Friday 30 July
Juventus track Ze Maria
Football Italia
Juventus have reportedly joined Inter in the chase to sign Jose Ze Maria from Perugia. Stories in Italy on Thursday indicate that Bianconeri Vice-president Roberto Bettega met with the player last night. Bettega allegedly arrived at Perugia's training base to make an initial enquiry for the Brazilian.
Juve boss Fabio Capello wants an attacking right-back and Ze Maria is a good and cheaper alternative to Lazio's Massimo Oddo.
Lazio's Cesar holds up Juventus move
Tribal Football
Juventus hopes of signing Lazio wing-back Cesar has hit a stumbling block. Lazio have agreed a fee with Lazio for the Brazilian international, but the player has so far baulked at agreeing to the move. Cesar has promised Roberto Mancini that he will follow him to Inter Milan.
Inter have held talks with Lazio over Cesar, but no firm offer has been made. The Milan giants are also considering Real Madrid wing-back Santiago Solari.
Thuram injury fears eased
Football Italia
Lilian Thuram has breathed a huge sigh of relief after tests revealed he can resume training on Friday. The Juve ace badly injured a shoulder during the Trofeo Tim on Tuesday and there were fears that he may have fractured a bone.
"I am in great pain," said the Frenchman after the 1-0 defeat to Inter. "I'm worried because I don't know how long I will be out for."
However, the stopper has undergone extensive tests that have ruled out any serious consequences of the clash with the Nerazzurri's Julio Cruz. Thuram has just badly bruised his shoulder and should be able to continue full training by the end of this week.
Meanwhile, Juventus are still being linked with two new defenders before the transfer market closes. The side struggled badly at the back last term and only Jonathan Zebina has arrived at the club so far. Reports insist that the Old Lady are still keen on Inter stopper Fabio Cannavaro and Massimo Oddo of Lazio.
Emerson content with Juve
Planet Football
New Juventus midfielder Emerson has spoken of his delight at having finally completed a move to the Turin giants. The talented Brazilian was reportedly a target for Real Madrid but he has now revealed that the Bianconeri were always his preferred choice.
"I will say in a player's life there are moments in which it is neccessary for change," Emerson told Gazzetta dello Sport. "With Roma I've given my best and I am happy with my choice. I chose Juve, so what is the problem?"
Emerson's move from Roma has been ill received in the capital but the industrious midfielder believes he has done nothing wrong in moving to the Old Lady.
"Roma have got what they wanted and I hope the transfer will help sort their balance," he continued. "I hope it can be understood that it isn't a murder passing from Roma to Juve. Football is a game. 'I'm looking forward to it - it is like starting a new life.
"I'm doing everything to be ready but the ball is still lacking. I hope to be useful for the Champions League preliminaries."
Emo sale satisfies Roma
Football Italia
Roma sporting director Franco Baldini is reasonably happy with what his club got out of the Emerson sale. The Brazilian finally joined Juventus this week after the Turin giants offered a reported £10m and Matteo Brighi.
"Who got the better deal? It depends on how you look at it but we got a good economical result," stated Baldini. "At the end of the day though, I have to say that the real winners are the player and his agent."
Although Brighi arrives at the Olimpico, there is a chance that the midfielder will be loaned to Chievo in order to land Simone Perrotta from the Verona outfit.
"We'll meet with the agent and the player to evaluate the situation," added the official. "We will be definitely offering Brighi a four-year contract."
Baldini was also questioned on the chances of signing Alberto Gilardino from Parma after the new injection of cash. "They are not considering his sale for now," he added. "Anyway, Juventus have never been after him even if Real Madrid are keen."
The transfer guru also rubbished rumours suggesting that Real had made an approach for Antonio Cassano. "In all the meetings we have had with Real, Cassano has never been mentioned," he noted. "They may take an interest in the future but we are already talking to his agent about a contract extension."
Thursday 29 July
Emerson joins Juve
Football Italia
Brazilian midfielder Emerson has finally left Roma and joined Juventus for an undisclosed fee. It is believed that the 28-year-old was sold for a figure between £8m and £10m plus Matteo Brighi. The former Parma midfielder, however, is yet to agree terms with the capital side.
Emerson had reached an agreement with the Bianconeri some time ago but the two clubs had seemingly reached a stalemate with Real Madrid ready to pounce for the former Bayer Leverkusen man.
However, after a meeting yesterday with Juve's Technical Director Luciano Moggi, Roma's Franco Baldlini, revealed that the transfer had been completed.
"The deal was finally done on Tuesday," confirmed the Sporting Director. "There are only a few details that need to be ironed out and then both teams give the official confirmation of Emerson's transfer to Juventus."
This deal could open the door for Roma to buy Alberto Gilardino. The capital club now have the money to offer Parma for the Italian Under-21 striker.
Capello delighted to have Emerson at Juventus
Tribal Football
Juventus coach Fabio Capello says he is delighted that an agreement for AS Roma midfielder Emerson has finally been struck. The Brazilian international's move to Turin was confirmed by Juve officials yesterday and Capello admitted his arrival was a crucial part of his planning for the new season.
"I am very pleased that Emerson is joining us," said Capello. "It's taken a long time. It's been almost a saga. But I'm very pleased with the happy ending. I must admit I have been counting on his arrival. His addition is very important for this new team we are building at Juventus."
Asked about other possible signings, Capello added, "Who will sign, will sign. I am determined to build a strong squad and I have faith in everyone at the club to bring in the players to achieve our targets this season."
Juventus focus on Inter Milan pair
Tribal Football
Juventus chief Luciano Moggi is ready to launch a major assault for Inter Milan pair Christian Vieri and Fabio Cannavaro. Both players have been requested by new trainer Fabio Capello and after weeks of on-off negotiations, Moggi is now prepared to talk seriously with Inter about the duo.
With a deal for AS Roma midfielder Emerson now virtually completed, Moggi will focus all attention on Cannavaro and Vieri. Both players are keen on the move to Juve and have expressed publicly their ambition to move to Turin.
Moggi has set Inter an August 5 deadline to agree to the double transfer as that's when the preliminary Champions League squad lists need to be registered.
Juventus prepared to accept Lazio demands for Cesar
Tribal Football
Juventus held more talks with Lazio yesterday over wing-back Cesar. Juve director general Luciano Moggi is confident of a deal after accepting Lazio's demands for the Brazilian. Lazio want £3.5 million plus the season-long loan of a defender - either Mark Iuliano or Igor Tudor.
Moggi has already discussed the offer with coach Fabio Capello, who isn't counting on either Iuliano or Tudor for the new season and has given the transfer the green light.
Juventus go cold on Arsenal's Wiltord
Tribal Football
Juventus coach Fabio Capello has gone cold on signing out-of-contract Arsenal striker Sylvain Wiltord. Wiltord is currently training at Rennes to keep fit and has resisted offers from Manchester City and Tottenham as he waits on a concrete offer from Juve.
But Juve coach Capello is now reconsidering his push for Wiltord as he doesn't believe the Frenchman can offer his team anything different to what he already has.
Inter win Tim Cup
Football Italia
Roberto Mancini's new-look Inter side won the annual Tim Cup, beating probable Scudetto rivals Milan and Juventus in the process.
After beating the Bianconeri 1-0, thanks to a goal from Nigerian youngster Obafemi Martins, the Nerazzurri faced their city rivals in the Final after Milan beat Juventus 2-0. Massimo Ambrosini gave the Rossoneri an early lead against Fabio Capello's men before the young forward Pozzi doubled their lead.
The final between the Milan sides ended in a stalemate with Inter perhaps shading the play. Mancini's side looked determined to put on a good show for their fans and the likes of Esteban Cambiasso, Dejan Stankovic and Andy Van der Meyde looked impressive.
It was evident that this was a preseason tournament as the pace of the game soon started to slow down, with penalties the eventual outcome. Milan's Vikash Dhorasoo missed his spot-kick to give Inter the first derby win of the season.
"Obviously we can't be 100 percent at this stage of the season," insisted Mancini after the tournament. "But I am happy with how we played and how we passed the ball. It was a good test."
Juve Coach Fabio Capello, meanwhile, seems confident despite the two defeats. "I received yet another confirmation that I have a very competitive squad," insisted the former Roma boss. "Today I preferred to play everyone, but I am looking forward with optimism. Especially given that Emerson will soon be arriving."
Carlo Ancelotti was also pleased with his team's performance: "We weren't as advanced with our preparation as Juventus and Milan, but we played well in the first game and looked tired in the second. Now we must prepare well so we start the season in the best condition possible."
Wednesday 28 July
Juventus closer to Roma agreement for Emerson
Tribal Football
Juventus chiefs are confident they are close to finding an agreement with AS Roma over midfielder Emerson. The controversial deal could be set for a happy ending, with Juve prepared to orchestrate a complicated transfer involving four clubs and three players.
Roma have asked Juve to assist them in their pursuit of Chievo Verona midfielder Simone Perrotta. Juve are set to allow Manuele Brighi to move to Chievo on-loan in order to free up Perrotta to join Roma on a permanent deal.
With midfielder Perrotta secured, Roma will then give the green light for Emerson to finally complete his protracted switch to Juve.
Lippi builds enthusiasm
Football Italia
New Italy Coach Marcello Lippi is continuing his tour of all Italian clubs today, visiting the San Siro and Roberto Mancini's Inter. Lippi believes that it is important at this stage to go round and visit all the protagonists of Italian football.
"During the summer it's possible to go and see all the preseason games and chat with a few of my colleagues and the footballers in a more relaxed environment," insists Lippi. "Especially for those players who have struggled recently and need to feel some support and enthusiasm.
"However, I am talking to all the Italian footballers and not just those who have played for Italy in recent games," continued the tactician. "It is important to talk and keep alive the dream that these boys have of playing for Italy. A dream that could still be realized."
Thuram quits France
Football Italia
Juve's French defender Lilian Thuram has quit international football. The 32-year-old announced his decision to quit Les Bleus in an interview with respected French football paper L'Equipe.
"I have been thinking about retiring for some time," insists Thuram. "After the disappointment of the World Cup in 2002 I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue. But Jaques Santini told me not to be too hasty. But now, after Portugal, I won't play for France again. I will concentrate solely on Juventus now."
Thuram, under contract with Juventus until 2006, made 103 appearances for France, winning the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, beating Italy in the Final.
Barcelona's Saviola will consider offers
Tribal Football
Javier Saviola insists he will only leave Barcelona if asked to go by president Joan Laporta. The Argentine is in the middle of a contract row with Barca and has received approaches from Newcastle United, Olympique Marseille, AS Monaco and Atletico Madrid since the end of last season.
But he insisted yesterday: "I will only leave Barcelona when the day arrives in which president Laporta says to me, 'you must go', but if not, I will stay calm about my future with the club. So far I am only thinking of Barcelona. Though, it is important to consider other offers."
Fiorentina bid for Liverpool target Coloccini
Tribal Football
Fiorentina have made an offer for AC Milan defender Fabricio Coloccini.
The Argentina international has already attracted a £3 million bid from Liverpool and has declared a desire to move to Anfield. However, Fiorentina president Diego Della Valle has tabled a £1.75 million bid for 50 per cent of Coloccini's registration, which would see him play in Florence this season.
Milan are seriously considering Fiorentina's offer as they're reluctant to lose Coloccini after his excellent Copa America.
Tuesday 27 July
Wiltord resists Man City for Juventus chance
Tribal Football
Arsenal striker Sylvain Wiltord has his heart set on a move to Juventus. Negotiations over a Bosman move to Turin have stalled for the French international as Juve concentrate on trying to broker a deal with AS Roma for midfielder Emerson.
Wiltord has resisted offers from Tottenham and Manchester City so far this summer to keep himself available for Juve, which have already held talks with the player's agent.
Juve director general Luciano Moggi is confident Wiltord will wait for them, with a deal not needing to be rubberstamped until August 5 in time to register the striker for this season's Champions League.
Atalanta asks for Baiocco or Brighi
Yahoo! Italia Sport
After securing the services of Demetrio Albertini, Atalanta manager Mandorlini is now looking to strengthen his midfield further in order to compete in Serie A. Juventus' Davide Baiocco is top on his list as he is of the right age and experience, but will also take Matteo Brighi, depending on Juve's plans for them.
Messina is also interested in Baiocco, but negotiations have stalled.
Lazio want Miccoli in Cesar deal
Yahoo! Italia Sport
New Lazio owners Lotito are interested in Juventus' Italy forward Fabrizio Miccoli and Real Madrid youngster Javier Portillo. Although the biancocelesti have yet to name a manager but have started negotiations for the strikers.
Miccoli could arrive on a season's loan as part of the deal which would see Cesar move to the Juve for 7.5million, while Portillo may also move to Lazio on a season's loan as he has been unable to break into Real Madrid's first team for the past two seasons.
Rangers winger Burke scouted by Juventus
Tribal Football
Juventus scout and former Celtic defender Enrico Annoni has recommended Rangers winger Chris Burke to the Turin giants. Burke, 20, caught Annoni's eye against AS Roma last week and the Italian told the Sunday Herald: "Burke is very quick and has good technique.
"This is the first time I have seen him play but he played very well. He's got a good chance to be playing for Scotland ... he's 'no bad', as they say in Scotland. Last year Juventus were looking to sign big players, not young ones. They wanted experience. Maybe now there will be a change of mentality."
Lippi reveals Azzurri plans
Football Italia
New Italy boss Marcello Lippi will turn to youth in a bid to qualify for the 2006 World Cup Finals. "Four or five of the Under-21 side that are off to the Olympics next month will be integrated," he told 'Radio Radio'.
Although Lippi didn't mention any names, the likes of Alberto Gilardino and Daniele Bonera are likely to be promoted to the Azzurri set-up.
Lippi, who replaced Giovanni Trapattoni after the Euro 2004 disaster, will begin his international career against Iceland in an August friendly. "Who will play? It is too early to say as I've only just begun the job," he added. "I'll decide over the next few weeks."
The tactician also reassured the Valencia trio of Bernardo Corradi, Stefano Fiore and Marco Di Vaio that they would not be forgotten. "I will keep a close eye on the Italians abroad," he confirmed. "There is no difference in getting on a plane in Valencia than in Turin."
The former Juventus boss is also confident that the side's struggles in Portugal this summer wouldn't affect their World Cup qualification campaign. "I really don't think that the Italian players feel inferior to anybody and they will be hungry to pick themselves up," he explained.
Many in the peninsula believe that the new Italy is set to be inspired by Francesco Totti and Antonio Cassano. "The national team belongs to everybody and not just these two Roma players," he concluded.
Monday 26 July
Roma lower Emo price?
Football Italia
There could be some developments in the Emerson transfer saga on Tuesday with Roma and Juventus set to resume talks. Turin transfer chief Luciano Moggi is expected to meet Roma sporting director Franco Baldini in a bid to resolve the situation.
The midfielder has agreed to join the Stadio Delle Alpi outfit but the Giallorossi have yet to accept a Juve bid. The capital side originally asked for £13m but whispers in the peninsula claim that they will now lower that figure to £10m.
It remains to be seen whether Juventus will meet that valuation or play a waiting game - in the hope that the price comes down further over the next few weeks.
However, there is the possibility that Roma could now accept a cash plus player - in the shape of Matteo Brighi - offer. The Giallorossi are short of midfielders given that Damiano Tommasi is set to miss most of the season following knee ligament damage.
Brighi doesn't seem to feature in Fabio Capello's Juve plans and the Stadio Olimpico could be his next destination. Capital boss Cesare Prandelli knows the Under-21 international well after having coached him at Parma in the past.
Juventus move for Argie star Mascherano
Tribal Football
Juventus have been linked with River Plate midfielder Javier Mascherano. The 19 year-old has been likened to Fernando Redondo and it was said last night on Argentine TV that River had accepted an offer from Juve for the midfielder.
Mascherano's representatives have already begun the process of finding the youngster an EU passport, courtesy of his Italian grandfather.
Zalayeta unsure of Juventus future
Tribal Football
Marcelo Zalayeta admits he still doesn't know if he will start the season with Juventus. Uruguay international Zalayeta struck the winner in Juve's 1-0 victory over PSG at the weekend, but admitted: "At the moment, I don't know what I will be doing.
"Ideally, I'd like to stay and work with Capello. But it may not be up to me."
Bolton linked with Juventus defender Iuliano
Tribal Football
Bolton Wanderers are being linked with Juventus stopper Mark Iuliano. The Italy international has been made available by Juve following the arrival of new coach Fabio Capello.
Last week Iuliano declared he was happy in Turin, but would be interested in a move to the Premiership. Bolton boss Sam Allardyce is believed to be keen on Iuliano following an injury setback suffered by Florent Laville.
Parma chief Baraldi: We will keep Gilardino
Tribal Football
Parma director general Luca Baraldi is confident they can hold onto striker Alberto Gilardino. "We're confident that Gilardino will stay here this season," said Baraldi last night. "We're delighted that many clubs are interested in our forward.
"But I repeat, our firm intention is to hold onto the boy. It would be best for all, for us and the player's development, that he remains here this season."
Liverpool offer AC Milan £3M for Coloccini
Tribal Football
Liverpool have made an offer for AC Milan centre-half Fabricio Coloccini. The Argentina international declared last week that he wanted to move to Anfield this season. The News of the World says Liverpool have offered £3 million for Coloccini, who has spent the last two seasons on-loan at Villarreal and Atletico Madrid.
Sunday 25 July
Juve pass French test
Football Italia
Fabio Capello's Juventus seem to be moving in the right direction after a 1-0 win over Paris SG. Uruguayan striker Marcelo Zalayeta scored the only goal on 20 minutes after some fine work on the left by Gianluca Zambrotta.
"I'm very happy with what we did against a side that is further forward in their preparation than we are," stated Capello. "We played with great personality by giving very little away to our opponents but creating chances for ourselves.
"It was a strong display from us in both physical and tactical terms. Obviously I can only judge my squad once all my players are in form but the progress is leaving me satisfied."
The defence looked particularly strong with Nicola Legrottaglie and Jonathan Zebina doing well. Fabrizio Miccoli was also very dangerous in attack. There was no Enzo Maresca in Paris after he was sold to Fiorentina. But Capello didn't take kindly to any transfer questions.
"I don't occupy myself with the transfer market," he responded. "We've planned for a specific side and we'll hopefully get that."
Maresca joins Fiorentina
Football Italia
Fiorentina have, as expected, officially announced the signing of Enzo Maresca from Juventus. The 24-year-old wasn't a part of Fabio Capello's plans in Turin and has been allowed to leave.
Maresca, who has signed until 2008 with the Tuscan side, has joined the club in a co-ownership deal. The cost of the move hasn't been announced but it is believed that Juve have netted around £1.5m for the midfielder.
Juve want Baiocco out
Football Italia
Davide Baiocco has admitted that he has no future at the Stadio Delle Alpi with Italian giants Juventus. "I still have two years left on my contract but the club have told me that I am not part of their plans," he revealed.
The midfielder was signed in the summer of 2002 from Perugia but he hasn't really delivered. He spent last season on loan with Reggina and has been strongly linked with a move to newly promoted Messina.
"I've haven't rejected a switch to Messina, I'm just evaluating the offers," he wanted to underline. "I believe that I have a right to do that as a player. I need to have a look at what is on offer with great attention."
However, the 28-year-old has admitted that he could still end up at the Sicilian club next season. "I played at Reggio Calabria and I understand the passion of the south. I'd like to play at Messina but we'll see what happens," he concluded.
AC Milan ask Parma for info on Gilardino
Tribal Football
AC Milan have approached Parma for information on striker Alberto Gilardino. An injury to Pippo Inzaghi has forced Milan back into the market for a new striker and the Italian champs made a formal enquiry yesterday about Gilardino's situation.
No bid was mentioned, but Parma is now aware that three clubs, Milan, Juventus and AS Roma, are all circling to sign the Italy U21 ace.
Saturday 24 July
Juve lead Cesar race
Football Italia
Inter may be beaten to the signature of Aparecido Rodriguez Cesar by Scudetto rivals Juventus. The Lazio player is a known target for the Nerazzurri but the Turin giants have made a significant move. Reports on Saturday claim that the Bianconeri have made the capital club an offer for the Brazilian and teammate Massimo Oddo.
Administrator Antonio Giraudo met with new Lazio chief Claudio Lotito on Friday to discuss the switch. Juve are ready to offer £6m plus the loan signings of either Matteo Brighi, Giorgio Chiellini or Ruben Olivera for the two internationals.
The cash-strapped Biancocelesti could accept those conditions even if they are set to wait for Inter's counter offer. Boss Roberto Mancini has insisted that he wants Cesar at his disposal next season and Inter are ready to offer £5.5m for the South American.
The Turin giants have turned their attention to the 29-year-old given their difficulties in signing Marek Jankulovski of Udinese. Cesar is liked by new Juve boss Fabio Capello, who already wanted him in his Roma squad last summer.
Juve confident over Emo
Football Italia
Juventus have said that they could be just days away from finally signing Roma ace Emerson. The Brazilian has promised himself to the Bianconeri but no transfer fee has been agreed between the two clubs.
"Emerson is a player that we are very interested in but common sense needs to be used," stated administrator Antonio Giraudo. "Franco Baldini, Roma's sporting director, is an intelligent person which leaves me optimistic that we can finalise a deal in the next few days. That is my hope anyway."
The Old Lady of Italian football have offered around £7.5m, while Roma want £13m or £10m plus Manuele Blasi. Meanwhile, Giraudo was also asked to reveal whether any other players would arrive with Emerson.
"Only if the right conditions are in place, I'm obviously talking about the financial aspect," responded the official. "We are not a club that buys for the sake of buying. We'll have to consider whether any investment is compatible and useful.
"Juventus will only buy players that we need and individuals who have the ability to make a difference." They are reportedly interested in Parma striker Alberto Gilardino, Udinese's Marek Jankulovski and Massimo Oddo of Lazio.
Roma's Emerson: Juventus will wait for me
Tribal Football
AS Roma midfielder Emerson is holding out for a move to Juventus. While a £12 million offer remains on the table from Real Madrid, Emerson said yesterday: "Real Madrid has tried for me. It's absurd to consider my transfer at £12 million.
"Before that Juve was ahead, Sensi asked for £10 million, then he has put the Giallorossi fans against me. I won't return to Roma. I can wait until August 31. Moggi and Capello have guaranteed they will sign me."
Gilardino snubs Parma
Football Italia
The Alberto Gilardino saga has taken another twist after the Parma ace rejected a contract extension. The striker and his agent met with officials Luca Baraldi and Lorenzo Minotti on Thursday but no agreement was reached.
The Tardini outfit are believed to have offered him a new deal until 2007 worth £1.5m a season. Yet the youngster and his representatives are understood to have snubbed the proposal for now.
Talks are set to continue but the Italian media are convinced that he will end up at Juventus by the end of the summer. The striker, who netted 23 goals last season, is a known target for the Bianconeri - especially after the departure of Marco Di Vaio.
"He is an excellent player and a good investment for the future," stated Juve director general Luciano Moggi. "Yet Parma maintain that he is not for sale and we have no choice but to believe them."
Gilardino would certainly welcome a move to Turin, even if he is also keen on a switch to Roma after former Parma boss Cesare Prandelli moved there over the summer. However, if an auction was to take place then Juventus would undoubtedly be in pole position to net him.
And star striker David Trezeguet, who yesterday extended his Juve contract until 2008, would have no problem with his arrival. "Any forward would fit in well alongside him," said the Frenchman. "I would be delighted if he joined us."
Juventus baulk at contract demands of Arsenal's Campbell
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi has been disappointed at the wage demands of Arsenal defender Sol Campbell. The Italian giants are keen to sign the England international, who is now inside the final year of his contract.
Juve are prepared to include players in a deal worth around £12 million, but the Daily Star says nothing will be pushed through until Campbell lowers his £100,000-a-week wage demands.
