if either United or Chelsea made the right offer.
Its been suggested that United are moving for Drogba as they prepare to sell Ruud van Nistelrooy to Real Madrid over the summer.
Juventus 2 - 2 Lazio (2-4 on agg)
Football Italia
An entertaining 2-2 draw in Turin gives Lazio the Coppa Italia 4-2 on aggregate and leaves Marcello Lippi's Juve empty-handed. Roberto Mancini lifts his second edition of this trophy as a Coach after winning with Fiorentina at his first attempt.
This was the last chance for both these clubs to end the season with a trophy, while Lazio needed a boost after missing out on the Champions' League qualifying spot.
Marcello Lippi wanted to wave goodbye to the fans with a trophy in his hand, as this was to be his final match at the Delle Alpi, but there are also reports Roberto Mancini will be leaving Lazio in the summer.
Juventus had the odds stacked against them after Stefano Fiore's brace gave Lazio a 2-0 lead in the first leg, while Alessio Tacchinardi, Antonio Conte, Mauro German Camoranesi and the suspended Igor Tudor are out.
Yet it was Lazio who had the brightest start and it took a crucial Ciro Ferrara tackle to prevent Roberto Muzzi latching on to a Fiore through ball. The Bianconeri hit back as Enzo Maresca rolled the ball across for Pavel Nedved, but the former Lazio man fired well wide, then a Gianluca Zambrotta solo effort was off target.
The deadlock was eventually broken after 20 minutes when David Trezeguet nodded in a floating Alessandro Birindelli cross. The Frenchman didn't even have to jump as the defenders left him a little too free in the box, but he angled the header perfectly to beat Matteo Sereni.
Moments later Zambrotta nearly doubled their lead with another angled header, but it was just wide of the far post. The game sprung to life and Zambrotta was needed at the other end to clear as Muzzi's low cross was about to reach Fiore from eight yards.
On the resulting corner Lilian Thuram managed to close down and dispossess Cesar as he lined up a shot, while Fabio Liverani's volley skimmed the woodwork. The visitors went very close to an equaliser just before half-time when Cesar met a Massimo Oddo cross, but his volley merely shook the side-netting.
In first half stoppage time Bernardo Corradi fired over the bar with a deflection from Ferrara.
Stephen Appiah was initially ruled out after fracturing his nose on Sunday, but the Ghanaian was able to come on for the second half in place of Gianluca Pessotto.
Lazio seemed to get off to the second half on the wrong foot, as within 24 seconds Alessandro Del Piero had taken advantage of a defensive howler. Nedved's header towards Trezeguet took Stam by surprise and Sereni's weak parry was straight into the path of the Italian international.
There was controversy when these two teams last met in Serie A and the Biancocelesti claimed that Trezeguet had handled the ball in this incident. Television replays suggest they might have had reason to protest.
Del Piero's backheel set up Nedved, but once again the Czech international's finish left something to be desired. Lazio needed to score an away goal to put the balance of the tie back in their favour and Simone Inzaghi replaced Roberto Muzzi.
Trezeguet tried to turn in another angled diving header, but this time his effort was off target.
At the other end of the field Cesar burst through the centre after exchanging passes with Inzaghi and his low finish dribbled inches past the far post, then desperate defending stopped Corradi getting a shot on goal.
The Juve defence was under a lot of pressure and Lazio eventually got their away goal on 69 minutes. A trademark Mihajlovic corner kick was turned in by Corradi's bullet header.
Lippi went for broke in the closing stages by throwing on Marco Di Vaio and Fabrizio Miccoli. Former Lazio youth product Di Vaio found Trezeguet at the end of a splendid solo run, but Stam was able to close down the Frenchman.
Instead, it was Lazio who ensured the trophy was safe with Stefano Fiore. The squad was left completely unbalanced and Corradi held up the ball for Fiore's left-foot strike.
Wednesday 12 May
Lippi believes in Coppa comeback
Football Italia
Juventus must overcome a 2-0 first leg deficit against Lazio, but Marcello Lippi believes he can leave the club with a trophy in his hand.
"We will play this game with the strong conviction that we can achieve something great," said the tactician ahead of Wednesday's Coppa Italia Final.
"All we need is two goals to level the aggregate scoreline and once you get to extra time it becomes a whole different match. We'll try and give everything we've got left at the end of this difficult season."
Lippi has confirmed he will be moving on in the summer, but hopes to say goodbye to the Delle Alpi without ending the campaign empty-handed. However, he is still struggling with injury worries, the latest being Stephen Appiah's fractured nose.
"Appiah is available, but we must be cautious with his condition. As for the rest, we'll have to make do with the players at our disposal, but this isn't the kind of talk I want to hear ahead of a Final."
Juventus will certainly be without Alessio Tacchinardi, Mauro German Camoranesi, Antonio Conte and the suspended Igor Tudor. Morale was boosted by the fact Lazio lost to Brescia at the weekend, but Lippi insists this is only going to fire their opponents up more.
"Losing sight of fourth place means the Coppa Italia is now their only remaining objective for the season. We will throw in all our grit and determination and I feel we've still got something to give."
The Coach has been tipped for the Italy job, although he has already left Juventus once before and returned with great success.
"Is this goodbye or a see you again soon? Well, you know what they say in Italy, there's no two without a three."
Juventus closer to Chelsea than Barcelona over Trezeguet sale
Tribal Football
Juventus vice-president Roberto Bettega has held further talks with Chelsea over the sale of striker David Trezeguet. The French international ace will be sold by Juve at the end of the season, with the Turin giants demanding £14 million for the striker.
Trezeguet favours a move to Barcelona, where he has already verbally agreed personal terms. But the Spanish club are only offering £10 million for the Frenchman.
Meanwhile, Bettega is locked in talks with Chelsea chief Peter Kenyon and has told the London giants they can sign Trezeguet for £14 million. This will be the last window Juve have to realistically make money on the ex-Monaco striker, whose current deal expires at the end of next season.
Fulham approach Juventus for Sculli, Brighi
Tribal Football
Fulham have approached Juventus for young duo Matteo Brighi and Giuseppe Sculli. Midfielder Brighi and striker Sculli are both on the outer at Juve, having spent most of their time with the Turin club on-loan elsewhere.
Juve vice-president Roberto Bettega is in talks with Fulham officials about the duo.
Tottenham closer to Iuliano than Juventus' Montero
Tribal Football
Tottenham are more likely to convince Juventus to part with Mark Iuliano than Paolo Montero. Spurs have approached Juve for both veteran defenders, but Uruguayan Montero is still wanted at Juve by general manager Luciano Moggi.
Iuliano is being made available by Juve for the summer market and is keen to talk with Spurs about a switch to the Premiership. The uncompromising stopper could move to White Hart Lane as a replacement for Dean Richards.
Roma confirm interest for Monaco winger Rothen
Tribal Football
AS Roma coach Fabio Capello has confirmed his interest in AS Monaco winger Jerome Rothen. The 26 year-old French international is being considered by Capello as a successor to Vincent Candela, who has been inconsistent for Roma this season.
Inter to trump AC Milan for Lecce's Ledesma
Tribal Football
Inter Milan are threatening to trump city rivals AC Milan for Lecce midfielder Ledesma. The exciting Brazilian has been offered a place in Milan's squad for their Far East preseason tour with a view to winning a contract.
But Inter are already in advanced talks with Lecce about a permanent transfer and are confident they can trump Milan by putting a concrete offer on the table for the midfielder.
Tuesday 11 May
Appiah has nose op
Football Italia
Juventus' Stephan Appiah should be available to face Lazio on Wednesday despite breaking his nose. The midfielder picked up the injury in the 2-0 win over Sampdoria but he is likely to be ready for the Coppa Italia Final. Appiah underwent minor surgery on Monday but will return to training with his teammates tomorrow.
The former Brescia star will be needed in the week as Juve have some major problems in midfield. Igor Tudor is suspended, while Alessio Tacchinardi and Antonio Conte are not fully fit. Mauro Camoranesi is also a doubt.
The Old Lady are likely to field a strike force of Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet at the Delle Alpi. The Turin giants have a mighty task ahead of them as they lost the first leg in Rome by a 2-0 scoreline.
Pavel Nedved and Gigi Buffon should also return to the starting line-up after they were rested for Week 33. The Czech only appeared as a substitute against Samp.
Juventus to beat Man Utd for Parisi
Tribal Football
Juventus are in advanced talks with Serie B Messina over left-back Alessandro Parisi. The 27 year-old has scored a stunning 13 goals this season and Juve are set to clinch his signature, despite the interest of Manchester United.
Juve and Messina enjoy a strong relationship and the Serie B club won't stand in Parisi's way if he decides to join the Turin giants. United have scouted Parisi this season after being made aware of his goal scoring feats at left-back.
Monday 10 May
Juventus 2 - 0 Sampdoria
Football Italia
The Bianconeri end their run of two defeats on the trot with a comfortable victory as the Delle Alpi said goodbye to Marcello Lippi.
Juventus have really struggled since Lippi announced his summer departure and fell to two consecutive defeats against relegation battlers Lecce and Perugia. The Coach demanded a signal from his men, even if they are now certain to finish in third place.
Sampdoria's chances of UEFA Cup football took a massive blow with their home defeat to Udinese, but their hopes of getting a result in Turin were furthere dampened by the fact both strikers Fabio Bazzani and Francesco Flachi are suspended.
The Bianconeri had a bright start and Del Piero failed to take full advantage of Falcone's defensive error, drilling an angled drive just wide. After 13 minutes Marco Di Vaio met Del Piero's free kick only for his header to be fingertipped over the bar by Luigi Turci.
Samp mainly aimed shots at Antonio Chimenti from long range with Antonio Floro Flores, then he punched out a powerful Palombo drive and Sergio Volpi was unable to turn in the loose ball.
The visitors began to take control just before the break and there were penalty appeals when Volpi's free kick struck Igor Tudor's arm, although it didn't seem as if he knew too much about it. Chimenti was then called to fingertip a Floro Flores angled drive round the upright.
But it was Juventus who took the lead soon after when Nicola Legrottaglie nodded in a Del Piero corner kick for his second goal of the season.
That opened the floodgates and Stephen Appiah made it two with his first goal of the season. The Ghanaian combined with Enzo Maresca and fired in a low drive from outside the box.
Gianluca Zambrotta's solo effort perhaps deserved a goal, but Turci did well to fingertip the angled drive round the post.
Post-match comments
Marcello Lippi: "Waving goodbye to the fans was a very emotional moment for me. I hope my successor can feel the same joy I have had at this club. Coaching Juventus was a dream that lasted for eight years. We will try and give everything we've got to win the Coppa Italia."
Juventus serious over Monaco defender Squillaci
Tribal Football
AS Monaco defender Sebastien Squillaci is becoming the most likely defensive signing for Juventus in the close-season.
The 23 year-old has been watched several times in recent weeks by high-ranking Juve officials and preliminary talks have already been held between the two clubs.
Bayer Leverkusen's Lucio and AS Roma defender Philippe Mexes are also in Juve's sights, but their high asking price is leading the Italian giants to consider more seriously Squillaci.
Agent: Juventus want Chelsea's Lampard
Tribal Football
The agent of Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has confirmed talks have been held with Juventus over the England star's future. Steve Kutner told the News of the World, "It's true that Juve has contacted Chelsea about Frank and has declared that they want him.
"Juventus are ready to get Frank under contract, while Chelsea are reluctant. I want Chelsea to clear up the situation."
Spurs ask Juventus about Iuliano, Montero
Tribal Football
Tottenham have approached Juventus about three of their senior players. Juve defenders Mark Iuliano and Paolo Montero, plus midfielder Antonio Conte are all the subject of serious enquiries by the London club.
Offers are being invited by Juve for Montero and Iuliano, though Conte is wanted by the Turin giants for next season.
Man Utd offer Marseille £14M for Drogba
Tribal Football
Manchester United have launched a bid for Olympique Marseille star Didier Drogba. After tracking the powerful centre-forward for over 18 months, Drogba's showing this season both in Europe and domestically has convinced United boss Sir Alex Ferguson of his ability.
The People says United have already tabled a tentative £14 million bid for Drogba, who has admitted he'd like to test himself on a bigger stage.
Sunday 09 May
Juventus v Sampdoria: Preview
ESPN Soccernet
Juventus approach Sunday's home clash with Sampdoria reflecting that little has gone right for them in 2004.
They crashed out of the Champions League at the second-round stage and, although they are third in the standings, the Bianconeri surrendered their Italian title meekly to AC Milan last weekend - both key factors in Marcello Lippi's decision to step down as coach at the end of the campaign.
Milan were crowned champions after defeating second-placed Roma last weekend, and the Rossoneri are 16 points clear of Juve.
So fans are no doubt glad to have something else to ponder in recent days with Lippi confirming he will quit and the club announcing that former players Didier Deschamps and Cesare Prandelli are the two candidates to replace him.
Deschamps' stock has risen in recent months with the job he has done at Monaco, who have made it to the final of the Champions League while Prandelli has kept Parma firmly in the hunt for a place in Europe's elite club competition for next season.
Juventus have been in abysmal form and are assured of finishing the season in third place.
"To arrive third in the standings is not a drama, especially after having won two consecutive titles," said Juventus director general Luciano Moggi. "In the last phase of the season we have suffered a drop in form but nevertheless I do not consider our campaign a failure."
The Bianconeri will be keen to erase their two consecutive defeats against lower clubs Lecce and Perugia with a victory against Samp in their last home game of the campaign.
A triumph will no doubt lift up the spirits of Lippi's men who play the second-leg of their Coppa Italia final against Lazio on Wednesday, their last opportunity to salvage something from an otherwise disappointing year.
"We really want to clinch the Coppa Italia title," said Moggi. "We have to overturn a 2-0 deficit against Lazio and it will not be easy but I don't want the team to give up."
Sampdoria, meanwhile, have seen their dreams of playing in Europe next season disappear after their defeat against Udinese put them eight points behind sixth-placed Lazio with only two games remaining.
"We have lacked some experience," said Samp coach Walter Novellino who is nevertheless proud of his side for claiming 11 wins and 12 draws in 32 games. "My players have shown that they are able to have a say in the top flight."
Frenchman Lilian Thuram will replace the suspended Ciro Ferrara in Juve's defence. Lippi is set to make some changes in the starting XI following last Sunday's 1-0 loss at Perugia. Italian international Alessandro Del Piero will partner Marco Di Vaio in attack with French striker David Trezeguet, linked persistently with a summer switch to Barcelona, set to be relegated to the bench.
The absence of Samp's highest goalscorers Fabio Bazzani and Francesco Flachi through suspension will be a blow to Novellino. Between them, the duo have netted more than half of the Blucherchiati's goals this season and their young replacements Giacomo Cipriani and Antonio Floro Flores will have a difficult task ensuring they are not missed.
Saturday 08 May
Juventus - Sampdoria Preview
Football Italia
Juve are now stuck with third place and must try to end their run of two consecutive defeats to give Coach Marcello Lippi an adequate send-off.
The Bianconeri have been disappointing throughout the season, but their recent form has been particularly dire with back to back defeats against relegation strugglers Lecce and Perugia, during which time they conceded five goals.
Lippi has confirmed this will be his last year in charge of the club, but his constant tactical tinkering only seems to unsettle the players. Nicola Legrottaglie steps in for the suspended Ciro Ferrara, while Paolo Montero, Alessio Tacchinardi and Antonio Conte are injured. Gianluca Zambrotta is expected to take a more advanced role in support of Pavel Nedved, Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet.
Sampdoria's hopes of earning a UEFA Cup spot took a battering last week with a surprise 3-1 home defeat to fellow Euro chasers Udinese. The Blucerchiati have fewer scorers than any other side in Serie A - relying on Fabio Bazzani and Francesco Flachi for 24 of their total 40 goals.
It is therefore a massive blow to their chances that both these hitmen are suspended for the trip to Turin. Cristiano Doni is out for the season following surgery, so youngsters Antonio Floro Flores and Giacomo Cipriani start upfront for Samp.
Lippi demands 'real' Juve
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi has just three games left in charge of Juventus and calls for a great performance to best prepare for next week's Coppa Italia Final.
"This match against Sampdoria will be particularly useful as preparation for the Cup Final clash with Lazio," explained the Coach. "If we don't do well on Sunday, then it'll be extremely tough for us to get back on our feet for a good performance on Wednesday."
The Bianconeri have been disappointing throughout the campaign, but since Lippi confirmed his departure they have suffered two consecutive defeats to Lecce and Perugia. "After two such negative outings, we cannot help but expect a fightback. This is why I am confident we'll see my Juventus - the side that has done so well throughout the years."
The match with Sampdoria will be his final Serie A game at the Delle Alpi, but Lippi won't be waving goodbye to the fans just yet. "The Coppa Italia Final is also in Turin, so I will wait for the Lazio game before saying my farewell," he noted.
Juve could well end the season empty-handed, as they must recover from a 2-0 first leg defeat at Lazio.
Alex targets Azzurri glory
Football Italia
Alessandro Del Piero is ready to lead Italy to glory in this summer's European Championship Finals. There are concerns regarding his fitness but the Juventus star insists he will be fully equipped for Portugal.
"My form is almost optimal right now," he stated on Friday. "By the time the tournament kicks off I will be at my best."
The Italian ace has only just returned to first team action after being sidelined for 40 days with a thigh strain. Yet he is set to make the Azzurri squad even if he doesn't seem to be guaranteed a first team shirt.
Italy boss Giovanni Trapattoni is likely to field either Del Piero or Antonio Cassano of Roma in an attacking left-sided role.
"Losing the European Championship Final in the last tournament against France was the worst defeat in my career," added the No 10. "But I'm in good shape and I believe that I can make a real contribution to the side over the summer."
Del Piero will be keen to make up for his performances at Euro 2000 when he missed two chances in the Final to increase Italy's 1-0 lead. Unfortunately for the Italians he didn't score which allowed the French back into a game that they won with a Golden Goal.
Monaco to keep Didier
Football Italia
Monaco are confident that Didier Deschamps will stay, leaving the Juventus door wide open for Cesare Prandelli. The French club are keen to keep hold of their budding tactician after reaching the Champions' League Final this season.
Deschamps is a confirmed target for the Italian outfit but the Principality side are confident he will remain. "Obviously we want him to stay," revealed President Pierre Svara. "We are in negotiations with him and talks are going well.
"We've offered him a new contract until 2008 and I'm 95 per cent sure that he will still be the Monaco Coach next season."
That now leaves the Parma tactician in pole position, even if many considered him as the favourite anyway. "We've spoken to both Prandelli and Deschamps and we will make a decision after May 12," Juventus director general Luciano Moggi said on Thursday.
"The Parma boss works very well with young players and he's having a fantastic season. Deschamps was already a Coach when he was here as a player."
Monaco president: We'll try to keep Morientes
Tribal Football
AS Monaco president Pierre Svara has confirmed they will try to keep on-loan Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes for next season.
Morientes is wanted by Juventus and AS Roma and Monaco know they cannot match the Italian clubs' spending power, but are still hopeful of keeping the Spanish international. Svara said, "He's told me he wants to stay.
"We haven't started negotiations with Real Madrid, or the player, but will start soon. I know it will be difficult, but we'll try."
Real Madrid ahead of Arsenal in Thuram talks
Tribal Football
Real Madrid are leading Arsenal in the race to sign Juventus defender Lilian Thuram. Juve are inviting offers for the Frenchman, who is currently on £3.5 million-a-year at the Turin club.
Both Real and Arsenal are in talks with Thuram, but its reported the Spanish giants are being favoured by the defender as they're prepared to play him at centre-half. Arsenal have told Thuram he will be signed primarily as a right-back.
Milan in Fabiano battle
Football Italia
Milan are facing stiff competition from Barcelona in the race to sign Brazilian striker Luis Fabiano. Reports from Brazil insist that the two clubs are the main contenders to sign the Sao Paolo player this summer. Fabiano is an international forward with a growing reputation even if there are doubts over his temperament.
However, both Milan and Barca are keen to acquire the target man to play alongside their Brazilian contingent. The Spanish outfit would like to see him link up with Ronaldinho at the Nou Camp next season. While Milan want to team him up with Kaka, who is a good friend of the South American talent.
All three men recently played in the same Selecao side that impressed in the victory over Hungary.
