Friday 02 July
Moggi confirms Trez stay
Football Italia
Juventus have again confirmed that David Trezeguet will sign a new contract with the outfit. "Trezeguet is remaining here with us," director general Luciano Moggi insisted on Thursday evening.
It had looked as if the striker, whose contract expires in 2005, was set to join Barcelona for next season. Yet the arrival of Fabio Capello as boss seems to have changed his mind and he's now set to extend his stay.
The 26-year-old should put pen to paper on a new deal that will keep him at the Delle Alpi until 2008. Whispers suggest that he will earn just under £3m a season, which will make him one of the club's highest earners.
Meanwhile, new signing Giorgio Chiellini isn't sure whether he will remain in Turin next season. The defender, signed from Livorno last week, believes he may be loaned out to a smaller club.
"I'm happy to have signed until 2009 but I don't know what will happen now," said the U-21 international. "I would like to go out on loan in order to get regular first team football. I'll see what the club decides."
Juventus target Mutu wants Chelsea stay
Tribal Football
Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu insists he wants to stay at Stamford Bridge, despite the interest of Juventus. The Romanian striker, 25, struggled to make an impact last season. But he said: "Everybody expects a lot from me and I have decided to take everything from the beginning again."
Aston Villa linked with Juventus midfielder Maresca
Tribal Football
Aston Villa are being linked with Juventus midfielder Enzo Maresca. The 24 year-old has been mentioned as a makeweight in transfer talks regarding several targets for Juve chief Luciano Moggi.
Maresca is believed to be unsettled by the developments and could favour a return to the Midlands, where he came through West Brom's youth system.
Spurs, Portsmouth linked as Tudor in Premiership talks
Tribal Football
Juventus defender Igor Tudor is in talks with an unnamed Premiership club. The Croatia international has been linked with Tottenham, Middlesbrough and Portsmouth since the end of last season. Tudor is available on a free transfer, with new Juve coach Fabio Capello keen to get the experienced stopper off his books.
Inter ponder Vieri, Cannavaro sale
Football Italia
Christian Vieri's future at Inter is again in doubt with reports suggesting the club now want to sell him. It had looked as if Vieri would stay given the fact that close friend Roberto Mancini is set to be named as new Nerazzurri boss.
However, reports claim that the San Siro staff would like to sell the 31-year-old as he still has a good market price. The outfit believe they could receive around £10m for the player with Juventus, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Barcelona possibly interested.
Another reason for his departure are the doubts that remain over his ability to co-exist with the younger Adriano - a player who is very similar in style to Bobo.
One Inter player who may be a more realistic departure is Fabio Cannavaro who is still being linked with Juventus. A swap deal with striker Marco Di Vaio would content Inter but there is one main problem which could destroy the move.
The Italian stopper nets around £3m-a-season, a figure that is too high for the wage structure currently in place at Juventus. If Cannavaro is sacrificed by Inter then he will be replaced in the side by Boca Juniors player Nicolas Burdisso.
Meanwhile, Inter are set to start pre-season training on Monday without Mancini in place. Talks with Lazio over his release are continuing and the club are hopeful that the situation will be resolved by July 11 - especially as their Champions' League qualifier will only be four weeks away by then.
Italy set for foreigner limit
Football Italia
Foreigner restrictions may be reintroduced into Italian football after the Azzurri's disastrous Euro 2004 campaign.
CONI - the Italian Olympic Committee - are planning to introduce new legislation that would limit the number of overseas players taking part in all Italian team sports. Under the proposal, Italian clubs must have no more than nine 'stranieri' in a squad of 18 on match days from 2006.
"We have no other choice in order to look after the Italian youngsters who want to break into sport," stated CONI chief Gianni Petrucci. "It is a necessary and an urgent measure. We will fight any club and their lawyers who try to obstruct the move."
Italian football has had foreigner restrictions in place in the past but they were banned in the 1990s due to European law. However, CONI are confident that they could be successful in getting a limit on non-Italians recognised.
CONI hope that such an idea would help the Italian national side do better in major tournaments after the failures of 2002 and 2004. They feel that the high number of foreign players in football, and basketball, are hindering the emergence of young Italian athletes.
Thursday 01 July
Juve close to Emerson
Football Italia
Juventus are ready to meet Roma's asking price for Emerson in a bid to finally sign the player. The Brazilian has agreed personal terms with the Turin side but the clubs couldn't agree on a fee.
Roma had wanted £13m for the star, whose contract expires in 2005, or £10m plus the services of Manuele Blasi. Juventus initially rejected their demands, as they wanted to keep Blasi, by offering just £8.5m.
Talks between the two clubs have continued to take place with no compromise being reached. But reports in Italy today suggest that the Old Lady of Italian football are ready to increase their offer. The Turin side are now prepared to table Blasi and cash to conclude one of the most complex transfer sagas of the summer.
Juventus, who want Emerson to be present at the start of their pre-season training on Saturday, and Roma are now set to meet sometime this week to finalise terms. The Giallorossi could then use the money raised from Emerson's sale to make a bid for Parma's Alberto Gilardino.
However, the Under-21 international striker is also of interest to Real Madrid and, unsurprisingly, Juventus.
Parma ace Gilardino: I'd love Real Madrid move
Tribal Football
Parma ace Alberto Gilardino has admitted he'd welcome the opportunity for talks with Real Madrid. The Italy U21 international is Real coach Jose Antonio Camacho's preferred choice to replace Fernando Morientes if the centre-forward chooses to ask away from the Santiago Bernabeu.
"Clearly I would like that (to play for Real), Real Madrid is one of greatest clubs," admitted Gilardino to Marca. "I am very young, but it does not scare me. I believe that I could do well.
"With stars like Ronaldo, Zidane, Figo, Raul... it is easy to play. They are so good... Now I am waiting to see what happens with Parma. I have news but there is nothing definitive."
Juventus and Manchester Unietd are also confirmed suitors of the striker, who won't be sold by Parma until their ownership wrangle is settled.
AC Milan approach Brescia for Caracciolo
Tribal Football
AC Milan have approached Brescia for striker Andrea Caracciolo. The Italy U21 international has attracted the interest of Milan after the Serie A champs missed out on Lazio's Bernardo Corradi to Valencia this week.
Milan have already registered their interest in the centre-forward with Brescia, but won't table an offer for the youngster until the future of Rui Costa is finalised.
If he accepts a move away from the San Siro, then the cash raised by Rui Costa's sale will go towards a bid for Caracciolo. However, if the Portuguese stays on, then Milan will propose a player-swap and a share of registration with Brescia for the striker.
Chelsea chief confirms Tiago interest
Tribal Football
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon admits the club are considering a move for Portuguese midfielder Tiago. Kenyon confirmed to O Jogo that the 23 year old Benfica player was a possible target, saying: "In the position he plays Tiago has been identified as one of three possible solutions to Chelsea's needs."
Wednesday 30 June
Rosicky runs to Juve
Football Italia
Juventus are planning a clean sweep of Czech internationals this summer with the probable arrival of Tomas Rosicky and Marek Jankulovski.
"I have asked Borussia Dortmund to be sold," commented midfield star Rosicky. "I will make a decision on my future very soon."
The youngster is still only 23 years of age, but has been impressive in the Czech run of four consecutive victories in Euro 2004. He had been heavily linked with Premiership outfits Liverpool and Spurs, but reveals the pull of Serie A football.
"I would like to play in Italy," he explained. "Rather than Milan or Inter, I would prefer Juventus. My teammate Pavel Nedved has told me a great deal about the club and it sounds wonderful."
The Bianconeri are restructuring their squad with the arrival of new Coach Fabio Capello and a creative midfield player would be a useful addition.
There is a strong Czech contingent building up in Turin, as they are also in advanced negotiations with Udinese wide man Marek Jankulovski. Tottenham are tracking the free kick specialist as well, so Juve must up their current bid of £3m cash plus the loan of young defender Orlando Urbano.
Meanwhile, Nedved has been told he risks missing the Euro 2004 Final after UEFA refused to review a dubious yellow card.
The Balon d'Or winner, who missed the Champions' League Final after being booked in the semi's, was penalised for a challenge on Jesper Gronkjaer even though replays suggest he made no contact with the Chelsea man.
"I will not change my style of play," assured the defiant Nedved, "nor will I back out of the fight."
Juve monitor Baros situation
Yahoo! Italia Sport
Juventus are monitoring Czech striker Milan Baros' situation at Liverpool, following the player's comments that he is unsettled. Moggi hopes that Baros's Czech teammate Pavel Nedved can convince him to move to Turin if talks with new Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez breaks down.
Last season Juve had already offered Marcelo Salas for the Liverpool striker in a straight swap but was rejected.
Juve snub Vieri option
Football Italia
Juventus transfer wizard Luciano Moggi insists that his side are no longer interested in Christian Vieri. The Bianconeri did contact Inter earlier this summer over his availability but Moggi now believes the striker will remain at the San Siro.
"Christian Vieri is no longer a target for Juventus," said Moggi, the club's director general. "I'm convinced that he will stay where he is. I say that because Roberto Mancini will go there as Coach and Vieri will be one of his key players."
The Turin giants decided to forget about the Italian international after agreeing to extend David Trezeguet's contract at the Delle Alpi.
Moggi, who seems to have an opinion on most Italian football subjects, was also asked to comment on Italy's Euro 2004 failure. "Giovanni Trapattoni was unjustly criticised," he said. "He was blasted for leaving out Parma's Alberto Gilardino.
"But who follows football closely knows that with Vieri and Bernardo Corradi in the squad, you can't also include a player with Gilardino's characteristics."
Moggi, who was speaking in Palermo, was then asked whether the Sicilian side could sign Simone Perrotta. "I do believe that the Chievo player could join Palermo," he added. "He would be an excellent addition."
However, the Italian international midfielder is also being heavily linked with moves to Inter and Roma.
Clubs will back Lippi
Football Italia
New Italy boss Marcello Lippi has been told that he will get the full collaboration of Italian clubs.
Former Coach Giovanni Trapattoni sometimes struggled to call up the players he wanted for games due to their club commitments. Yet Italian Football League chief Adriano Galliani insists that Lippi will be aided and not hindered by the Serie A sides.
"There will be no limitations placed on Lippi," stated Galliani. "We will work with him. After failing in the past two tournaments we must become a force again in the next World Cup."
Meanwhile, Galliani was understandably also quizzed on Milan's current transfer plans for the new season. Speculation suggests that a new striker is set to arrive with Lazio's Bernardo Corradi and Fernando Torres hotly linked.
"I've heard many names these past few days, but the truth is Milan aren't negotiating to sign or sell any players at the moment," he explained. "Torres? He's an interesting player with a high price but his situation at Atletico Madrid is specific - the Spanish side have no intention of selling him."
Juventus keeper Kedswell-Vanstratten joins Verona
Tribal Football
Juventus goalkeeper Jess Kedswell-Vanstratten has moved to Serie B Verona in a permanent deal. Kedswell-Vanstratten has had several periods on-loan with Verona over the past three years and hopes to establish himself as first-choice keeper.
Tuesday 29 June
Trez makes Juve pledge
Football Italia
David Trezeguet has reassured Juventus fans that he will sign a new contract with the club.
"I still haven't put pen to paper but there are no problems for me or Juve," he told the Gazzetta dello Sport. "I've received a good offer and I'll soon meet with my father (his agent) to discuss the matter even if we've reached an agreement.
"It doesn't matter now whether I sign before I go on holiday or after because I've got what I wanted - to stay at Juventus."
It had looked as if the striker, whose contract expires in 2005, was set to join Barcelona for next season. Yet the arrival of Fabio Capello as boss seems to have changed his mind, even if Juve are still being linked with Alberto Gilardino and Christian Vieri.
"That doesn't bother me because I have the faith of Capello," added the 27-year-old. "Next season I want to win more honours. I have my eyes on lifting the Champions' League trophy. I want to conquer Europe with my club seeing as I failed with my country this summer."
France, the holders, were surprisingly eliminated from Euro 2004 by Greece at the quarter final stages.
Trezeguet, 63 goals in 101 League appearances for Juve, also seems to be satisfied with his club's transfer activity.
"Jonathan Zebina has arrived who already demonstrated his quality at Roma last season," he added. "Then there is Olivier Kapo who is a great talent even if he needs to adapt to the Italian game. I'm now just hoping that Emerson joins us from Roma as that would complete us for next term."
The Brazilian midfielder is expected to complete his move to the Delle Alpi outfit sometime this week.
Udinese: Juve want Marek
Football Italia
Udinese have confirmed that Juventus are interested in Marek Jankulovski but an agreement has yet to be reached. "Juventus are keen but there is nothing concrete at this moment in time," stated Udinese director general Pierpaolo Marino.
Various reports had suggested that a deal could be wrapped up this week between the two clubs. Newspaper talk claimed that Udinese would accept cash and the services of Under-21 international Matteo Brighi in exchange.
However, Marino insists that the left-sided player could still end up at a variety of clubs across Europe.
"I have no meeting scheduled at this time to meet with Juventus' Luciano Moggi," added Marino. "Others clubs have made bids too and we'll soon see what happens. We've always said that we would wait until after Euro 2004 before making a definite decision."
Juventus step up bid for Inter Milan defender Cannavaro
Tribal Football
Juventus coach Fabio Capello is stepping up his bid to land Inter Milan defender Fabio Cannavaro. Italy skipper Cannavaro declared before the European Championships that he was keen to move to Juve after learning of their interest at the end of last season.
Juve striker Marco Di Vaio is rated highly by Roberto Mancini, who will join Inter as new coach before the start of the season and its been suggested a swap involving Di Vaio and Cannavaro is on the table.
The stumbling block for Juve is Cannavaro's £3 million salary, which is well outside their current wage structure.
Juve to obtain Mutu
Yahoo! Italia Sport
English press are convinced Chelsea forward Adriàn Mutu will move to Juventus. Fabio Capello had tried to obtain Mutu while at Roma while Juve had an offer for the then-Parma striker rejected as he moved to join Chelsea's revolution.
Miccoli has 2006 dream
Football Italia
Fabrizio Miccioli has his eyes on the 2006 World Cup after the Juventus ace missed out on Euro 2004. The attacker was in contention to be selected for Portugal but he just failed to break into the 23 man squad.
"I watched the tournament with regret because I had hoped to be a part of the team," he said. "Now I'm targeting the World Cup instead."
Miccoli couldn't break into Giovanni Trapattoni's plans after a difficult first season in Turin. He arrived at the Delle Alpi as one of the new stars of Italian football but he struggled for regular first team football.
"I hope that the club and the new Coach in Fabio Capello still have belief in my abilities," he added. "I've now been in Turin for a year which has seen me gather some crucial experience. I can only improve on that.
"Especially as my first campaign with the Bianconeri wasn't a total waste as I did score eight League goals."
Monday 28 June
Lippi draws up new-look Azzurri
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi's debut match is against Iceland on August 18 and the press is already speculating on the new entries and tactical changes for the Azzurri.
The new man in charge can only learn from the mistakes and all too brief highlights of Giovanni Trapattoni's Euro 2004 campaign.
It's suggested Lippi will adopt Milan's rhombus midfield as their main tactic, the same one used during the 1-1 draw against Sweden, but leaving the option for that Real Madrid-style 4-2-3-1 system as well.
This means that the Rossoneri partnership of Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso - generally left on the bench by Trap - will become the focal point of Italy's play.
Other options we could see as early as that August 18 friendly include Juve's Enzo Maresca and the European Championship winning Under-21 stars Daniele De Rossi of Roma, Udinese's Giampiero Pinzi and Marco Marchionni of Parma.
Christian Vieri's poor form and advancing years could see him slowly phased out, making way for Azzurrini hitman Alberto Gilardino. The Parma striker scored 23 Serie A goals and proved pivotal as Italy conquered the U-21 trophy in May.
The defence also needs working on, as apart from Alessandro Nesta, Fabio Cannavaro and Lippi's own invention Gianluca Zambrotta, there is precious little quality cover.
The Milan system requires attacking fullbacks, so Lazio's Massimo Oddo - always a transfer target during Lippi's time at Juventus - and Sampdoria revelation Aimo Diana are likely to be given trial runs.
Another Azzurrini man ready to break into the side is Cesare Bovo, although this summer's move to Roma could prove counter-productive, as he'll have less playing time than at Lecce.
Lippi's final problem is in goal, as an understudy to Gianluigi Buffon must be found now that Francesco Toldo has announced his international retirement. Roma's Ivan Pelizzoli was generally believed to be in pole position, but a splendid season at Udinese for Morgan De Sanctis could allow him to leap into that role.
Buffon welcomes Lippi's new role
Football Italia
Gianluigi Buffon has celebrated Marcello Lippi's appointment as the new Italy Coach and reveals what went wrong under Trap.
"Being in charge of the Italian national squad is the toughest job in the world," claimed the goalkeeper in the 'Gazzetta dello Sport'. "You need to be a real masochist to go into this sort of game."
Lippi has taken over from Giovanni Trapattoni, although his contract only begins from July 16.
"The thing he must learn from our Euro 2004 experience is that you can't wait around. Don't say 'The World Cup is in two years, there is time to prepare'. We must be aggressive from the very first friendly, the opening qualifier and every game from then on. Do the opposite of what we did against Denmark."
That initial 0-0 draw was perhaps the worst performance in Trap's four-year reign and paved the way for their early exit from the European Championships.
"Going into this tournament," continued the Number 1, "I wanted to cancel out a few bad months at Juventus. I proved that when the games really matter, you can always count on Buffon."
The notoriously outspoken player then revealed what went wrong in the Azzurri squad this summer.
"We felt stronger than anyone before the debut game, and perhaps we are the best team overall, but you need to prove it on the field with heart and soul. We only really did that against Sweden."
Buffon was the biggest signing under Lippi's reign at Juventus, when the club paid out £30m for the then-Parma goalkeeper.
"Lippi can relax," smiled the shot-stopper, "because he knows that I'm here and he has everything a Coach needs to be successful. I am very happy to be working with him again and wish him all the best."
There are also suggestions that Bianconeri defender Ciro Ferrara will retire from the game in order to act as Lippi's assistant manager for Italy.
"I hope not!" exclaimed Buffon. "Without Ferrara in the Juve squad, who are we going to make fun of?"
Sunday 27 June
Impatient Juve turn to Deco
Football Italia
Contract renegotiations with David Trezeguet have stalled again, so the Bianconeri are turning their attention towards some Euro 2004 stars.
Trezeguet's experience in the Championships have been bitterly disappointing with France's quarter-final exit to Greece, but this next week will be crucial in deciding his future.
The former Monaco hitman has only one year left to run on his contract and the Bianconeri will either pen a new deal or release him for around £15m this summer. His wage demands are considered too steep and the club won't offer more than a four-year contract worth £2.8m a season.
There is interest from Barcelona and Chelsea for Trezeguet, so Juve could turn their attention to some of the players who have emerged from the tournament in Portugal.
News that Brazil-born Deco's talks with Chelsea have broken down alerted transfer guru Luciano Moggi to this opportunity, as they had already approached the Porto star last season.
Another option upfront is the Czech Republic's Marek Heinz, who curled in a wonder goal against Germany this week. Banik Ostrava star Heinz is generally used as a substitute for the Czechs and had already been linked with Juve over the last few months.
Everton, Hamburg and Bayer Leverkusen are all showing an interest in the striker, but the Bianconeri's key to the whole affair could be his international teammate Pavel Nedved, who takes every opportunity to sing the praises of Serie A.
The Czech contingent in Turin is growing rapidly, as a deal has almost been completed for the arrival of Udinese midfielder Marek Jankulovski in exchange for Matteo Brighi plus £3m.
However, as negotiations for Emerson grind to a halt following Roma's refusal to accept less than £12m, it is reported Fabio Capello has requested Cristiano Zanetti as an alternative.
The Italian international was already under Capello's orders at Roma and did not hide his anger when the midfielder was sold to Inter in July 2001.
Juventus get serious as Man Utd move for Gilardino
Tribal Football
Juventus will make a serious move for Parma striker Alberto Gilardino next week.
Aware that Manchester United have registered their interest in the Italy U21 international, Juve chief Luciano Moggi will hold talks with Parma about a £10 million offer for the free-scoring forward. Parma also want a player involved in the deal and director Arrigo Sacchi has asked about Boudianski.
Juve-Real joust for Gilardino
Football Italia
Parma have had their players evaluated as part of their administration and both Real Madrid and Juventus have dived in with bids for the top stars.
It is reported that the Spaniards were first in with a double offer of £17.5m for both Daniele Bonera and Alberto Gilardino.
Both players are also main transfer targets for the Bianconeri, who followed on with a bid of £10m plus youth team star Boudianski in exchange for Gilardino.
The bidding war broke out after Parma's entire squad was evaluated as part of the administration process. It is reported that Gilardino was handed a price-tag of £12m, while Matteo Ferrari is worth £6.6m and his defensive teammate Bonera £6m.
However, considering the keen interest in Under-21 international Gilardino from a number of top European sides, that figure is set to rise considerably.
The Spanish press suggests that Bonera is being tracked in order to strengthen Real Madrid's weak defence. They have already signed one Serie A star, paying £18m for Roma's Walter Samuel, and new Coach Jose Antonio Camacho respects the Parma fullback.
Maresca: I'm happy at Juventus
Tribal Football
Enzo Maresca insists he is happy at Juventus and not looking to move away. The 24 year-old told Gazzetta dello Sport: "I've read my name in many newspapers mentioned in negotiations for other players.
"However I am calm, the club has never told me that they are trying to sell me and I hope that soon I can open talks about an extension of my contract. I am happy in Turin and want to remain with Juve."
Milan stage £27m Torres swoop
Football Italia
It is reported that the Rossoneri are making a massive bid for Spain's hottest young property Fernando Torres, selling off Rui Costa in the process.
The Atletico Madrid striker was impressive during his country's brief Euro 2004 spell and is a main target for every big club on the continent, including Real Madrid and Manchester United.
However, Milan could have the upper hand as they are owed a substantial amount of money by Atletico, a debt that would be wiped clean by this deal.
The Liga outfit currently owes £15.8m to the San Siro side, but Milan are reportedly ready to almost double that sum to bring the youngster to Serie A.
Torres has only recently turned 20 years of age and already impressed Italian scouts when he scored in a 1-1 friendly game against the Azzurri earlier this year. Vice-President Adriano Galliani has made no secret of their interest in the player, or their intention to sign another striker this summer.
Over the last two seasons their transfer policy has been cost-effective, bringing in Lyon midfielder Vikash Dhorasoo, Lazio's Giuseppe Pancaro and Marcos Cafu of Roma on free transfers, while paying no more than £10m for the combined services of Kaka and Jaap Stam.
Cash could be raised for this massive signing by selling off Manuel Rui Costa - who would relish a return to Fiorentina in Serie A - while Kakha Kaladze is very close to signing for Bayern Munich.
Roma close to Perrotta capture
Football Italia
The Giallorossi appear to have solved their financial problems and are in advanced negotiations with Italian international Simone Perrotta.
The Chievo midfielder played every one of the Azzurri's games in Euro 2004 and scored a goal in the 2-1 win over Bulgaria.
He had long been associated with a move to one of the big clubs this summer, with Inter, Juventus and even Gigi Del Neri's new side Porto showing concrete interest.
However, reports suggest that Roma have come to an agreement with the Flying Donkeys to capture the player for £4m plus the loan of young forward Corvia.
The Giallorossi have seemingly solved their financial woes following President Franco Sensi's decision to sell off some of his assets, including property and shares in newspapers.
The Capital club is also close to capturing Siena's Brazilian midfielder Rodrigo Taddei on a four-year contract. Some sources claim a move could be sealed and confirmed by next week.
Saturday 26 June
Nedved praises Lippi choice
Football Italia
Pavel Nedved has praised the decision to appoint Marcello Lippi as the new Italy Coach.
"He is the ideal tactician for the Azzurri," commented the Balon d'Or winner. "Lippi is a winner and will continue with that reputation at international level."
Nedved knows the Coach well following their years together at Juventus, during which the midfielder truly exploded on to the European scene and earned the continental Player of the Year award.
The Euro 2004 experience was a bitter one for Italy, but the Czech Republic star admits he was surprised by their early exit.
"I was very disappointed, especially for my fellow Juve teammates," explained the former Lazio man. "Obviously, on a personal level it is a good thing, as the idea of meeting Italy in the semi-finals was worrying me."
Nedved has been in Serie A since 1996 and claimed last month that Italy represented his second home, but he is playing for his country tomorrow night against Denmark.
"They are a tough side who can really battle and place a lot of emphasis on wide play," explained the Czech. "So far we have gone behind in every game and always went on to win. However, conceding an early goal to the Danes this time could be lethal."
Juventus move for Middlesbrough, Liverpool target Oddo
Tribal Football
Lazio wing-back Massimo Oddo is being tracked by Juventus. New Juve trainer Fabio Capello is a big fan of Oddo and has demanded his transfer from director general Luciano Moggi.
Oddo has also been linked with Middlesbrough and Liverpool since the end of last season and is available from cash-strapped Lazio. Moggi is said to be seriously considering offering midfielder Enzo Maresca in a straight swap for Oddo.
Maresca rejects Oddo switch
Football Italia
Enzo Maresca has been offered to Lazio in a swap deal with Massimo Oddo, but the midfielder insists he wants to stay at Juve. "I have read that many newspapers keep placing my name in exchange deals with various different clubs," noted the former Under-21 international.
"Nonetheless, I remain relaxed about the situation. The club has never told me I am for sale and I hope we can soon come to an agreement to extend my current contract."
The Bianconeri starlet was among the most impressive players in Juve's disappointing season, but he does not appear to be in new Coach Fabio Capello's plans. "I have said it many times," concluded the 24-year-old. "I am happy in Turin and want to stay at Juventus."
The most widely reported transfer rumour is that Maresca has been offered to Lazio as part of a swap deal with Massimo Oddo. Attacking fullback Oddo has been linked with Juventus for several months and admitted he would be only too happy to complete this switch after his Euro 2004 experience.
Davids drops big Inter Milan hint
Tribal Football
Holland international midfielder Edgar Davids has dropped a big hint that he will be playing with Inter Milan next season. Available on a Bosman from Juventus, Davids said: "I don't want to talk about my future until after the European Championships."
Pressed further by local journalists, Davids added, "Inter seem to have a plan. I hope that things this time work out well for them."
Asked about Roberto Mancini, who is expected to take over at Inter, Davids said: "I don't know him well, personally. But I know he puts together very entertaining teams, he's an excellent trainer."
Burdisso begins Inter adventure
Football Italia
Argentine international defender Nicolas Andres Burdisso has presented himself to Nerazzurri fans. The 23-year-old had been very close to signing for newly promoted Palermo, but changed his mind when Inter contacted him.
"I called up Palermo's directors to thank them for their interest," revealed Burdisso, "but I confess that I dreamed of playing for a big club like Inter, one that will allow me to battle for important trophies."
The defender is considered to be the natural successor to former Roma giant Walter Samuel in the Argentine central defence and should complete his switch to the San Siro for around £5m.
Crucially, he also has a Spanish passport, so he can be signed in the same season as fellow South American Juan Sebastian Veron.
"A few details remain to be sorted out," he told newspaper 'Ole', "so for the moment all I am thinking of is the Copa Libertadores Final against Once Caldas. My dream is to leave the Boca Juniors supporters with that trophy in my hand."
