Friday 21 May
Chelsea join Juventus in Squillaci race
Tribal Football
Chelsea have joined the race for AS Monaco defender Sebastien Squillaci. The French international is being lined up by Blues chief Peter Kenyon after the Londoners missed out on Roma's Walter Samuel to Real Madrid.
Squillaci is a prime target for Juventus, which has maintained contact with both the player and Monaco for almost a year. But Chelsea's spending power could be the difference, particularly with Monaco weighed under by heavy debts.
Liverpool step up bid for Auxerre's Mexes
Tribal Football
Liverpool are stepping up their bid to land Auxerre defender Philippe Mexes.
The young French international has held talks with Reds boss Gerard Houllier, while Auxerre coach Guy Roux was quoted in the press earlier this season that Anfield was the most likely destination for Mexes.
The centre-half has maintained that he would prefer to move to a club that was regularly competing in the Champions League.
Liverpool, Chelsea alerted as Rosicky to quit Dortmund
Tribal Football
Liverpool are reviving their interest in Borussia Dortmund midfielder Tomas Rosicky. The Czech Republic international is set to be sold over the summer and will also field an offer from Chelsea. The Blues almost landed Rosicky in January, only for time to run out before a deal could be agreed.
"Even though I have a long contract in Dortmund, I still want to go in the summer," Rosicky told Sport.
Man Utd to land £6M PSG ace Heinze
Tribal Football
Manchester United are in advanced talks with Paris Saint Germain over defender Gabriel Heinze. The Argentina international has held talks with Barcelona and Chelsea this season, but the Mirror says a deal is close to being struck that will see him move to Old Trafford. United are prepared to meet PSG's £6 million asking price for the talented defender.
Quick switch delights Zebina
Football Italia
New Juventus signing Jonathan Zebina has revealed that he was first contacted by the club just 72 hours ago. The Frenchman signed a five-year deal at the Delle Alpi yesterday after his contract with Roma expired.
"It all happened very quickly," the defender told L'Equipe. "The first contact with Juve happened three days ago.
"I started talks with Italian champions Milan three months ago but then everything just stopped. I was also contacted by Chelsea and Liverpool but I couldn't accept. There was also little chance of staying at Roma given their financial difficulties."
Despite Juventus' disappointing season, the former Cagliari man insists that they can get back on the winning trail. "Juventus represents an exceptional challenge for me," he continued. "This club has a real culture of victory.
"In Rome we've had extraordinary players and we became Italian champions but I am still frustrated. I think we could have won more trophies and I hope I will be able to do that with Juventus."
Juventus plan to have Bonera follow Zebina signing
Tribal Football
After completing the signing of AS Roma defender Jonathan Zebina on Wednesday, Juventus are set to reopen talks with Parma over fullback Daniele Bonera.
Juve have tabled a £2.5 million bid for the Italian international, but Parma are demanding twice that fee. Talks had been suspended for the past week while Juve worked on a deal for Zebina, but with the Frenchman now secured, negotiations over Bonera will soon resume.
Juve also remain keen on Parma teammate Alberto Gilardino, though their offer of £10 million was rejected earlier this month.
Pizarro eyes dream move
Football Italia
David Pizarro has told Udinese that he wants to join one of the big Italian clubs this summer.
"He has asked the club to leave and therefore he wouldn't be happy if he stayed," agent Gustavo Ghezzi told Radio Radio. "We're hoping that David can seal a move to one of the big clubs and we are evaluating all of the offers."
The Chilean international was close to leaving last summer but proposed moves to Inter, Juventus and Lazio all fell through.
"Pizarro has some great technique and is very determined on the pitch," added Ghezzi. "He wouldn't find it hard to play for a club like Roma, Milan or Inter."
The 23-year-old, who has had a mixed campaign due to injury, is believed to be a top target for Inter. However, Roma could decide to make a move if they lose Brazilian international Emerson this summer.
Juve may also be interested if they fail to sign Emerson, as he seems to be their primary midfield transfer objective for the time being.
Inter Milan offer Roma Zanetti in Emerson deal
Tribal Football
Inter Milan have made a new offer for AS Roma midfielder Emerson. Roma recently turned down a £14 million bid from Chelsea for the Brazilian international and have also fielded enquiries from Juventus and Real Madrid.
Inter have offered £6.5 million cash, plus midfielder Cristiano Zanetti, for Emerson. But Roma have turned that down also, informing Inter they would prefer to see Fabio Cannavaro included in the deal.
Lucio staying in Germany
Football Italia
Inter target Lucio is expected to leave Bayer Leverkusen for Bayern Munich at the end of this season. The Brazilian international has been heavily linked with a move to Italy but he looks set to remain in Germany.
"Bayern Munich are interested in Lucio," confirmed Leverkusen director general Reiner Calmund. "But for now we just need to concentrate on finishing the season with the aim of qualifying for Europe."
Calmund added: "We'll deal with individual situations by making a statement sometime next week." The 26-year-old defender is set to join Bayern in a £7.5m deal, which will also see Bayer net Croatian international Robert Kovac.
Lucio has been heavily linked with a move to Serie A since Roma had a £10m offer accepted by Bayer last summer. However, he couldn't agree personal terms with the Giallorossi which saw Milan, Inter and Juventus join the chase.
Samuel sold to Real
Football Italia
Walter Samuel is no longer a Roma player after he was sold to Real Madrid for £17.8m. Reports this morning suggested that a deal was close and negotiations were concluded this evening. Real beat Premiership giants Chelsea to Samuel's signature after the stopper was made available for transfer.
It is believed that the former Boca Juniors ace will net around £2.8m a season for the next five years. Samuel is set to fly out to Spain on Saturday before being presented to the media as a Real Madrid player on Monday.
The defender becomes the second man to leave the Giallorossi in the space of 24 hours after Jonathan Zebina signed for Juventus. Brazilian midfielder Emerson could soon follow as reports suggest that he has already agreed to join Juve too. However, the two clubs haven't agreed a fee.
Thursday 20 May
Zambrotta marries Valentina
Football Italia
Juventus' versatile Italy left-back Gianluca Zambrotta got married yesterday to his long-time companion Valentina Liguori in a civil ceremony at a Church in Naples. The pair had met since Zambrotta's days at Bari, and will hold their religious marriage ceremony sometime in 2005.
This completes a splendid year for Zambrotta, where he has been one of only a few playing with consistency for Juventus and the national squad, and has been called up by Italy manager Giovanni Trappatoni for the European Chamionships 2004 in Portugal.
Zebina pens Juve deal - Official
Football Italia
Jonathan Zebina has oficially signed a five-year contract with Juventus after a move to Milan fell through. The deal has now been made official by Juventus, who tied him to the club until June 30 2009.
"It is an honour to play for the Bianconeri," the Roma defender told the 'Gazzetta dello Sport'. "I have only ever scored one goal in my entire career and that was against Juventus, so perhaps it was a sign."
The Frenchman netted the spectacular volley in the closing stages of the 2-2 draw at the Stadio Delle Alpi in September, but has often been criticised for his performances. Out of contract with Roma on June 30, 25-year-old Zebina had been heavily linked with Italian Champions Milan.
But when they opted to snap up Jaap Stam from Lazio instead, Juventus courted him in a bid to solve their defensive worries. This year the Turin giants have had their worst defensive record for many years by conceding 42 goals - more than double those let in by Roma.
Zebina is a veteran of the Serie A scene since joining Cagliari in 1998, while he moved to Roma in the summer of 2000.
Juventus chief moves for Udinese's Jankulovski
Tribal Football
Udinese midfielder Marek Jankulovski has held talks with Juventus. Juve chief Luciano Moggi is urging Jankulovski to join his Czech Republic teammate Pavel Nedved in Turin next season. Moggi hopes to wrap up a deal before the European Championships.
"In truth, nobody has officially contacted me," said Jankulovski, "and to remain in Udine would not be the worst thing. However, it's true that at this point of my career I want to play for a big club."
Arsenal outbid Barcelona, Chelsea for Juventus striker Trezeguet
Tribal Football
Arsenal and Chelsea have tabled offers for Juventus striker David Trezeguet.
The French international's proposed move to Barcelona is looking more and more unlikely as the Premiership duo step up their interest. Juventus are said to have received far superior offers than Barca from both Arsenal and Chelsea in the past week.
Trezeguet has already agreed terms with Barca and if it was up to him, he would join the Spanish giants. But Juve are determined to sell to the highest bidder, which is believed to be Arsenal at this stage.
Real Madrid make offer for Parma star Gilardino
Tribal Football
Real Madrid have contacted Parma about young striker Alberto Gilardino. The youngster's omission from Italy's Euro2004 has created controversy and he is expected to be cashed in by Parma over the summer with the Serie A club heavily in debt.
Real have faxed Parma a £10 million bid for Gilardino, though an offer of £14 million is on the table from Juventus. Manchester United have also been scouting the striker this season, who has emerged as one of the hottest new talents in Italy this term.
Inter Milan hold Monaco talks over Rothen, Squillaci
Tribal Football
Inter Milan are in talks this week with AS Monaco over French duo Jerome Rothen and Sebastien Squillaci. The Italian giants have sent a delegation to France to hold serious negotiations with Monaco over both players.
Inter are eyeing Squillaci as an alternative to AS Roma defender Jonathan Zebina, who is now closer to a move to Juventus. Rothen has been tracked by Inter coach Alberto Zaccheroni for some time and could solve his problems on the left-side of midfield next season.
Wednesday 19 May
Trap unveils Italy squad
Football Italia
Italy boss Giovanni Trapattoni has named his squad for Euro 2004 but Pippo Inzaghi and Alberto Gilardino are missing. The Milan ace, who recently had ankle surgery, has been left out after an injury plagued season at the San Siro.
There were calls for the Italian to be replaced by the Under-21 international Gilardino who has scored 23 League goals this term. But Trap has decided to call in Juventus' Marco Di Vaio as the sixth striker in the Azzurri party.
The rest of the squad is pretty much as was expected by most pundits even if defender Giuseppe Favalli has been drafted in ahead of midfielder Massimo Ambrosini. Lazio's Angelo Peruzzi is included as the third choice 'keeper but there is no place for Brescia veteran Roberto Baggio.
Italy's star men such as Gigi Buffon, Alessandro Nesta, Fabio Cannavaro, Francesco Totti, Alex Del Piero, Antonio Cassano and Christian Vieri are all in.
Trap will hold a Press conference at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday where he will comment on his squad selections. Even if the tactician could make changes as he doesn't have to name his squad to UEFA until June 2.
Juventus Players Called Up
Five Juventus players have been called up. They are (above, from left to right) Gianluigi Buffon, Gianluca Zambrotta, Mauro German Camoranesi, Alessandro Del Piero and Marco Di Vaio.
Euro 2004 Squad
Goalkeepers: Buffon (Juventus), Toldo (Inter), Peruzzi (Lazio);
Defenders: Nesta (Milan), Cannavaro (Inter), Zambrotta (Juventus), Panucci (Roma), Favalli (Lazio), Ferrari (Parma), Materazzi (Inter), Oddo (Lazio);
Midfielders: Zanetti (Inter), Camoranesi (Juventus), Fiore (Lazio), Gattuso (Milan), Pirlo (Milan), Perrotta (Chievo);
Strikers: Totti (Roma), Vieri (Inter), Del Piero (Juventus), Cassano (Roma), Corradi (Lazio), Di Vaio (Juventus).
Di Vaio joy at Azzurri call
Football Italia
Marco Di Vaio was the surprise element in Giovanni Trapattoni's Euro 2004 squad, but there is controversy on his inclusion.
"I am very happy to receive this call from Trapattoni," said the Juventus striker. "I have always felt myself to be part of the group right from the opening qualifiers, so part of me expected it."
There was a great deal of competition for that sixth forward role, freed up by Filippo Inzaghi's injury worries, but many expected Alberto Gilardino or even Di Vaio's Juve teammate Fabrizio Miccoli to get the nod.
"The wait to see the final squad names is always a bit of a nerve-wracking moment. Now we can get down to business."
The former Parma man is one of five Bianconeri stars making the trip to Portugal along with Gianluigi Buffon, Gianluca Zambrotta, Mauro German Camoranesi and Alessandro Del Piero.
"My objective for this tournament is to be of use to the team," he concluded. "If I get to play for a single minute, I'll be more than happy."
Di Vaio's inclusion has caused controversy, as the top Italian scorer in Serie A this season has been left at home.
"I would have brought Gilardino along," revealed former Italy boss Dino Zoff. "He has been the surprise package of the season and would have come in handy out there."
Zoff was in charge of the Azzurri at Euro 2000, where they missed out on the trophy with a last-gasp equaliser and then a Golden Goal from France.
Deschamps to snub Juve
Football Italia
Reports in France insist that Didier Deschamps has decided to take over at Chelsea and not Juventus next season. The Monaco boss was supposedly in pole position to follow in the footsteps of Marcello Lippi this summer.
However, the L'Equipe newspaper today suggests that the former French international will replace Claudio Ranieri at Stamford Bridge. The Italian media had been convinced that Deschamps would become the next tactician of the Old Lady.
If Deschamps does head for the Premiership then Parma's Cesare Prandelli will be the new favourite for Juve. Especially as he has asked the Stadio Tardini outfit for a bit of time to evaluate their offer of a new contract.
"I already told the club on Sunday that I needed a break to consider my options," Prandelli is quoted as saying. "But I haven't signed anything with any other team."
As if the situation wasn't complicated enough, a new name has been added to the mix of possible candidates for the Juve job. Lazio's Roberto Mancini, also believed to be a target for Inter, is being associated with the Bianconeri today.
Moggi: There Will Be A New Manager By The End Of The Week
SoccerAge
Juventus finished third and lost the Coppa Italia final to Lazio and the bianconeri fans reckon that this season is a disaster but the general manager Moggi has a different opinion.
"I think that this season is a failure only because we are used to winning every year," he said. "If you look at Inter they are celebrating because they finished fourth, what should we do then?".
"We are working on the team for the next season now and you'll see that we will be fighting for the League again," he added. "There will be a new manager by the end of the week and a couple of interesting players will join Juventus too".
Tuesday 18 May
Emerson prefers Real Madrid over Juventus
Tribal Football
The agent of AS Roma midfielder Emerson says the Brazilian wants to join Real Madrid. Both Real and Juventus are chasing Emerson and his agent, Gilmar Veloz, declared: "Emerson would prefer to go to Real Madrid, but nothing is decided.
"I don't know if he will stay with the Giallorosso."
Emerson also said, "I don't read the reports. Nothing has been settled. I will speak with the president and we will sort it all out."
Roma make late push for Juventus target Gilardino
Tribal Football
AS Roma and Juventus are chasing Parma sensation Alberto Gilardino. Juve are in advanced talks over the youngster, but their insistence on negotiating a player-swap deal, rather than straight cash, has allowed Roma to enter the bidding.
Juve have offered Mauro Camoranesi and Enzo Maresca in exchange for Gilardino, but Parma are demanding a cash-only deal. With Roma set to sell Walter Samuel and Emerson for big money, they will have the necessary funds to trump Juve for Gilardino as the summer market hots up.
Monday 17 May
Siena 1 - 3 Juventus
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi sat on the Bianconeri bench for the last time as he waved goodbye to Juventus after eight years, on and off, at the club. According to transfer rumours, it could well be David Trezeguet's final match here as well.
Juve had the first real chance after five minutes when Fabrizio Miccoli's sweeping cross met Marco Di Vaio, but his header was off target. There was bad news when Gianluca Zambrotta limped off with a calf problem and made way for youth product Boudianski.
The Bianconeri finally took the lead on the half-hour mark when Igor Tudor's effort from a corner kick was cleared off the line, but replays proved the ball had already gone over before Enrico Chiesa intervened.
The lead didn't last long, as Tore Andre Flo volleyed in Junior's cross to draw Siena level six minutes later. Juve wouldn't lie down and Miccoli restored their lead with a truly spectacular effort, a rising missile of a shot from all of 25 metres.
There was also an injury for Siena, as Enrico Chiesa limped off with a knee problem at the dawn of the second half. Marco Di Vaio ensured Juve got the points by meeting a long Miccoli pass forward and thumping in a half-volley.
There were also saves on substitute Alessandro Del Piero and again on Di Vaio, while Pavel Nedved went close to a fourth for the Turin giants.
Post-Match Comments
Marcello Lippi: "I am satisfied with our overall season that, despite various problems, saw us pick up a creditable 69 points."
Lippi: I leave Juventus in good shape
Tribal Football
Juventus coach Marcello Lippi says he is happy to be leaving the club in such good shape. Speaking after the victory over Siena, Lippi remarked: "I am happy to see my record reach 200 victories. I leave the club to whomever in good shape.
"AC Milan deserved their success this season, they have an excellent team."
Roma ask Juventus about Maresca during Emerson talks
Tribal Football
AS Roma chief Franco Baldini has made an enquiry about midfielder Enzo Maresca in talks with Juventus over Emerson. Baldini confirmed over the weekend that Juve were in the box seat to land Brazilian international Emerson, though Real Madrid and Chelsea are also keen.
Roma coach Fabio Capello rates Maresca highly and wants him included in a cash-plus-player swap for Emerson. For his part, Maresca is open to the move, having complained about Juve ignoring his new contract demands last month.
Gilardino has Euro desire
Football Italia
Parma hotshot Alberto Gilardino admits that he is hoping to be a part of Italy's Euro 2004 plans.
National boss Giovanni Trapattoni had stated that the youngster was too inexperienced but that view may have changed. The U-21 international has finished the season with 23 goals after netting four against Udinese on Sunday.
"I am obviously hoping to get the call," said the former Piacenza ace. "Even if I will also be content if I can help the Under-21 side reach the Olympics this summer.
"But seeing as I was born on the day that Paolo Rossi scored a hat-trick against Brazil in the 1982 World Cup, that could be a sign for Trap."
Even if Gilardino doesn't win a place in the 23-man squad, his name is still set to make summer headlines. The forward has been linked with moves to both Juventus and Roma but he hasn't ruled out remaining where he is.
"Nothing has been decided yet," added Gilardino. "I would like to stay here but I need to see if the Coach and the squad are confirmed.
"If four or five of my teammates are sold then I think it is possible that I will leave too. My hopes for the future? To win the Champions' League."
Zambrella wants Marseille move
Planet Football
French outfit Marseille look to have stolen a march on a host of Europe's top clubs in the race to land Servette Geneva starlet Fabrizio Zambrella. Zambrella is reportedly attracting admiring glances from Chelsea, Liverpool, Juventus, Roma and Sochaux, but the player admits he favours a move to Marseille.
"I must think about my future and not make any mistakes over my destination," revealed Zambrella. "Liverpool, Juventus, Roma and Marseille have all contacted my father, who is managing me.
"I am most attracted to Marseille. They want me and I am attracted to them. To play there would be great. 'I am proud that they are following me and I hope their officials won't change their mind."
Zambrella continued to discuss how he has recently been spending time at Stamford Bridge - training with Claudio Ranieri's reserve team.
"I spent a few days at Chelsea. I had training sessions with their reserve team," continued Zambrella. "But, I can assure you that Marseille will get me. They are the top team in my estimations.
"My first priority is to play and I would play more often at Marseille than Juve or Roma. However, nothing is settled yet."
AC Milan strike agreement for Monaco's Evra
Tribal Football
AC Milan are waiting for the final of the Champions League to pass so they can announce that they have signed Monaco's flanker Patrice Evra.
The 23 year-old Frenchman with origins from Nigeria, has become a prominent figure for Monaco, being used by coach Deschamps as both an attacking and defensive playmaker.
Juventus had an option on Evra but it expired in March this year. He is also a target for Arsenal, Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Evra played for 18 months with Milan's sister club Monza a few seasons back, and became friends with Adriano Galliani. he speaks Italian and has good memories from his time in Italy which makes him prefer a return to Italy.
It is thought that Evra's transfer fee is around £6 million.
Sunday 16 May
Siena v Juventus: Preview
ESPN Soccernet
A first ever Serie A trip to the Tuscan town will ensure Lippi signs off in beautiful surroundings but many feel that the veteran coach could be back in the game as coach of Italy after Euro 2004. Out of respect to Juve, however, he has pledged that he will never work for another Serie A club.
Whatever his future plans, Lippi can be certain he will be fondly remembered by fans of Juve after two highly successful stints in Turin. In the first in 1998 he won three Scudetti, one Champions League and one Intercontinental Cup before departing for an ill-starred venture at Inter Milan.
He returned after Carlo Ancelotti had failed to win a trophy in two years and he duly landed two more Scudetti - the first saw him gain revenge over Inter who lost the crown on the last day.
With a new broom - either Didier Deschamps or Cesare Prandelli - it is unlikely that Lippi will be the only man parting company with the Bianconeri.
It is being widely reported in Italy that David Trezeguet might be bound for either Barcelona or Chelsea in the summer while Antonio Conte and Enzo Maresca are also expected to move on. Conte has been at the club for 13 years and has been one of the most loyal servants of Lippi.
It's Lippi's exit that will be the most notable, however, and he said: "I want to finish the season in the most dignified an honourable way we can in honour to the Scudetto.
"I repeat what I have already said that this is the end for me but not for the team," said Lippi on club website www.juventus.it.
The defeat in the Coppa Italia final at the hands of Lazio means Juve end the season only with the Italian Super Cup, won in the unlikely surrounds of New York's Giants Stadium.
Lippi has named 19 players for the trip to Tuscany with Conte not among them. The three other survivors of the 1996 Champions League winning team - Alessandro Del Piero, Gianluca Pessotto and Ciro Ferrara - are included.
Siena's 3-1 win at Modena last weekend completed a memorable centenary year in which the club played its first ever season of top-flight football. Coach Giuseppe Papadopulo admits it has been a stressful campaign.
He told www.acsiena.it: "In the last few months I have suffered so much and after the Modena match I exploded not against any particular individual but against a scenario where a whole year's work could have gone down the drain.
"The certainty of staying up has given me a new sense of liberation."
Juventus in talks with Marseille over Drogba
Tribal Football
Juventus officials will make contact with Olympique Marseille today about striker Didier Drogba.
Marseille chief Pape Diouf, who is also Drogba's agent, insists the forward is not for sale. But Juve had a scout watch the player last night and officials will approach the French club today to discuss Drogba's availability.
Juve are prepared to pay around £12 million for the striker, who could arrive in Turin as a replacement for want-away French forward David Trezeguet.
Juventus offer Real Madrid Thuram in Morientes talks
Tribal Football
Juventus chief Luciano Moggi is offering Lilian Thuram in talks with Real Madrid over striker Fernando Morientes.
Moggi is lining up either Morientes or Parma's Alberto Gilardino as a replacement for David Trezeguet, but has been told by potential coaching signing Didier Deschamps that he must land Spanish striker Morientes.
Juve aren't interested in a loan deal for the player and are locked in negotiations with Real about a permanent move.
Chelsea move for Juventus target Deschamps
Tribal Football
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has made a move for AS Monaco trainer Didier Deschamps. News that Abramovich has made contact with Deschamps has sent Juventus officials scrambling after being convinced they had a clear run at the Frenchman.
Juve chief Luciano Moggi is understood to have offered Deschamps a three-year contract worth £1 million-a-season.
Italian press reports suggest Abramovich has blown that offer out of the water with a £3.5 million-a-year deal for Deschamps to return to Stamford Bridge as Claudio Ranieri's successor at the end of the season.
Roma want Udinese's Pizarro as Emerson replacement
Tribal Football
AS Roma are sending out feelers to find a readymade replacement for midfielder Emerson. The Brazilian international is being chased by Juventus and Real Madrid, among several clubs, and will be sold by Roma over the summer.
Roma chief Franco Baldini is already sounding out potential replacements, with Udinese's David Pizarro and Inter Milan midfielder Cristiano Zanetti topping his shortlist. Chievo Verona's Simone Perrotta is a player Roma coach Fabio Capello admires, along with Brescia's Matuzalem.
Deportivo La Coruna ask about Ledesma
Tribal Football
Deportivo La Coruna are tracking Lecce midfielder Cristian Ledesma. The young Argentine is also being chased by Inter Milan, who have been told an offer of £6 million will get the 21 year-old. Both Inter and Depor have told Lecce their valuation is too high for a player of Ledesma's age and experience.
Barcelona, Chelsea locked in Rothen battle
Tribal Football
Barcelona and Chelsea have both approached AS Monaco about winger Jerome Rothen. The French international has been a major influence on Monaco's European success this season and is set to leave in the summer.
Rothen has also attracted interest from Manchester United and Juventus, but it is Barcelona and Chelsea which are heading the queue to speak with the 26 year-old. However, its no certainty that Paris-born Rothen will leave France, with Paris Saint Germain preparing a major bid for the winger.
Milan in talks with Sao Paulo over Fabiano
Tribal Football
AC Milan are ready to make a serious bid for Sao Paulo striker Luis Fabiano. The Brazilian international is a close pal of Milan midfielder Kaka and is currently part of his country's national squad. Fabiano has broke domestic scoring records and has admitted he'd welcome a move to Milan next season.
Milan chief Ariedo Braida has been conducting talks with Sao Paulo about the striker, with the Brazilian club so far refusing to budge from their £20 million assessment of the player.
Saturday 15 May
Lippi: Arrivederci Juve!
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi sits on the Juventus bench for the last time this weekend and believes the club will return to glory next season. "With humility and a relaxed state of mind," said the Coach, "Juventus will know how to build a new winning era. You'll see that it'll happen."
The club had dominated Italian football during Lippi's reign by capturing five Scudetto titles, the Champions' League, a Coppa Italia, four Italian Supercups, the Intercontinental Cup and European Supercup.
But they end his final campaign empty-handed after losing the Coppa Italia Final to Lazio 4-2 on aggregate.
"In this season we really did see all sorts of injuries," he noted. "This remains a useful lesson for everyone to learn from their mistakes and understand you can play for a year without having a trophy at the end of it."
His last match in charge will be at Siena, in his home region of Tuscany, with an old companion on the other side of the pitch.
"Giuseppe Papadopulo is a good friend of mine, and last time we met I told him we'd go into this match with us celebrating the Scudetto and Siena ensuring their Serie A status. Unfortunately, I was only half right."
Juve are certain of finishing in third place and therefore the new Coach - yet to be named - will start out with the Champions' League qualifying round.
"We want to end the season in a professional and dignified manner," assured Lippi. "This is a match with nothing to play for and we must find the motivation, especially for those who want to be in top form for the European Championships."
The future for both Lippi and the club remains in the balance, but he remains certain that all will turn out for the best.
"My era here is at an end, but Juventus will quickly start a new winning cycle right from next season. My future is currently split between days on the beach and watching Euro 2004 on television. After that, we'll wait and see."
Capello calls in Gilardino
Football Italia
Fabio Capello will become Roma's longest ever serving Coach next season and admits he wants Alberto Gilardino there with him. "He is an excellent player," he said of the Parma hitman. "I've been following his progress since his time at Piacenza and I can say he has really matured recently."
The Under-21 international is hot property on the transfer market this summer after bagging 19 goals, while Parma's financial problems make a sale likely.
However, Roma have their own fair share of monetary issues and will wave goodbye to Walter Samuel, Emerson, Jonathan Zebina, John Carew and Francisco Lima. "We will try to make the team competitive. There is a financial problem here and I cannot deny that, but I remain optimistic."
The biggest loss of all could be Francesco Totti's move to Real Madrid, but Capello is convinced it is all paper talk. "I know that clubs around the globe are clamouring to get their hands on him," continued the 58-year-old Coach. "If Real Madrid are after you, then you are among the best in the world."
There were reports that it would be Capello's last campaign in charge of the Capital club and that he was tempted by offers from Inter and Real Madrid. "I have another year left on my contract and I intend to respect it. I have everything already mapped out."
If he does stay on next season, Capello will become AS Roma's longest serving Coach, having taken over in the summer of 1999. "It is a record I will be very proud of, just as I am proud of the results we have achieved here. Now Roma is admired on the international stage, as I brought a new mentality to the club."
Siena - Juventus Preview
Football Italia
Boss Marcello Lippi brings an end to his Juventus career with an away trip to the already safe Siena. The tactician has won five League titles with the Bianconeri during eight campaigns in Turin and the side will be keen to send him off with a victory.
He does have some selection problems though even if Juventus can't improve on their third place finish. Tacchinardi, Montero, Camoranesi and Conte are all doubts, while there are concerns over David Trezeguet who may have already played his last game for the club.
Siena have had a great campaign and their top-flight status was guaranteed with a 3-1 win at Modena last week. Flo and Chiesa were initially dropped from that game but they should return to the line-up this week with nothing to play for. Cufre and Ventola won't feature as they are suspended.
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Marcello Lippi is set to rest Trezeguet, Nedved and perhaps Del Piero for Euro 2004 this summer. Juventus will start with Di Vaio and Miccoli up front, in order for the Italy strikers to stake their claims to join Italy's Euro 2004 squad. Juve will adopt a 4-3-1-2 formation with Maresca playing behind the strike duo.
Probable Formation
Juventus (4-3-1-2): Buffon, Birindelli, Thuram, Legrottaglie, Pessotto, Zambrotta, Maresca, Tudor, Appiah, Di Vaio, Miccoli.
Reserves: Chimenti, Ferrara, Iuliano, Nedved, Del Piero, Trezeguet, Boudianski
Unavailable: Montero, Camoranesi, Conte, Tacchinardi
Roma: Emerson could join Juve
Football Italia
The Giallorossi are set to let go of Walter Samuel and Emerson next week, but the club confirms the Brazilian might not leave Serie A.
"We will decide their future during Monday's Board of Directors meeting," revealed Director of Sport Franco Baldini. "Emerson will definitely be leaving for purely financial reasons. His contract expires in 2005 and there is the real risk we'd lose him for nothing next season."
This has been predicted for several weeks, but up until now Roma had always maintained they would not reinforce their Scudetto rivals. Bids from Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona have been touted in the press, but Baldini told Spanish newspaper 'Marca' that his destination could be closer to home.
"Juventus are one of the possible clubs Emerson could join," affirmed transfer guru Baldini.
If the Brazilian midfielder is now certain to move on, then Walter Samuel is 99 per cent sure to be wearing another jersey next season.
"Samuel is another player likely to leave Roma," continued the Director of Sport. "We have many different offers for him and at the moment Real Madrid are in the lead because it is his favoured option."
The 'Galacticos' are also said to be chasing Francesco Totti, but Baldini cut short any speculation by assuring, "He will be staying with us."
Juventus interest in Robinho
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Brazilian media reports that Inter and Juventus are strongly interested in young Santos prodigy Robinho. The report claims that the striker will move to Europe in July, with Barcelona also linked. Robinho has been labelled the "King of Dribbling" and has often been compared to Brazilian legend Garrincha.
Marseille snub Drogba sale
Football Italia
Marseille insist that Milan and Inter target Didier Drogba will not be sold at the end of this season. The two Milanese clubs have been linked with the striker but the French outfit have no intention of releasing him.
"Drogba is staying here with us," the club's general manager Pape Diouf is quoted as saying. "He has a four-year contract. The only way that we would change our minds is if we received a massive offer from a club like Chelsea.
"If they tabled a bid that would allow us to rebuild our team and the player was offered an improved salary then it would be difficult to turn down."
The African ace has had a splendid season and has been a major reason why Marseille have reached the UEFA Cup Final. He was also associated with a move to Juventus but reports in the past few weeks had suggested that the San Siro sides were very keen.
However, neither Milan or Inter seem to have any intention of getting involved in a bidding war for the 26-year-old.
Saviola to renegotiate Barcelona deal
Tribal Football
Barcelona striker Javier Saviola has agreed to open talks over a new wage-cut. The Argie was facing a summer exit from the Nou Camp as he continually refused to renegotiate his contract to come under the club's new wage cap.
But he has agreed this week to discuss new terms and said, "I don't want to create controversy. I am happy at Barcelona and we hope to reach an agreement that satisfies both parties."
