Friday 03 September
Zlatan eyeing honours
Planet Football
Juventus' new striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed that he moved to Turin in a bid to win silverware. The Swede sealed an 11th hour move to Serie A after Juve came up with a financial package which matched Ajax's demands.
Ibrahimovic will have to vie with the likes of Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet for a place in the starting XI and the Swede is ready to prove himself in Turin.
"I see this as a chance I could not reject," said Ibrahimovic. "I consider myself a winning player and I consider this a winning team. I have come here to achieve immediate results."
Fabio Cannavaro joined Ibrahimovic at Juventus and he is happy to have been targeted by Fabio Capello.
"I am flattered by the esteem coach Capello holds me in," said the former Internazionale man. "It's important to have the faith of the coach. In Turin I find my friends - Del Piero, Tacchinardi, Ferrara, Buffon, Thuram, Appiah.
"I'm really happy to be a Juventus player."
Juventus have co-ownership offer rejected for Udinese's Jankulovski
Tribal Football
Udinese have rejected a co-ownership offer from Juventus for midfielder Marek Jankulovski. Juve director general Luciano Moggi offered £2.25 million to split the Czech Republic international's registration, but it was turned down flat by Udinese.
Udinese had a deal with CSKA Moscow agreed for Jankulovski before Tuesday night's transfer deadline, but the player turned down the move insisting he wants to join a big Italian club.
Cannavaro: No trouble adapting at Juventus
Tribal Football
New Juventus signing Fabio Cannavaro admits he is unlikely to have trouble adapting after his arrival from Inter Milan. "I'm very happy for being a player of Juventus," he said. "I find many friends here, from Del Piero to Tacchinardi, not to mention those with which I have already played with.
"There are many friends: Ferrara, Buffon, Thuram, Appiah, we have already said our hellos and I have caught up with them, they are indeed happy to see me here. Also I am honored that coach Capello wanted to bring me here. It is important to be able to count on the confidence of the trainer."
New boys satisfy Moggi
Football Italia
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi is pleased with his work in the summer transfer market. The club had done relatively little until they swooped for Fabio Cannavaro and Zlatan Ibrahimovic just hours before the deadline.
"I apologise for all of my lies but I have a tough job," he told journalists. "If I told you everything then we would struggle to complete the signings we want. Negotiations regarding Cannavaro and Ibrahimovic were difficult but it is just important that they are here.
"I'm convinced that they will give much to Juventus. We already had a good squad but we are now very competitive."
However, the arrival of those two players has seen the club sell Fabrizio Miccoli to Fiorentina. "We had to sacrifice an important player," added Moggi. "Yet we still own a share in him and we will keep a close eye on him this term.
"Marek Jankulovski of Udinese? If we had signed him too then we would have simply been too strong..."
With the club having unlocked their chequebook over the summer, Moggi has now asked the fans to do the same. "It is our objective to sell 35,000 season tickets," he continued. "I hope they have the same enthusiasm as us for the new campaign."
AC Milan move for Atalanta's Montolivo
Tribal Football
AC Milan have wasted no time working on targets for the winter market. Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has approached Atalanta for youngster Ricardo Montolivo. Aware that Inter Milan have been tracking the Italy U21 international, Galliani has moved quickly to register Milan's interest in the promising attacker.
PSV fail with Tevez bid
Planet Football
Boca Juniors have turned down PSV Eindhoven's offer for Carlos Tevez, saying the Argentine will only be sold when he decides he wants to leave. Tevez has made a massive impact with Boca and impressed many with his efforts at the Olympic Games with his country.
PSV coach Guus Hiddink urged his board to move for Tevez and a bid of €13 million for 50 percent of the player's contract was tabled. Boca have insisted the offer was viable, but claim Tevez will only be sold when he indicates that he wants to move on.
"Boca have decided to refuse the offer that PSV made for Tevez, an offer which was impressive," said Boca president Mauricio Macri. "Tevez is going to continue in Boca for as long as he wants because is he a fan of Boca and he is comfortable here.
"It will depend on him when he leaves Boca."
Bettega named G14 boss
Football Italia
Juventus Vice-president Roberto Bettega has been elected as the new chief of the G14 clubs. The Bianconeri legend replaces Florentino Perez, the Real Madrid President, as the new boss of the association.
"I'm very happy and honoured," said the former Italian international. "I'll look to give my best as I always have, even if I have a little more responsibility now."
Bettega will be aided by Arsenal's David Dein, Barca boss Joan Laporta, Michael Meier of Borussia Dortmund and Porto's Pinto Da Costa.
The G14 clubs consist of Juventus, Inter, Milan, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Porto, Paris Saint Germain, Marseille, Ajax, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool, Manchester United and PSV Eindhoven.
Del Piero fit for Norway
Football Italia
Italy's Alessandro Del Piero will be available for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Norway. The Juventus ace has been struggling with a calf problem for most of the week, which had worried boss Marcello Lippi. However, the No 10 trained this morning and took part in a small practice game later in the day.
Del Piero is now in contention to begin the Palermo tie even if Lippi may decide to start him on the bench instead. Alex seems to be in competition with Fabrizio Miccoli, his now former Juve teammate, for the second striker shirt.
Nesta hails Lippi selection
Football Italia
Italy can achieve great success under the guidance of boss Marcello Lippi, says Alessandro Nesta.
"The Coach is full of enthusiasm and he is able to transmit that to the whole squad," stated the Milan man. "The players are also hungry for success. It is now our objective to form a solid group, with the help of key players, to create a real squad."
Lippi's Azzurri stint didn't get off to a great start though as they lost 2-0 to Iceland just weeks after the national side, led by Giovanni Trapattoni, flopped at Euro 2004.
"We were favourites in Portugal," added the former Lazio captain. "Our group was good but we weren't at our best. We need to learn from that experience in a bid to become more of a team rather than a group of individuals.
"If we start to collect wins on a regular basis then everything will be a lot simpler for us. Victories will also see us back in favour with our own fans."
The tactician has called-up some younger faces, for the World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Moldova, which has received the approval of Nesta. "They are very keen and enthusiastic but it is also nice that some of the more experienced players have returned too," he concluded.
Nesta is set to start against the Scandinavians on Saturday despite struggling with a slight muscle problem.
Thursday 02 September
Miccoli shines in Italy test
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi has tested out the 4-4-2 system he aims to use against Norway and the stars were Fabrizio Miccoli and Bernardo Corradi. The Coach had revealed this week that he would be going back to the more solid tactical system following the 2-0 defeat in his debut against Iceland.
"This match had some positive signals," said Lippi, "as in these three days at the training camp the players have given 100 per cent."
With Alessandro Del Piero still out of full training due to a muscular problem, today joined by Milan defender Alessandro Nesta with a similar issue, the front two for this test were Fabrizio Miccoli and Alberto Gilardino.
"Nesta has worked a great deal with Milan over the last week, so I was the one who asked that he be rested. As for Del Piero, there are still a few physical problems, but I expect him to resume full training tomorrow. I already know who will start the game," he added, "so my only doubts are who will be on the bench."
However, time is running out if the Juventus captain is to be part of the starting eleven against Norway. His place is increasingly moving towards Miccoli, who only today revealed the rivalry between them in Turin.
This opening 50-minute mini-encounter ended 5-0 for the Azzurri and the star was Miccoli, who bagged a brace around goals from Stefano Fiore and debutantes Gilardino and Daniele De Rossi. Intriguingly, Gianluca Zambrotta was fielded on the wing rather than as a fullback.
In the second half of the match against the Under-18 side, Lippi changed to a more powerful partnership of Luca Toni and Bernardo Corradi. The Valencia forward was on form with a hat-trick in the 7-1 result, while the other scorers were Toni, Matteo Ferrari, Zauli and Aimo Diana.
Italy A 5-0 Italy U18
Scorers: Miccoli (2), Fiore, Gilardino, De Rossi
Italy A: Buffon; Bonera, Legrottaglie, Materazzi, Favalli; Fiore, Gattuso, De Rossi, Zambrotta; Miccoli, Gilardino
Italy B 7-1 Italy U18
Scorers: Corradi (3), Toni, Ferrari, Zauli, Diana
Italy B: Pelizzoli; Oddo, Legrottaglie, Ferrari, Zauri; Diana, Blasi, Pirlo, Ambrosini; Corradi, Toni
Buffon: New signings has Juventus in Europe's top 3
Tribal Football
Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has hailed the club's double deadline raid of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Fabio Cannavaro. "Juve has made two important blows and has taken two players of world-wide stature," said Buffon. "They will help us make a great jump in quality, to be between the first three, four clubs of Europe.
"Juve has the names, but it does not mean for this we're already champions. But it is certain that with these two, I feel myself surer in the championship and the Champions League."
New Juve satisfies Capello
Football Italia
Fabio Capello claims his side will be hard to beat this season after the late arrivals of Fabio Cannavaro and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. "This is my Juventus," said the tactician. "My squad is strong and we will be competitive in Italy and in Europe."
Capello had been asking for new faces ever since his arrival from Roma and his club have delivered. They yesterday confirmed the capture of Inter stopper Cannavaro and then completed a move for the Swedish striker before the transfer window closed.
"I'm happy with the arrival of Ibrahimovic," added the tactician. "He has great quality and represents an investment for the future."
However, Juventus have also sold this summer after Fabrizio Miccoli joined Fiorentina and Valencia netted Marco Di Vaio.
But Capello, who will also have Emerson at his disposal this term following his summer move, has kept hold of Ruben Olivera. The young Uruguayan has been immense in pre-season and the tactician wants to turn him into a major player.
"Olivera is a youngster who we need to be patient with," he continued. "We shouldn't rave about him when he does well or criticise him when he struggles. We need to keep in mind what happened when Henry was at Juventus and Milan had Vieira. Patience is key."
So how will Juventus play under Capello in the new campaign? Expect a classic 4-4-2 or even a 4-3-2-1.
Possible 4-4-2: Buffon; Zebina, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi (Olivera), Emerson, Blasi (Tacchinardi), Nedved; Del Piero, Trezeguet (Ibrahimovic).
Possible 4-3-2-1: Buffon; Zebina, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Emerson, Blasi (Tacchinardi), Nedved; Del Piero, Ibrahimovic; Trezeguet.
Capello likens Olivera to Arsenal pair Vieira, Henry
Tribal Football
Juventus coach Fabio Capello has likened youngster Ruben Olivera with Arsenal pair Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira. Capello surprised observers by insisting on keeping the Uruguay international, rather than loaning him out - as he had done with Fabrizio Miccoli and Giorgio Chiellini.
"Olivera is a young player that we must wait for; we must not either talk him up too quickly, or criticise him too harshly," said Capello. "Some good examples of what can happen is Henry's time at Juve and Vieira with Milan.
"Also Chiellini, I would have had stay, but we thought it better to farm him out elsewhere for a little experience."
Juve move delights Ibrahimovic
Football Italia
Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he had no hesitation in accepting a transfer from Ajax to Italian giants Juventus. The Swedish striker completed a surprise move on Tuesday after a fee of around £11m was agreed.
"Juventus were the best choice that I could make," he stated. "In Turin I will find teammates who are among the very best players in the Italian championship. A squad of this quality can only help to improve my qualities which will make me an even better player."
The 23-year-old also shot down theories that he may struggle to co-exist with David Trezeguet in attack.
"We are not similar players," noted the new boy. "He is one of the best strikers in the world while I can do other things. It will be a pleasure to feature alongside him."
Juventus boss Fabio Capello seems to have played a major part in the move as he had already requested the player while at Roma in the past.
"He is the best Coach around," explained Ibrahimovic. "He's always rated me and I'm happy that he wanted me at his disposal."
However, Juventus have had to make sacrifices in order to net the youngster as Fabrizio Miccoli was sold to Fiorentina.
"He's not failed here," stated director general Luciano Moggi. "We believe in the player and that is why we decided to keep a share in him. Unfortunately we looked at our finances and sacrifices needed to be made. That is why the deal took place."
Reports suggest that Miccoli is not happy with the move as he wanted to do battle with Alex Del Piero for a first team shirt. The Italian international, who cost the Viola almost £5m, still has a contract with the Turin giants until 2008.
Juve snub angers Miccoli
Football Italia
A disappointed Fabrizio Miccoli has blamed his shock Juve exit on the presence of Alessandro Del Piero.
"Between the two of us, the club decided to sacrifice me," said the new Fiorentina signing on Wednesday. "I'll take nothing with me from Turin. I would have no hesitation in taking a penalty against them if given the chance.
"Do I want to return? I don't know. I'm now just thinking about Fiorentina, a club who I said yes to in just 10 minutes."
The former Perugia star joined the Viola last night in a co-ownership deal after Juve signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic. And the attacking sensation admits the switch surprised him.
"I really didn't expect this seeing as Ibrahimovic is very different from me," he continued. "I also spoke to director general Luciano Moggi yesterday morning and he told me to stay calm - then Fiorentina arrived.
"Some may think this is a step back for me but it isn't. Staying at Juventus and not playing would have been useless for me and the team."
Miccoli also admitted that he would have liked to join home-town club Lecce but he's happy with Fiorentina. "Lecce was a desire of mine but I'm very satisfied with the Viola," he revealed. "They are a club which will allow me to push for a place in the national side.
"I'm happy with the strength of the squad and I think we will be battling to win a place in the UEFA Cup. I'm enthusiastic about the new campaign and I have already spoken to boss Emiliano Mondonico."
PSV bid for Tevez
Planet Football
PSV Eindhoven have offered Boca Juniors €13.5 million as part of a transfer fee for Carlos Tevez, according to Boca president Mauricio Macri. It is understood the offer is for only 50 percent of the player's rights after his impressive Olympic showing sent his value soaring.
"We received an offer from PSV for Tevez. They want to pay us €13.5 million for 50 percent of the transfer," explained Macri. "We will have to analyse carefully this offer and then we will see if we will start any kind of negotiation with them.
"Everyone knows that Boca want to keep Tevez at least until the ending of the year but we will have to see what happens."
Tevez is an Argentinian striker in the Diego Maradona mould. He is a short, stocky, number 10 with a deadly eye for goal and a range of skills that earnt him the title of 2003 South American Player of the Year - so the comparisons are obvious.
The 20-year old scored the only goal of the Olympic final in Argentina's 1-0 win over Paraguay last week. It was his eighth goal of the finals.
Roberto Tessone, Tevez's representative, said of PSV: "I know that they have been watching Tevez personally in Greece in the Olympic games and that they have decided to make an offer to Boca.
"I have been told that the officials of PSV will be travelling in the next few days to Argentina so it seems that they have a real interest."
Wednesday 01 September
Juve confirm Cannavaro capture
Football Italia
Fabio Cannavaro is officially a Juventus player after the club completed his transfer from Inter. The 30-year-old has signed a four-year contract in a swap deal which sees Fabian Carini join the Milan club. The Uruguayan 'keeper, who spent last season on loan at Standard Liege, has penned a three-year deal with the Nerazzurri.
"The arrival of Cannavaro is splendid news," boss Fabio Capello told the club's official website. "He is an important addition which increases and adds quality to our squad."
Cannavaro, who has reportedly accepted a cut in wages, will boost the Juve defence which was heavily blasted last term.
"Cannavaro is the Italian international captain who reinforces our already reliable defence," continued Capello. "The fact that we have so many central stoppers is a luxury but they will be needed seeing as there are many games to play."
The capture of the Napoli-born ace will be particularly welcomed by Gigi Buffon and Lilian Thuram after their time together at Parma. "The fact that he has played with a number of the squad already should help him to settle quickly," concluded the tactician.
Miccoli joins Fiorentina
Football Italia
Fabrizio Miccoli has officially signed for Fiorentina in a co-ownership deal during the closing minutes of trading. The Juventus man had been disgruntled at the arrival of Ajax forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic and requested a transfer.
His hometown club Lecce had made an official request, but Miccoli has now signed for the Stadio Artemio Franchi outfit. It is not the first move between the two rivals this summer, as Giorgio Chiellini and Enzo Maresca have already made the trip across.
It is reported that Fiorentina have paid £3m for half of Italian international Miccoli's contract.
"This was a gift to the people of Florence," explained Vice-President Andrea Della Valle. "It was a necessary sacrifice to complete our transfer campaign."
There are also claims, so far unsubstantiated, that the Viola have signed Julio Ricardo Cruz on loan from Inter. Meanwhile, Juventus have sold midfielder Davide Baiocco to Perugia, while Jay Bothroyd returns to the Premiership for Blackburn Rovers.
Juve net Ibrahimovic?
Football Italia
There are reports in Holland on Tuesday that Juventus have signed Ajax ace Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Bianconeri have reportedly had a £10m bid accepted for the Swedish international striker. The 23-year-old, who was also of interest to Roma, has been linked with the Turin giants for some time.
The Old Lady have apparently swooped in order to resolve their fourth striker problem after the sale of Marco Di Vaio. Ibrahimovic, who will initially be an understudy to David Trezeguet, is understood to have signed a four-year contract.
Juventus have yet to confirm or deny the story.
Del Piero welcomes Zlatan
Football Italia
Juventus captain Alessandro Del Piero is delighted with the news that his club have signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swede should complete his move from Ajax on Tuesday after a £13m fee was agreed last night.
"I don't really need to say it but he is a great buy," stated the Italian. "Everyone is aware of his quality. I'm happy with his arrival and not worried about the competition for places."
The 23-year-old is set to sign a four-year contract and could be presented to the media as soon as this evening.
"Juventus have made an excellent move," added Italy and former Juventus tactician Marcello Lippi. "The club have strengthened themselves and weakened an opponent in their Champions' League group. Ibrahimovic undoubtedly increases the quality of the squad which boss Fabio Capello has available to him."
The attacker was also a target for Roma but they have now opted to net Egyptian forward Ahmed Hossam Mido from Marseille. The 21-year-old is in the capital and his capture is set to be officially confirmed by this evening. German tactician Rudi Voller has also landed in Rome after admitting that he will be the new Giallorossi boss.
Jankulovski snubs CSKA move
Football Italia
Marek Jankulovski has told Udinese that he has no intention of signing for CSKA Moscow. The Bianconeri yesterday revealed that they had agreed a deal with the Russian club but the player is not interested.
"I'll say it again, I'm not moving to CSKA," he told Datasport. "I don't know whether Udinese have sold me but I haven't signed so the move has not been done. I'm slightly disappointed with what has happened because they held talks without me knowing.
"People in my homeland think that I've joined the Moscow club but I won't be accepting the switch."
The Czech Republic ace has been heavily linked with both Juventus and Inter but no fee has been agreed with the Friuli side.
"I want to stay in Serie A because this is the championship that I like the best," continued the left-sided player. "The transfer market closes on Tuesday so if nothing happens then I will remain at Udine where I have always acted professionally.
"We'll see what happens now because anything can occur in the space of just 24 hours."
Italy have Alex concern
Football Italia
Alessandro Del Piero will today undergo a number of tests after pulling out of an Azzurri training session. The Juventus ace didn't conclude yesterday's session after he felt a slight twinge in his right calf. Team doctor Enrico Castellacci said: "We're are not too concerned right now but we will see how he is on Tuesday."
Many are expecting the No 10 to return to the Italian side for next week's crucial World Cup qualifiers. He was dropped for the recent Iceland friendly but he's back for the matches against Norway and Moldova. If Del Piero isn't fit enough to feature then club colleague Fabrizio Miccoli could be handed a starting shirt.
Tuesday 31 August
Cannavaro agrees Juve deal
Football Italia
There is still no official announcement but Juventus have virtually signed Fabio Cannavaro from Inter. Both clubs agreed a deal over the weekend and the player has today sorted out personal terms with the Bianconeri.
The Italian international will sign a three-year contract after accepting to reduce his salary from around £3.2m to £2.1m a season. Juventus are understood to have paid no fee after convincing Inter to accept Fabian Carini in a straight swap deal.
The Uruguayan 'keeper, who underwent a medical today, has signed a four-year contract with the Nerazzurri who see him as a long-term replacement for Francesco Toldo. The 'keeper may not arrive at the San Siro until January, or even next summer, as he is currently on loan with Standard Liege.
Cannavaro will now team up with his former Parma colleagues Lilian Thuram and goalkeeper Gigi Buffon in Turin.
Juventus chief talks terms with Inter Milan's Cannavaro
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi was in talks yesterday with Inter Milan defender Fabio Cannavaro. Moggi confirmed on Sunday that a deal had been agreed with Inter for the Italy captain, with the Turin powerbroker in negotiations yesterday with Cannavaro's representatives over personal terms.
Cannavaro must take a hefty pay-cut to join Juve, which Moggi is endeavoring to compensate by handing the 31 year-old a long-term deal to 2008.
More swoops for Juventus?
Football Italia
With a deal for Inter's Fabio Cannavaro almost complete, expect Juventus to add even more new faces.
The transfer window closes tomorrow evening but many believe that the Italian defender won't be the club's last summer signing. Reports in the peninsula on Monday claim that the club are still trying to land two new players.
The first is Marek Jankulovski of Udinese, who has turned down a switch to CSKA Moscow in the hope of moving to Turin or Inter. The fact that Juve sold Giorgio Chiellini to Fiorentina over the weekend suggests that a left-sided player will arrive.
The Bianconeri could offer the Udine outfit £3m plus the loans of Olivier Kapo and Mark Iuliano. Boss Fabio Capello is understood to have also requested a new striker as a back-up to David Trezeguet. There seem to be two options available to the Old Lady.
The first is Simone Inzaghi of Lazio who has just 12 months left on his capital contract. Yet the Italian giants could look to La Liga with Deportivo ace Diego Tristan being linked with the Delle Alpi outfit.
Juventus strike deal for Padova striker
Tribal Football
Juventus have struck a co-ownership deal with Padova for youngster Rej Volpato. The 17 year-old striker will remain this season with Padova, but now has his registration shared with Turin giants Juventus.
Olivera thanks Capello
Planet Football
Juventus attacker Ruben Olivera has thanked coach Fabio Capello for handing him a lifeline in Turin. The Uruguayan struggled to establish himself under former boss Marcello Lippi and spent the second half of last season on loan at Atletico Madrid.
But, following Capello's appointment as coach, Olivera has been given the chance to stake a claim for a prominent role in the side. He featured strongly in pre-season and also in the UEFA Champions League qualifier against Swedish side Djurgardens.
Capello has deployed Olivera on the left wing and he admits he is grateful to have the opportunity at Stadio Delle Alpi.
"I've the coach's and my team-mates' faith and this helps me to give more day by day," Olivera told Corriere dello Sport. "My chance has arrived and I want to take advantage of it. With Lippi, I had problems finding a place so last year in Madrid, it was a season lost.
"With Capello, I talk a lot and he only asks me to have good training sessions and to follow his suggestions. I've never played on the left wing. Undoubtedly, it's more difficult but I thought I would have many problems, instead match-by-match I found faith."
Jankulovski off to Moscow
Football Italia
Juventus have missed out on Marek Jankulovski after Udinese agreed to sell him to CSKA Moscow. The player initially rejected the switch over the weekend but his club insist he will be off to Russia.
"Contracts have been exchanged," director general Pierpaolo Marino told Radio Kiss Kiss. "All that we are waiting for is a 'yes' from Marek but I don't expect there to be a problem."
The Czech Republic ace was a known target for both Juventus and Inter but no agreement was reached. Both clubs have held talks with the Udine outfit but only CSKA were willing to match Udinese's valuation. Details of a fee have yet to be released but the Russian outfit are believed to have made a bid of around £6m.
Juventus and Inter could now do battle for Cesar of Lazio before the transfer window closes on Tuesday.
Magath joy at Juve draw
Planet Football
Bayern Munich coach Felix Magath has expressed his delight at being paired with Italian giants Juventus in the UEFA Champions League. Magath scored the winning goal for Hamburg in the 1983 European Cup final against Juventus and now says he is relishing the chance to tackle the Italians again.
"I'm really excited about being able to play Juventus again," the Bayern boss commented after the draw on Thursday. "I have got great memories of playing them, but they haven't got the best ones of me. Juve and me - that doesn't bode well for them."
Bayern will also face tough tests against Ajax and Maccabi Tel-Aviv in Group C, but Magath is confident that his team will advance.
"Our group is certainly one of the most difficult, but I don't see why we should be afraid," the former Stuttgart coach said.
Back to basics for Italy
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi says he will change Italy's system for the World Cup qualifiers following the recent defeat to Iceland. The tactician fielded a 4-3-1-2 formation against the Scandinavians, in a recent August friendly, yet his side were convincingly beaten 2-0.
But the former Juventus boss says he won't make the same mistake against Norway and Moldova next week.
"Playing with a 4-3-1-2, when you consider the absences and time of the season, was the biggest error in my first game," he said on Monday. "We will use a 4-4-2 in our next two matches because that will be the best solution for us right now."
Italy kick-off their 2006 campaign with a Palermo based tie against Norway on Saturday and Lippi has few doubts regarding his line-up.
"I pretty much know who will play but I could make a number of changes for the Moldova game on Wednesday," he added. "It will be necessary for me to modify things because nobody is in the right shape to play two games in four days right now."
Lippi announced his squad on Sunday but there was no room for Christian Panucci, Antonio Cassano or Simone Perrotta.
"Panucci has been left out for tactical reasons and not personal ones," he underlined. "Cassano and Perrotta are slightly behind in fitness terms right now."
One player who has been included though is Parma hotshot Alberto Gilardino after he ended his U-21 career.
"I'm sure he will be able to cope with the step up to the full side," commented the tactician. "He is an intelligent boy who has ignored all the speculation regarding him to do well at both the U-21 European Championships and the Olympics."
Lippi was also asked whether the recalled Alex Del Piero, given the absence of Fabio Cannavaro, will be the captain? "The armband will be worn by the most capped player in the starting line-up," he noted. "I'll pick the team first and then the captaincy will be assigned."
Monday 30 August
Capello welcomes Cannavaro
Football Italia
Fabio Capello has outlined tactical changes to accommodate Fabio Cannavaro, while Carlo Ancelotti jokes about their Trofeo Berlusconi setback.
"We played well and with a relaxed state of mind," noted Capello after Juve's 1-0 victory at the San Siro. "Physically we were also stronger than Milan, but I was most impressed with our determination."
The Bianconeri have won this trophy for the second year running thanks to Ruben Olivera's lone strike.
"I am certain that we will start the Serie A season with a competitive squad, especially after the character my men showed here."
Juventus have struggled in defence so far this summer, but the confirmed arrival of Fabio Cannavaro from Inter will further strengthen the side.
"Cannavaro formed an impressive partnership with Lilian Thuram at Parma," he noted. "They have already won some important competitions together and I trust they haven't forgotten that rapport."
This means that Frenchman Thuram will be returned to his favoured central defensive role alongside Cannavaro when the move is made permanent.
Last night director general Luciano Moggi confirmed that "there is an agreement in place with Inter, so all that's missing are the personal terms of Cannavaro's contract."
Meanwhile, Milan were not too unhappy at having lost the Trofeo Berlusconi, as there is a superstition suggesting that the losers go on to win the Scudetto that season.
Juventus coach Capello: Cannavaro and Thuram can be my defence
Tribal Football
Juventus coach Fabio Capello has admitted he'd love to bring Fabio Cannavaro to Turin from Inter Milan. Juve director general Luciano Moggi is locked in talks with Inter over the Italy captain, who has declared a desire to move to Turin.
"Thuram and Cannavaro would not form a bad pairing," said Capello. "I like Cannavaro a lot. He has a lot of ambition. If not for a mistake with Parma, he would already have won something important."
Official: Fiorentina capture Chiellini
Football Italia
The arrival of Fabio Cannavaro has pushed Juve defender Giorgio Chiellini towards the Viola in an official co-ownership deal. The Under-21 international had only just arrived from Livorno this summer, but was unlikely to earn first team football with Inter star Cannavaro on his way to Turin.
This morning Fiorentina officially bought out half of Chiellini's contract and he will spend this season at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. It is a return to Tuscany for the player, who spent last year helping Livorno to promotion from Serie B.
Chiellini was a Roma youth product, but meets up with fellow ex-Juve man Enzo Maresca in the Viola camp. He will go straight to Florence from Greece, where he earned a Bronze medal in the Olympic games with Claudio Gentile's Azzurrini squad.
Gilardino gets Azzurri nod
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi has named the squad for the two World Cup qualifiers and given his first senior cap to Olympics heroes Daniele De Rossi and Alberto Gilardino.
Parma hitman Gilardino and Roma midfielder De Rossi were both expected to break into the top team after their exploits in the European Under-21 Championships and the Athens Olympics, earning the trophy and a Bronze medal respectively.
The Coach has also given Luca Toni the nod after the Palermo man impressed during the 2-0 friendly defeat in Iceland. Alessandro Del Piero has returned to the squad after he was dropped for the Iceland game due to a lack of form, but the injured Christian Vieri and Antonio Cassano do not make the grade.
However, despite being suspended for the Norway game and injured through most of the summer, Francesco Totti is included. Italy will open their 2006 World Cup account against Norway on September 4 and then welcome Moldova to Palermo's Stadio Barbera on September 8.
Italy squad:
G: Buffon (Juventus), Pelizzoli (Roma);
D: Bonera (Parma), Favalli (Inter), Ferrari (Roma), Legrottaglie (Juventus), Materazzi (Inter), Nesta (Milan), Oddo (Lazio), Zauri (Lazio)
M: Ambrosini (Milan), Blasi (Juventus), De Rossi (Roma), Diana (Sampdoria), Fiore (Valencia), Gattuso (Milan), Pirlo (Milan), Zambrotta (Juventus)
F: Corradi (Valencia), Del Piero (Juventus), Gilardino (Parma), Miccoli (Juventus), Toni (Palermo), Totti (Roma)
Sunday 29 August
Juve: We have Cannavaro
Football Italia
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi has confirmed that there is a deal in place for Fabio Cannavaro.
"We already have an agreement with Inter," revealed the transfer guru on Saturday evening. "All that is missing now is the terms of the contract with the player. Once that is sorted out, Cannavaro will be a Juventus player."
The statements were made after the 1-0 Trofeo Berlusconi victory over Milan, although the Italian press had already known about the imminent move for a couple of days.
Azzurri captain Cannavaro had been on the verge to a Juventus switch when he was transfer listed by Parma in 2002, but instead opted to join Inter. His time at the San Siro has been troubled by persistent injuries, seeing him put in just 50 League appearances over two seasons.
As his £2m a season contract expires next summer, Inter are willing to release the 31-year-old defender in a straight swap deal with Uruguayan goalkeeper Fabian Carini. However, the shot-stopper will remain for another season on loan at Standard Liege in order to qualify him for an EC passport.
Fabio Capello also hinted that a deal for Cannavaro was imminent when he noted, "He made a great central defensive partnership with Lilian Thuram at Parma and I'm sure they will remember that rapport."
As Cannavaro has travelled to Florence for Sunday's Pirelli Cup match with the Viola, it's likely the move will only be completed on Monday.
Juve take Milan revenge
Football Italia
The Bianconeri have lifted the traditional Trofeo Berlusconi with a slender 1-0 win over a wasteful Milan. It was apt revenge after Fabio Capello's men had lost 2-0 in their other meeting this summer, the 45-minute long Trofeo Tim tournament.
The fourteenth edition of the Trofeo Berlusconi was played without the injured Hernan Crespo, David Trezeguet, Paolo Maldini, Pavel Nedved and Gianluigi Buffon. Manuel Rui Costa continued to take that deep midfield role traditionally held by Andrea Pirlo after his successful experiment in the 3-0 Italian Supercup victory over Lazio.
Both Carlo Ancelotti and Fabio Capello were facing their former clubs, but there is a curious superstition that suggests the losing team in this clash goes on to win the Scudetto. Last season Juventus emerged with a 2-0 victory.
Milan had the first chance after five minutes when Andriy Shevchenko put in a splendid low pass for Jon Dahl Tomasson, but he wanted to take an extra touch before striking for goal and allowed Jonathan Zebina to dive in with a recovering tackle.
Kaka fired straight at the goalkeeper, then Igor Tudor was booked for trying to punch a free kick into the net. There was an incredible miss by the Rossoneri when Shevchenko sprung the offside trap and cut back for the unmarked Kaka, who somehow managed to balloon it over the bar from eight yards.
Just before the break Chimenti flew across the face of goal to palm out a fierce Shevchenko free kick, then Dida performed a fine save on Emerson's piledriver.
Both sides made changes at half-time, but it was Juve who took the lead within minutes of the restart. Substitute Fabrizio Miccoli sprinted past Alessandro Nesta and placed a perfect pass for Ruben Olivera's finish. Miccoli changed the face of Juventus and one of his trademark solo efforts thumped the far post.
Ancelotti changed his tactics again on the hour mark with Serginho pushing Kaka further up to partner Shevchenko. There was also a curious moment when Shevchenko and Gennaro Gattuso had a row on the field after a misplaced pass, but within minutes they had hugged and put it behind them.
Milan hit back and when Kaka stole the ball off Tudor's foot, Marcos Cafu's shot was kept out by Chimenti's reaction save.
The Rossoneri should have equalised on 70 minutes, but Serginho managed to miss an even easier chance than Kaka's first half effort. The substitute dribbled round Chimenti and ran towards an open goal, only to hit the near post from a tight angle.
Soon after the goalkeeper parried Serginho's shot and a weak Seedorf effort, then Olivier Kapo completely missed a free header from Miccoli's set-piece. Kaka was particularly out of sorts and again ballooned over the bar from a good position before he fired straight at Chimenti on another counter-attack.
Miccoli remained Juve's most dangerous player and burst through the centre, but veteran Billy Costacurta was able to match him for pace and plucked the ball off his foot.
Milan 0-1 Juventus
Scorers: Olivera 47 (J)
Milan: Dida; Cafu, Nesta (Costacurta 83), Stam, Kaladze; Gattuso (Dhorasoo 71), Rui Costa (Serginho 60), Ambrosini (Brocchi 71); Kakà; Shevchenko, Tomasson (Seedorf 46)
Juventus: Chimenti; Zebina, Thuram, Tudor, Zambrotta; Olivera (Kapo 67), Emerson, Pessotto, Blasi (Tacchinardi 48), Zalayeta (Birindelli 73), Del Piero (Miccoli 46)
Palermo tempt Tevez
Football Italia
Newly promoted Palermo are planning to splash some more cash with an audacious bid for Argentine hitman Carlos Tevez. The talented Boca Juniors striker hit the headlines this month with his eight goals - including the Final winner - that earned his country the Gold medal in the Olympics football event.
Previously linked with Milan and Juventus, 20-year-old Tevez is available for just £13.3m and a deal could be done before the transfer deadline. Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini is eager to get in one more striker to partner Luca Toni and the pacey Tevez would suit his tactical requirements.
Zamparini had been in negotiations with Lecce's Javier Ernesto Chevanton before his move to Monaco and Tevez is considered a more glamorous alternative.
Luis Fabiano goes for Giallorossi?
Football Italia
There are strong reports that managerless Roma will officially complete their signing of Brazilian hero Luis Fabiano this evening. The Sao Paolo centre forward has attracted interest from all of Europe's top clubs, including Milan and Juventus, but the side that made the most attractive proposal was the Giallorossi.
According to newspapers in both countries, Roma have agreed to buy out half his contract for £3m with the option to make the move permanent at the end of the season. Completing the deal this weekend would enable them to present the player to the fans during Sunday's friendly game with Iran at the Stadio Olimpico.
The departure of John Carew has left them with precious few options upfront, especially as Vincenzo Montella and Marco Delvecchio are struggling with fitness problems.
Saturday 28 August
Cannavaro close to Juve
Football Italia
Inter stopper Fabio Cannavaro could be just hours away from becoming a Juventus player. The defender has been linked with the Turin giants for some time and talks have resumed after a move to Real Madrid failed to materialise.
Reports on Friday claim that the Italian captain will arrive in a straight swap deal with Fabian Carini. The Uruguayan 'keeper, currently on loan with Standard Liege, is seen by the Nerazzurri as a future replacement for Francesco Toldo.
The Bianconeri seem to need a new central defender and boss Fabio Capello is a known admirer of the 30-year-old.
Cannavaro, who is contracted to Inter until 2006, is believed to be in favour of a switch after a few difficult seasons at the San Siro. A move to the Delle Alpi would see him team up with Gigi Buffon and Lilian Thuram again after their time together at Parma.
He would also be guaranteed a first team shirt with Juventus, something that he isn't currently at Inter. There is some stiff competition for places at the San Siro given that Sinisa Mihajlovic, Nicolas Burdisso, Ivan Cordoba and Marco Materazzi are all available for selection.
Inter Milan encourage Juventus to sign Cannavaro
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi held serious talks with Inter Milan yesterday over defender Fabio Cannavaro. Inter have encouraged Juve to bid for the Italy captain, with new trainer Roberto Mancini happy to rely on summer signings Nicolas Burdisso and Sinisa Mihajlovic this season.
Inter have actually made the first move, asking Moggi for a straight player swap involving Juve goalkeeper Fabian Carini.
The sticking point is that Inter want Juve to cover Cannavaro's entire £3 million salary. The Turin club would prefer Inter either pay a percentage of his wages for the coming season or hand Cannavaro a pay-out to cushion the cut in salary he will have to take to join Juve.
Juve eye Giannichedda
Football Italia
Lazio's Giuliano Giannichedda is the latest player to be associated with a move to Juventus. The Turin giants are still looking to strengthen their squad and the former Udinese ace is being linked.
Juve are said to be targeting the capital man after failing to agree a deal with Inter for Cristiano Zanetti. The latter is a favourite of Juve boss Fabio Capello but reaching an agreement with the Nerazzurri has proved difficult.
The Turin giants had offered Stephan Appiah in a swap deal but the Milan club want Mauro Camoranesi instead - a player Capello is not willing to release. That has seen the Old Lady turn their attention to Giannichedda who has already been targeted in the past.
Transfer wizard Luciano Moggi is set to offer the struggling club a number of players in return for the former international. Juventus are also known to be keen on three more Lazio players in the shape of Massimo Oddo, Cesar and Simone Inzaghi.
Trez misses Milan trophy clash
Football Italia
David Trezeguet is out of tomorrow's Trofeo Berlusconi match with Milan, but Fabio Capello is adamant he wants his first Juventus trophy.
"This will be another step towards the Serie A season," assured the Coach, "but we need to understand whether the side we saw against Djurgarden was the real Juve or a performance created by the emotion of the night."
The Bianconeri earned their spot in the Champions' League with a confident 4-1 victory in Sweden, silencing many of their critics.
David Trezeguet bagged a brace during that tie, but he has not even made the trip to the San Siro due to a fitness worry. Paolo Montero and Gianluigi Buffon are also out of action, so Fabrizio Miccoli should partner Alessandro Del Piero.
Capello has already lifted the Champions' League trophy with both Milan and Real Madrid, but faces a tricky Group phase in this year's competition.
"When you start such an important adventure," noted the experienced tactician, "the most difficult game tends to be the first one, and we're opening our campaign away to Ajax. The Dutch giants are at a more advanced level of fitness and we know their strengths well."
"Bayern Munich were already a strong side and have since signed some important players to make them competitive in Europe. Maccabi Tel Aviv are the least recognisable outfit, but they are a good outfit."
"These are all difficult opponents," concluded Capello, "but Juventus will also be considered a threat by any other club in Europe."
Their entrance to the Champions' League has unlocked new transfer funds and this evening director general Luciano Moggi confirmed that Fabio Cannavaro was on his way. "We have not completed any deal," noted Moggi, "but we are very close to a conclusion."
Inter defender Cannavaro is expected to arrive in exchange for cash plus goalkeeper Fabian Carini. The deal could be made official over the weekend.
Ancelotti gets unfriendly with Juve
Football Italia
Carlo Ancelotti assures that tonight's Milan-Juventus is never a friendly encounter, least of all when the two Coaches are facing their former clubs.
"This will be a very entertaining game with two teams at the highest level," assured the Rossoneri boss ahead of the traditional Trofeo Berlusconi. "I can tell you for sure that this will not be friendly in nature, as these sides never play for anything less than a victory."
This will be the 14th edition of the contest at the San Siro and a bizarre superstition suggests that the loser goes on to win the Scudetto that season. Last year the Bianconeri won it 2-0, but it was Milan who triumphed in Serie A.
Ancelotti is forced to do without Hernan Crespo and Paolo Maldini for this match, while Juve do not have David Trezeguet or Paolo Montero in their squad.
"Maldini is out as a precautionary measure, so Kakha Kaladze will play in his position at left-back. Clarence Seedorf has recovered from surgery and will take the field in the second half."
There will be even more competition for places with the arrival of Fabricio Coloccini, back from his loan spell at Atletico Madrid.
"He is a young and talented player who has the quality to be part of this side. I am also convinced that he will improve even more under the tutelage of masters such as Maldini and Billy Costacurta."
Crespo will have to wait a little longer for his first goal at the San Siro, as the former Chelsea man pulled up with a thigh problem during the Italian Supercup win over Lazio.
"I am fine and the scare has worn off," reassured the Argentine. "I spoke with the medical staff and they said I can be back at Ancelotti's disposal next week. After a year of lighter training methods in England, it is obvious I would suffer some muscular problems upon my return to the Italian pre-season preparation."
Inter Milan swoop for top kids
Tribal Football
Inter Milan have snapped up three of the world's brightest young talents.
Brazilian winger Siqueira Guillerme Magdalena, 18, has signed a long-term deal with Inter along with ex-Napoli defender Vincenzo Sgambato, just 15 but already capped at U17 level by Italy. A third young Italian defender, 17 year-old Andrea Ballini has joined from Ancona.
Italy 1 - 0 Iraq
Football Italia
Italy have won the Bronze medal in the Athens Olympics with a surreal win over Iraq. It is their first podium finish in this competition since taking the Gold in 1936.
Italy challenged the surprise side of the tournament for the Bronze medal, but a heavy cloud hung over this match. Last night Italian journalist Enzo Baldoni was executed by terrorists in Iraq, so the Azzurrini wore black armbands as a sign of respect. The two teams also mixed together for the traditional photograph before the starting whistle.
Claudio Gentile's men were clearly beaten 3-0 by Argentina in the semi-final, but were the favourites for the medal despite Iraq's remarkable climb to this stage, which included wins over Portugal, Costa Rica and Australia.
There were two nervous goalkeeping moments early on, as Ivan Pelizzoli took two attempts to get Razzaq's long-range effort under control, while Nour Sabri suffered a slight injury during his clearance from Andrea Pirlo.
The deadlock was broken after eight minutes when Pirlo chipped his pass up for the head of Alberto Gilardino from five yards. The match took place in a surreal atmosphere and the Parma striker's celebration saw him kneel down and hold his arms up to the sky. It was his fourth goal of the tournament, his first since the group phase.
Iraq fought back and lone striker Razzaq almost took full advantage of Matteo Ferrari's error, but Pelizzoli was at full stretch to turn his shot wide. On the resulting corner some more defensive mistakes saw the goalkeeper forced to touch a looping Mahdi header on to the crossbar.
There was more danger to Pelizzoli's net moments later with an incredible curling Mohammed corner kick that thumped the woodwork without needing a deflection.
Gilardino gathered another floating Pirlo pass from the left flank and his volley was perhaps too weak to really trouble the goalkeeper. At the other end Sadir's free kick was well held, but the two teams did not seem eager to put up much of a fight for this medal.
The first chance of the second half fell to Iraq and Pelizzoli was forced to parry Sadir's shot with his outstretched foot. On the hour mark Andrea Barzagli almost scored an own goal under pressure from Mohammed and his goalkeeper rushed to charge down Razzaq's follow-up.
Pirlo is yet to score one of his trademark free kicks in the Olympics and went very close to netting, then Gilardino's lob was off target as the 'keeper rushed off his line.
The defence seemed particularly distracted and Munir burst through the centre only to balloon his finish high over the bar. With ten minutes to go he again took the defence by surprise, but struck the side-netting.
Italy: Pelizzoli; Moretti, Ferrari, Bovo, Barzagli, Moretti (Chiellini 85); Pinzi (Mesto 77), Palombo, Donadel, Del Nero; Pirlo; Gilardino
Iraq: Nour Sabri; Amir, Jabar, Attiya, Abbas; Sadir (Younis Mahmoud 77), Wahab, Karim (Emad 58), Munir, Hawar Mohammed (Salah 84); F Razzaq
Ref: Larrionda (Uru)
Olympics: Gentile silences celebration
Football Italia
Italy won their first Olympic football medal since 1936, but Claudio Gentile confirms they were in no mood for a party.
"We wanted to win this match in order to dedicate it to Enzo Baldoni and his family. It certainly wasn't the ideal situation for a celebration," noted the Coach.
Yesterday evening's 1-0 win over Iraq was played out in sombre surroundings just hours after freelance journalist Baldoni was executed by his Iraqi captors.
"We share the feelings of our brothers and friends from Italy and we send our condolences to the family," added Iraq Coach Adnan Hamad.
There were even reports that the match would not go ahead at all, while the Italian authorities were locked in a battle with the Olympic Committee in order to wear black armbands as a sign of respect.
"It was a strange day filled with so much talk," noted Gentile, "and the players were very tired. At the end of it all we managed to win an historic medal."
Italy had not stepped on to the Olympic podium since the Berlin games in 1936, when Vittorio Pozzo's World Champions doubled up with the Gold.
This morning Argentina conquered the Gold medal by beating Paraguay 1-0 in the Final. Carlos Tevez was on target with his eighth of the campaign, ensuring the South Americans finish this competition with 18 strikes in six games and not a single goal conceded.
