Friday 06 August
Agents confirm Chelsea's Mutu on way to Juventus
Tribal Football
The agents of Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu have confirmed he is to sign for Juventus today. Gica Popescu told Reuters yesterday: "Today Mutu will leave London and will arrive in Italy. Tomorrow he will sign a contract with Juventus."
Fellow agent, Ioan Becali, also confirmed that Mutu will play the season on-loan with Juve, which has the option of making the deal permanent next summer. "Fiorentina were also interested in Adrian, but his will was to play for Juventus," added Becali.
Confusion surrounds Mutu
Football Italia
Statements from Chelsea and Adrian Mutu's representatives are contradictory as his move to Juventus hangs in the balance. "Mutu left London on Thursday for Italy and he'll sign a deal with Juventus on Friday," his agent Gica Popescu told a news agency.
This was added to his other representatives Andrea Pretti and Ioan Becali informing newspapers that a loan switch, with an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season, was ready for completion.
"Roman Abramovich had stopped the move," explained Pretti, "but Jose Mourinho intervened to ensure the talks got started again. We'll file down the details tonight and sign on Friday."
However, on Thursday evening Chelsea FC issued a statement assuring that no such action had been taken.
"Contrary to certain reports in the media," said the official Stamford Bridge side website, "Chelsea has not agreed a deal with Juventus regarding Adrian Mutu, and unless we do or if we don't, he remains a Chelsea player."
The Italian press is nonetheless convinced that Mutu will be wearing the Bianconeri jersey by the weekend. It's claimed the 25-year-old will arrive on loan, with Chelsea still paying 30 per cent of his wages.
Juve to take Mutu today?
Football Italia
Some Italian newspapers, and his agent, claim that Adrian Mutu could sign for Juventus as early as this afternoon. Romanian reports suggest representative Ioan Becali has revealed a deal has been struck for a one-year loan to the Turin giants.
"Juventus and Fiorentina have expressed an interest in the player," explained his other agent Andrea Pretti in an earlier interview. "What we need to understand now is the approach Chelsea are taking to Mutu's situation."
The 25-year-old former Parma and Verona star had a sparkling start to his Premiership career, but injuries and personality clashes saw him drop down the pecking order. The arrival of new buys Mateja Kezman and Didier Drogba now seems set to push him back towards Serie A.
"However," pointed out Pretti, "if we look at all the top clubs going into the Champions' League, they tend to have four world class strikers on their books. This is why I'm not sure Chelsea would want to give away Mutu."
Nonetheless, his rapport with new Coach Jose Mourinho is said to be difficult, while Juventus are putting the pressure on to have Mutu replace Valencia-bound Marco Di Vaio. Italian newspapers claim that a deal could be struck as early as this afternoon.
Fiorentina are also showing a great deal of interest in the player, but are unlikely to splash out after signing Chilean creative midfielder Jaime Valdes from Bari and taking Real Madrid's Javier Portillo on loan.
The Corriere dello Sport suggests that the Bianconeri will take Mutu on loan with an option to buy half his contract at the end of the season for £7m, while the Gazzetta insists they will snap him up in a co-ownership deal immediately for £8m.
"Considering that Roman Abramovich's side spent £16m on Mutu," added his agent, "I think the only likely solution would be to loan him out with the right to buy at the end of the season."
This is not the only option for Juventus, as Zlatan Ibrahimovic has reportedly rejected the opportunity to extend his contract with Ajax. As his current deal expires in 2006, the Dutch giants might be willing to sell him now in order to still make a profit.
However, it is more likely that the Swedish international - who scored a stunning goal against Italy in Euro 2004 - will stay on in Amsterdam for another year.
Italian giants go for Ljungberg
Football Italia
Juventus and Inter could solve their winger worries by making a bid for unsettled Arsenal star Freddie Ljungberg. The Swede has reportedly told Gunners chiefs that he no longer wishes to be a part of the team and his future would appear to be in the Peninsula.
Both Juve and Inter have been long-term admirers of the international and his services would be of great use to them at this moment in time.
As the Bianconeri and Nerazzurri are battling on the transfer market for a left-sided winger - both Cesar of Lazio and Udinese's Marek Jankulovski are targets - they also look set to clash for the 27-year-old.
Arsenal have placed a £15m price tag on Ljungberg's head, but that figure could drop considerably if he makes his preference clear.
Juventus would appear to be in the lead, as they had already shown interest in the player over the last couple of campaigns. Also, Inter are far more likely to stick with their bid for Roberto Mancini's Lazio favourite Cesar.
The Bianconeri's push for Ljungberg would also affect another Premiership side, as this leaves the path free for Tottenham to pursue Czech international Jankulovski.
Bayern Munich welcome Juventus interest for Kuffour
Tribal Football
Juventus are eyeing Bayern Munich defender Sammy Kuffour. Juve coach Fabio Capello is determined to land an experienced centre-half after missing out on Arsenal's Sol Campbell and finding negotiations with Parma for Daniele Bonera difficult.
Bayern are prepared to listen to offers for the charismatic Ghanaian following the arrival of Lucio from Bayer Leverkusen. The German giants are asking a knockdown £2.5 million for Kuffour.
Inter and Juve unveil Champs squads
Football Italia
The deadline for the Champions' League preliminary round squads has passed, so we bring you the players who are eligible for Inter and Juventus. The Nerazzurri will take on Swiss outfit Basel in order to earn their place in the competition proper, while the Turin giants face Swedes Djurgardens.
Obafemi Martins is not included in this squad list because, born after Jan 1 1983, he can be placed in their rota of youngsters. Milan and Roma do not need to hand over their teams until September 1, as they are not taking part in the preliminary round.
Juventus Champions' League squad:
1. Gianluigi Buffon 2. Ciro Ferrara 3. Alessio Tacchinardi 4. Paolo Montero 5. Igor Tudor 6. Nicola Legrottaglie 7. Gianluca Pessotto 8. Emerson Ferreira Da Rosa 9. Fabrizio Miccoli 10. Alessandro Del Piero 11. Pavel Nedved 12. Antonio Chimenti 13. Mark Iuliano 14. Giorgio Chiellini 15. Alessandro Birindelli 16. Mauro Camoranesi 17. David Trezeguet 18. Stephen Appiah 19. Gianluca Zambrotta 20. Manuele Blasi 21. Lilian Thuram 23. Obou Narcisse Olivier Kapo 24. Ruben Olivera 25. Marcelo Zalayeta 27. Jonathan Zebina
Buffon ready for Djurgarden
Football Italia
Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is already looking forward to their Champions' League tie with Swedish side Djurgarden.
"We are ready," insisted the Bianconeri No 1. "Once again it is Italy v Sweden. But let's not talk about any sort of revenge for Euro 2004. The Champions' League is our primary objective. First we must get through the preliminaries and then worry about the likes of Real Madrid and Milan."
Buffon went on to underline the importance of Emerson - the Bianconeri's latest arrival. "He is one of those players who, when you pass him the ball, you can be sure he won't lose it. He will surely help us rediscover our self-belief and give us a mental toughness that was missing last season."
Some more good news for Fabio Capello is the fact that Pavel Nedved returned to training for the first time on Thrsday since picking up his knee injury against Greece in the Euro 2004 semi-final.
Lippi signs Italy contract
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi has finally signed his contract with the Italian Football Federation, making him officially the Azzurri Coach. "The contract was never in doubt," insisted Lippi. "The only thing was to find a solution to a few problems so that nobody's professionalism was ever in doubt."
The contract signed today by Lippi will reportedly earn the Viareggio born Coach £700,000-a-season for two years.
Thursday 05 August
Del Piero trusts in Juve progress
Football Italia
Juventus picked up a morale-boosting friendly win last night and Alessandro Del Piero insists they are on their way to becoming a great squad.
"It is always nice to lift a trophy, especially a prestigious one like the Trofeo Moretti," insisted the captain after their wins over Inter and Palermo.
"Of course, this new Juve side is still a work in progress, but the signs are encouraging and we are certainly not lacking motivation. After all, we have just welcomed an important player like Emerson, although he has already shown in a couple of games that he is in excellent condition."
The ex-Roma midfielder finally put pen to paper after months of legal wrangling with his former club and was impressive in the tournament game against Inter on Tuesday evening.
However, that was their first win - and first goal - after three consecutive friendly defeats against Fenerbahce, Inter and Milan. With just a week to go before the crucial Champions' League preliminary round ties, there is much work to do for Fabio Capello.
"We are improving every day," assured Del Piero, "and I expect that we will be confident of victory going into the match on August 10."
Juventus will discover the name of their opponent this evening, after the clash between Kaunas and Djurgarden.
Djurgardens book Juve date
Football Italia
Juventus now know that they will take on Djurgardens in next week's Champions' League preliminary round tie. The Bianconeri were forced to wait on the news until after tonight's encounter that saw the Swedes grab a 2-0 win away to Kaunas.
Fabio Capello's side will open their European challenge on August 10, a crucial match in deciding the shape of this campaign.
Inter will take on Swiss outfit Basel in their preliminary round match, but the squad is beset by problems ahead of the first leg trip across the Alps on August 11. Sinisa Mihajlovic is suspended, while Obafemi Martins is out of action with a knee injury and Christian Vieri is also doubtful through fitness worries.
Tragedy also struck the Nerazzurri today, as Adriano has flown out to Brazil following the sudden death of his father Almair Leite Ribeiro at the age of 44.
Juventus, Inter Milan tracking Uruguay duo
Tribal Football
Juventus and Inter Milan are chasing Uruguay's Copa America stars Carlos Diogo and Fabian Estoyanoff. Both players hold European passports and caught the eye of Juve and Inter scouts at last month's Copa America.
River Plate striker Diogo and Penarol defender Estoyanoff will both be tracked by Juve and Inter in the coming months leading up to the winter market.
Arsenal's Ljungberg ready to listen to Juventus, Inter Milan
Tribal Football
Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg is seriously considering leaving Highbury before the start of the season. Juventus, Inter Milan and AS Roma are all queuing to speak with the Swede, who almost quit the Gunners last summer before being talked round by manager Arsene Wenger.
The Sun says Ljungberg feels he has gone as far as he can in an Arsenal shirt and is ready to follow captain Patrick Vieira and quit the Londoners for a move to the continent.
Azzurri stable in FIFA rankings
Football Italia
Italy stay put in ninth place for FIFA's World rankings this month, as Brazil consolidate their lead. The Azzurri have not played since the end of Euro 2004 and therefore remain stable on the fringes of the top ten.
Despite Argentina's defeat on penalties to Brazil in the Copa America Final, they leap seven places into fourth spot with 774 points, pushing out Pavel Nedved's Czech Republic. Surprisingly, Euro 2004 Champions Greece are only considered to be the 14th best team in the world.
Marcello Lippi will have the opportunity to improve Italy's standing when he makes his international friendly debut against Iceland on Aug 18.
Wednesday 04 August
Juve take trophy as Inter slide
Football Italia
Juventus have won the Trofeo Moretti, but Inter crashed to defeat against both the Bianconeri and Palermo.
Inter, Juventus and newly promoted Palermo faced off at Bari's Stadio San Nicola for the Trofeo Moretti on Tuesday evening. The tournament was decided with three mini-games lasting 45 minutes each and kicked off with the Derby d'Italia.
Juve and Inter had already faced off last week for the Trofeo Tim, with the Nerazzurri emerging with a 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from Obafemi Martins, but Emerson was now in the starting eleven.
Alessandro Del Piero and Adriano went close with free kicks, but it was Juve that drew first blood after nine minutes when David Trezeguet was left completely unmarked to nod in Gianluca Zambrotta's cross.
Marco Materazzi's looping header caused danger and soon after Juventus were left in ten men. Mauro Camoranesi had already been booked and attempted to punch a Del Piero free kick into the net, so he saw red for this silly gesture.
It was a fiery match that saw several yellow cards and some crunching tackles. Although the Nerazzurri piled on the pressure, they were unable to bring any real saves out of Gianluigi Buffon.
Losers Inter went on to face Palermo next with the inclusion of new signings Edgar Davids and Ze Maria. Yet it was the Sicilians who had the first chance when Francesco Toldo flew to fingertip out Luca Toni's glancing header and perform a fine save on Eugenio Corini's free kick.
Nicola Ventola, Fabio Grosso and Franco Brienza all clipped the woodwork before Palermo's Stefano Morrone swept his finish into the top corner on the half-hour mark.
Brienza nearly doubled their lead soon after when he charged through the centre and was bravely blocked by substitute goalkeeper Alberto Fontana.
Ianis Zicu and Ze Maria had good chances saved, but it was Palermo who doubled their lead when Francesco Coco was easily dispossessed for Luca Toni's tap-in.
Inter struck back within 30 seconds of the restart through Ventola's fierce angled drive, but it was too late to save them from a second consecutive defeat and last place in the Trofeo Moretti tournament.
The decider was between Juventus and Palermo with Fabrizio Miccoli's early chip just off target, then his crosses were glanced wide by Marcelo Zalayeta and Ciro Ferrara. The Rosanero also went close when Antonio Chimenti performed crucial saves on Farias and a spectacular long-range Emanuele Filippini effort.
There was panic in the Bianconeri box as Chimenti closed down Farias before Cristian Zaccardo's follow-up was cleared off the line.
The game went to a shoot-out - players start from 20 metres up the field and have six seconds to run towards goal and shoot in a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Ferri missed, Baiocco's was saved, Filippini fired a chip over the bar, Olivera and Farias scored, as did Miccoli with a spectacular lob that ensured Juve lift the Trofeo Moretti.
Nedved hangs up Czech boots
Football Italia
Pavel Nedved has won the Golden Foot 2004 award and announced his international retirement in a bid to conquer the Champions' League.
"You never get tired of winning awards," smiled the 31-year-old Czech, "but I am now missing just the one trophy, the one I care the most about: the Champions' League."
It is with this in mind that Nedved confirmed his international retirement after a heartbreaking injury during the semi-final of the European Championships.
"I have already spoken to Coach Brueckner about this and will make it official within the next month. It isn't right that I should injure myself with the Czech Republic when Juve are the ones paying my wages. I must give my all for the Bianconeri now and cannot wait to recover from this setback."
That knee injury will rule him out of the Champions' League preliminary round ties in late August against either Djurgarden or Kaunas.
The Juventus star has lifted the Balon d'Or among a list of prizes following his fine campaign at the Stadio Delle Alpi and Euro 2004 semi-finalist run with the Czech Republic.
He has now earned a place in the Champions' Promenade, a football version of the path in front of Hollywood's Mann's Chinese Theater where players sign their names and make a cast of their foot in the concrete.
The Hall of Fame also inducted Michel Platini, Alfredo Di Stefano and Dino Zoff during last night's ceremony in the Principality.
Fans voted for their player of the year on the Internet and Nedved beat other nominees Ronaldo, David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, Paolo Maldini, Hernan Crespo, Oliver Kahn, Romario and Edgar Davids.
Nedved: I'm focusing everything on Juventus success
Tribal Football
Pavel Nedved has declared he will focus everything on helping Juventus win the Champions League this season. The Czech Republic midfield ace told Gazzetta dello Sport: "I will give everything to Juventus, I will not play anymore internationals.
"To be considered alongside legends like Zoff, Di Stefano and Platini is a dream. I want to win the Champions League."
Juve move in for Mutu
Football Italia
The Bianconeri's continuing problems in attack are pushing them towards a bid for Adrian Mutu, although Fiorentina also want the troubled striker.
Juventus suffered their third consecutive friendly defeat on Sunday night, losing 2-0 to Turkish outfit Fenerbahce, and have been unable to score in any of these games.
The sale of Marco Di Vaio to Valencia has left them short on options in attack, so the club is launching a new bid for Mutu.
The Romanian had already been heavily linked with them last summer, but Chelsea pounced first with a £15.8m cash offer that Parma could not refuse.
His time at Stamford Bridge has not been easy, with a bright start ruined by injury and reported personality clashes with teammates and staff. He wasn't even on the bench for the 3-0 victory over Roma last week, fuelling claims Mutu will move on this summer.
If Juve are only willing to take on the former Verona star in a loan deal, paying for his £3m a season wages, then they face competition for his signature from Fiorentina.
The newly promoted Viola are main players on the transfer market with the arrival of such star names as Czech international defender Thomas Ujfalusi, Parma's Hidetoshi Nakata and Juve's own midfielder Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea have shown that they are more than willing to loan out their players to Serie A clubs, as Milan and Inter have already taken on Hernan Crespo and Juan Sebastian Veron respectively with this arrangement.
Juventus are still showing a marked interest in Parma hitman Alberto Gilardino, but it's claimed that Mutu's ability to drift out wide would suit Fabio Capello's tactics even more.
Tuesday 03 August
Juve struggle in Turkey
Football Italia
Fabio Capello's Juventus have lost their third consecutive pre-season friendly after crashing 2-0 to Fenerbahce on Sunday night. The Bianconeri went down to a Pierre Van Hooijdonk brace in Turkey after Alex Del Piero contrived to miss a penalty.
It is the third game in which Juventus have failed to score and it is a worrying sign for Capello, whose team must play their Champions' League preliminary against Djurgarden or Kaunas in less than two weeks.
Del Piero did score in the 20th minute when he converted his penalty, but the referee forced the Bianconeri captain to retake the spot-kick after Juve players had prematurely entered the area. Unfortunately for Pinturicchio, Volkan saved his second attempt.
The game finished 2-0 after Van Hooijdonk's double strike in the second half. The first came from a deflected freekick, while the second was a penalty after Paolo Montero had handled in the area.
The one positive note for the Bianconeri was that Brazilian midfielder Emerson made his debut and played the full 90 minutes.
Juventus up bid for Parma fullback Bonera
Tribal Football
Juventus will make an improved bid for Parma fullback Daniele Bonera in the next 24 hours. Aware that Fiorentina have registered their interest in the Italy U21 international, Juve are set to up their original £4 million offer to closer to £6 million.
Juve coach Fabio Capello wants to bring Bonera to Turin, where he regards the youngster as the ideal successor to Lilian Thuram in his team's new-look defence.
Juventus, Fiorentina serious about Chelsea's Mutu
Tribal Football
Juventus and Fiorentina have approached Chelsea for striker Adrian Mutu.
Despite the Romania international and manager Jose Mourinho insisting he will stay at Stamford Bridge this season, reports from Italy last night suggested both Juve and Fiorentina were in talks with Chelsea over the player.
Juve want Mutu as a replacement for Marco Di Vaio, while Fiorentina president Diego Della Valle has made no secret of his desire to boost his attack with quality names and along with Mutu, has also enquired about Middlesbrough duo Juninho and Marco Maccarone.
Both Serie A clubs want to take Romanian striker Mutu on a season-long loan.
Lippi: We must win World Cup
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi has not yet signed his contract with the Italy squad, but maintains his objective is to lift the 2006 World Cup trophy.
"We must win," he commented after the Azzurri's early exit in the European Championships. "There really is no middle ground here. The players need to know from the first training session and opening friendly game that we are starting an era with a precise objective - the 2006 World Cup."
The former Juventus Coach was the obvious choice to take over the mantle of Giovanni Trapattoni after winning a succession of trophies with the Turin giants.
"The Nazionale is the right challenge for me after many years at the highest level," he told the 'Gazzetta dello Sport'. "When I decided to leave Juve a year early, some people thought I was effectively putting myself forward for the Italy job, but it wasn't true. I simply believed my fantastic adventure with the Bianconeri had come to a natural conclusion."
Lippi had insisted following the heartbreaking penalties defeat to Milan in the 2003 Champions' League Final that he would quit football altogether if he failed to win the trophy.
"I did want to just get away from the game for a while and recharge my batteries. I received numerous offers from other clubs and always turned them down, but when the Italian Federation called I really couldn't say no."
He begins work with a friendly test against Iceland in August, before opening the 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign.
"I want the players to believe they are in a club rather than a national side," explained the tactician. "I'd like to pass on my enthusiasm and ensure the fans feel close to the Azzurri colours again."
However, Lippi's revolution will not enrage the big clubs when it comes to friendly encounters.
"I wish to point out that I will make a distinction between friendlies and official games. I do not intend to call up players I already know well just to play them for ten minutes. I also have no intention of bargaining with their Coaches on how long they'll spend on the pitch."
Italy's Euro 2004 campaign may have been a failure, but the first half performance against Sweden is a starting point for the new Coach.
"Almost all of Europe is using a 4-4-2 system or the 4-2-3-1, but Serie A has a wider variety of tactics to choose from. I will have two or three main line-ups to begin with: the classic 4-4-2, Trapattoni's most recent 4-2-3-1 or the Milan style 4-3-1-2."
Roma sweat on FIFA decision over Mexes
Tribal Football
AS Roma will have to wait until tomorrow before learning if their transfer of Auxerre defender Philippe Mexes will be made official.
The French international is in dispute with his former club over his contract and a FIFA tribunal is due to hand down its findings tomorrow on the 22 year-old's switch to Roma.
Roma have already begun paying Mexes' contract and the defender is training with the squad, but nothing can be taken for granted until FIFA announces its decision tomorrow.
Monday 02 August
Juve still want Bonera
Football Italia
Despite claiming that they will buy no more players this summer, Juve are still being linked with Daniele Bonera. The Bianconeri insist that the capture of Emerson was their last but the Parma stopper is reportedly still of interest.
The Turin giants are after a new defender after they conceded a massive 42 League goals last season. Bonera is liked given that he can play either as a right-back or in the centre of a flat back four.
The 23-year-old is one of the most promising defenders in the Italian game right now and Juve have been associated with his name for some time. The Old Lady of Italian football have allegedly made a £2.5m offer but Parma want double that amount.
However, Juve will not rush in with a new bid seeing as the player is off to the Olympic Games next week - so he wouldn't be available for their Champions' League tie anyway. The former Brescia stopper is also a reported target for newly promoted Fiorentina and Internazionale.
Juventus make firm offer for Parma's Bonera
Tribal Football
Parma are asking £4 million for fullback Daniele Bonera. The Italy U21 international's price has been affected with Parma needing to sell this month and Bonera's selection for the Athens Games.
Parma director general Luca Baraldi was in Milan last week for talks with Inter chief Massimo Moratti over Bonera. However, Juventus have made a concrete offer for the right-back - £3.25 million - and are waiting on a response from Parma.
Sunday 01 August
Lippi yet to sign deal
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi's stint as Italy boss could be over before it has even started given that he still hasn't signed a contract. Reports in the peninsula today claim that the tactician has yet to commit because of a row over his medical staff.
It's alleged that the Italian Football Federation are not keen to meet Lippi's requests given the cost involved. Lippi is understood to have handed over a list of names whom he wants to work with but the FIGC are standing firm.
A meeting which was scheduled for Friday is understood to have been rescheduled for sometime on Monday. Although it seems unlikely that Lippi will walk away, there is a desire to resolve the situation as soon as possible.
The Azzurri will actually play their first friendly under Lippi against Iceland in Reykjavik on 18 August. The former Juventus tactician was handed the role after Giovanni Trapattoni's Italy flopped at Euro 2004.
Saturday 31 July
Emo ends Juve spending
Football Italia
Juventus have officially unveiled Emerson to the media - who the club insist will be their last buy of the summer. "The soap opera has ended," said the Brazilian after Juventus and Roma finally agreed on a £10m transfer fee. "I'm happy and it is now time to start work."
The capital outfit wanted to sell the midfielder to Real Madrid but the player made the brave decision of rejecting the move.
"I preferred Juventus to Real because I am someone who keeps my word," added the South American. "Fabio Capello also helped me a great deal even if I already agreed to come here before he arrived.
"I have great faith in this club and if no agreement was reached over a fee then I would have stayed inactive for a year. Roma are the past now for me. I didn't have any problems in Rome but I needed a change after four years there."
Relations between the player and Roma got so bad over the summer that Emerson didn't turn up for pre-season as he was suffering from depression.
"I was really down at one stage when I read what people were saying about me," he continued. "Roma wanted to sell me and if I had chosen any other club rather than Juventus then it would have been all much simpler."
Meanwhile, director general Luciano Moggi insists that Emerson is the final part of the Juve jigsaw. "Our transfer campaign is now over," he claimed. "Emerson is an important player, one in which we had to sell Marco Di Vaio to Valencia for.
"We won't be replacing Di Vaio because we only signed him when David Trezeguet was having injury problems. There is no point in buying players and then sending them to watch games from the sidelines."
Juventus ask after Vryzas, Iaquinta
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi has registered their interest in two surprise striker targets. Juve coach Fabio Capello is demanding a fourth striker and Moggi has lowered the club's sights to bring in a forward who can fill in when needed for the coming season.
Fiorentina striker Zivis Vryzas and Udinese's Vincenzo Iaquinta have both been the subject of enquiries from Juve this past week as Moggi seeks to finalise Capello's squad ahead of the new Serie A campaign.
Fiorentina swoop for Ujfalusi
Football Italia
Fiorentina's heavy summer spending continues after signing Tomas Ujfalusi from Hamburg. The 26-year-old stopper has completed the move after the German side accepted a £5.4m offer from Florence.
"I enjoyed my time here but I have asked Hamburg to let me go," commented the central defender. "A childhood dream will become reality for me when I play in Italy, so it was a decision from the heart.
"I would like to thank them for the many wonderful years here. Hamburg was great for me. I'm sure that the new team will make a big impact even without me."
Ujfalusi was linked with a switch to Juventus earlier this summer after impressing at Euro 2004 with the Czech Republic.
"I'm taking on a new challenge and I'm convinced that the team has the potential to play at the top of Serie A," he added. "Everything is in order there, you only get an offer like this one once in a lifetime."
Ujfalusi spent four years in Germany after Hamburg signed him for just £700,000 in December 2000.
Parma block Gilardino sale
Football Italia
Parma boss Silvio Baldini insists that star striker Alberto Gilardino will not be sold this summer. The Under-21 ace is being tracked by Roma, Juventus and Real Madrid but his immediate future seems to be at the Stadio Tardini.
"The directors have told me that Gilardino won't be going anywhere this summer," stated Baldini. "He will be sold next year instead."
Gilardino was expected to be sacrificed considering his many admirers and the difficult financial situation that Parma are in. But despite their money troubles, which have already seen Simone Barone and Matteo Ferrari leave, he seems set to remain.
"It is my hope that I am left with the squad which I have right now," continued the former Palermo tactician. "That is also because the club have assured me that this is the group of players which I will have in the new season.
"There are many youngsters here and I must do my best to allow them to mature alongside the more experienced individuals."
Ferrari agrees Roma terms
Football Italia
Matteo Ferrari is finally a Roma player after he completed his move from Serie A rivals Parma. The defender has been in training with the Giallorossi for the last week but he only completed his switch today.
Ferrari has signed a four-year contract in the Italian capital worth a reported £1.1m a season. The Italian international was keen to seal a move to Roma after boss Cesare Prandelli also joined them from Parma this summer.
No details of the transfer fee have been released yet but it is thought that Parma have netted around £3.5m.
Whispers in the peninsula claim that Chievo midfielder Simone Perrotta will be the club's next signing. He's needed at the Stadio Olimpico after the departure of Emerson to Juventus and the serious injury to Damiano Tommasi.
Inter Milan in Parma talks over Bonera
Tribal Football
Inter Milan are in advanced talks with Parma for fullback Daniele Bonera. Parma are asking £6 million for the Italy U21 international, who is also the subject of serious interest from Chelsea and Juventus.
Inter hope to trump rivals by offering a player in part-exchange, a proposal that has been welcomed by Parma chiefs this week.
Daniele Adani and Lambos Choutos are among a handful of prospects to be discussed by the two clubs in going to Parma as a makeweight for Bonera's San Siro switch.
Inter join Bonera queue
Football Italia
After being heavily linked with moves to Juventus and Fiorentina, Daniele Bonera is now an Inter target. The Parma stopper is undoubtedly one of Italy's most promising youngsters and numerous clubs are keen on his signature.
It was believed that Juve were in pole position for the Under-21 ace but no deal has ever been agreed for the defender. Reports earlier this week suggested that Fiorentina were very interested and a bid could be tabled. Yet whispers in the peninsula on Friday insist that Inter also have Bonera's name on their summer wish list.
Bonera, a central defender, can also play at right back - a position that Inter are short of alternatives right now. Seeing the difficulties in landing Jose Ze Maria from Perugia, they could opt for the former Brescia man instead.
There is also the possibility that he could be acquired as a replacement for Fabio Cannavaro. The Italian international captain is still being spoken about as a probable Juventus buy this summer.
Inter Milan's Moratti in Udinese talks over Jankulovski
Tribal Football
Inter Milan supremo Massimo Moratti has held talks with Udinese director general Pierpaolo Marino over the future of midfielder Marek Jankulovski. Juventus have been regarded as favourites to land Udinese star Jankulovski over the summer, but negotiations between the two clubs have all but dried up in recent weeks.
Marino was in Milan yesterday and spoke with Moratti about a possible move to the San Siro for the Czech Republic international. Jankulovski is determined to leave Udinese and has rejected a tentative offer of a new contract extension.
"I have no intention to sign a contract extension," he said, "I want to join a great club."
Udinese ace Jankulovski aware of Tottenham interest
Tribal Football
Udinese midfielder Marek Jankulovski has admitted he is aware of interest in his transfer from Tottenham. "Tottenham? They have been mentioned, but nothing concrete. Now I'm here, I'm starting the season in Udine, then we will see," he told Gazzetta Dello Sport.
"My ambitions are absolutely justifiable and understandable as well for Udinese supporters. If, in the end, I'd have to stay here, I'd accept that."
Duo discover Euro fate
Football Italia
Inter will have to beat Basel to qualify for the Champions' League, while Juventus will play either Djurgarden or Kaunas. The draw for the third qualifying round took place this morning with the Nerazzurri having the most difficult task out of the Italian duo.
Inter, who have never played the Swiss team in European competition, will play the first leg away from home.
Juventus will be confident of getting through to the Champions' League proper given their opponents. They will play either Djurgarden of Sweden or Lithuanian minnows Kaunas. They still need to play the return leg of their second round tie that currently stands at 0-0.
The Bianconeri will entertain their opponents at the Stadio Delle Alpi in the first leg of the match. There was a chance that Juve or Inter could face Benfica but Giovanni Trapattoni's side have been handed a tough test against Anderlecht in the tie of the round.
The games will take place on August 10/11 and August 24/25.
Trap threat for Italian duo
Football Italia
Juventus and Inter will learn the names of their Champions' League opponents on Friday - with Giovanni Trapattoni's Benfica a possible rival. Trap has coached both Italian clubs in the past and his Benfica outfit are one of the most dangerous non-seeds in the third round qualifying draw.
Juventus and Inter are seeded which means they can't face the likes of Real Madrid, Man Utd, Deportivo or Liverpool. However, they could play Benfica or even the likes of Basel, CSKA Moscow, Shakhtar Donetsk and Red Star Belgrade who clubs would probably like to avoid.
The third qualifying round matches will be played on 10/11 and 24/25 August, with winners progressing to the group stages of the competition.
