Friday 04 June
Nedved snubs Chelsea move
Football Italia
Pavel Nedved will remain with Juventus after reportedly rejecting a new offer from Chelsea. Speculation suggests that the Premiership outfit had targeted the midfielder but he wants to stay with the Old Lady.
The Stamford Bridge side, who yesterday appointed Porto's Jose Mourinho as their new boss, have been after Nedved for some time. Juventus were allegedly ready to let him go for the right price but the player has no interest in a switch.
"I still have two years left on my contract and I want to win the Champions' League with Juventus," Nedved said last month. "I still can't digest the fact that I missed out on the Final in 2003 against Milan because I was suspended."
There was also talk that Nedved could be offered to Inter as part of the deal to sign Christian Vieri. Yet it seems almost certain that the former Lazio fan favourite will be a part of Fabio Capello's squad next season.
Juve close in on Vieri
Football Italia
Juventus are on the verge of signing Christian Vieri after a deal was reportedly agreed with Inter. The Bianconeri are in the hunt for the striker and it's alleged that further talks took place last night.
The Old Lady are ready to hand over Marco Di Vaio and goalkeeper Fabian Carini, plus £5m, in exchange for the 31-year-old. It's also understood that Inter have the option to take Enzo Maresca from the Turin giants instead of the cash if they so desire.
Juve have been after Vieri for some time and see him as an ideal alternative for David Trezeguet. The French international, whose contract expires in 2005, is set to be sold to Barcelona this summer.
Vieri, who is also liked by Real Madrid, would be keen on a return to Juventus after his difficulties with Inter boss Alberto Zaccheroni last season. However, he would be expected to take a cut in wages if he does move to the Stadio Delle Alpi outfit. The former Atletico Madrid and Lazio ace currently nets around £4m a season but Juve are unlikely to match that figure.
The Italian media seem convinced that a deal will be done but Nerazzurri chief Massimo Moratti is playing it cool.
"A lot of clubs are interested in Vieri, it's not just Juventus," said Moratti. "For now he's with the national side and we should leave him in peace. Will we sell him? (President Giacinto) Facchetti knows more than me but we are looking to build a side with Vieri in it."
Di Vaio opens Inter door
Football Italia
Marco Di Vaio is willing to join Inter in a move which could see Christian Vieri sign for Juventus.
"If I was to leave Juve then I would only join a top class team and that right now means Milan or Inter," said the striker.
Di Vaio had previously said that he expected to sign a new deal with Juve after Euro 2004 but he admits that may no longer be the case.
"Two days before I had to meet up with the national team, I received a call from Luciano Moggi and he told me that I was a part of Juventus' plans," he continued. "And now? It all seems to depend on what Vieri wants. If he agrees then I feel that the deal will happen."
The Lazio youth team product has struggled to settle in Turin but he's confident he could make a real impact at Inter.
"I would be able to play alongside Adriano again after our time together at Parma," he added. "Taking into account our characteristics, I really do think that he is my ideal striking partner. I was only with him for three months but that was enough to realise his potential."
Whispers suggest that the transfer could be concluded in a matter of days and Di Vaio is hoping for a quick conclusion.
"I don't want these rumours of Vieri going to Juventus and me joining Inter to persist during Euro 2004," he noted. "I want to be informed of what will happen in the next few days. Until then I still feel like an important part of the Juventus side."
Meanwhile, Inter chief Massimo Moratti has said that Vieri could be heading out of the San Siro. "It all depends on what he wants," Moratti is quoted as saying. "We're evaluating the situation but nothing has changed for now."
Juventus coach Capello: Roma wanted me to leave
Tribal Football
Juventus coach Fabio Capello has defended his decision to walk out on AS Roma. Capello has been criticised by his former club for leaving without warning, but insisted: "The time is right to put the record straight.
"A lot has been said about me which is totally wrong. People are saying I've passed the buck and won't take responsibility for why I left. That is not true.
"Look, I do not want to create any controversy, so I won't go into detail. But something did happen that made me decide to leave. At the right moment I will bring everything out in the open - and you will not be disappointed.
"Roma allowed me to leave. And they said it was a decision that would be good for everyone. I was weighing heavy on their debts.
"In the end, all Italian coaches want to work with Juventus. Inter could have signed me, if they hadn't dragged things out, while the negotiations with Real Madrid were very complicated.
"Therefore, when (Juventus director general) Luciano Moggi approached me, everything was sorted out inside ten hours. It was very professional.
"Now is the time for me to assess the situation here at Juventus and move forward."
New Juve convinces Alex
Football Italia
Alex Del Piero is looking forward to working with Fabio Capello - and possibly Christian Vieri - at Juventtuus next season.
"If I had to bet on who would have been the next Coach then I wouldn't have said Capello," stated the captain. "It was a surprise to me as I thought Roma would base their future on him and Francesco Totti.
"Capello's arrival is an important signal to the Juventus players. He is a winner and I'm sure he will leave his mark."
Del Piero was also asked to comment on rumours that his club are close to signing Vieri from Inter.
"I will be very happy if Vieri also joined us even if we already have a good group of players at the club," explained the Italian international. "Yet it isn't as if this is the first time that the newspapers have said that Juventus are holding talks about Vieri. A similar thing happened last year."
Real Madrid plan attack for Juventus No1 Buffon
Tribal Football
Real Madrid are chasing Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon - for season 2005/06. The 26 year-old's contract will expire in 2006, which has led Real to weigh up a move next summer for the Italian international.
Real are confident they can land Buffon once he enters the final year of his contract and would expect the goalkeeper and his advisors to put pressure on Juve to sell him.
Real No1 Iker Casillas is still rated highly by the club, but the opportunity to sign Buffon, regarded as the best in the world, will be explored by the Spanish giants over the next 12 months.
Azzurri slam Euro ball
Football Italia
A number of the Italian national squad are unhappy with the official football that will be used at Euro 2004. Azzurrini No 1 Marco Amelia has publicly criticised it during the U-21 Finals and now members of the full squad fear it will cause problems.
"It is worse than the ball we used at the World Cup," blasted 'keeper Gigi Buffon. "It's also a strange grey colour. Obviously it would be too simple to play with a white and black one. We also play with an odd football at Juventus where it simply goes where it wants to."
Reserve shot-stopper Angelo Peruzzi is another who fears that it could spring a few surprises.
"Balls are becoming lighter and lighter. The manufacturers are doing this in order to provide the sport with more spectacular goals," insisted the Lazio man. "But this is obviously a disadvantage to goalkeepers because the ball changes direction and we run the risk of making fools of ourselves."
However, it is not just the men in between the sticks who don't like the feel and flight of the 'Roteiro' balls. "I've heard some people who claim that it is more suited to attackers but that isn't true," said Francesco Totti. "It doesn't even bounce properly."
Barcelona president set for Trezeguet talks next week
Tribal Football
Barcelona president Joan Laporta will be in Turin next week for talks with Juventus over David Trezeguet. Laporta is currently in Brazil, but will delay his return to Spain in order to stop off in Italy on either Tuesday or Wednesday to hold personal talks with Juve about the French striker.
Laporta hopes to meet with Juve vice-president Roberto Bettega and is banking on negotiations going more smoothly than they have done with director general Luciano Moggi.
Davids accepts 3-year Barcelona deal
Tribal Football
Barcelona are on the verge of finalising a deal for midfielder Edgar Davids. The Dutchman has agreed terms with Barca after Inter Milan pulled out of the running this week.
Davids will sign a three-year deal worth £2 million-a-season, which will be finalised either today or Monday when his representative arrives in Spain. The midfielder is currently away with Holland preparing for Euro2004, but telephoned Barca officials yesterday to confirm he had accepted their offer.
Davids to reject Inter
Football Italia
Inter have missed out on capturing Edgar Davids as he is expected to sign a deal with Barcelona. The Spanish media are convinced that the midfielder has accepted a three-year contract worth £2.2m a season.
The Italian giants were very keen on the Dutchman as he was available on a free transfer as his Juventus contract has expired. Davids, who spent the last six-months on loan at the Nou Camp, should confirm his decision during Euro 2004.
However, there are some whispers in England today insisting that Davids will in fact join Tottenham Hotspur instead.
Meanwhile, Inter have reportedly agreed to sign the highly rated Lecce youngster Cristian Ledesma. The midfielder, 21, won't move to the San Siro immediately though as he will remain with the Giallorossi on loan for one more season.
It's believed that Inter full-back Giovanni Pasquale could move to the Stadio Via Del Mare outfit as part of the move.
Udinese interest in Sculli
Yahoo! Italia Sport
Udinese are interested in acquiring Chievo striker Giuseppe Sculli, who is co-owned by Juventus. They are considering adding Sculli to replace their forwards German Carsten Jancker and Argentine Lucas Castroman. Juve's move for Udinese's midfielder Marek Jankulovski would provide them with the opportunity to obtain Sculli.
Thursday 03 June
Trap keeps Del Piero faith
Football Italia
Giovanni Trapattoni has named his preferred starting eleven and shot down Antonio Cassano and Andrea Pirlo's hopes of breaking into the side.
"Alessandro Del Piero has a crucial role within this team," assured the Italy Coach as he prepares to name his official 23-man squad for Euro 2004. "With Cassano we would be too unbalanced."
The Juventus captain wasted several chances in the 4-0 friendly win over Tunisia, but despite pressure from the press to field Cassano instead, Trap is keeping his faith in the old guard.
"There are no hierarchies here," insisted Trapattoni. "The friendly test didn't change anything and besides, I thought Del Piero played well. Cassano represents an extra weapon we can take out at the opportune moment, but his presence does unbalance the midfield."
"The basic line-up that will start against Denmark on June 14 is Buffon, Panucci, Cannavaro, Nesta, Zambrotta, Camoranesi, Perrotta, Zanetti, Del Piero, Totti, Vieri."
This also leaves out Milan midfielders Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo, even though the former Under-21 international scored on Sunday evening.
"There are no doubts he is a great player," Trap said of Pirlo, "but it is also true that the Italy squad has a different tactical system to that of Milan. At club level he plays on his own in front of the defence and starts moves, while here there are two in that role with different requirements."
Pirlo is not the only one forced to adapt, as even Francesco Totti must change the way he works from his Roma experience.
"Totti does well to come deep and force his marker to lose sight of the ball. I was a defender too and know that, for example with people like Michel Platini, if he moves around in a deeper role you're cut out of the game and that hurts your own team overall."
The Coach came in for a lot of criticism during the 2002 World Cup, but has since changed his system to a more attacking 4-2-3-1.
"I would like to win games with entertaining football," he concluded, "but if for some reason we are unable to deliver the fireworks, then I'd prefer to win anyway."
Inter had Capello option
Football Italia
New Juventus boss Fabio Capello has revealed that he could have been in charge of Inter next season.
"I was waiting for a signal from them and a deal could have been done quickly if they really wanted it to happen," he told La Repubblica newspaper. "But at Inter things are even more complex than at Real Madrid.
"Then (Juventus director general) Luciano Moggi and his extraordinary professional colleagues came in for me. An agreement was wrapped up in an instant. I would say that negotiations lasted less than ten hours."
Capello was unveiled as the new Juve boss last Friday in a shock move that many at Roma are finding hard to digest.
"I'm not a traitor. Roma allowed me to leave and I think we have both benefited from it," continued the tactician. "I was no longer a resource to them but a financial burden and possibly not even just that.
"Our relationship had deteriorated and we could no longer continue for two motives. One was financial while the other was tactical.
"I have no intention of causing any controversy but something obviously happened. When the time is right I'll explain the situation."
Only Juve for Emerson
Football Italia
Emerson has told Roma to forget about trying to sell him to Real Madrid as he wants a move to Juventus. The Spaniards have been in negotiations with the Giallorossi and a £12m bid has been tabled.
But the Brazilian, who is only contracted for another year in the Italian capital, only has eyes for the Turin giants.
"I've been informed of the agreement between Roma and Real but why didn't anyone tell me? This all seems very strange," he told the Gazzetta dello Sport. "I was contacted by Real in January but they considered my demands as too high. It's odd that they are interested again after I promised myself to Juventus.
"The Bianconeri have been straight with me from the start and Roma know what my problems are. Therefore I won't change my mind - I want Juventus."
Some Roma fans have labelled Emerson as a traitor for even considering a move to their deadly rivals but Emerson has defended himself. "I've always been good to the club," he explained. "Last season I remained despite an offer from Chelsea.
"I then turned down a move in January when President Franco Sensi asked me to stay and help fight for Lo Scudetto. I'm no traitor and my conscience is clear."
Roma really do not want to sell such a quality player to a club who they don't have the best relationship with - especially after losing Fabio Capello and Jonathan Zebina to them already.
"It isn't my fault if there is great rivalry between Juventus and Roma," added the South American. "It is just a professional choice of mine. The fact that Capello is there is simply coincidental. I want to join Juve and I just ask Roma to make that happen."
Everton approach Juventus about Iuliano
Tribal Football
Everton are in preliminary talks with Juventus over veteran defender Mark Iuliano.
The Italian international is being made available by Juve as new coach Fabio Capello performs a clearout of the current squad.
Iuliano is contracted to Juve until the end of next season, but Everton hope to negotiate a free transfer for the experienced centre-half.
Birmingham lead Portsmouth for Juventus defender Tudor
Tribal Football
Birmingham City and Portsmouth have registered their interest with Juventus for defender Igor Tudor.
Both Premiership clubs are aware that new Juve coach Fabio Capello is keen to offload the big stopper, who has also held talks with Feyenoord.
Birmingham have stolen a march on Pompey by tabling a £3 million bid for the Croatia international, which is actually more than Juve were hoping to get for the World Cup veteran.
Inter Milan agree price with Juventus for Vieri
Tribal Football
Inter Milan have reached a cash agreement with Juventus for centre-forward Christian Vieri.
The Italian international striker can go to Juve for £10 million - though the Turin club hope to include a player in the deal to lower his asking price.
Inter have asked for Gianluca Zambrotta, but Juve have rejected that request. Instead, they're offering a choice of either Marco Di Vaio or goalkeeper Fabian Carini in part-exchange.
Inter: What Vieri talks?
Football Italia
Inter have rejected claims that they've started talks with Juventus over the proposed sale of Christian Vieri. The Italian media believe that the Nerazzurri ace is an Old Lady target but the Milan club insist no contact has been made.
"There has never been a meeting with the Juventus directors," maintained owner Massimo Moratti.
Juve are looking for a new striker given the fact that David Trezeguet is likely to be sold this summer. The Frenchman, who only has a year left on his contract, should join either Chelsea or Barcelona.
Vieri is just one of a number of forwards who Juve have been linked with as an alternative to Trezeguet. Reports of a move for the Azzurri striker gathered pace after Fabio Capello, a fan of the player, joined Juventus as Coach last week.
There are massive question marks over Vieri's future at the San Siro given his relationship with boss Alberto Zaccheroni. Zac left out the former Atletico Madrid player on a number of occasions last season which infuriated the striker.
Vieri has also been associated with moves to Roma, Real Madrid and Chelsea in recent weeks.
Roma's Emerson rejects Real Madrid
Tribal Football
AS Roma midfielder Emerson has turned his back on Real Madrid and hopes to sign with Juventus.
The Brazilian international was offered a £3.5 million-a-year deal by Real, which had also agreed a £8 million price with Roma for the midfielder. But Emerson's agent rejected the terms this week, with the Brazilian now desperate to join his former Roma coach, Fabio Capello, at Juve.
Ferrari set for Roma
Football Italia
Parma captain Matteo Ferrari seems to be edging towards a summer switch to Roma. The Italian international has said that he would like to join the capital club and his agent believes a deal can be done.
"We have no contract problems," said representative Mauro Gasperini. "I believe that Roma must just agree terms with Parma."
The 25-year-old is set to leave the Stadio Tardini this summer as the Gialloblu look to resolve their financial problems. That makes a move to Roma highly likely for two reasons given events of the last few weeks.
Firstly, the Stadio Olimpico outfit sold Walter Samuel to Real Madrid and they then hired Parma boss Cesare Prandelli to replace Fabio Capello. Ferrari has developed into one of Italy's best defenders under Prandelli and he would be keen to link up again with the tactician.
Wednesday 02 June
Legrottaglie wants Juve role
Football Italia
Nicola Legrottaglie is hopeful that he will be a part of Fabio Capello's plans at Juventus next season. The defender, who nearly joined Roma last summer, had a difficult first term in Turin but is looking to bounce back.
"Capello already wanted me at Roma a year ago and I hope he still rates me despite the highs and lows of last season," said the stopper. "I heard the news that Capello had joined Juventus through the media and it was a pleasing surprise.
"He is one of the best tacticians around and is a proven winner. He was the only man that could really succeed Marcello Lippi."
Legrottaglie did struggle at times as Juventus conceded a massive 42 League goals in the last campaign. He suffered with numerous injuries and poor form which saw him also miss out on Italy's Euro 2004 bid.
"After being a part of the squad that qualified for two years I'm really saddened that I missed out," he explained. "I thought that I had at least a 70 per cent chance of getting a call. I knew I hadn't had the best of seasons but believed that I had done enough in the last two years for my inclusion."
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Capello has asked Juventus to make a bid for Fabio Cannavaro. The Italian international, 31, could be tempted to leave Inter after never really settling at the San Siro.
Juve join Corradi queue
Football Italia
Milan may face a challenge from Juventus in their bid to sign Lazio's Bernardo Corradi. The Italian has been heavily linked with the Rossoneri but the Turin giants are monitoring the situation.
The Bianconeri had seemingly shelved plans to sign the forward but they have renewed their interest after the arrival of Coach Fabio Capello.
"If Lazio need to sell Corradi then a move to Milan may occur," revealed the player's agent Moreno Roggi. "But Capello's switch to Juventus has increased their chances of signing him. Bernardo is the type of attacker that Capello likes."
Corradi, 28, could be targeted by the Old Lady as they are expected to sell David Trezeguet during the summer.
Juventus coach Capello wants Inter's Cannavaro
Tribal Football
New Juventus coach Fabio Capello has told his directors that he does not want to see Lilian Thuram sold from under him. Capello wants to base his defence next season around Thuram, goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and their former Parma teammate Fabio Cannavaro.
Juve GM Luciano Moggi has already opened talks with Inter Milan about Cannavaro and told director Massimo Moratti that they're willing to include Mark Iuliano and Paolo Montero in the deal. Inter supremo Moratti is so far insisting on only a straight cash deal for Cannavaro.
Barcelona watch as Juventus try to coax Trezeguet around
Tribal Football
New Juventus coach Fabio Capello has made a last ditch attempt to persuade striker David Trezeguet to stay with the club next season. Trezeguet is close to sealing a dream move to Barcelona, but Capello spoke with the Frenchman on Monday and asked him to reconsider his position.
Barcelona remain confident that Trezeguet will be theirs before the start of the new season. But the two clubs are well apart in terms of a transfer fee for the French international.
Inter Milan ready to bid for Udinese pair
Tribal Football
Inter Milan will table an official bid for Udinese pair David Pizarro and Marek Jankulovski by the end of the week. Udinese are demanding £17 million for the midfield duo, though Inter are expected to offer just a little over half that figure.
Both Pizarro and Jankulovski are ready to quit Udinese over the summer, though so far the only official interest has come from clubs within the Serie A.
Udinese are keen to hold onto Jankulovski until after Euro2004, where a decent tournament for the Czech Republic international will help bump up his price.
Tuesday 01 June
Juve to poach Mexes?
Football Italia
Juventus may be on the verge of intercepting Roma's proposed move for Phillipe Mexes.
The Frenchman held talks with the Giallorossi last week where he agreed to a summer switch if a fee was sorted out between the two clubs. However, he may now be having second thoughts after Fabio Capello, who he spoke with, left for Juventus on Friday.
That could now see the Auxerre stopper move to the Stadio Delle Alpi outfit who have also expressed an interest. Capello is understood to have told the Bianconeri hierarchy that he likes the look of the defender who could strengthen a shaky Juve defence.
Meanwhile, whispers in the peninsula insist that Juventus have agreed terms with Udinese for Marek Jankulovski. The 27-year-old has been linked with the Turin giants for some time and a fee is believed to have been ironed out.
The Friuli side will net £3.5m plus the co-ownership of Messina full-back Alessandro Parisi - who will be signed by Juve this summer. The Czech international, who should feature for his country at Euro 2004, had also been linked with Inter, Roma and Parma.
Alex gets Trap vote
Football Italia
Alex Del Piero looks set to keep his Italy starting shirt despite pressure from an in-form Antonio Cassano. The Roman looked in fine shape against Tunisia last night but boss Giovanni Trapattoni will keep faith with the Juventus captain.
"I liked what Alex did. He was tactically very good but also skipped past players and increased the team's tempo," stated the tactician. "His position on the left also gives us a little something extra because it allows Francesco Totti and Christian Vieri more freedom to play further up the field."
Despite Trap's praise, many pundits are calling for Cassano to be selected ahead of Del Piero after his performance in the 4-0 win. But the veteran boss seems set to use the 21-year-old on a strictly part-time basis for Euro 2004.
"Cassano came on in the second half when the pace of the game had dropped," noted Trapattoni. "In my career I've had a number of players like Cassano, stars that can come off the bench and make a difference."
Another Azzurri who seemed in great form was Roma captain Totti who dictated Italy's play.
"Totti was closely marked as he will be during the European Championships," explained the former Juve maestro. "Therefore we saw him go very deep to collect the ball. Other times he swapped positions with Del Piero and this is another strength of our team."
Del Piero: I'll be Euro star
Football Italia
Alessandro Del Piero maintains that he will make a telling contribution to Italy's Euro 2004 campaign. There are massive question marks over whether the Juventus ace should start after his performance against Tunisia last night.
Del Piero seemed to struggle at times during the 4-0 win which have led to calls that he should be dropped for the in-form Antonio Cassano. But the former Padova player is confident that he will be in good shape by the time the tournament starts.
"I'm very satisfied with how everything is going," said the Italian ace. "In the past I've always been unlucky enough to arrive at major tournaments with fitness problems.
"But I know that in Portugal I will be in the right place at the right time. After all, I still have 15 days of training left before the tournament starts."
Del Piero also cooled reports that his form is suffering due to the pressure Cassano is putting on him.
"He isn't a rival of mine but a new teammate," continued Alex. "I say new because we've spent little time together as he arrived in the national side when I was injured."
The Bianconeri captain didn't have the best of tournaments during the 2002 World Cup but he believes there will be no repeat of that this time around.
"I went to those Finals as a first team player but then we changed tactics over there and I was left on the bench," he noted. "If Trap doesn't change the system (4-2-3-1) then I don't think there will be too many problems for me."
Lippi backs Capello arrival
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi says he's happy that Fabio Capello has succeeded him on the Juventus bench.
"The club have made the best decision possible to start winning again," said the departing Lippi. "I really do think that they couldn't have made a better appointment than what they have done. Capello is a victory specialist."
Lippi won numerous honours with the Old Lady and he believes that Capello will do well in Turin.
"Fabio is a friend of mine and we respect each other," added the former Inter boss. "Our work ethics are similar and that pleases me."
Capello was named as the new Coach on Friday in a shock move for a number of reasons. Firstly Didier Deschamps was widely tipped to be handed the role but also because Capello had publicly stated that he would never join the Bianconeri.
"Was I surprised? Let us leave that question to one side," added Lippi. "I just think that Juve made a great choice."
Juventus ask Barcelona for Motta in Trezeguet talks
Tribal Football
After the latest round of talks, Juventus have told Barcelona they're willing to drop their price for striker David Trezeguet.
Juve are asking £14 million for the Frenchman - and won't budge from that valuation. But Juve chief Luciano Moggi has told Barca he would be prepared to drop the cash price if midfielder Thiago Motta was included in the deal.
But Barca are reluctant to give up the Brazilian, particularly with Philip Cocu likely to leave over the summer and Edgar Davids' future still undecided. Barca want to sign Trezeguet for £6.5 million and are banking on the player's desire to join them to help in negotiations.
Spurs, Fulham in for Juventus veterans
Tribal Football
Juventus are fielding offers from the Premiership for veteran defensive duo Igor Tudor and Mark Iuliano. Both players will be sold following the arrival of new coach Fabio Capello and also Jonathan Zebina from AS Roma.
Fulham, Charlton Athletic, Tottenham and Blackburn Rovers have all been linked with the pair, who can leave Juve for next-to-nothing as Capello performs a major overhaul of his new squad.
Middlesbrough, Juventus alerted as Depor invite Tristan offers
Tribal Football
Deportivo La Coruna has put striker Diego Tristan up for sale. Depor president Augusto Caesar Lendoiro is touting the Spanish international around Europe, where the likes of Juventus, Seville and Middlesbrough have already been contacted.
Lendoiro wants £8 million for Tristan, with Juve early favorites to land the striker. New Juve coach Fabio Capello is a big fan of the Spaniard and is in the market for a replacement for David Trezeguet.
Arsenal, Newcastle alerted as Capello begins big Juventus clearout
Tribal Football
New Juventus coach Fabio Capello will begin his clearout by inviting offers for senior players Igo Tudor, Marco Di Vaio and Lilian Thuram. Capello has also told GM Luciano Moggi to stop hawking midfielder Enzo Maresca to interested clubs as he wants to keep him next season.
Thuram has attracted approaches from Real Madrid and Arsenal since the end of the season, while Tudor is being linked with Feyenoord and Ajax. Di Vaio is interesting Newcastle United, but has also been recommended to Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard by Parma chief Arrigo Sacchi.
Inter Milan focus on South American transfer targets
Tribal Football
Inter Milan's South American scout Luis Suarez has been busily drawing up dossiers on summer transfer targets. Boca Juniors fullback Nicolas Burdisso has been a long-term target for Inter and Suarez has already held talks with the Argentines about the youngster.
San Lorenzo defender Gonzalo Rodriguez is also in Inter's sights. The youngster was set to join Juventus, though the appointment of new coach Fabio Capello has seen talks between the two clubs stall.
Meanwhile, Suarez is also keeping an eye on Cruziero's Dracena after being asked to check on the Brazilian by Inter chief Marco Branca. In Italy, Branca is continuing talks with Lecce over another South American, midfielder Ledesma - who is also wanted by AC Milan.
Zidane set for Inter?
Football Italia
Inter are reportedly on the verge of a major summer signing with Zinedine Zidane being linked.
The Frenchman was associated with the Nerazzurri a few weeks ago but many considered the rumour as fantasy football. But there are more reports coming out of the peninsula today which suggest that the Real Madrid ace is a target.
Whispers insist that Inter will bring in a big name player and Zizou could be made available if the Spaniards sign Francesco Totti from Roma. However, it still seems unlikely that the former Juventus ace will join the San Siro side after admitting that he wanted to end his career in Madrid.
But Inter do have other targets if the proposed Zidane deal does fall through, with Real teammate Luis Figo and Ronaldinho of Barca also being eyed. There is also the Michael Ballack option open to the Italian giants as the German midfielder could be tempted to leave Bayern Munich.
Monday 31 May
Tunisia 0 Italy 4
Football Italia
Andrea Pirlo was on
target and the attacking stars combined well as Italy emerged with
a confidence-boosting 4-0 win in Tunisia.
Giovanni Trapattoni performed his final experiments before the Euro 2004 tournament with this trip to take on the Champions of Africa.
Stefano Fiore was ruled out with a muscular problem, but all eyes were on the front players Francesco Totti, Alessandro Del Piero and Christian Vieri.
Juve's Mauro German Camoranesi completed the line-up in a 4-2-3-1 system, although it could adapt to 4-4-2 with Totti upfront during the game, while Cristiano Zanetti and Simone Perrotta confirmed themselves as the first choice midfield partners.
The Azzurri's first chance came after three minutes, when Gianluca Zambrotta was tripped on the edge of the box and from the resulting free kick Vieri was punished for a push on the goalkeeper.
It may have been a friendly, but there was tension early on when Totti and Del Piero were furious at some tough tackles by the Tunisian defenders. An injury so close to the summer tournament would be disastrous and they made their anger clear.
The deadlock was eventually broken in bizarre circumstances. Totti's sweeping cross was headed back towards his own goal by Bouazizi, but he took the goalkeeper by surprise and scored a comical own goal.
Totti and Vieri combined beautifully throughout and the Inter man fired a fine half-volley just over the bar. But it was captain Fabio Cannavaro who doubled the Azzurri's lead on the half-hour mark. He was left completely unmarked for a crunching header on Totti's corner kick - his first goal in the Italy jersey.
Earlier this week there were doubts over Cannavaro's fitness for the tournament due to a microfracture, so to get on the scoresheet was an important boost for the Inter defender.
Gianluigi Buffon's first intervention was on 32 minutes, as he just managed to parry a powerful long-range effort by Chedli, then scrambled the loose ball out for a corner.
At the other end Del Piero almost made it three following Vieri's intelligent cutback, but Saidi just managed to toe-poke the ball off his foot, even if the Juventus man felt he should have had a penalty.
Trap made a series of changes to most of the squad for the second half, leaving only Buffon, Camoranesi, Zambrotta, Vieri and Del Piero after the break. The most significant tests on show here were the Milan midfield pairing of Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso, plus Antonio Cassano replacing his Roma teammate Totti.
Cassano very nearly got on the scoresheet within moments of stepping on to the field, but he ballooned a smart Camoranesi pass over the bar from eight yards. Soon after Gattuso's through ball sent Del Piero clear in the centre, though his angled drive only skimmed the far post by inches.
The many substitutions didn't dent Italy's enthusiasm and Gattuso also set up Vieri for a powerful effort that was well saved by the Tunisian goalkeeper. Camoranesi and Vieri combined well and the Inter man cut back for the unmarked Del Piero, but his finish was very weak and straight at the 'keeper.
There was a scare for Buffon when Camoranesi cleared a dangerous corner kick practically off the line, then the Juve shot-stopper parried a long-range Braham piledriver. The Azzurri were taking control of the match and Pirlo's ambitious free kick from an acute angle almost took the Tunisian Number 1 by surprise.
Bernardo Corradi stepped in for the impressive Vieri on the hour mark, while Giuseppe Favalli replaced Del Piero and moved the team to a 4-4-2 with Zambrotta in a more advanced role.
Two Lazio stars combined 10 minutes from time when the goalkeeper struggled to parry a trademark Corradi header from Massimo Oddo's sweeping cross from the right.
The victory was complete in the closing stages with Pirlo's magnificent free kick. The Milan midfielder, who is by no means certain of a starting spot in Portugalm curled his set-piece into the top left-hand corner of the net.
It was almost four moments later with a delightful combination between Cassano and Zambrotta, but the Roma man's chip was just past the post. The net eventually shook in stoppages and it was only right that the indefatigable Gianluca Zambrotta for the glory. A Corradi header was flapped out for Zambrotta's fierce volley into the roof of the net - his first Azzurri goal.
Trap's boys can't wait for Portugal
Football Italia
Giovanni Trapattoni and his players are brimming with confidence after their 4-0 demolition of African Champions Tunisia.
"The most impressive things from this match were the fitness levels and the effort the lads put into it," insisted the Coach. "Some may consider this an easy win, but it was a tough first half and we put pressure on them to make me very happy with this performance."
Alessandro Del Piero is one of the major doubts to start the debut match in Euro 2004 and his performance tonight was mixed.
"Del Piero was very impressive and only lacked a goal," claimed Trap, "but his form is improving with every game. He did some great things with Francesco Totti and Christian Vieri."
Antonio Cassano came on for the second half and was very lively, both in a wider role and as a support striker.
"You saw how dangerous Cassano can be late on in a game when the opponents are getting tired and leave a little more room. We all know what he can give to the squad."
Trapattoni must now whittle down his remaining doubts ahead of the tournament debut against Denmark.
"In some roles there are firm favourites," he concluded, "but in others I have the luxury of choice with a great list of players at my disposal."
One of the certain starters is Gianluca Zambrotta, who proved his worth both as a fullback and as an attacking winger on the right or left.
"Trapattoni and Marcello Lippi found a new position from the one I was accustomed to," said the Juventus star, "but it seems to be going well and this is good preparation for the European Championships."
Tests on the Azzurri squad show that average fitness levels already 20 per cent better than before the 2002 World Cup.
"Perhaps the fact that we all went out of the club competitions early means we are more rested, but also we are playing in Europe and don't have to acclimatise as much as in Japan and Korea."
Zambrotta also insisted that there was no rivalry within the squad as Italy try to win their first major tournament since 1982.
"There is no first team and group of substitutes, as everyone feels they can come on and contribute to the side, so those left out initially don't feel disheartened."
One of those looking to break into the side is Andrea Pirlo, who impressed in the second half and even hit the back of the net.
"It was a good free kick and I am very happy to have scored my first international goal for Italy," said the Milan hero. "I am here to try and prove myself to Trap and hopefully give him as much choice as possible when going into the tournament."
Trapattoni has hinted during the last few months that he feels fielding Totti and Pirlo in the same outfit would leave the team too unbalanced, but Scudetto winners Milan do not struggle with this system.
"I don't think the team is too attack-minded," noted Pirlo, "as in that central role for Milan I try to give the side balance and not just push forward, so I hope to do the same thing for the Azzurri."
Fabio Cannavaro also suggested that the atmosphere within the Italy camp was perfect.
"We are all enjoying ourselves and feel happy when training and playing football, so the side feels ready to take on any challenge."
Lippi backs Capello appointment
Planet Football
Former Juventus coach Marcello Lippi has backed the club's choice of Fabio Capello as his successor at the Stadio Delle Alpi. Lippi quit Juventus earlier this month after a disappointing season in Turin and Juve have moved quickly to tie fill the void left by his departure.
Lippi believes Capello will help Juve get back to winning ways as he has all the credentials to be a success. "The choice they made is planned for success. The choice went on the best coach," said Lippi. "Capello is a win specialist. I think it is a great choice because I'm close to his ideas and he to mine."
Lippi's future is uncertain as he is still being linked with replacing Giovanni Trapattoni as coach of the Italian national team.
Agent: Juventus deal close for Roma's Emerson
Tribal Football
The agent of AS Roma midfielder Emerson has hinted that a deal could be announced this week that will see the Brazilian join Juventus. Gilmar Veloz said: "An announcement about Emerson going to Juventus will only happen when Roma and Juventus are in agreement.
"Agreement that I cannot confirm, but there are good talks happening. Of course, the arrival in Turin of Fabio Capello is very positive for the player. He is wanted also by Inter, but we have met three times with the manager Branco, without a concrete approach being made."
Juventus return on for Barcelona's Davids
Tribal Football
A return to Juventus could be on midfielder Edgar Davids. The appointment of Fabio Capello as Juve coach has changed things completely for the Dutchman, who has seen contract talks with Barcelona stall over personal terms.
Capello has been chasing Davids for two years while at AS Roma and remains a big fan of the Holland international. "We have some fantastic players at Juventus and those that we bring in will have to add to the team," Capello declared yesterday.
Salas reveals Qatar option
Planet Football
Marcelo Salas's agent Leonardo Rodriguez has revealed his client has a lucrative offer to play in Qatar, but his future depends on Italian outfit Juventus.
The Chile star has been offered a whopping $4.5 million for just a six-month stint that includes free travel to visit his family back home in Chile. However, despite having an enticing offer on the table, Salas needs to hear what Juve have planned for him before making any decision on his future.
"It's true that there is an offer from Qatar for Marcelo, but it's just one of many options he has," explained Rodriguez. "It's real that he has received an offer but also that nothing has been decided. We haven't even started negotiations.
"First of all we need to know what the player really wants and Juventus, the owner of his transfer, says what they want to do. We can't forget that Salas has a contract with the Italians until June 30 next year."
Rodriguez hinted Salas would jump at the chance to move to Qatar as it is unlikely he will receive as attractive an offer from anywhere in the world.
"It's impossible to get another offer from a team in another part of the world that could better what has been offered from Qatar," he added. "That's why many important players are in that country playing for that football league.
"In Marcelo's case he has even been offered airplane tickets for travelling to Chile to see his daughters."
Meanwhile, the River Plate striker has stated his hamstring injury has subsided over the past week and that he hopes to play against Brazil on June 6.
"Eight days have passed since I was injured against Boca Juniors and I feel well. I have been running a bit and I haven't felt anything wrong," he added. "In Buenos Aires we won't talk about a recovery date so I am not going to do it in Chile. I feel that my recovery is progressing well.
"I will not travel to Venezuela as I will be back in Chile to be with the team for the match against Brazil."
Sunday 30 May
Trap prepares Tunisia test
Football Italia
Giovanni Trapattoni is set to field an all-attack line-up in tonight's friendly test against African Champions Tunisia. The Azzurri flew into Tunis yesterday evening, although Trap and the Juventus stars arrived later on a private jet so they could attend Honorary President Umberto Agnelli's funeral.
"The overall fitness of the squad is most satisfying," assured Trapattoni. "At the 2002 World Cup, not all the players were on form, so this is certainly an important change."
The Coach has not yet officially confirmed his starting eleven, but is almost certain to field Christian Vieri, Francesco Totti, Alessandro Del Piero and Mauro German Camoranesi together in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Del Piero will take the left flank of that support trident and it will be an important test of his match fitness after missing much of the campaign with muscular problems.
"Not all the roles are pre-determined," added the Coach who may switch to a 4-4-2 with Totti in a more advanced position. "We'll give everyone space in this match."
Trapattoni handed the first team shirts to Simone Perrotta and Cristiano Zanetti during the last training session in Tunis, and the Parma and Inter stars seem to be his favoured midfield partnership.
Christian Panucci, Fabio Cannavaro, Alessandro Nesta and Gianluca Zambrotta will start in defence, even though the Inter man is not 100 per cent fit. Stefano Fiore continues to train separately after suffering a slight muscular problem earlier this week.
This will be Italy's final friendly match ahead of the Euro 2004 tournament opener against Denmark on June 14. Tunisia are a tough opponent, as they conquered the African Nations Cup earlier this season.
Prandelli unveils Roma plans
Football Italia
Roma's new Coach Cesare Prandelli has outlined his plans for the new-look side and admits he'd gladly reunite with Alberto Gilardino and Matteo Ferrari.
"To be honest," he told local newspaper 'La Gazzetta di Parma', "I would like to bring with me many of those lads who pushed Parma to fifth place this season. I don't want to pressure the club now, but we'll make our decisions during the summer."
It had already been reported that the Giallorossi were targeting Gilardino and Ferrari, but the arrival of Prandelli on the bench makes the Capital their number one choice. He was drafted in less than 24 hours after Fabio Capello signed for Juventus, but reveals that negotiations were already in place.
"We had been talking about it for a week before hand, but I had taken my time to look over my various options. In the final couple of days Roma really put pressure on and we came to an agreement."
He put pen to paper on a three-year contract, although he leaves one financially stricken club in order to join another troubled outfit.
"The idea of starting up a new project convinced me this was the right choice," he explained. "That and the fact that Parma's proposed new buyers were nowhere to be found."
Roma will start again with many young players and Prandelli is hesitant to name his tactics.
"I am currently thinking of a 4-2-3-1 system that I used at Parma, but as time goes on we will fit the tactics around the squad at my disposal."
"Roma have an excellent youth academy and it'll take a little time and patience to mould the side, so I accepted this post as a long-term project and not one where I would be expected to bring in the Scudetto immediately."
Deschamps bitter at Juve snub
Football Italia
The appointment of Fabio Capello to the Juventus job took everyone by surprise - none more so than prime candidate Didier Deschamps.
"I admit it, I was very upset," confessed the former Bianconeri player who had until Friday morning been in pole position for this post. "I believed that within days I would have put pen to paper on a contract with Juventus, but instead something happened that I simply cannot explain."
Director General Luciano Moggi had told the press earlier this month "either Deschamps or Cesare Prandelli will be the new Coach." However, the wily transfer guru merely used them as a smokescreen while he carried on negotiations with Roma's Capello.
Monaco boss Deschamps had also been linked with the Chelsea job, which now seems to be in the hands of Champions' League winning manager Jose Mourinho.
"I would never have expected to see Capello on the Juve bench," concluded a clearly bitter Deschamps. "I think that after all of this I will stay at Monaco."
Juventus new favourites for Mexes
Tribal Football
Juventus are in prime position to sign Auxerre defender Philippe Mexes.
Mexes was believed keen to join Fabio Capello at AS Roma next season, but with the Italian coach signing for Juve on Friday, the defender could now follow him to Turin.
The French international, along with his agent, were in Rome last week for talks with Capello and Roma officials about a summer deal.
Big guns get set for Evra
Planet Football
Manchester United and Juventus are understood to be ready to slug it out to acquire the services of Monaco full back Patrice Evra. The France international has enjoyed a stunning campaign and played a major role in the club reaching the UEFA Champions League final.
Evra was also named Ligue 1's Young Player of the Year and his form has attracted admiring glances from the continent's biggest clubs.
Italian titans Juventus have been long-term suitors of the 23-year-old and are rumoured to have offered €8 million to Monaco several weeks ago. The Red Devils are also reportedly keen on the left back and have been watching his progress this term with interest.
Evra is contracted to Monaco for a further three years but, after scaling such heights with the Principality side this term, may decide a move abroad will be beneficial to his career.
Meanwhile, Paris Saint Germain continue to be on the trail of Evra's team-mate Jerome Rothen, who is another to have revelled on the European stage this season. Rothen has regularly stated it would fulfil a dream to play for PSG and Vahid Halilhodzic is expected to try to tempt the midfielder to Parc des Princes.
Monaco would be reluctant sellers but an offer in the region of €8 million may prove difficult to refuse, if PSG can raise sufficient funds.
Saturday 29 May
Capello: Arrivederci Roma
Football Italia
Fabio Capello has thanked the Giallorossi for an important period of his career, but the fans have turned on the new Juventus boss.
"The Directors, players and fans of Roma will remain among the fondest memories of my career," said the 58-year-old in an official statement.
He surprised and angered many fans in the Capital by joining their arch enemies in Turin, seemingly without the knowledge of AS Roma.
"I also wish to thank President Franco Sensi for giving me the opportunity to work with this great club, but circumstances pushed me to unexpectedly end this rapport."
The fact that Capello was unhappy with the departure of top stars such as Emerson and Walter Samuel was no secret, but few expected him to complete the switch so quickly.
The supporters are turning all their hatred on to their former Coach, with some even suggesting that Capello had a hand in Juventus capturing former Roma defender Jonathan Zebina and the probable arrival of Emerson.
"We were betrayed by an evil man," said legendary Giallorossi commentator Carlo Zampa on his website. "His attitude cannot be tolerated, especially as he didn't even alert the club to his decision."
The fans are also discussing his potential replacement and currently the favourite choice appears to be Parma's Cesare Prandelli.
Emo to follow Capello
Football Italia
Roma ace Emerson is on the verge of joining Fabio Capello at Juventus, according to his agent. The Brazilian has been linked with a switch to the northern giants and his representative is confident that he'll now follow Capello to Turin.
"I still can't confirm that we have an agreement with the Bianconeri but we are close," Gilmar Veloz is quoted as saying. "The arrival of Capello at the club as their new Coach is undoubtedly a very important factor for Emerson now."
The former Bayer Leverkusen star will be sold this summer as the capital club risk losing him for nothing next year. But Roma are keen to sell him to another side rather than strengthen their arch-rivals Juventus. However, Veloz insists the Old Lady are in pole position.
"We've spoken to both Real Madrid and Inter in the past," added the midfielder's representative. "We've been in contact with the Nerazzurri in particular after speaking with Marco Branca on three occasions but without ever reaching an agreement.
"To be honest, I think it will be very difficult to see the situation change from now on."
Whispers circulating around the peninsula today also suggest that Capello has asked his new club to sign Christian Vieri. The Italian may still leave Inter before the start of the new campaign, especially as Alberto Zaccheroni has been confirmed in his job as Nerazzurri boss.
The two men seemingly don't have the best relationship after they clashed on numerous occasions in the last few months.
Trez steps out for Vieri
Football Italia
David Trezeguet has again warned he wants Barcelona and it's reported his replacement at the Delle Alpi will be Christian Vieri.
"I cannot wait to sign for Barcelona," the Frenchman is quoted as saying in Spanish newspaper 'El Mundo Deportivo'. "I dream of getting the 100,000 fans of the Nou Camp on their feet and the club has an ambitious project."
This is certainly not the first time that the former Monaco striker has been linked to Barca and earlier this week had had rallied against his current club.
"Juventus will want to earn as much as possible from my sale," he warned. "I'd like the deal to be concluded before Euro 2004 and the delay was due to the question marks over the new Coach."
Now that Fabio Capello has been confirmed in charge of the Bianconeri, Trezeguet's departure should rise to the top of the agenda. Juve must now build the team to suit Capello's tactics and that includes the need for a large front man.
It's strongly reported that his first choice would be Christian Vieri, who has been embroiled in a series of bitter rows with Inter Coach Alberto Zaccheroni. The Nerazzurri could be tempted into a sale if Italian international Marco Di Vaio were to be included in the switch.
If Capello were unable to bring in Vieri, then his second option would be Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Ajax - a player he already tried to sign as Coach of Roma.
Buffon welcomes Capello
Football Italia
Gianluigi Buffon is one of several Juventus stars who celebrated the news that Fabio Capello will be their Coach next season.
"Of course I'm overjoyed," said the Azzurri goalkeeper. "This is a strong signal from the club and one that will no doubt have an effect."
Capello will take over from Marcello Lippi for the next three years and should make sweeping changes to the squad, including the arrival of Jonathan Zebina and probably Emerson.
"This means that Juventus want to get back to winning ways immediately and not just by laying the foundations for a long-term project," noted Buffon.
The Turin giants ended this campaign empty-handed after losing the Coppa Italia Final, an early exit from the Champions' League and third-place finish in the Scudetto race.
Mauro German Camoranesi also learned of the news at Italy's Coverciano training ground.
"Capello is a very prestigious Coach with a full trophy cabinet," commented the Argentine-born winger. "I'm very happy with this decision and his arrival is a very positive note for all Juventus fans."
"He did great things at Milan, Real Madrid and restored Roma to glory after their many years in the wilderness. Let's hope he can help Juve to get back to winning ways as well."
Meanwhile, it has been revealed that Capello's appointment was masterminded by Honorary President Umberto Agnelli, who passed away on Thursday night. "It was Agnelli who wanted Capello on the Juventus bench," explained President Franzo Grande Stevens.
