Friday 09 July
Juve transfer plans revealed
Football Italia
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi has spoken about the club's transfer plans for this summer. The Bianconeri have been linked with numerous players so far but Moggi has narrowed down the club's objectives.
He's revealed that his outfit are looking to sign Roma's Emerson, Marek Jankulovski of Udinese and Lazio defender Massimo Oddo. "Juventus will only make a cash offer for Emerson," he stated. "Jankulovski and Oddo will be swap deals."
Reports suggest that Udinese will net Enzo Maresca or Matteo Brighi in exchange, while Mark Iuliano will be offered to the capital club.
The Turin giants were also linked with a new central defender but a move for Daniele Bonera of Parma seems off. "We don't need him," added Moggi.
Juve also seem to have pulled out of negotiations to sign Fabio Cannavaro as Inter wanted Marco Di Vaio in return - a departure that boss Fabio Capello is understood to have blocked.
What about bids for Inter striker Christian Vieri or a reunion with Edgar Davids? "They've both been here in the past and warmed up dinners rarely prove successful," he added.
The transfer guru was then asked whether Juve could still swoop for Parma hotshot Alberto Gilardino. "He is a great player and very young," he explained. "He would be perfect for the future but he will probably stay at Parma."
Juventus make offer to Parma fullback Bonera
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi held talks with the agent of Parma fullback Daniele Bonera on Wednesday. Moggi met with Tullio Tinti and tabled a five-year contract offer for Bonera to consider. Its understood Bonera has already accepted the terms.
Juve are still to find agreement over a fee, but Parma have now been given the green light by Italian authorities to resume transfer talks and negotiations over Bonera will be stepped up during the weekend.
Maresca remains clincher as Juventus pursue Jankulovski
Tribal Football
Udinese is pushing Juventus to include midfielder Enzo Maresca in their bid for Marek Jankulovski.
If Juve can meet Udinese's demands then the Czech Republic international will be in Turin this season. Juve's cash component has been accepted, but Udinese representatives have told Juve director general Luciano Moggi that no deal will be struck unless Maresca is included.
Maresca, 24, has also attracted interest from Tottenham and Birmingham City and is inside the final year of his contract. The problem for Moggi is that new coach Fabio Capello rates Maresca highly and is reluctant to see the midfielder leave.
Mancini wants Inter Milan to sign Juventus' Di Vaio
Tribal Football
As he waits for his appointment at Inter Milan to be finalised, coach Roberto Mancini has already submitted his shopping list to sports director Marco Branca. Topping the targets is Juventus striker Marco Di Vaio, who Mancini is convinced Inter can land.
Di Vaio has struggled to maintain a regular first team place at Juve, but is highly-rated by Mancini who is seeking competition for established strike-pair Adriano and Christian Vieri.
Legrottaglie wants redemption
Football Italia
Nicola Legrottaglie is hopeful that he can finally deliver for Juventus after a difficult first season in Turin. The Italian struggled to make a significant impact at the Delle Alpi but he's eager to silence his many critics.
"I hope that this season turns out to be better than the last," said the defender. "However, there is a massive difference for me this summer. I'm in much better physical shape now. I seem to have got rid of the calf problem that hampered me for most of the last campaign."
Legrottaglie was snapped up from Chievo in a bid to strengthen the Old Lady's defence, yet the £7m buy didn't impress at all.
"I wanted to do more but it was an unfortunate season," he adds. "Now I want to illustrate my real worth to the club and the fans. I did make mistakes last term but I was the only one that was being blamed for Juve's campaign. I now want to redeem myself."
Legrottaglie's problems also saw him dropped from Italy's Euro 2004 squad - a fact he found hard to digest.
"I was disappointed," he continued. "Did Marco Materazzi (Inter) deserve to go? In my opinion he shouldn't have been there either. Trap should have left both of us at home and called up Marcello Castellini of Parma or Marco Di Loreto of Perugia based on last season's performances."
Kapo admits loan option
Football Italia
New Juventus signing Olivier Kapo admits that he could be sent out on loan for the new season.
"I don't know whether I will be staying or if I will be loaned out," said the summer buy from Auxerre. "I hope to impress the Coach over the next few weeks so that I can stay here and win a place back in the French national side."
The 23-year-old, a free capture, has been associated with a switch to Monaco to work under Didier Deschamps - the man that perhaps Kapo expected to be his boss at Juve.
"I didn't choose to come here because of Deschamps as people are claiming," added the international. "I simply chose Juventus and it is a great honour to be here. Anyhow, I do believe that Fabio Capello is a great tactician."
So what should Juve fans expect from Kapo in the new campaign. "I can play behind two strikers," he said. "On the left or the right. I tried to model myself on Zinedine Zidane but Zizou is the sort of player that all French youngsters try to copy."
Real Madrid use Eto'o to land Atletico Madrid star Torres
Tribal Football
Real Madrid are on the verge of a sensational agreement which will eventually see Atletico Madrid superkid Fernando Torres move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
AS says Real are set to buy the 50 per cent share Real Mallorca own of Sammy Eto'o for £6 million and immediately loan the Cameroon ace to Atletico.
In exchange, Atletico will grant Real Madrid first option on Torres - so securing the youngster's future at the Bernabeu, despite the best efforts of AC Milan, Manchester United and Chelsea.
Atletico insiders are confident Eto'o will play for the Rojiblancas for three seasons, but Real president Florentino Perez is convinced the 'African Henry' is on the verge of greatness and expects to re-sign the striker at the end of the coming season.
Perez will also demand a clause in Eto'o deal which will prevent him from playing against Real Madrid while in Atletico colours.
Sao Paulo ace Fabiano confirms Real Betis talks
Tribal Football
Sao Paulo striker Luis Fabiano has confirmed his agent is in talks with Real Betis.
The exciting Brazilian international has seen an offer from Barcelona for his transfer turned down by Sao Paulo this summer and was also linked with AC Milan and Manchester United.
"My agent is in Spain negotiating. I only can say that the last news that I have received from Betis is positive. I hope to have more news soon," said Fabiano.
Thursday 08 July
Juve net Parma pair?
Football Italia
Reports in Italy suggest that Juventus have agreed a fee to sign Alberto Gilardino and Daniele Bonera from Parma. The Bianconeri are allegedly ready to pay a combined £16m for the two Stadio Tardini youngsters after months of talks.
However, there is the possibility that only one of them will arrive at the Delle Alpi for the new campaign. Defender Bonera seems almost certain to be wearing the Bianconeri shirt but the club may withdraw their offer for Gilardino.
That is because Roma also want the striker and Juve are ready to pull out of the race to net him if the capital side reduce their asking price for Emerson. The Brazilian has agreed to join Juventus this summer but the Olimpico outfit have been unimpressed by their bid of £8.5m - as they want £13m.
Other reports suggest that Juve will secure themselves the services of Gilardino but allow him to remain on loan at Parma for one or two campaigns. With David Trezeguet set to extend his contract in Turin, the U-21 international may struggle for regular first team action.
Meanwhile, Czech international defender Tomas Ujfalusi, 25, is looking for a move to Juventus. "Joining them would be a dream," said the Hamburg stopper. "It would be great to play alongside my friend Pavel Nedved.
"Serie A is an extraordinary championship and it would be very stimulating to play my football there."
Ujfalusi, who is also being watched by Inter, is contracted to his current club until the summer of 2007.
Messina grab Juve pair
Football Italia
Newly promoted Messina have signed Davide Baiocco and Marco Zanchi, while Gianluca Falsini joins Siena. The Sicilians had been in negotiations with Juventus to take some of their fringe players on loan for their much-anticipated return to the top flight.
Messina have been out of Serie A for almost four decades, but want a strong squad to retain this status and have already signed Sampdoria's Japanese international Atsushi Yanagisawa. He is now joined by midfielder Baiocco, who spent last season at Reggina, and 27-year-old defender Zanchi following his spell at Bologna.
Messina are also close to completing their swoop for Flamengo's talented Brazilian winger Rafael. He has penned a three-year contract, while his club picks up £350,000.
Another Juventus player has joined Sampdoria, as 27-year-old Cristiano Zenoni has made his loan spell permanent for £700,000.
Siena have officially signed Parma defender Gianluca Falsini this afternoon. The fullback has spent the last two seasons on loan at Reggina, but was still owned by the cash-strapped Tardini side.
Cassano and Buffon go for gold?
Football Italia
Italy are preparing for the 2004 Olympic games and Antonio Cassano, Gianluigi Buffon and Matteo Ferrari could be drafted in.
The senior squad may have flopped at Euro 2004, but Claudio Gentile's Under-21 side are the reigning European Champions after winning the trophy in May. That result also qualified them for the Athens Olympics this coming August, giving Gentile the opportunity to bring along three over-age players.
At first the combination of Francesco Totti and Antonio Cassano had been suggested, but it's claimed new Italy Coach Marcello Lippi would prefer the Roma captain to be at his disposal for the World Cup qualifiers in early September.
Cassano is a predictable choice for the expedition, as he was a part of the Under-21 side before a bitter row with Gentile and his move to the senior squad. The forward has matured in recent months and is ready to accept this challenge with his former Azzurrini teammates.
Matteo Ferrari is also a recent Under-21 alumni and would reunite with his Parma partner Daniele Bonera in central defence.
The one really weak point in Italy's Championship-winning campaign was in goal, as Marco Amelia made several mistakes during the tournament. This is why the experience of Gianluigi Buffon could prove decisive in Athens.
Wednesday 07 July
Juventus star Nedved: Get Jankulovski, Ujfalusi
Tribal Football
Juventus star Pavel Nedved has urged the club to sign his Czech Republic international teammates Marek Jankulovski and Tomas Ujfalusi.
Declaring himself fit for the new season after being forced from the field in the Euro2004 semifinal against Greece, Nedved was asked about Juve's work in the summer transfer market.
"I am very happy to see the changes Juventus are making and it promises to be an exciting season ahead," said Nedved. "I know they aren't finished in the market and it would make me very happy to see Jankulovski here. He would strengthen us considerably and would be a great signing.
"Tomas plays for Hamburg and was outstanding in Portugal. He would be an excellent investment."
Juventus resume Udinese talks over Jankulovski
Tribal Football
Juventus have resumed talks with Udinese over midfielder Marek Jankulovski. Negotiations over the Czech Republic international had stalled due to the European Championships, but the two clubs are again locked in discussions after Sunday's final.
Juve director general Luciano Moggi has met Udinese's cash demands of £6million (€9million) - but some haggling is still to be done over a player swap which Udinese are asking.
Udinese coach Luciano Spalletti wants a midfielder to arrive as part of Jankulovski's move and has expressed interest in Giorgio Chiellini. Juve are also considering buying Messina's Alessandro Parisi and immediately loaning him to Udinese to clinch the Jankulovski deal.
Juventus in move for Carvalho
Yahoo! Italia Sport
Juventus have made a move for Porto's Ricardo Carvalho. Luciano Moggi is trying to steal the Porto defender, one of the best players from the European Championships, from under Real Madrid's noses, with whom Carvalho has already made a verbal agreement.
Real Madrid is currently engaged in presidential elections, and all transfer activity has been frozen until 12 July. Hence Moggi is taking advantage of the delay by dealing directly with the President of the European Champions Porto.
However, the player has declared he wants to move to Real Madrid to join his Portugal captain Figo as well as play alongside Raùl and Zidane.
Barca plan Zambrotta bid
Football Italia
Spanish giants Barcelona have set their sights on signing Gianluca Zambrotta from Juventus. Nou Camp boss Frank Rijkaard has requested a new left-back and the Italian is a top target. Spanish sources suggest that a bid is imminent for the former Bari player even if it is likely to be rejected.
Zambrotta is one of the few players at Juventus who are considered as untouchable on the transfer market.
He is now one of Europe's best left-backs after being transformed into a defender by former Juve boss Marcello Lippi. The 26-year-old was a recognised right-sided midfielder but he was converted after Juve signed Mauro Camoranesi.
If Barca fail to land the Azzurri regular, which is likely, then they will turn their attention to another Euro 2004 star. Porto and Portuguese defender Nuno Valente, Ashley Cole of Arsenal and Udinese's Marek Jankulovksi are all possible alternatives.
Barca have already had a busy transfer summer so far after signing Ludovic Giuly, Henrik Larsson and Deco.
Chivu suffers foot fracture
Football Italia
Cristian Chivu will be out of action for several weeks after x-rays showed a fractured metatarsal in his right foot. The Romanian defender has impressed in his first season in Serie A and picked up the injury two weeks ago during a game of beach football.
The extent of the problem only became clear after he underwent tests at the Roma camp and doctors found the fracture of the fifth metatarsal. Chivu's right foot is now in plaster until July 23, but the medical staff assures he will be able to attend the pre-season training camp at Irdning in Austria from July 15 to 23.
The centre-back has been heavily linked with a move to Juventus over the last few days and Roma's financial worries could force a sale.
Chelsea wait as Marseille ponder £22M Drogba bid
Tribal Football
Chelsea have tabled a £22 million bid to Olympique Marseille for striker Didier Drogba.
The Independent says Chelsea's offer will be discussed at a Marseille crisis meeting today. Chelsea's owner, Roman Abramovich, stepped up his offer for the striker in the past few weeks and now hopes to be given the go-ahead to buy him.
Marseille had turned down all offers, but the club's president is now buckling under the temptation of Chelsea's cash and is likely to accept.
Tuesday 06 July
Chivu next for Juventus?
Football Italia
Cristian Chivu could become the latest piece of the Roma jigsaw to leave for arch-rivals Juventus. Bianconeri general director Luciano Moggi stated over the weekend that a "surprise" signing could be on the way and the Romanian is being linked.
Moggi is in constant contact with the Giallorossi in an attempt to finally agree a fee for Emerson.
Now newspaper reports suggest that the Old Lady of Italian football are also keen on netting Chivu. The defender, signed last summer from Ajax, had a magnificent debut season under boss Fabio Capello. Now the latter, who has replaced Marcello Lippi on the Juve bench, would like the stopper at his disposal again.
It would certainly be a massive blow for the Giallorossi to lose Chivu but they do have cover in defence. They are on the verge of signing both Matteo Ferrari and Philippe Mexes - who are central stoppers.
If they did sell the player then they would also free themselves of his salary which may be as high as £2.5m a season. If Chivu does move to Turin then he will team up with numerous former Roma colleagues in the shape of Capello, Jonathan Zebina and probably Emerson.
Miccoli keen to impress
Football Italia
Fabrizio Miccoli is hopeful that he can finally deliver for Juventus after a difficult first season in Turin. The Italian struggled to make a significant impact at the Delle Alpi but he's eager to silence his critics.
"I could have done better last term but I always looked to give my best when I was called upon," he stated. "Yet I have great faith in new boss Fabio Capello. He knows how desperate I am to do well after last season. I feel that he respects me and I respect him."
Miccoli looks set to remain at the club despite being associated with a move away given the tough competition for places.
"I'm content that David Trezeguet has remained because he scores plenty of goals," he added. "Del Piero? I have no problem with him. After all, we did well when we played together last season."
But what if Juve sign Christian Vieri too?
"I would be surprised to see Vieri here but only because he has been with Inter for the last five years," he noted. "As far as I'm aware, my name hasn't been a part of any transfer negotiations. I want to stay here at all costs even if a new striker does arrive this summer."
There are some sections of the media who believe Miccoli could make an impact under Capello in a similar way to how Antonio Cassano did with Roma last season.
"Don't call me Juventus' Cassano," he responded. "He has already got to certain levels by playing well and scoring goals, while I still have to prove myself at the highest levels."
Miccoli was also confident that he could return to the international scene after his Euro 2004 disappointment following the arrival of Marcello Lippi.
"I'm happy that Lippi has landed the national team job because I know that I will be considered for the squad," he concluded.
Lippi, Miccoli's boss at Juventus last term, has replaced Giovanni Trapattoni on the Azzurri bench.
No knee op for Nedved
Football Italia
Juventus have been boosted with the news that Pavel Nedved doesn't require surgery for a knee problem. The Czech Republic star underwent tests in Turin today after picking up the injury in the Euro 2004 semi-final against Greece.
There were fears that the midfielder would need to go under the knife but Bianconeri medics are confident that can be avoided. The 2003 European Footballer of the Year has been ordered to rest, but he should be fine to meet up with the squad for pre-season training on July 23 as previously scheduled.
Udinese negotiate Juve offer for Jankulovski
Yahoo! Italia Sport
Juventus have offered €4million and part-ownership of Matteo Brighi for Udinese' Czech midfielder Marek Jankulovski. However, Udinese are negotiating to increase the cash offer to €5million and to add the loan of Giogio Chiellini, whom they see as a suitable replacement for Jankulovski.
Udinese want a reply by Wednesday, or they will begin negotiations with Premiership club Tottenham, who faxed an offer of about £7million (€10million) last week.
Juve signed Italy Under-21 star Chiellini, dubbed the next Zambrotta, from Livorno after the latter club paid €1.5million for the other half of his contract, owned by Roma, and promptly sold him to the Giallorossi's arch-rivals Juventus for €3million.
Chelsea boss: Mutu stays
Tribal Football
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho will not be selling Adrian Mutu. The Romanian has been linked with Juventus, but Mourinho revealed: "I have spoken to him this morning about his desire here and his ambition - and he wants to stay.
"He wants a good start to the season and he is a good example of what I want from the players."
Palermo nets Italy tie
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi's first home game in charge of the Italian national side will be staged in Palermo. The Stadio Renzo Barbera will host the September 4 World Cup qualifier against Norway.
Lippi, who has replaced Giovanni Trapattoni as boss, will start his Italian national career next month on August 18 as Italy travel to Iceland for a friendly.
Monday 05 July
Moggi to invest €30million on Cannavaro and Joaquin
Yahoo! Italia Sport
Juventus are looking to invest almost €30million earned from television rights on Inter defender Fabio Cannavaro, as well as Real Betis winger Joaquin and possibly Parma striker Alberto Gilardino.
Italy captain Cannavaro has long been admired by Juve coach Fabio Capello, especially since the bianconeri need to bolster their defence which was uncharacteristically generous last season. Capello is also interested in Spain winger Joaquin and Italy striker Gilardino.
Cannavaro will be available for around €8million but his wage demands of €4.5million per season may see the fee lowered as Inter look to get his wages off. It may also be further lowered as Juve look to offer defender Mark Iuliano in part-exchange.
Zebina: Why I chose Juve
Football Italia
Jonathan Zebina insists his move to Turin had nothing to do with Fabio Capello, while Juve announce a deal to keep David Trezeguet.
"My decision to come here is not tied to Capello," insists the former Roma defender. "When I put pen to paper on the contract, I expected to find Didier Deschamps on the bench."
The Bianconeri's interest in Zebina and Emerson has angered Roma supporters who believe Capello had been working on two transfer strategies at the same time. However, the Frenchman was a free agent and heavily linked with Milan before agreeing his switch to the Turin giants.
"I was in contact with many different clubs, but at the end of the day Juventus were the best choice for me. As for Capello, we get on very well and he is the ideal Coach for a side that wants to win."
Capello's appointment has also proved crucial in keeping Trezeguet despite his dismal Euro 2004 campaign with France, reveals the new tactician.
"This was a tactical choice that I was very eager to impose on the club," he explained. "We have some players here who weren't quite able to deliver last season due to injuries, but I have faith in them."
Director General Luciano Moggi was close to sending Trezeguet to Barcelona, but announced this was no longer an option.
"We have reached a verbal agreement with Trezeguet to renew his contract for the next four years," noted Moggi in a press conference. "As soon as he returns from his holiday on July 19 we will meet and put pen to paper."
Chelsea try again for Juventus ace Nedved
Tribal Football
Chelsea are returning to the negotiating table for Juventus midfield ace Pavel Nedved.
Blues owner Roman Abramovich saw an offer turned down by the Czech Republic international last month. But the Russian tycoon won't give up, particularly after being frustrated in his pursuit for Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.
Chelsea have already informed Juve they will be back to try again for Nedved this month.
Chelsea to offer Atletico Madrid £22M for Torres
Tribal Football
Chelsea are ready to make a £22 million bid for Atletico Madrid whiz-kid Fernando Torres.
The People says Blues chief executive Peter Kenyon is ready to open talks aimed at making Torres the latest big-money statement of intent by the London billionaires. And Chelsea are confident of capturing Spain's hottest strike talent from under the noses of Atletico's bitter rivals Real Madrid.
If a deal can be pulled off it will be a hammer blow to rivals Manchester United, which have had two major offers for the Spanish international rejected since the end of last season.
Chelsea chief in Benfica talks over Tiago
Tribal Football
Chelsea chief Peter Kenyon held talks with Benfica on Saturday over midfielder Tiago. The young Portugal international is a top target for new Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, though is also attracting interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Benfica have put Tiago up for sale and are asking around £6.5 million for his transfer.
Sunday 04 July
Tottenham offer for Maresca
Yahoo! Italia Sport
Tottenham have faxed a €10million offer to Juventus for midfielder Enzo Maresca. Fabio Capello has not had much time with the player but Luciano Moggi has been considering various offers. Inter, Lazio and Aston Villa are also interested.
Di Vaio contract extension delayed
Yahoo! Italia Sport
Italy striker Marco Di Vaio's future at Juventus is uncertain. Juventus have started pre-season training, but talks for a contract extension has been pushed back to a later date. It is believed that the ex-Parma forward will be transferred to Inter as part-exchange for Christian Vieri.
Udinese set Jankulovski price
Football Italia
Clubs interested in signing Marek Jankulovski will have to pay out almost £7m to tempt him away from the Stadio Friuli. The Czech international attracted plenty of attention during his Euro 2004 campaign, particularly his impressive display in the 1-0 semi-final defeat to Greece.
Juventus have been tracking the versatile player for some time, but as yet no deal has been concluded, so a bidding war could break out. Premiership sides are also said to be interested, while there are also offers from Spain and Germany.
The Bianconeri remain his favoured destination, where he would join up with fellow countryman Pavel Nedved. It's believed Juve have offered £2.5m plus co-ownership of Matteo Brighi, but Udinese have requested £3m plus Messina fullback Alessandro Parisi.
Meanwhile, Jankulovski isn't the only Udinese player to have used Euro 2004 to entice foreign clubs into a move. Danish international Martin Jorgensen impressed enough to attract interest from Premiership outfits including Manchester City and Tottenham.
David Pizarro was not part of the European tournament, but it's well known he'll leave Udine this summer. After interest from Inter and Juventus waned, the Chilean playmaker has now been linked with Barcelona.
Saturday 03 July
Capello opens new Juve era
Football Italia
Juve's pre-season campaign has already begun with new Coach Fabio Capello meeting the squad for training this morning.
"I knew Juventus as a player many years ago," explained the former Roma boss. "Now I come back to find an ambitious club and it is our intention to return to the top of Italian and World football."
The Bianconeri's last campaign under Marcello Lippi was something of a disappointment with an early exit in the Champions' League, third place Serie A finish and defeat to Lazio in the Coppa Italia Final.
They have already drafted in new signings Giorgio Chiellini, an Under-21 international defender from Livorno, Olivier Kapo of Auxerre and ex-Roma man Jonathan Zebina, but more transfer activity is expected.
"We are still working hard on that front, and there is plenty of time to complete the deals we are interested in."
There was a general sense of surprise when Capello was unveiled as their new Coach, especially after the bitter rows between his Roma side and the Turin giants over the last few years, but Director General Luciano Moggi reveals, "Our meeting to discuss this move turned out to be love at first sight.
The Turin giants are forced to start their season earlier than usual due to the Champions' League preliminary round to be played in August.
Although the stars involved in Euro 2004 and the Copa America are set to arrive in the next few weeks, Capello has time to work with 17 first team members of the squad and seven youth players at the Salice Terme base.
The players getting to grips with this new era in the club's history are Antonio Chimenti, Alessandro Birindelli, Ciro Ferrara, Mark Iuliano, Nicola Legrottaglie, Gianluca Pessotto, Alessio Tacchinardi and Fabrizio Miccoli.
Others have returned from loan spells at other clubs this season, such as Matteo Brighi (Brescia), Davide Baiocco (Reggina), Manuele Blasi (Parma), Marcelo Zalayeta (Perugia), Marco Zanchi (Bologna) and Cristian Zenoni (Sampdoria).
Enzo Maresca is at the centre of transfer speculation suggesting he could be sold to any number of clubs around Europe, but he will only join up with Capello's training schedule on July 16 due to a muscular problem.
The man who has replaced Marcello Lippi at the helm of Italy's most successful club side will have precious little time to prepare for their first big test of the season - the Trofeo Tim tournament with Milan and Inter at the San Siro on July 27.
It is only a short pause from there to the Champions' League preliminary round on August 10 or 11, perhaps Capello's most crucial match of his first year in charge of Juventus.
Juventus make new offer for Inter Milan's Vieri
Tribal Football
Juventus are continuing talks behind the scenes with Inter Milan for centre-forward Christian Vieri. Despite comments from Juve director general Luciano Moggi this week that Vieri would not be moving to Turin, an offer has been tabled for the 31 year-old striker.
Juve have offered Marco Di Vaio and goalkeeper Fabian Carini in a straight exchange for Vieri. Inter are close to accepting offer, though talks over personal terms are continuing.
Vieri is demanding his £6 million Inter salary to be replicated at Juve, but so far Moggi has gone only as high as £4 million-a-year.
Roma chief blasts Juventus over Emerson
Tribal Football
AS Roma director general Franco Baldini has slammed Juventus over their proposed move for Emerson.
"Perhaps Juve has decided to conduct their campaign through the newspapers?" declared Baldini. "How they can say they're close to agreeing a deal for him is beyond me, its further away than ever as far as Roma are concerned.
"At the moment we have not received a true offer from them. There are no new developments and at the moment I do not know if there will be. I do not see a solution. Only Inter and Real have formulated concrete offers."
Tottenham on verge of landing Juventus defender Tudor
Tribal Football
Tottenham are on the verge of landing Juventus stopper Igor Tudor. The Sun says Tudor, 26, has been holding talks with new Spurs coach Jacques Santini this week. Santini believes the Croatia international could prove a flagship signing to attract other big names. A fee of around £3.5 million has been suggested for Tudor.
