Thursday 23 September
Sampdoria 0 - 3 Juventus
ESPN Soccernet
Top-of-the-table Juventus continued their 100% start to the Serie A season as they brushed aside Sampdoria at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Wednesday evening.
Alessandro Del Piero gave Fabio Capello's side the lead in the first period from the penalty spot, a decision that had been fiercely contested by players from the Genoa-based hosts.
However, substitute Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who had replaced Del Piero, made the points safe for the visitors from Turin with his side's second after the interval before David Trezeguet added a third.
It was the third win in three Serie A outings for Juve who look determined to reclaim the Scudetto they surrendered to AC Milan last season and are top of the division with the only perfect record.
Samp had more than held their own at the start but after 19 minutes referee Paolo Dondarini awarded a penalty to Juve somewhat out of the blue. As the ball came in to the box, several players appeared to be tussling for possession but Dondarini pointed to the spot.
The Samp players furiously contested the award but Dondarini was unmoved and Del Piero stepped up to strike the ball firmly into the net, sending goalkeeper Francesco Antonioli the wrong way.
After half an hour, Francesco Flachi almost conjured up an equaliser for Samp when he cut in from the left wing and fired a right-footed shot into the side netting of Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon's near post.
Seven minutes before the interval, Pavel Nedved launched a daring raid down the left and fired in a dangerous shot which Antonioli did well to save. However, at the interval it was still Del Piero's controversial strike that divided the teams.
When battle resumed, Samp striker Fabio Bazzani needed treatment after coming off the worse in a collision with Buffon who had come out to punch the ball away from the danger zone.
Early in the second period Juve had another shout for a penalty when Mauro Camoranesi went down under a challenge from Stefano Sacchetti in the area but this time Dondarini waved play on.
Flachi struck a post with a shot from a tight angle as Samp poured forward in pursuit of an equaliser. Del Piero was duly replaced by Ibrahimovic who has made a solid start to his career with Juve after joining them from Ajax.
However, after 69 minutes Juve stung their hosts with a second goal. It was a well-worked move as Camoranesi played in an overlapping Nedved on the right wing and the Czech Republic international played the ball back to Ibrahimovic who sidefooted the ball in from close range.
The second goal seemed to knock the steam out of Samp who never looked likely to get the goal that would breathe some new life into the contest. Even when Bazzani did burst into the penalty area, Cannavaro got his leg in the way of the giant striker's shot.
With Cannavaro having an imperious game in defence and Ibrahimovic again on the mark it looks as if Capello's signings have ensured that Juve will be highly competitive again this season. Frenchman Trezeguet added a final flourish as his angled volley eluded the fingertips of Antonioli and found the far corner.
The match ended in stormy scenes when Dondarini appeared to award a penalty to Samp before changing his mind - correctly - when his assistant informed him that Cannavaro had played the ball and not the man.
Football Italia
Juventus remain the only team in Serie A with a 100 per cent record thanks to this comfortable victory away to rock bottom Samp. Sampdoria suffered two consecutive defeats to open the season and were forced to do without Aimo Diana, Cristiano Doni, Sergio Volpi, Angelo Pisano and Moris Carrozzieri.
The Bianconeri took the lead after 19 minutes when Alessandro Del Piero successfully converted a penalty kick, awarded for a dubious Cristiano Zanetti shirt tug on Emerson.
The crowd was fired up after this decision and cheered on the Blucerchiati when Francesco Flachi's powerful effort skimmed the woodwork. Every free kick turned into a scuffle.
At the dawn of the second half Gianluigi Buffon rushed off his line to punch the ball off Fabio Bazzani's head and the striker was able to carry on after treatment from this accidental collision.
Samp were putting on the pressure in the second half and Buffon performed a stunning close range save at the near post on Flachi's header.
However, a fine team move gave Juventus the points with 20 minutes to go. Mauro Camoranesi sent Pavel Nedved running and his pullback was swept into the far corner by substitute Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Trezeguet eventually made the scoreline 3-0 and ensured he has netted in every Serie A game so far this season with a well-taken volley.
If the Sampdoria players were angry with the referee before, they were apoplectic in the closing minute. The referee awarded a penalty for Fabio Cannavaro's challenge on Flachi, then changed his mind after consulting with his linesman.
Sampdoria: Antonioli; Pavan, Castellini, Falcone, Sacchetti; Kutuzov (Rossini 63), Edusei, Palombo, Zenoni; Flachi Bazzani
Juventus: Buffon; Zebina, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Emerson, Blasi, Nedved (Olivera 84); Del Piero (Ibrahimovic 62), Trezeguet
Ref: Dondarini
Post-Match Comments
Fabio Capello: "It's never easy to come here and win 3-0, so I am satisfied with the performance, even if it's too early to talk about Juventus running away at the top of the table. These two away victories give us the confidence to do well in any arena."
Why Inter sold Cannavaro
Football Italia
Inter have explained the reasons behind their decision to sell Fabio Cannavaro to rivals Juventus.
"I want to clarify the Cannavaro situation for the last time," stated technical director Marco Branca. "As we already explained after the transfer window closed, it was a choice we made after some important factors were considered.
"In this particularly difficult financial climate, even the biggest clubs must keep an eye on their books. We are an outfit who in recent times have sacrificed at least one player every summer with a high salary. We opted to choose Cannavaro this time because we had also signed young Nicolas Burdisso from Boca Juniors."
Juventus paid no fee after convincing the Nerazzurri to accept goalkeeper Fabian Carini in a straight swap deal. The Italian international signed a four-year contract after accepting to reduce his salary from around £3.2m to £2.1m a season.
Although it may have made financial sense to Inter, they could be regretting the sale given Cannavaro's recent form. The Italian international captain didn't have the happiest of times at the San Siro but he has been super so far for the Bianconeri.
Whereas Inter have struggled defensively this term even if stopper Burdisso could make his debut this evening at Atalanta.
Buffon defends naughty Cassano
Football Italia
Gigi Buffon has backed Antonio Cassano to have a successful year despite his troubled start to the campaign.
The Roma youngster was sent-off in Week 1 and was then suspended by his club for three days after a misunderstanding with boss Rudi Voller. That has led to mass criticism of the Italian starlet but Buffon has defended his international colleague.
"It is true that Cassano has made some stupid mistakes but he's a champion and he'll prove that on the pitch," said the Juventus 'keeper. "These things can happen to all players but he just needs time to recover. I'm convinced that he will have a positive season."
The Azzurri starlet will have an opportunity this evening to make amends as the Giallorossi take on Lecce. Cassano is expected to start the game after convincing Coach Voller that he is in the right frame of mind to play.
The former Bari ace is set to partner Vincenzo Montella. Francesco Totti will begin on the bench after recovering from injury.
Lazio linked with Juventus defender Legrottaglie
Tribal Football
Lazio are being linked with Juventus stopper Nicola Legrottaglie. The young centre-half has dropped off the first team map since coach Fabio Capello's arrival in the summer. Despite the capture of Matias Lequi this week, Lazio are also keen on Legrottaglie and are considering a loan move for the player in January.
Agent denies hawking Roma's Cassano
Tribal Football
The agent of Antonio Cassano has rubbished reports suggesting he has been in talks with clubs interested in the AS Roma firebrand. AC Milan, Juventus and Real Madrid have all been linked with Cassano, who has had a series of run-ins with Roma and Italian management this month.
"Antonio is not in discord with Roma," insisted his agent. "The Giallorosso club is at the top of his thoughts and he is ready to deal with extending his contract without any negative thoughts.
"I refute categorically of being in contact with other clubs."
Bojinov attracts transfer interest
Football Italia
Valeri Bojinov's excellent start to the new season hasn't gone unnoticed by some of Europe's biggest clubs. The 18-year-old has already scored three goals in two League games for Lecce which has enhanced his reputation.
Italy's major clubs have been monitoring him for some time given that he made his top-flight debut at the age of just 15. But a number of Europe's biggest names are also taking an interest in the player, who some are labelling as Serie A's answer to Wayne Rooney.
Barcelona and Arsenal are two sides who have been recently mentioned as prospective buyers at the end of this season.
Bojinov, who netted a beauty against Atalanta on Saturday, is a powerful and technically gifted forward. He was associated with a move to Lazio in the summer but remained at the Via Del Mare after Javier Chevanton was sold to Monaco.
Lecce chief reveals Roma interest for Ledesma
Tribal Football
Lecce sports director Pantaleo Corvino has confirmed AS Roma's interest in midfielder Ledesma. "Inter wanted to take him, but we were not interested in selling him at the time," said Corvino. "Now, the club most interested in him is Roma."
Corvino was also quizzed about young stopper Lorenzo Stovini: "He will not be sold in January. If another club is interested, they will have to wait until next summer."
Palermo reveal Roma first option on Bovo
Tribal Football
Palermo have confirmed AS Roma have first refusal on defender Cesare Bovo. The youngster is interesting several big-spending Serie A and Premiership clubs after an impressive start to the season.
A Palermo spokesman revealed: "Bovo is owned half between us and Roma. The Giallorossi have the right of re-signing him, but they will have to pay his clause. Bovo interests many clubs."
Agent: Inter Milan, Arsenal, Chelsea all in for Kompany
Tribal Football
The agent of Anderlecht defender Vincent Kompany has revealed the interest of some of Europe's biggest clubs - including Inter Milan.
"Anderlecht have received many enquiries," revealed Luca Pelizzon, "above all from England. He appeals a lot to Chelsea and Arsenal, but until the end of the season he won't move from Brussels.
"We have started some interesting contacts with Inter and AC Milan. They both want him for next year. With the Nerazzurri we have had an optimal relationship for a long time, but also with Milan it is very good."
Wednesday 22 September
Sampdoria v Juventus: Preview
ESPN Soccernet
Sampdoria welcome pacesetters Juventus to the Marassi Stadium on Wednesday determined to cut out the ill-discipline that has seen them lose both games this season.
The team that were fighting for a UEFA Cup place last campaign have yet to get a point on board so far this term. Their efforts to do so against Siena last Sunday were thwarted after they were reduced to nine men.
"I want to be able to finish a game with 11 players on the pitch," said coach Walter Novellino. "We had no crisis in the summer but now we are facing a difficult situation. We need to hit back, to be in control before another rival hits us first.
"We need to learn to fight in order to survive in this competition. That remains our aim."
Novellino will have to do without Sunday's red-card culprits, midfielder Sergio Volpi and defender Morris Carrozieri, both of who serve one-match bans.
On the injury front, it is unlikely defender Marco Pisano will recover in time, which is a major problem for Novellino considering Aimo Diana and Cristiano Doni are still unavailable through injury.
In contrast, Juventus coach Fabio Capello is delighted with the disciplined defending that has seen his side as the only one to secure maximum points from the opening two weekends without conceding a goal.
And at the other end of the field, David Trezeguet is providing the answers after coming close to leaving Turin in the summer. The French striker is more than happy to have stayed with the Bianconeri.
"Fabio Capello did so much in order to convince me to stay that I want to repay the trust he gave me," said Trezeguet, who has netted three goals in the first two league games. "I feel really good. The team is playing well and I have many goalscoring opportunities, which is important for me."
Trezeguet is set to play alongside Juve captain Alessandro Del Piero with striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic taking his turn on the substitutes bench on Wednesday.
Capello expressed his delight that everything was coming together so early in his career at the Delle Alpi.
"Being in first position in the standings may not be very significant right now but it nevertheless gives us a lot of confidence for our next encounters," he said. "The first two games are always difficult but we have managed to play well and get full marks."
Capello will have all his players available with the exception of veteran defender Ciro Ferrara who is out of action through injury.
Del Piero to face Samp
Football Italia
Alessandro Del Piero will be recalled to the Juventus side for the midweek trip to Sampdoria. The captain was rested for the 2-0 win over Atalanta on Sunday, but will start alongside David Trezeguet on Wednesday evening.
Manuele Blasi is also expected to return to the team but boss Fabio Capello won't be rotating his defenders. The Juve defence of Jonathan Zebina, Lilian Thuram, Fabio Cannavaro and Gianluca Zambrotta have yet to concede a goal this term.
"We need to consolidate certain mechanisms so I won't be making many changes back there," said the tactician. "When we are convinced that everything is working well, then I will start to think about resting players.
"I apologise to the members of the squad who are being left out but the season is a long one."
The Old Lady go into the match as favourites given their 100 per cent record and the fact that Samp have lost both games so far. But Capello has warned his troops that Doria should be respected - no matter what the League table says.
"They are an excellent side who are bossed by Walter Novellino, a former teammate of mine," he added. "They will be keen to show people what they can do and playing against a side like Juventus will give them the stimulus they need.
"We can't underestimate them and my boys know this. I'm sure Sampdoria will be protagonists in the season ahead."
Buffon latest Juventus identity to praise Cassano
Tribal Football
Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is the latest club identity to speak highly of underfire AS Roma striker Antonio Cassano. Following on from Juve chief Luciano Moggi and coach Fabio Capello, Buffon declared: "It's true he has made some mistakes, but he is a true champion and will soon return to his best.
"Also, a champion can survive a bad period in his career and come out the other end an even greater player. Like other great players, Cassano is capable of such a feat."
Cassano's row with Roma management is expected to see the young striker join Juve next summer.
Ex-Ajax star Zlatan: I feel at home with Juventus
Tribal Football
Juventus striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he already feels at home in Turin. The former Ajax star said: "At Juve I feel already at home and I have a fixed objective: to win the title.
"I didn't think I would be playing so soon in the starting XI. I am developing a good partnership with Trezeguet. But also, I am feeling comfortable with Del Piero - and that's important.
Tuesday 21 September
Trez sees Juve success
Football Italia
David Trezeguet is convinced that Juventus have what is needed to lift major silverware in the new campaign.
"I'm very happy," he stated after scoring both goals in the win over Atalanta. "We are a concrete and determined team. We already showed that last Sunday and illustrated it again in Week 2. We are on the right road."
The Bianconeri finished last term empty handed but have started the new season in great fashion. They are the only team in the Division with a 100 per cent record and also began their Champions' League bid with a 1-0 win at Ajax.
However, there is room for improvement after Trez partnered new boy Zlatan Ibrahimovic yesterday. "We need time to get to know each other," added the Frenchman after they struggled to consistently link up.
The Old Lady are next in action on Wednesday against Sampdoria - who are bottom of the table after two defeats. "We need to be very alert against them because they are a team with no points who are eager to pick themselves up," he concluded.
Trezeguet delighted with Capello work at Juventus
Tribal Football
David Trezeguet says it was Fabio Capello's personal plea that convinced him to sign a new contract with Juventus. "I am very happy," said the French striker. "I feel in good form and everything is going very well. But it's no an individual thing; everyone is happy and its no surprise that we're leaders.
"We all understand Capello's instructions, what he wants from us, the movement he wants and attention to detail."
Trez eyes Platini record
Planet Football
Juventus striker David Trezeguet has set his sights on compatriot Michel Platini's goalscoring record for the club. Platini is listed amongst Juventus legends after scoring 105 times, but Trezeguet is just 12 shy of this tally after a brace against Atalanta.
"It is a goal that I am keen to reach," said Trezeguet. "For me it is hugely important to reach Platini's record in this shirt. I am feeling in fine condition and this team is more attacking so I have more opportunities. As I've always said, with my role so much hinges on my team-mates."
Trezeguet appears to have quickly forged a relationship with new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
"I am enjoying playing alongside him," said the France international. "He is tall and takes defenders away. We have not had much time together and he does not speak Italian. He has huge qualities that can make him the primary or secondary striker and that guarantees a good weight in attack."
Inter Milan chiefs fume as Cannavaro stars for Juventus
Tribal Football
Inter Milan chiefs are holding an internal review over the sale of Fabio Cannavaro to Juventus. Gazzetta dello Sport says Inter were convinced they were selling Juventus a player with little chance of full recovery from long-standing injuries.
But Cannavaro has proven his fitness, playing three games in eight days for Juve and impressing everyone with his form.
Arsenal target Bojinov open about eventual Lecce move
Tribal Football
Lecce striker Valeri Bojinov has made it no secret that he eventually wants to move on. A long-term target for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, Bojinov has struck three goals in the opening two rounds of Serie A.
The 18 year-old said: "I'm delighted with my form, I hope it continues. I want to follow the path of Javier Chevanton. I know I can develop as a player here and then make a jump to a bigger club."
Monday 20 September
Juventus 2 - 0 Atalanta
Football Italia
David Trezeguet's brace ensures Juve maintain their 100 per cent record at the top of the table. Pavel Nedved and Emerson were slight risks with knocks, but Fabio Capello rotated the squad by leaving Alessandro Del Piero on the bench for a new partnership of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and David Trezeguet.
The Orobici had only managed a home draw with Lecce in their opening game, but Coach Andrea Mandorlini insisted he wouldn't sit back and defend. Juve had a very aggressive start, but the first real save was by Gianluigi Buffon on Carmine Gautieri's close-range header.
However, Juventus broke the deadlock soon after with Trezeguet's second goal of the season. It was a controversial goal, as Gianluca Zambrotta's effort was fumbled and the Frenchman practically kicked the ball out of Massimo Taibi's hands. The goalkeeper was down for some time needing treatment, but was able to carry on.
Buffon rushed out to clear from Pazzini after the young talent had sprinted past Jonathan Zebina and Lilian Thuram to get on the end of Demetrio Albertini's through ball.
Pavel Nedved thought he had grabbed a second just before the break, as his point-blank header from a Ruben Olivera set-piece was palmed on to the crossbar by a magnificent Taibi reaction save.
The Bianconeri doubled their lead with Trezeguet's second of the game after 57 minutes. Ibrahimovic cleverly redirected a pass into the Frenchman's pass and he placed an accurate low drive past Taibi.
Zebina nearly made it three soon after when he gathered Ibrahimovic's pass, but his effort thumped the crossbar.
Juventus: Buffon; Zebina, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Olivera (Camoranesi 46), Tacchinardi (Appiah 69), Emerson; Nedved; Ibrahimovic (Zalayeta 87), Trezeguet
Atalanta: Taibi; Rivalta, Natali, Gonnella, Bellini; Zenoni, Albertini, Marcolini (Budan 79); Gautieri (Pia' 73), Montolivo, Pazzini
Ref: De Santis
Post-Match Comments
Fabio Capello: "We did very well and didn't allow our opponents much room for manoeuvre. The team had real concentration and focus in defence, although Atalanta did put us under pressure with their possession early on. David Trezeguet is a born goalscorer, like Shevchenko and Adriano."
Agent: Nedved may extend Juventus deal
Tribal Football
The agent of Juventus midfielder Pavel Nedved has hinted he could play on beyond the end of his current contract in 2006. The 32 year-old's stunning early season form has convinced Juve director general Luciano Moggi to press Nedved to open talks over a new contract extension.
"In December we will find ourselves with Moggi and we will give an answer," confirmed Nedved's agent last night. "Pavel is reflecting on it and he has not said that he will end his career in the next two years."
Nedved himself said: "If I will continue, it will be with this team."
Juventus coach: Trezeguet is a natural
Tribal Football
Juventus moved to the top of Serie A on Sunday after victory over Atalanta. Juve were too strong for Atalanta at the Delle Alpi - Fabio Capello's men winning 2-0 thanks to a double from France striker David Trezeguet.
Capello said afterwards: I'm very happy with this performance. The defensive work was excellent, we squeezed the life out of the opposition. "We gave Atalanta too much respect in the first-half and also didn't get the ball to the wingers quickly enough. But that changed in the second-half.
"Trezeguet is a natural, just like Shevchenko and Adriano, he's always in the right place at the right time to accept a scoring chance. There's still a lot ahead of us, but I'm pleased with our progress."
Chelsea to offer £8M for 'new Pele' Robinho
Tribal Football
Chelsea are being linked with Santos whiz Robinho. The exciting right-sided attacker has been a long-term target for Europe's biggest clubs, including Manchester United, AC Milan and Barcelona.
The News of the World says Chelsea are preparing an £8 million January offer for Robinho, who has been dubbed the 'new Pele' in his home country.
AC Milan coach hails Coloccini arrival
Tribal Football
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti is convinced the club has made an important decision in holding onto Argie defender Fabricio Coloccini. Liverpool, Tottenham and Real Madrid were among clubs to enquire after Coloccini during the summer transfer window. But Milan chose to hold onto the centre-half.
Ancelotti said: "In his first training session, he struck me by his mastery of the football and his personality. I've never before seen this in a young defender. Sure, he's already achieved a lot, a gold medal and the Copa America with Argentina. But he also has a great future, both in the medium and long term.
"He has the possibility to build an entire career with Milan at a young age, the club has total confidence in him and he has demonstrated his worth."
Sunday 19 September
Juventus v Atalanta: Preview
ESPN Soccernet
The Lombardy-based outfit are dealing with a minor crisis which saw owner Ivan Ruggeri step down from his role as president on Thursday night.
After beating Reggina 4-1 in the Coppa Italia for their first victory of 2004-5, an estimated 600 fans of the club protested outside their Atleti Azzurri d'Italia stadium, demanding an apology from Ruggeri for remarks made about low ticket sales.
Ruggeri was frustrated that only 8,800 supporters had bought a season ticket and he vented his feelings about the situation on a local radio station. Perhaps deciding it was best to bring some calm to the situation, he resigned, much to the disappointment of the Bergamo-based club's coach Andrea Mandorlini.
"It is a sad night," Mandorlini said after the win over Reggina. "I hope Ruggeri reconsiders his decision."
Atalanta, newly promoted to the expanded 20-team top flight after their fifth place finish in Serie B, were held to a 2-2 draw by visitors Lecce in their opening Serie A game.
In that contest, Atalanta's new acquisition Demetrio Albertini began to pay immediate dividends by setting up one goal and scoring another. The veteran midfielder, who is now 33 years old, has played with Atletico Madrid and Lazio but is best associated with his golden spell at AC Milan.
He will be in the line-up to face Juventus, who followed up their 3-0 win at Brescia with a 1-0 Champions League triumph in Amsterdam over Ajax.
After the win over Brescia, Juve coach Fabio Capello expressed his delight that three of his top players have found the back of the net during the past week. David Trezeguet, Pavel Nedved and summer signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic all scored against Brescia before Nedved capped off a terrific week by scoring a wonderful winner against Ajax.
European footballer of the year Nedved picked up a slight knee injury midweek, however, and is unlikely to play on Sunday as Capello rests some of his top players. He can still count on, however, the attacking trio of Alessandro Del Piero - who has yet to score - Ibrahimovic and Trezeguet.
"I feel better now, although it still hurts and I am slightly worried," Nedved said of his injury. "I have to be careful."
Despite missing out, Nedved is confident Juve are equipped to take all three points against Atalanta.
"The goal in Amsterdam has been an important step forward for the team," Nedved said. "We have taken three important points that allows us to look at the future with optimism."
Atalanta boss Mandorlini is expected to recall all his regular players, who were rested in midweek. The game is the first of a very difficult two-week stretch for Atalanta, who take on Internazionale next week.
Atalanta aim to attack Juve
Football Italia
The Orobici are the underdogs on their trip to the Delle Alpi, but Coach Andrea Mandorlini insists they won't sit back and defend.
"We will fight for every point and play open football," assured the tactician who took Atalanta to promotion last summer. "There is no point in starting out with a defensive attitude, because if you leave the initiative to your opponents it invites them to put us under constant pressure and you could be swept away."
The Bergamo based club could only hold Lecce to a 2-2 draw at home in their season opener, but have some talented young forwards in the form of Riccardo Montolivo and Gianpaolo Pazzini, plus the experience of Demetrio Albertini in midfield.
"It is evident," added Coach Mandorlini, "that we won't just run at Juve for the sake of it, but we won't try to contain them. If you see us camped out in our own half, it will be because the Bianconeri have forced us into a corner."
Buffon in bullish mood
Planet Football
Gianluigi Buffon has admitted that the change of coach at Juventus breathed new life into the players. Juve struggled last term and the departing Marcello Lippi was replaced in the summer by Fabio Capello. Capello's team have started the season brightly, kicking off with wins in Serie A and the UEFA Champions League.
Buffon feels confidence has returned to the team and believes the signs are positive for this term.
"We struggled last season, but now it is different," he said. "We have found ourselves again. The coaching change certainly had an impact. It stimulated us and motivated us and we have our hunger back.
"I have never seen Thuram play so well, Del Piero is all quality and when Nedved gets to 100 percent fitness, we will be strong."
Pavel pledges future to Juve
Football Italia
Pavel Nedved has hinted that he could carry on playing beyond 2006, while Fabio Capello warns tonight's match with Atalanta will be no easy ride.
"We will meet with director general Luciano Moggi in December and give him an answer," revealed the Czech star's agent. "Pavel is considering his future and he won't necessarily end his career in 2006. If he does carry on, it will be with Juventus."
The Balon d'Or winner had stated that he wanted to hang up his boots and concentrate on his family when he contract expires with the Bianconeri, but the club is eager to work out a new deal.
Nedved once again showed his importance to the side this week with his winning goal in Ajax's Amsterdam Arena, although a knock picked up during that game could rule him out of this afternoon's clash with Atalanta.
With this in mind, Fabio Capello is considering a change of tactics with Zlatan Ibrahimovic partnering David Trezeguet and Alessandro Del Piero relegated to the bench.
"We know that we're going to face seven games in 21 days between Serie A and the Champions' League," noted the Coach, "and this is just the second. From next week the strain will start to show, so there will be room for everyone."
Del Piero would be a high-profile player for the bench, especially following his recent poor form, while Igor Tudor, Nicola Legrottaglie and Alessio Tacchinardi should also feature against Atalanta.
"This is a trap game," warned the tactician. "Everyone says it'll be an easy win, but I say this is every bit as important as when Juve take on one of the big clubs."
Ciro Ferrara and Paolo Montero are out of action due to a muscular problem and Achilles tendon inflammation respectively. Capello tested out a three-man defensive set-up with Mark Iuliano, Lilian Thuram and Fabio Cannavaro.
Juventus squad: 1 Buffon, 3 Tacchinardi, 5 Tudor, 6 Legrottaglie, 7 Pessotto, 8 Emerson, 9 Ibrahimovic, 10 Del Piero, 11 Nedved, 12 Chimenti, 13 Iuliano, 15 Birindelli, 16 Camoranesi, 17 Trezeguet, 18 Appiah, 19 Zambrotta, 20 Blasi, 21 Thuram, 22 Bonnefoi, 23 Kapo, 24 Olivera, 25 Zalayeta, 27 Zebina, 28 Cannavaro
Saturday 18 September
Capello: Totti was a bad example
Football Italia
The bitterness between Francesco Totti and Fabio Capello has spilled over with the two men accusing each other of leading Antonio Cassano astray.
"It's true that I told Daniele De Rossi not to follow Totti and Cassano's example," confirmed the former Roma Coach. "I told him to stay close to Emerson, live a healthy life and follow his lead if he wanted to achieve certain results."
"It was the advice that a Coach must give to a young player who is growing, so that he doesn't get lost in a moment of glory."
Totti openly blamed Capello for not disciplining Cassano in the past, and suggested that this is what made the youngster feel he could get away with his bad behaviour.
"It now seems that everything happening at Roma is my fault," smiled the Juventus boss, "yet with me in charge we won a Scudetto and came second behind a great Milan side."
"Everything I did with Cassano was with the results in mind and that is why I accepted things from him that I would not have done with others. I tried to talk to him like a Father to a son."
Capello has stayed remarkably quiet on the circumstances surrounding his departure from Roma, but Totti's interview made the fiery tactician come out of his shell.
"And finally, to Mr Totti," he added. "I ask the captain and Roma man per excellance to remember Napoli. He knows what I mean, as on the penultimate day of the season we won the Scudetto in the Stadio San Paolo with 15,000 fans following us."
Capello also aimed a final sideswipe at President Franco Sensi, who last week stated that the Coach had "run away in the night to Juventus."
"Seeing as people keep trotting out this phrase," concluded the Bianconeri boss, "I'd like to point out that I had a meeting with Juventus directors at 6pm, so if anything I left in mid-morning."
Juventus chief Moggi raps Roma over Cassano fine
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi has wasted no time entering the debate over Antonio Cassano's fractious relationship with AS Roma management. With Fabio Capello now at Juve, Cassano is expected to eventually end up in Turin before his present contract expires in 2006.
"We have had to make drastic decisions with our players when they have stepped out of line," said Moggi, "but I must say that I do not believe this is the case with Cassano.
"In some situations you should treat tense situations with humour. I think Cassano is a fine young man and treating him with respect would be all that is needed to solve this situation."
Moggi added, "The truth is that you must do as much managing champions like Cassano as you do worrying about your opposition."
Cassano was fined 20 per cent of his weekly wage this week for missing training at Roma.
Depor supremo pushes for D'Alessandro deal
Tribal Football
Deportivo La Coruna president Augusto Caesar Lendoiro will dispatch an intermediary this week to Germany to negotiate the signing of Wolfsburg midfielder Andres D'Alessandro.
Lendoiro wants at least first refusal on the Argentina international, though is prepared to sign him outright when the winter market opens in Spain in December. D'Alessandro admitted during the Athens Olympics that a move to Depor would be "a dream come true" and Lendoiro is now pushing for a deal to be struck.
Deportivo La Coruna strike deal for River Plate's Mascherano
Tribal Football
Deportivo La Coruna have struck a deal with River Plate for midfielder Javier Mascherano. The 20 year-old Argentina international will move to La Coruna in December, having already agreed personal terms with Depor president Augusto Caesar Lendoiro.
The two clubs have struck an agreement over a £6.5 million transfer fee - though River reserve the right to pull out of the deal if a bigger offer arrives before the midseason market opens. Real Madrid, Arsenal and Espanyol have also been in contact with River about Mascherano, but none have made a concrete bid.
