Friday 15 October
Serie A Preview: Juventus - Messina
Football Italia
The Stadio Delle Alpi plays host to the biggest game of Week 6 as leaders Juventus take on second placed surprise package Messina. Not too many people thought this match would be that significant when the fixture list was released but the Sicilians have stunned their critics after defeating both Roma and Milan so far this season.
There will perhaps be no better time to face the Old Lady for Bortolo Mutti's men. The majority of the Bianconeri squad have been away on international duty and they have a striker shortage that could see them struggle in front of goal.
Although Alex Del Piero is back in training after an Achilles' tendon injury, he isn't likely to feature. The Turin giants will also be without star striker David Trezeguet who will be out of action until mid-January with a shoulder problem. Marcelo Zalayeta and Zlatan Ibrahimovic will lead the line.
Juve's defence has been a strong point so far this term as they have conceded just once in seven games. But they could be severely tested given the rich vein of form that both Zampagna and Di Napoli are in for the Sicilians. It now just remains to be seen whether Mutti opts for a more cautious formation – as he did in the 2-1 win at Milan – or go for victory.
Bianconeri transfer guru Luciano Moggi will also use the encounter to watch Messina left-back Alessandro Parisi in action. The 'Roberto Carlos dello Stretto' has already scored twice in five games and is of interest to Juventus as well as a host of other European footballing giants.
Juventus (probable): Buffon; Zebina, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Emerson, Blasi, Nedved; Ibrahimovic, Zalayeta
Messina (probable): Storari; Zoro, Conte, Reazei, Parisi; Giampa, Coppola, Donati; Iliev; Zampagna, Di Napoli
Ref: To follow...
Alex doubt for Bayern
Football Italia
Juventus may face Bayern Munich on Tuesday night without captain Alessandro Del Piero. The No 10 was expected to be fit enough to start the game but his rehabilitation is taking longer than expected.
Del Piero has spent the last 10 days trying to resolve an Achilles' tendon problem which has been hampering him for a month. Reports suggested that he wouldn't be ready for Saturday's Messina match but would be fine for the Champions' League tie.
However, that no longer seems to be the case as he is still not working with the ball in training. Whispers in Turin state that he could start on the bench against the Germans and then return to the starting line-up versus Siena on October 23.
That would be a major blow for boss Fabio Capello who will be without David Trezeguet until mid-January. The tactician is now likely to field Marcelo Zalayeta alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic against both Messina and Bayern.
Owen emerges as Juve target
Planet Football
Juventus are reported to be lining up a sensational move for England captain Michael Owen. Reports claim the Italian giants want to take Owen on loan for the rest of the season when the transfer window reopens in January.
Juve are on the look-out for a striker after it was confirmed this week that French international David Trezeguet would be out for at least four months following surgery on a shoulder injury.
The Turin giants have been linked with a host of names including Brescia starlet Andrea Caracciolo, Adrian Mutu and Simone Inzaghi, but have attempted to play down speculation.
However, the England international has now emerged as a target and Juve are hoping to take advantage of his lack of action in the Spanish capital.
Owen has been only a bit-part player at the Santiago Bernabeu since his summer move and has failed to force his way past Ronaldo and Raul in to the Real first team.
Although he has repeatedly stated his happiness at having moved to Spain, as well as asking for more time to settle, the situation might change if he is still out in the cold come January.
Fabio Capello is reported to be a big fan of the former Liverpool star and would like him to bolster his attacking options.
However, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alessandro Del Piero, Marcelo Zalayeta - and Trezeguet when he regains fitness - all on the books at Stadio delle Alpi, competition is no less fierce in Turin.
Whether Owen will want to uproot again remains doubtful, and he would also be unavailable to play in the UEFA Champions League for Juve if he were to appear in that competition for Real before January.
Udinese's Iaquinta welcomes Juventus rumours
Tribal Football
Udinese centre-forward Vincenzo Iaquinta has emerged as the most likely signing for Juventus in January. The striker is being lined up by Juve director general Luciano Moggi as a replacement for the injured David Trezeguet.
"You continue to assume my passage to Juventus at the reopening of the market," said Iaquinta, "but I cannot, please, confirm anything as I do not know anything. I read newspapers and news like this pleases me, its useless to deny it. It demonstrates that I am doing well."
Miccoli rejects Juve return
Football Italia
Fiorentina's Fabrizio Miccoli has become the latest player to rule out a January return to Juventus. The forward is currently on loan in Florence but insists he won't be heading back to Turin to solve their striker crisis.
"I don't want to talk about it as I'll be staying with Fiorentina until the end of the season at the very least," he told Tuttosport.
The Bianconeri are short of attackers after David Trezeguet was ruled out for three months with a shoulder problem.
"Trezeguet's absence will be felt but I know that Alex Del Piero will soon be back in action," continued the 25-year-old. "I'm sure that with his return to full fitness, Juventus will resolve their offensive problems."
Miccoli's statement comes just a day after Marcelo Salas' agent maintained that the club wouldn't recall his client. The Chilean international is currently on loan with Argentine giants River Plate.
Juventus open Zanetti talks with Inter Milan
Tribal Football
Juventus are in talks with Inter Milan over midfielder Cristiano Zanetti. Juve coach Fabio Capello is keen to bring Zanetti to the San Siro, having enjoyed working with the 27 year-old while the pair at AS Roma.
The two clubs are in negotiations over the midfielder, though Inter are concerned over a supporter backlash. Having already received criticism for selling Fabio Cannavaro to Juve over the summer, Inter could again be hammered for the sale of Zanetti, particularly as he has struggled with a leg injury this season.
Zanetti wants Inter glory
Football Italia
Cristiano Zanetti has committed his future to Internazionale despite talk of a San Siro exit. The Italian has been heavily linked with a move in recent months but he insists he wants to keep wearing the Nerazzurri shirt.
"I am happy at Inter and I hope to remain as long as possible, that is because I want to win some major honours with this club," he stated.
The 27-year-old has been associated with a switch given the tough competition for places, with Juventus boss Fabio Capello apparently keen on his services. But Zanetti is just focused on his current club and is eager to feature after recovering from injury.
"I'm ready to play and feeling good," added the former Roma ace. "Now it will be up to the Coach to decide whether to use me or not."
Teammate Alvaro Recoba described the current Inter side as the strongest he's ever played in earlier this week. Does Zanetti agree?
"I don't know," he replied. "The results will establish that fact. We've had good teams in the past, let's hope this one is a little more decisive when it comes to winning."
Inter have won just one League game so far this term but Zanetti doesn't seem overly concerned.
"Luck plays a part in this game because we have been playing some good football," he noted. "We're not doing too badly in the Scudetto race even if we are going strongly in the Champions' League.
"We just need to resolve a few issues defensively, seeing as we are conceding too many goals right now. Things will improve with time."
De Rossi pens extension
Football Italia
Roma have silenced speculation regarding Daniele De Rossi's future by handing him a new contract. The youngster has been linked with a host of clubs seeing that his previous deal expired in the summer of 2006.
But the player has today committed his future to the outfit by agreeing to stay at the Stadio Olimpico until 30 June 2009.
"I'm delighted," said the 21-year-old Italian international. "I'm very happy that my relationship with this club will continue."
Financial details have yet to be released but recent whispers suggested that his salary would increase from just £30,000 a year to almost £1m. De Rossi is a successful product of the Giallorossi youth system and is now a key part of Marcello Lippi's national side.
Agent of Brescia's Caracciolo yet to hear from Milan, Juventus
Tribal Football
The agent of Brescia centre-forward Andrea Caracciolo has hinted a move to the Premiership could be on for the youngster. Juventus and AC Milan have been linked with Caracciolo, with Brescia president Gino Corioni revealing a £2 million offer had been rejected from Juve.
But Caracciolo's agent, Tiziano Gonzaga, told Calciomercato.com: "It's untrue. I have an excellent relationship with Adriano Galliani from AC Milan and he hasn't asked me about Andrea. I also haven't heard from Juventus.
"England? That's a possibility. Brescia are trying to sell him - but nothing has come through us."
Lippi won't ignore stars
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi is satisfied with Italy's start to their World Cup campaign but admits he's waiting for the return of some big names.
"I think that my side have done sufficiently well so far," said the tactician after last night's 4-3 win against Belarus. "The only certainty right now is that we are top of the group but I believe that we have shown some positive things so far."
Lippi has opened the Azzurri doors to a number of young players over the last six weeks, such as Daniele Bonera, Alberto Gilardino and Daniele De Rossi. The latter has been a particular success after the midfielder netted his second goal in three games on Wednesday.
"I'm absolutely delighted with the continual growth of De Rossi, he's a fantastic player," added the former Juventus boss.
However, Lippi did admit that he intended to recall more experienced players such as Christian Vieri, Pippo Inzaghi and Alex Del Piero in the future.
"It is my plan to recover all of the great Italian players," he noted. "It is only normal that I would like the best players because they are of obvious use to the side and the project."
Lippi was also questioned on Antonio Cassano, after a banner at the Stadio Tardini last night read: 'Senza Cassano non si va lontano' (You won't go far without Cassano). "I agree and I can't wait to have him at my disposal in the future," responded the Coach.
One player who did shine at last was Francesco Totti after he netted two in the victory. "He is a champion who is at the disposal of everyone," added Lippi. "He's done what has been asked of him in these past few days with enthusiasm."
Italy's next qualifier won't take place until March but the squad will get together in November for a trip to China. Lippi has already admitted that he is set to try a few new things, with players like Messina's Alessandro Parisi and Andrea Barzagli of Chievo being tipped to get a maiden call.
Zambrotta: It Was Important To Win
Goal.com
Gianluca Zambrotta was pleased with Italy's display on Wednesday night against Belarus, which the Azzurri won for 4-3. The Juventus full-back was the best player of the match even though he was constantly being changed from one side to the other and even played in a more advanced role than usual.
"The mister decided to move me forward, but it wasn't a problem. It is a position which I have played in with Bari and Juve. I'm happy for the team, we're back in first place which was important. Now let's relax and then think about the next match."
For the next game, in program on the 26th of March against Scotland, Zambrotta will be suspended as he picked up a yellow card, but that should not be a problem for the Azzurri according to the bianconero.
"There are players who can easily replace me," said the Italian international.
Gilardino: We Deserved To Win
Goal.com
Alberto Gilardino helped Italy to a 4-3 win over Belarus on Wednesday
night in a World Cup Qualifier match.
For the Parma striker this was his first goal with the Azzurri in what he
hopes will become a big tally in the future. To make things better, this
all-important goal was scored in front of his gialloblu fans at the Tardini.
"It was important to win. After the defeat against Slovenia, we prepared and trained well, obtaining a deserved win. De Rossi, Bonera and I come directly from the Under 21 and we have joined a nice group. We are working to do well," said Gilardino.
Fiore And Di Vaio Clash With Lippi
Goal.com
Stefano Fiore and Marco Di Vaio were left out of Wednesday's night World Cup Qualifier between Italy and Belarus. The two Valencia players had to watch the match from the stands and they were clearly disappointed with this decision.
Both of them were apparently vocal about their disappointment and apparently had a clash of words with Marcello Lippi for being left out of the team for the second match in a row as they expected to be at least on the bench.
For the time being all parties involved have minimized this incident, however this episode might lead to future repercussions for Fiore and Di Vaio.
Oddo on the defensive
Football Italia
Massimo Oddo insists the Azzurri defence shouldn't be criticised for the three goals conceded against Belarus.
"We did make mistakes in the game but nobody can be blamed when an opponent finds the top corner from 30-yards," said the Lazio right-back. "These things happen and we have to accept that. You just can't condemn four defenders for conceding three goals."
Although Belarus' first was perhaps unavoidable, their second was a gift from Gennaro Gattuso and goalkeeper Gigi Buffon should have probably stopped the third.
"I thought they scored three great goals but I'm ready to take responsibility if it makes people happy," said the Juventus 'keeper after the 4-3 win. "All of their shots were pretty impressive. The first found the top corner and the free-kick hit the bottom of the bar and went in."
Meanwhile, Oddo passed comment on his own display which many considered as disappointing.
"I attempted to do what the Coach asked of me which was to defend more than usual," continued the stopper. "I did push forward while the score was still 0-0 but retreated after we went two up in an attempt to defend our lead."
Thursday 14 October
Italy 4 - 3 Belarus
Football Italia
Francesco Totti silenced his critics with a brace and Alberto Gilardino broke his duck, but the Azzurri struggled again to see off Belarus 4-3.
Marcello Lippi made sweeping changes to the side that lost 1-0 to Slovenia at the weekend, although the injured Mauro Camoranesi and suspended Daniele Bonera were forced out.
Lippi also changed his tactics to a 4-4-2 system with Francesco Totti in close support of Parma striker Alberto Gilardino, playing in front of his home fans at the Stadio Tardini.
Fabio Cannavaro was rested in favour of Marco Materazzi in a largely changed defence with attacking fullbacks Massimo Oddo and Giuseppe Pancaro introduced, pushing Gianluca Zambrotta and new entry Aimo Diana further forward. It was an important match for Pancaro, who missed Euro 2004 with a serious injury.
Belarus were fresh from a 4-0 mauling of Moldova and eager to make a play for the second place currently held by the Azzurri behind leaders Slovenia - who lost 3-0 to Norway this evening. Their star striker is Sampdoria man Valeri Kutuzov, while Sergei Gurenko is also a former Serie A player.
Within two minutes Oddo's free kick was nodded over by Pancaro at the back post, then Totti's set-piece curled inches wide of the upright.
Totti rolled the ball across for Diana's centre and as goalkeeper Vasili Khomutovsky plucked it out of the air Gilardino and a defender clattered into him. The Roma captain could perhaps have tried to shoot from the edge of the box, but is still short on confidence and opted for the pass.
The first corner kick of the game arrived after 25 minutes and from that kick Vladimir Korytko punched the ball off Pancaro's head and the penalty was inevitable. Totti stepped up and buried his spot-kick into the left-hand corner, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
However, the Spanish referee ordered the kick to be retaken due to encroachment and the second time Totti thumped it into same corner. This goal forced Belarus to come out of their holding pattern, but this gave Italy room to push forward and Totti turned Zambrotta's cross wide with his chest instead of his head from six yards.
Soon after Gilardino made the Tardini crowd hold its collective breath when he chested down a pass with his back to goal, turned and curled it just wide of the post.
On 32 minutes there was a stunning move with first touches from Zambrotta, Gilardino and Totti that was charged down, but it continued until Daniele De Rossi slammed an angled drive into the far bottom corner of the net. The former Under-21 international scored his second senior Italy goal.
Belarus made a tactical switch to try and get back into the game, introducing striker Bulyga for the more defensive Korytko. The only danger for Gianluigi Buffon in the first half came from Marco Materazzi, whose back header nearly took the goalkeeper by surprise.
Italy were dominating and the lively Zambrotta skipped past two defenders and his shot was well saved. Totti then threaded through for Gilardino only for a desperate tackle to close down his shot.
Buffon's first save of the game came at the dawn of the second half, as the ball wasn't cleared effectively and the former Parma 'keeper eventually performed a good reaction save on Kutuzov's close-range strike. At the other end Belarus nearly scored an own goal, as Kulchiy nodded a Totti free kick on to the crossbar by mistake.
However, it was Belarus who re-opened the match with a truly spectacular strike. Maksim Romashchenko saw Buffon slightly off his line and unleashed a left-foot rocket from 35 metres that went in off the inside of the upright.
Zambrotta was booked for not stepping back far enough from an opposition free kick and will therefore miss the Scotland game in March. When Simone Perrotta replaced Aimo Diana, Zambrotta switched to the right and further proved his versatility.
Oddo was also booked for a handling offence on the edge of the box and Buffon flew to palm out the resulting free kick from Belkevich. Soon after he got down well to smother Bulgya's effort.
Former Parma captain Fabio Cannavaro was surprisingly rested for this game, but he replaced Massimo Oddo to give the Azzurri more coverage at the back. Perrotta slipped at the crucial moment, but the move continued and Totti's volley dipped just past the crossbar.
The Roma captain scored a stunning free kick in the 3-3 draw with Inter last week and curled in another fine set-piece on 74 minutes. Totti has been under real pressure from the media since his all too brief Euro 2004 campaign, but he answered his critics with this brace.
Lippi's final substitution was in midfield, as Manuele Blasi replaced the impressive De Rossi. The result had seemed to be safe, but Gennaro Gattuso slipped inside the box and Bulyga took full advantage to slide a powerful finish past Buffon.
Totti tried to restore that two-goal cushion with a fierce drive that skimmed the woodwork, then a free kick from a very tight angle was fingertipped off target by Khomutovsky.
Belarus believed they could get a result from this match and Buffon performed another desperate reaction save to slap a rising Bulyga close range effort out from under the crossbar.
Gilardino is still looking for his first senior goal for Italy and drilled wide from a promising position, but he was in luck soon after. Zambrotta's powerful effort was only parried into the path of the Parma striker who nodded in the loose ball from five yards.
It still wasn't over, as in the closing stages Romashchenko curled in a fantastic free kick to keep Belarus in the running until the final whistle. The forward has probably done enough to earn interest from Serie A's biggest clubs with two remarkable goals.
Gilardino had the chance to make it 5-3 in stoppages when Totti's powerful cross reached him at the back post, but the former Olympics hero couldn't quite turn it into the net.
Zambrotta was, as ever, the last to run out of steam and he was only stopped by a crunching foul that saw Yaskovic sent off for a second bookable offence.
Lippi's lads get Belarus boost
Tribal Football
Marcello Lippi and his Azzurri stars admit their confidence has received a much-needed boost after their hard-fought win over Belarus.
"It was a good game and an impressive Italy in the first half," said the Coach after the 4-3 victory, "then that lad Romashchenko scored an incredible goal. It couldn't be stopped."
The third Belarus strike was also a peach, as Romashchenko curled in a splendid free kick.
"We kept conceding spectacular goals, even though the second should have been cleared, but we needed four to win it and really suffered too much. We played well and frankly could have scored even more, but Belarus were only interested in defending for the first half."
This result – and Slovenia's shock 3-0 setback in Norway – puts Italy back on top of Group Five with a two-point lead over the Scandinavians.
"There are another four months before our next international and we should all relax," continued the Coach. "We need to have important players to have important results and we should hopefully recover a few injured stars for that time."
Christian Vieri, Alessandro Del Piero and Antonio Cassano were all out of action for these two qualifiers, but Gianluca Zambrotta will miss the Scotland match on March 23 due to a ban.
"Unfortunately I will miss the game, but there are many other great players who are ready to replace me," said the Juve star.
Zambrotta proved his versatility by playing as a left-back against Slovenia and tonight taking on both the left and right wing positions.
"The Coach decided to push me a bit further forward, but that was a role I had also held at Bari and Juventus, so it's hardly a novelty for me.
"For the last year and a half I have been playing on the left, so it took a bit of getting used to when I was switched back to the right. It went well even then and I played a hand in the final goal from that position."
The star of the show was Francesco Totti, who bagged a brace to silence his critics, even if his press silence continues.
"Totti is a crucial player for Italy and has to support a lot of pressure on his shoulders," concluded Zambrotta, "but he can do that and proved today what he can do."
Alberto Gilardino was smiling after finally breaking his goal duck for the senior squad with the winning header.
"I always believed that the goal would come and I concentrated only on helping the team, so my strike was just the icing on the cake," said the Parma man.
He had caused controversy yesterday when not turning up to a planned press conference.
"My silence was to help me concentrate and not because I was angry with the press or anyone else."
Gilardino was one of the players that some think should have gone to Euro 2004, but the Under-21 squad that conquered the European Championships in May is melding together with Lippi's new look Italy.
"I am happy that myself, Daniele De Rossi and Daniele Bonera have been welcomed so easily into the senior squad and everyone has been eager to help us settle in."
The 4-4-2 system with Totti in a more advanced supporting role could be the future for the Azzurri.
"Totti is a great champion and we do have a good rapport on the pitch, something that was already clear from our training sessions," revealed Gilardino. "He doesn't just create wonderful football, but also helps out with challenges and support for the centre-forward."
Lippi delighted as Italy edge Belarus in 7-goal thriller
Tribal Football
Italy edged a seven-goal thriller against Belarus last night 4-3, much to coach Marcello Lippi's relief.
"Maybe we haven't got the sense of security that we need yet but the important thing was the victory, to get three points and get command of the group again," said Lippi.
Four goals came in the final 16 minutes of a game Italy led 3-1 after two goals from Francesco Totti but, after Saturday's defeat to Slovenia, Lippi was in no mood to criticise his team.
"We lacked a bit of focus in the early stages but then when we got the first goal it released the pressure and we played well, entertainingly well at times," said Lippi. "We were controlling things and they didn't even get near our goal," added the former Juventus coach.
The Italians led 2-0 at the break after a twice-taken Totti penalty and a Daniele De Rossi strike but Belarus hit back with a spectacular 30-metre drive from striker Maxim Romashchenko.
"It was an exceptional piece of individual play," said Lippi. "You can't do anything about that other than applaud. It was extraordinary. It gave them a real psychological boost and they had their best spell of the game then," he added.
Totti restored Italy's two-goal cushion with a curling free kick but a mistake from Gennaro Gattuso allowed substitute Vitaly Bulyga to keep Belarussian hopes alive with a 77th minute goal to make it 3-2.
"That was really the only error we made in the whole match and we paid for it. But the important thing is that we were able to pick ourselves up and find the strength to respond and make it 4-2."
No Juve recall for Salas
Football Italia
Marcelo Salas won't return to Juventus in the January transfer window, says the striker's agent. The Chilean is currently on a season's loan with River Plate but speculation suggested he could be recalled after the injury to David Trezeguet.
However, Fernando Hidalgo has insisted that the former Lazio player won't be heading for Turin in the New Year.
"I'm fed up of having to deny all of these stories which appear in Italy and are then repeated in Argentina," said the player's representative. "What has been said in the last few days is just crazy. Marcelo is tied to River until 30 June 2005 and there is no chance of him leaving before then.
"Marcelo has a contract with River and he intends to honour it. As far as I'm concerned, this ends here."
The Turin giants are short of attacking options with just Alex Del Piero, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcelo Zalayeta now available.
Juventus signed Salas in the summer of 2001 from Lazio but his Delle Alpi stint was ruined by a knee injury. River renewed his loan deal in August after he also spent last season with the Argentine giants.
Barcelona target Tacchinardi
Football Italia
Juventus midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi is a January transfer objective for Spanish giants Barcelona. The Nou Camp outfit, linked with the player in the past, are keen on the Italian following the long-term injuries to Gabri and Motta.
Tacchinardi, who joined from Atalanta back in 1994, recently extended his contract until 2008 in Turin. Many believed that would see the 29-year-old basically end his career at the Stadio Delle Alpi.
However, the arrival of Fabio Capello as boss has seen the international relegated to the bench. Capello has so far decided to field Emerson and Manuele Blasi as his first choice central midfield partnership.
Barca, who are also being linked with Roma's Olivier Dacourt, are therefore hoping to tempt him with the opportunity of regular first team football in La Liga. Reports claim they will ask for the player on loan, as they did a year ago when they took Edgar Davids from the Old Lady.
Meanwhile, Barca star Deco has revealed that he would like to play in Serie A one day.
"It is an experience that I would like to try even if I have a four-year deal with Barcelona," said the Brazilian-born Portuguese international.
Juventus offer Zalayeta for Udinese's Jankulovski
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi is offering striker Marcelo Zalayeta to Udinese in part-exchange for midfielder Marek Jankulovski. Czech Republic international Jankulovski has been assured by Udinese they will not block his move to Juve in January if he agrees to extend his contract.
With Jankulovski close to putting pen to paper, Moggi is prepared to include Zalayeta in his offer for the midfielder - and has also asked for another Udinese player being included in the exchange. Both striker Vincenzo Iaquinta and winger Di Michele are interesting Juve.
Wednesday 13 October
Italy v Belarus: Preview
ESPN Soccernet
Smarting from their defeat to Slovenia, Italy face Belarus on Wednesday in Parma knowing they can ill-afford to let their World Cup qualifying campaign get further off track.
On paper Belarus, down in 73rd place in the FIFA rankings, should not cause Marcello Lippi's side too many headaches but the Italians are well aware of their previous difficulties against the former Soviet nation.
During qualification for Euro 2000, the Italians drew both their games against the Belarussians, results which at one stage threatened their chances of making the finals.
While Italy were unable to convert their chances in Slovenia, Anatoly Baidachny's side are in confident mood after enjoying a 4-0 win over Moldova on Saturday.
Italy coach Marcello Lippi has been criticised for over-experimenting since taking over from Giovanni Trapattoni after the Azzurri's poor showing at Euro 2004 with only three players having played for 90 minutes in the last four games.
After a friendly defeat to Iceland, Italy beat Norway and Moldova in their opening Group Five matches in September but the 1-0 defeat to the Slovenians has raised questions about the former Juve coach's choices.
Not only has Lippi made radical changes in personnnel for each game, 28 players used in four matches, he has constantly swapped the team's tactical formation.
But on Wednesday he is expected to avoid an over-reaction to the Slovenia defeat and make few alterations.
The suspension of right-back Daniele Bonera forces at least one change with Lazio's Massimo Oddo set to replace the Parma defender and Lippi might also consider pushing Gianluca Zambrotta forward into midfield to add some extra steel on the left flank.
Striker Alberto Gilardino has so far failed to live up to expectations for Italy but at his home Tardini stadium he will probably keep his place with Palermo's Luca Toni ready to enter from the bench.
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has warned the East Europeans of a backlash after Saturday's poor performance and Baidachny says he is expects a determined reaction from the setback.
'We have to keep in mind Saturday's game,' said the Belarus coach, who is still missing his top player Alexander Gleb.
The VfB Stuttgart playmaker, voted Belarus Player of the Year in 2003 for a second year in a row, is suspended for the third and final game after being sent off in this year's European under-21 championship finals.
Inserting speedy striker Vitaly Bulyga for a more pedestrian Sampdoria forward Vitaly Kutuzov could be the only change from Saturday's win over Moldova as Baidachny wants to rely on quick counter-attacks against Italy.
Probable teams:
Italy: Gianluigi Buffon; Massimo Oddo, Alessandro Nesta, Fabio Cannavaro, Giuseppe Pancaro; Mauro Esposito, Gennaro Gattuso, Daniele De Rossi, Gianluca Zambrotta; Francesco Totti, Alberto Gilardino.
Belarus: Vasily Khomutovsky; Alexander Kulchiy, Sergei Yaskovich, Sergei Omelyanchyuk, Sergei Shtanyuk, Sergei Gurenko, Andrei Lavrik, Valentin Belkevich, Maxim Romashchenko, Vladimir Korytko, Vitaly Bulyga.
Referee: Carlos Devila Megia (Spain)
Juventus snub Trez sub
Football Italia
Juventus have dismissed speculation that they will buy in January as a result of David Trezeguet's injury. The striker will have shoulder surgery next week and could be out of action for as long as four months. Reports suggested that the club may look to buy a new forward in the New Year but they insist that won't occur.
"Trezeguet will be back in mid January and people who believe we are looking for someone else are mistaken," said director general Luciano Moggi. "An operation was needed in this case but David will return to give his contribution when others may feel a little tired.
"For now, we will just look to keep moving forward in the best possible way with the champions we have at our disposal. Fortunately we have players like Alessandro Del Piero, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcelo Zalayeta available."
Nevertheless, rumours persist that the Turin giants will make a swoop in the January transfer window. Brescia youngster Andrea Caraccioli has been linked even if the Lombard club insist he won't be cheap.
"Juventus will never buy him because they will not meet my asking price," said chief Gino Corioni. "Caracciolo is worth £7m but they would offer me £2m and a player that they bought for £5m – something I am not interested in."
Udinese's Dino Fava has also been associated but he's not keen. "It is nice to hear your name linked because it means you are considered as a good player," he said. "But I am staying at Udinese as I am happy here and eager to do well."
Capello To Transform Kapo In Forward
Goal.com
With David Trezeguet out for at least 3 months, Fabio Capello is searching for new solutions for the forward line. One of these solutions could be transforming Olivier Kapo in a forward even though the French player is basically a winger who has not yet played for Juve this season.
Kapo has only scored 19 goals from 120 league matches in France, but Capello sees in him the speed of George Weah and would therefore like to try him out in the position. The Juve coach's idea is to have a trident with Ibrahimovic as the main striker and Kapo and Nedved to play behind the Swedish attacker.
This solution could prove very interesting but it would keep Alessandro Del Piero on the bench.
Zlatan escapes video punishment
Football Italia
Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not be suspended as video evidence wasn't used to judge a headbutting incident. The Juventus striker was caught on camera trying to headbutt Emilson Sanchez Cribari during the 1-0 win away to Udinese on October 3.
The press believed that this footage would be used, but in Italy video evidence can only be viewed if the incident is not referred to in the referees' report. It has emerged that official Stefano Farina noted, "I kept the situation in my eye line and did not consider it worthy of punishment."
This is good news for the Bianconeri, who are already without the injured David Trezeguet and Alessandro Del Piero for this weekend's clash with Messina. The captain is still on the road to recovery from an Achilles tendon problem and it's increasingly unlikely he can even make the bench.
Trez eyes speedy recovery
Football Italia
David Trezeguet is confident that he could be back in action sooner than many are expecting. Juventus believe that the player, who will have shoulder surgery next week, will be available again my late January. But the Frenchman is optimistic that he can be at the disposal of the Coach within the space of three months.
"I could be back sooner than many are predicting," Trezeguet told the Tuttosport newspaper on Tuesday. "Auxerre's Finnish player Tainio, for example, had the same operation as I am set to have and he was playing again after 10 weeks."
The decision to go under the knife was taken yesterday as Trezeguet has been plagued with the problem for almost a year.
"After picking up the injury again at Udinese it was impossible to carry on without surgery," he added. "The decision to have the operation was my choice, I spoke to boss Fabio Capello and he trusts me.
"It is disappointing to stop at this moment in time as I was in good form. But the consultation with professor Walch removed any doubts. I'm remaining positive about things because I'm sure that I will be back, without any more physical problems, better than ever."
Trezeguet's absence leaves the Turin giants short of strikers and there is talk that Marcelo Salas could be recalled in January. The Chilean, 29, is currently on loan with River Plate but his agent hasn't ruled out a return in the New Year.
"It is not a decision that we can make," said his representative. "However, if we got the call…"
Juventus ponder Salas recall
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi has considered recalling Marcelo Salas from his loan at River Plate. The Chile international is on-loan at River until 2006, but an early return to Juve was on after David Trezeguet suffered a shoulder injury last week.
Moggi is believed to have discarded the idea over the last 24 hours and instead will pursue Chelsea inside-forward Adrian Mutu in January.
Juventus, Marseille, Spurs all in for Bologna whiz
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi has made contact with Bologna over young midfielder Mourad Meghni. The 20 year-old has begun the season in blazing form and Moggi made an official enquiry after the Frenchman last week.
But Juve will face stiff competition for Meghni should he become available.
Tottenham coach Jacques Santini is a big fan of the youngster, who has been dubbed 'the new Zidane'. Olympique Marseille and Paris Saint Germain are also tracking Meghni, who had expressed a desire to return to France last season.
AC Milan rival Juventus for Brescia's Caracciolo
Tribal Football
AC Milan have joined the race for Brescia striker Andrea Caracciolo. A rejected £2 million offer from Juventus was confirmed yesterday by Brescia president Gino Corioni, who has declared he will listen to offers starting at £6.5 million.
Milan are keen, particularly as Caracciolo is not Cup-tied from European competition.
Lecce confident of big fee for Arsenal, Barcelona target Bojinov
Tribal Football
Lecce are confident they can get an excellent price for young striker Valeri Bojinov. Arsenal are preparing a £5 million bid for the 18 year-old in January, while Barcelona, Juventus and AS Roma are also chasing the Bulgaria international.
Lecce director general Pantaleo Corvino has ensured they will get value for money when they do decide to cash in, with Bojinov secured to a long-term deal - which doesn't run out until 2008.
Messina president: We'll listen to Parisi offers
Tribal Football
Messina president Pietro Franza has confirmed he will listen to offers for wing-back Alessandro Parisi. Valencia, Inter Milan and Juventus are all chasing the free-scoring defender and Franza declared: "I regard Parisi as the best Italian left wing-back we have.
"If a big offer came in for him I would consider it. But it must good for both the player and the club."
Cannavaro out for Italy
Football Italia
Italy boss Marcello Lippi has revealed that captain Fabio Cannavaro will not play against Belarus on Wednesday.
"I won't be making that many changes to the side that lost to Slovenia but I can tell you that Cannavaro won't feature," the tactician said. "This is a decision that I made with the player some time ago as he still needs a little time to get back to his best physically.
"Therefore Marco Materazzi will start, a player who did very well in the first two qualifying games."
Lippi will also be without the suspended Daniele Bonera and winger Mauro Camoranesi who has returned to Turin with an injury.
"Our system won't be that different from the one we used at the weekend," continued the Coach. "I won't make massive changes."
There are a number of possibilities for Lippi even if Massimo Oddo is certain to replace Bonera in defence. Mauro Esposito is set to be dropped which will see Aimo Diana brought into the side. Gianluca Zambrotta could be pushed forward with Giuseppe Pancaro coming in at left-back.
Italy desperately need a win to silence their critics after the weekend defeat but Lippi seems relaxed.
"I don't think we have really been in any sort of trouble during our three qualifiers so far," he added. "We've won two and lost one because of a single incident.
"There is a real desire in the camp to make up for that loss and we will use all that we have to beat Belarus. I want us to be more decisive in front of goal."
Lippi is again expected to field Francesco Totti and Alberto Gilardino in attack – who today failed to turn up for a scheduled press conference.
"Totti is in good shape and I expect him to have a fine game along with his teammates," he added. "Gilardino? He's not agitated. I think he just wants a little time on his own in order to fully focus."
Italy (possible): Buffon; Oddo, Nesta, Materazzi, Pancaro; Diana, De Rossi, Gattuso, Zambrotta; Totti, Gilardino.
Camoranesi To Miss Italy Match
Goal.com
Mauro German Camoranesi will most probably be unavailable for the Italy-Belarus World Cup Qualifier match being played on Wednesday night at Parma.
The Juventus player has in fact been rested again and did not take part to the training of his national team at Coverciano on the eve of the match against Belarus. The player, in agreement with the Italian medical staff, has decided to train only in the gym and not with the rest of the group.
Following last Saturday's surprise defeat against Slovenia, Marcello Lippi was expected to make changes in the team anyway, so this injury will narrow down the Italian national team coach's list of players to choose from for this important game.
Zoff zooms in on Azzurri woe
Football Italia
Former Italy Coach Dino Zoff has given his views on what is at the root of the current squad's difficulties on the international stage.
"In both the 2002 World Cup and the recent European Championships there was a good foundation on which to build a success story," explained the tactician, "but when you start a campaign with a fanfare then all too often you return home to the sound of whistling."
Zoff was the last Azzurri boss to go close to a trophy when his men lost out on Euro 2000 and a French Golden Goal. However, the Under-21 side continues to dominate its category, winning the European Championships in May and the Bronze medal at the Athens Olympics.
"I honestly don't understand the reason behind that split," added Zoff on Radio 24. "When Italy go into a major tournament they are suddenly gripped with the fear of failure and this psychologically unbalances the whole squad."
The last two competitions have seen Italy go out in the second and first round under Giovanni Trapattoni, but new Coach Marcello Lippi has already suffered two defeats in his opening four games. The Azzurri have also struggled with disciplinary problems, above all with Francesco Totti's spitting incident against Denmark.
"An international Coach has to have the courage and character to impose certain rules. When I was in charge, I always made sure the players knew they had to act with decorum and present themselves to the general public as good men. This is often left to one side, but I think it is essential."
When Trapattoni's contract expired this summer, there were suggestions that Zoff would return to the fold. He had sensationally quit after Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi publicly criticised his tactics after the Euro 2000 Final defeat.
"I had no choice but to resign," assured Zoff. "I know the football world and when someone so important makes his criticism so public, your first defeat will turn into a tidal wave. I knew what I was going towards and had to make a painful decision. I know it hurt me, but I couldn't say whether it hurt Italy."
Italy 2 - 1 Belarus
Football Italia
Claudio Gentile's boys made it four wins out of four after fighting back to a 2-1 victory against Belarus.
The Azzurrini came into this game with a 100 per cent record in qualifying, but faced the side that had beaten them in the opening fixture of May's European Under-21 Championships. Italy went on to win that tournament, so the result was not remembered as the disaster it could have become.
Belarus recalled that victory all too well and pushed forward from the start with half-chances for Hleb and Kornilenko, while Marco Donadel's free kick skimmed the woodwork.
Reggina man Felice Piccolo stepped in to defence for the suspended Giorgio Chiellini, while Sampdoria's Biagio Pagano replaced Andrea Lazzari in the starting eleven.
Alessandro Rosina fired over the bar and Rolando Bianchi's glancing header was well saved by the Belarus shot-stopper. Giampaolo Pazzini nodded the ball inches past the upright as Italy began to take control during the first half.
However, just as they were putting on the pressure it was Belarus who opened the scoring after 32 minutes. Federico Agliardi failed to keep hold of a long-range Kotsevoj effort and Sverniuk pounced on the loose ball for a simple tap-in.
Moments later Pazzini saw penalty appeals waved away, then he chested down a cross before an acrobatic scissor-kick cannoned off the crossbar with Lohvinau beaten.
The equaliser came in the dying seconds of the first half, as a Pagano cross was intelligently flicked off Rosina's heel into the path of Bianchi. It's an important time for the Cagliari striker, who has now scored four goals in as many internationals with the Under-21 side.
Italy dominated the second period and went close with Aquilani and a powerful Potenza effort that was saved with some difficulty by Lohvinau. Shakabara bravely flung himself at Bianchi's strike and paid the price by limping off injured.
Claudio Gentile also made a substitution, introducing on-form Torino man Fabio Quagliarella for Pazzini, while Brescia defender Simone Dallamano made his Under-21 debut in his home town of Mantova.
These proved inspired substitutions, as within 10 minutes of stepping on to the field Quagliarella had sprung the offside trap and smartly pulled the ball back for Alberto Aquilani to side-foot into the net from 10 yards. It was the 100th goal scored under Gentile's Azzurrini reign.
Italy U21: Agliardi; Potenza, Bovo, Piccolo, Mantovani (Dallamano 72); Rosina (Pepe 80), Donadel, Aquilani, Pagano; Bianchi, Pazzini (Quagliarella 63)
Belarus U21: Lohvinau; Yaroslawski, Popel, Liantsevich, Radskov; Kotsevoj, Rubnenko, Shakabara (Klimenko 62), Sverniuk (Schhahrykovich 46); V Hleb (Yaserski 67), Kornilenko
Ref: Janku (Alb)
Gentile cools Championship talk
Football Italia
Claudio Gentile tried to keep a lid on celebrations despite his Azzurrini creating a seven-point lead over their nearest rivals.
"We are far from qualified even if we have a good advantage," said the Coach after Italy's fourth consecutive victory. "I can say that I am fortunate to have this squad at my disposal, but there's a long way to go yet."
Belarus were the only team to beat them in the European Under-21 Championships in May and gave them a scare by taking the lead this evening, only to eventually go down 2-1.
"The lads proved their character and strength, as it wasn't easy to come back against a side that can defend as well as Belarus. We always knew they would be the toughest opponents in this Group, so to win was crucial."
Rolando Bianchi has taken on the mantle of Alberto Gilardino with four goals in as many games, while Alberto Aquilani answered critics with the winning strike.
"I am glad that Aquilani got the goal," revealed Gentile, "as he was a bit down after missed opportunities in the Slovenia match last week. He is a very talented player who has a lot to give."
That goal was also the 100th scored in Gentile's 52 games in charge of the successful Azzurrini outfit.
Also in Group 5, Moldova-Scotland and Norway-Slovenia both ended goalless, so Italy can now boast a seven-point lead over second-placed Slovenia. Norway and Moldova are tied on four apiece, while Belarus are on three and Scotland prop up the table with two points. Belarus and Scotland have a game in hand.
Tuesday 12 October
Trez opts for surgery
Football Italia
Juventus could be without David Trezeguet for the next four months as a result of shoulder surgery. The Frenchman met with doctor Gilles Walch in Lyon on Monday where all parties concerned, including Juventus, opted for an operation.
The striker will go under the knife in the Sainte Anne Lumiere clinic in the same French city on Tuesday 19 October. Walch, who operated on Italian swimmer Domenico Fioravanti with some success in the past, will carry out the procedure.
Trezeguet has been suffering with a shoulder problem for over a year. He recently fell on it badly during the 1-1 draw against Palermo and then again against Udinese on October 3. The club tried to treat the injury with physiotherapy but have decided for surgery to resolve the problem once and for all.
Juventus were keen on the player to have an operation immediately in the hope of having him back once the Champions' League resumes in February. Trezeguet will be sidelined for at least 12 weeks but could be out for as long as 16 depending on the success of the treatment.
His loss means that the Bianconeri only have Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alex Del Piero and Marcelo Zalayeta available until the January transfer window.
However, the good news is that Del Piero is back in training after injury and could return for the game against Bayern Munich on October 19. Ibrahimovic also seems to have shrugged off a back problem and should be available for Saturday's clash with Messina.
Thuram to pen extension
Football Italia
Lilian Thuram looks set to end his career at Juventus after the club offered him a new contract. The stopper is tied to the Delle Alpi outfit until the summer of 2006 but the Bianconeri are set to extend that by a season.
Reports claim that talks have already taken place and an agreement has been reached between the two parties. Whispers also suggest that Thuram has agreed to accept a 30 per cent reduction in his current £3.2m a season salary.
Thuram, 32, is currently having a fantastic campaign after his difficulties in Turin last season. Many thought that his Old Lady stint was on the verge of ending but the arrival of Fabio Capello as boss has seen the old Thuram return.
The Frenchman, who retired from international football following Euro 2004, is excelling after being moved into the centre from his previous right-back role. Thuram has been immense in an almost unbeatable Juve defence this term, after his former Parma colleague Fabio Cannavaro was signed in the summer.
Legrottaglie set for exit
Football Italia
Nicola Legrottaglie's Juventus nightmare could be on the verge of coming to an end. The central defender arrived at the Delle Alpi at the start of the 2003-04 season with high expectations. But the stopper struggled badly in his first season with the Bianconeri and he now doesn't seem a part of Fabio Capello's plans.
The former Chievo ace, who has also lost his international place, can't force his way into the side. Capello's first choice rearguard so far is Zebina, Cannavaro, Thuram and Zambrotta, with Igor Tudor seemingly next in line for a centre back shirt.
Now a January move beckons for the 28-year-old with the Stadio Olimpico set to be his next home. Lazio have been linked in a possible deal that could see either Massimo Oddo or Simone Inzaghi move to Turin.
However, there is also talk that Roma – who missed out on him two years ago – could make a bid. The Giallorossi have been disastrous in defence so far this term and boss Gigi Del Neri knows the player well after their time together at Chievo.
Roma rival Lazio for Juventus outcast Legrottaglie
Tribal Football
AS Roma have joined Lazio in their interest for Juventus defender Nicola Legrottaglie. Legrottaglie is on the outer at Juve with little prospect of breaking back into the first team under coach Fabio Capello.
As Jonathan Zebina explained last night: "The defence is Capello's most important unit. He doesn't like to make changes there. That's why if you do well, you can expect to be playing regularly."
A swap involving Legrottaglie and Lazio striker Simone Inzaghi has been mooted for the January market.
Juventus pressure Roma over De Rossi
Tribal Football
Juventus are stepping up their interest for AS Roma wing sensation Daniele De Rossi. The Italian international has opened new contract talks with Roma president Franco Sensi, but his agent has also been contacted by Juve director general Luciano Moggi.
Moggi has made a preliminary offer of £12 million over five years to De Rossi, who is currently on less than £350,000-a-year.
De Rossi is demanding parity with the Roma's other big earners such as captain Francesco Totti, but won't go public with his concerns out of respect to president Sensi. Sensi is willing to table a five-year contract extension with a base of £800,000 million-a-season, rising based on appearances and success.
Brescia president reveals £2M Juventus offer for Caracciolo
Tribal Football
Brescia president Gino Corioni has revealed he's turned down a £2 million Juventus offer for striker Andrea Caracciolo. Caracciolo struck 12 goals in 31 games last season and has already three goals this term.
"Juventus will never be able to buy him," declared Corioni yesterday, "because they will not give us the money that I ask. They have offered a maximum of £2 million, but I require another £5 million - at least - to even consider selling the player."
Caracciolo: Another Juve Target
Goal.com
Juventus are looking around them for a new striker to lure in the January transfer window, and Brescia's Andrea Caracciolo has taken the lead over the other short listed attackers.
The bianconeri are currently without Del Piero and Trezeguet, with the latter having a final consultation with a French Professor to decide whether or not to operate the problematic shoulder. If Trezegol goes under the knife, then the Frenchman will be out for 3 to 4 months which would be a major loss for Juventus.
To make things worse, Zlatan Ibrahimovic did not feature for Sweden's Saturday World Cup Qualifier match due to a back injury and is therefore not full fit either, leaving only Zalayeta available for next weekend's Serie A match.
On top of Luciano Moggi's wish list there's the rondinelle's Caracciolo who has similar characteristics to Trezeguet and has been a regular for the Italian Under 21 national team. If the bianconeri do decide to splash on another striker in January, then with all probability they will go for a young striker like Caracciolo rather than a more established name.
The only problem seems to be that even Roma have targeted the young striker and will not let their rivals win the race for Caracciolo too easily.
Juve Interested In Srna
Goal.com
Italian giants Juventus are interested in acquiring the Croatian national team midfielder Darijo Srna, the player's manager revealed. Former Croatian international Igor Stimac (West Ham, Derby County), who now acts as Srna's agent, said his player could join Juventus next Spring.
Darijo Srna has scored 3 goals in the first three matches of World Cup qualifying Group 8, including two goals against Bulgaria on Saturday. The 22-year-old Srna started his career with Croatian side Hajduk Split and is currently at Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk.
Buffon demands real Totti
Football Italia
Gigi Buffon has told Francesco Totti that his country desperately needs him at his inspirational best. The Azzurri face Belarus on Wednesday, with the ‘keeper expecting the Roman to lead his team to victory after the shock 1-0 reverse in Slovenia.
"I hope that he returns to the decisive player that he has always been. Totti is a unique footballer, an extraordinary talent," said the Juventus ace. "I've spoken to Totti and told him that he made a mistake at the European Championships but also that he paid a high price for that error.
"Totti is a sensible guy but also a player who has no equals. That is why he needs to lead us to victories."
The capital captain returned to the line-up at the weekend for the first time since the spitting incident at Euro 2004. But he failed to deliver on Saturday evening which has seen him blasted by some sections of the media.
"People have got used to Totti doing some extraordinary things so when he just plays ‘normally' then he is criticised," defended club and international colleague Simone Perrotta. "I think he is doing fine right now. He is in good spirits and seems to be more relaxed than he was in the summer."
Perrotta was also asked to comment on Antonio Cassano, who has been omitted from the latest Italy squad after a difficult start to the season.
"He is an extraordinary player who would be welcomed by any team and that includes the national side," added the former Chievo man. "I don't know what has changed over the last few months. Antonio is simply an instinctive character who says what he thinks."
Toni denies Gilardino doubts
Football Italia
Luca Toni believes that he could easily play alongside Alberto Gilardino in the Italian attack.
"I think that the two of us can co-exist," said the Palermo striker. "After all, I played with Bernardo Corradi against Norway who is even more similar to me. Why wouldn't it work if the Coach decided to put Gilardino and myself in the same team?"
Toni is being tipped to replace the former U-21 star in Wednesday's game against Belarus given Gilardino's recent goal drought.
"I thought that Alberto played reasonably well against Slovenia," added the former Brescia star. "He's a bit down at the moment because us strikers live on goals. I just hope he can get back to scoring as soon as possible."
Boss Marcello Lippi is expected to make a number of changes to the Azzurri side after Saturday's 1-0 defeat. Mauro Camoranesi missed training again today, so Aimo Diana may start on the right in a more traditional 4-4-2 system.
New boy Mauro Esposito is set to be replaced by Stefano Fiore on the left of midfield after his difficult debut. Lippi will also probably start with Massimo Oddo in the right back role as Daniele Bonera is suspended. And the Lazio man is eager to impress those critics who claim he can attack but struggles defensively.
"It is an opinion that many people hold but my start to the campaign shows that I can defend," he stated. "Although I admit that I am no Jaap Stam or Paolo Maldini, I must have some qualities in order to be involved with the Azzurri.
"We'll just have to wait and see what Lippi expects from me in the game."
Cannavaro Defends National Team
Goal.com
After the unexpected 1-0 defeat against Slovenia in the World Cup Qualifier match, the Italian national team came under heavy criticism from the media.
However Juventus' Fabio Cannavaro does not believe that the Azzurri are in a crisis and is sure that against Belarus the squad will be back to winning ways.
"I think we have been unfairly attacked because against Slovenia we made just one mistake that cost us dear. But there shouldn't be anything to worry about: this national team is on the right track. Now we attack more, contrary to what happened in the past. Surely we must improve and try to finish off our goal chances."
The Italian national team captain is optimistic about Italy's World Cup Qualifier and does not even take into consideration that the Azzurri's road to Germany 2006 might be compromised. When asked about this, Cannavaro replied:
"Qualification at risk? I would just like to remind everyone our situation in the Euro 2006 qualifiers."
Real Madrid to pay £8M for River Plate's Mascherano
Tribal Football
Real Madrid will cough up over £8 million for River Plate midfielder Javier Mascherano in January. Its reported that Mascherano has signed a pre-contract with Deportivo La Coruna, but the agreement includes a clause that if Real were to make a bid for him, then Depor will not stand in the youngster's way.
Mascherano is expected to break his silence this morning over the speculation. River and the player would rather keep everything under wraps so as not to upset supporters, but the pressure from the Argentine press has forced Mascherano to come clean on his future.
Monday 11 October
Zlatan joins Juve injury list
Football Italia
The Bianconeri's injury crisis is deepening with news that Zlatan Ibrahimovic suffered a knock during international duty. The Swede did not take part in the World Cup qualifier against Hungary due to severe back pain and he must now undergo a course of treatment for an inflammation.
Juventus are reportedly angry that the Swedish medical staff did not alert them to the situation or send the striker home, despite the fact Coach Lagerback confirmed "Ibrahimovic can currently only play about 30 minutes of football before having to stop."
It's a particularly tricky time for the Turin giants, as David Trezeguet could be forced to undergo surgery for a recurring shoulder injury, while Alessandro Del Piero is struggling with a tendon problem.
If Ibrahimovic is also laid low with backache, the only striker available to Fabio Capello for their top of the table match with Messina will be Marcelo Zalayeta.
Caracciolo to replace Trez?
Football Italia
David Trezeguet will tomorrow discover whether he needs surgery, so Juve are making a move for Under-21 hitman Andrea Caracciolo.
The Frenchman is struggling with a recurring shoulder injury that keeps popping out of joint when he falls awkwardly, and with this latest setback it has been suggested he should go under the knife to sort it out once and for all.
An appointment with specialists has been planned for Monday morning, at which point the club will know if its star striker is set to be out of action for four months. With this in mind, the Bianconeri are already looking to bring in a replacement during the January transfer window.
Although Christian Vieri and Giuseppe Sculli have been named as potential candidates, it's now reported that the main target is Andrea Caracciolo. The former Under-21 international is doing well at Brescia this season with three goals under his belt already and has been on Juve's radar for some time now.
Newspapers suggest that 23-year-old Caracciolo could be tempted away to Turin in exchange for £7m cash plus the loan of off-form defender Nicola Legrottaglie. This would be a key element for Brescia, who are without Daniele Adani for several months due to knee surgery.
Another reported transfer target for the Bianconeri is Kakha Kaladze, who is finding it difficult to break back into the Milan first team after a year of injury worries, but Bayern Munich are also interested in the Georgian fullback.
Juve eye up Caracciolo
Planet Football
Juventus have been linked with a move for Brescia starlet Andrea Caracciolo. The Turin giants have been rocked by the news that premier striker David Trezeguet could be out for up to four months if he requires an operation on his troublesome shoulder.
Trezeguet's possible absence would leave Juventus short up front for a crucial period of both Serie A and the UEFA Champions League. Much speculation in Italy has suggested that Juventus are looking to sign a new striker in the January transfer window if Trezeguet is sidelined.
In recent days the Bianconeri have been linked with a move for Roma's Antonio Cassano, out-of-favour Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu and now most recently with Brescia talent Caracciolo. Caracciolo was the subject of Roma interest in the summer, but Brescia president Luigi Corioni offered the youngster a contract extension.
However, despite being contracted till 2008 Juve general manager Luciano Moggi has made an approach to Brescia official Gianluca Nani to enquire whether they would be open to negotiate over the player.
Messina's Parisi favouring Juventus
Tribal Football
Messina wing-back Alessandro Parisi is indicating he'd welcome a move to Juventus. Valencia and Inter Milan are chasing the left-sided midfielder, but ahead of next week's game against Juve he said: "My future will not be decided by this game.
"The important thing is not to get ahead of ourselves. I am not disappointed that Juventus chose not to sign me in August. It was an honour that they approached me."
Fiorentina rival Juventus for Chelsea's Mutu
Tribal Football
Fiorentina have joined Juventus in the race for Chelsea firebrand Adrian Mutu. The Romania international is expected to be sold by Chelsea in January after a public row with manager Jose Mourinho last week.
Juve director general Luciano Moggi almost landed Mutu in August and is determined to try again for the ex-Parma man in January. However, he will face competition from Fiorentina, where president Diego Della Valle intends to guarantee regular first team football to Mutu.
Didier not ready for Juve
Planet Football
Didier Deschamps says that he was not ready to take up the post as Juventus manager. The Monaco boss turned down the chance to coach Juve in the summer because he felt he was not ready for the challenge.
Deschamps led his Monaco side to the UEFA Champions League final last term, but still says that coaching the Italian giants was still too big a step up.
"If I have to admit it, I said not to Juve because I didn't feel I was ready to make a big jump," Deschamps told French TV. "Effectively there has been contact from Juve. I had long reflections before deciding because I wanted to give the priority to my club and carry out the plans of the new officials here."
The Bianconeri wanted their former midfielder to return to Turin to replace Marcelo Lippi, who left to coach the Italy national side. Juve eventually opted to employ Fabio Capello as the new Old Lady coach.
Juve ponder Inzaghi swoop
Planet Football
Juventus are reportedly considering a move for Lazio striker Simone Inzaghi. Juve are waiting nervously on news of David Trezeguet who could be ruled out for four months if fears over a shoulder injury are confirmed.
As a result, the Turin giants are weighing up a move for a replacement when the transfer window reopens in January. They have been linked with Brescia starlet Andrea Caracciolo and Chelsea's Adrian Mutu, but now a swap deal involving Inzaghi and out-of-favour defender Nicola Legrottaglie is said to be in their thoughts.
The former Chievo stopper has failed to convince since arriving at Stadio delle Alpi and has hardly featured under Fabio Capello.
Roma to use Sky cash to keep Cassano
Tribal Football
AS Roma president Franco Sensi is planning to use the cash generated from a deal with Sky television to help fund a new contract offer for striker Antonio Cassano. Roma are close to striking a two-year deal with Sky, which will be worth £35 million.
Once the deal is agreed, Sensi will step up talks with Cassano's representatives about a new contract. Cassano is demanding to be paid on a par with Francesco Totti, which would mean Sensi handing him a £3.5 million-a-year deal.
AC Milan and Juventus are monitoring Cassano's situation, but Sensi is confident he can hold onto the young striker.
Real Madrid reach River Plate deal for Mascherano
Tribal Football
Real Madrid have struck an agreement with River Plate for midfielder Javier Mascherano. The 21 year-old Argentina international will move to Real Madrid when the transfer window reopens in January.
Real sports chief Emilio Butragueno struck the agreement with River president
Jose Maria Aguilar, though AS
says nothing will be made public until the very last minute. The deal will
be worth £6 million and to avoid a supporter backlash, Aguilar has
insisted Real do not go public until January.
Terms still must be settled with the player, though Mascherano admitted last week that he'd welcome a move to Real Madrid.
Angry Lippi attacks critics
Football Italia
The honeymoon period is already over for Marcello Lippi and the Italy Coach admits he's furious at losing to Slovenia and insults the press.
"I'm upset, disappointed, angry and annoyed," he stated at the start of his post-match press conference, "because you cannot lose after a game like this. We made one mistake and paid the full price for it."
The Azzurri seemed to have the better of the overall play and Gianluigi Buffon hardly had a real save to make, yet it was he who picked the ball out of the back of his net from Cesar's late header.
"Slovenia only had two scoring opportunities and one of them was going to be an own goal by Gianluca Zambrotta," continued the Coach. "In all honesty, this should have ended in a draw and even then we would have been ruing missed opportunities to win it."
Lippi nonetheless insisted that this was not a disaster, even if Italy have now lost the leadership of Group 5 to Slovenia.
"This result would really become negative if the team wallowed in the defeat," he warned. "We have to realise that this side is a work in progress and it's possible to lose a game where your opponents have so few chances."
"Ironically, we lost because we were pushing forward trying to win. Besides, this is only the third match in the qualifying campaign and nothing is yet certain."
The Italian press has immediately pounced on the overall performance, criticising the style of play under Lippi's brief reign, but he defended the squad.
"The only thing we didn't do right was put the ball in the back of the net. Luca Toni hit the crossbar and Francesco Totti's shots skimmed the woodwork."
Much was expected from Totti in his first international appearance since the Euro 2004 ban, but he failed to deliver.
"Why do you always talk about Totti?" asked a clearly irritated Lippi when asked about the Roma man. "Totti had a good game and did what I asked him to, which was work as both a midfielder and a striker."
Mauro Esposito was a risk, as the Cagliari forward was fielded from the start in his international debut. "Esposito did well. At one point I switched the flanks between him and Mauro Camoranesi, then he started to tire towards the end."
As always, the press zeroed in on the lack of verve shown by Italy's well-paid players compared to their less exalted opponents.
"I can guarantee that our players were not less motivated than the Slovenians. These are all fairy tales the press wants to blow up for its own purposes. Besides, in football it's not entirely unusual for minnows to beat a better team."
Azzurri: We're on the right track
Football Italia
Despite their 1-0 defeat in Slovenia, Italy's star players insist this result will help them to better prepare for the 2006 World Cup.
"We were distracted when the free kick was floated in for the winning goal," conceded Gianluca Zambrotta, "but as for the rest of the match we did nothing wrong. In fact, this will spur us on to do better against Belarus."
The press is analysing what went wrong as Marcello Lippi and his men have just a few days to prepare for Wednesday's clash with Belarus.
"Unfortunately football is like that," added the Juventus fullback. "If you waste your chances then it's likely the other side will score with their only shot of the game. We mustn't throw our whole performance away, as it can fire us up to get an important result in midweek."
Marco Di Vaio came on as a late substitute, but maintains that the morale in the Italy camp has not been hit.
"We all feel just as strong as we did before," noted the Valencia forward. "This result changes nothing for us. If there was a side that deserved to win it then it was certainly Italy. We know that this is the right road and will show everyone against Belarus that we are charged up."
Lippi turned on the media in his post-match analysis and was backed by captain Fabio Cannavaro.
"How can the press be claiming there are too many young and inexperienced players in this side when the same journalists were clamouring to have Alberto Gilardino at Euro 2004? These lads won the Bronze medal at the Athens Olympics and have brought an important new dimension to the squad."
Much of the criticism has been poured on to the shoulders of Gilardino, who is yet to score in an Italy jersey.
"Too often in this country we tend to do damage to ourselves," continued Cannavaro. "Everyone is too quick to zero in on the negatives and ignore the positive aspects. Gilardino should carry on playing and be left in peace."
Lippi himself had the final word, assuring that two defeats in his first four games as Azzurri Coach would only help him in the long run.
"A team has to mature and grow, sometimes with celebrations and others with a clip round the ear. In many years of Italian football I can't remember a single great success story that didn't have a few embarrassing setbacks along the way."
Sunday 10 October
Slovenia 1 - 0 Italy
Football Italia
The Azzurri rattled the woodwork twice, but it was Slovenia who grabbed the goal as Marcello Lippi falls to his first competitive defeat. Italy had also lost 1-0 in their last meeting with their neighbours, a 2002 friendly.
Marcello Lippi gave Cagliari wide man Mauro Esposito his international debut for this match, while it was Francesco Totti's first appearance under the new Coach after a ban and injury had ruled him out since his untimely Euro 2004 exit.
The Azzurri started out with the 4-2-3-1 system that had been used with varying degrees of success by Giovanni Trapattoni, with Alberto Gilardino keeping his centre-forward role as Christian Vieri and Alessandro Del Piero are injured, while Antonio Cassano was dropped due to his poor form.
Within the first three minutes Italy had thumped the woodwork when a Totti free kick came out to Gilardino and the Parma man clipped the outside edge of the upright from seven yards.
Daniele Bonera was booked after just six minutes for a tough tackle on Acimovic in midfield and will be suspended for the Belarus match. There was panic soon after when Gianluigi Buffon rushed off his line to gather a free kick floated into the box and didn't quite get a handle on it, so he had to clear the ball with his feet as it was outside the area.
Slovenian goalkeeper B Mavric reacted well to a deflection on Totti's free kick, but the Azzurri couldn't have gone closer than on 17 minutes when Gilardino's tap-in from a Mauro Camoranesi cross was fingertipped just past both the post and the desperate last gasp slide of Esposito.
However, there was chaos in the Italy area on 26 minutes when a Ceh corner kick was accidentally headed on to his own crossbar by Gianluca Zambrotta and Siljak was unable to turn in the loose ball with a bicycle-kick.
Camoranesi and Esposito switched wings and the Argentine-born winger found more room down the left, skipping past a challenge and firing just over the bar, even if he probably should have rolled it across to the unmarked Totti.
Esposito was brought down on the very edge of the box and Totti drilled the resulting free kick just past an unmarked Gilardino at the back post.
Camoranesi just failed to get on the end of Esposito's cross and moments later Gilardino was halted in a one on one situation with the goalkeeper for an extremely dubious offside decision that replays proved to be incorrect.
The Parma forward was troubling the Slovenian defence and rose to reach a Totti free kick only for Mavric to pluck his header out of the air. In the closing moments of the first half Esposito sprinted forward on the counter-attack, but M Mavric did well to cut him off.
Italy's first real chance of the second half saw Zambrotta cut back for Totti and his half-volley was bravely blocked by Mitrakovic inside his own penalty area. There was also a scare for Buffon, as Acimovic cut a fine pass through for Siljak, who turned Fabio Cannavaro and blasted over the bar from a promising position.
On the hour mark Gilardino and Totti combined well for the Roma captain to drill a powerful effort just a little too high. The rain was pouring down on Celje and it became increasingly difficult for the two sets of players to stay on their feet.
Esposito thought he had scored the opening goal on 68 minutes when he sprinted on to a Gilardino through ball, but the Cagliari debutante only shook the side-netting.
It was their last contribution to the game, as Esposito and Gilardino made way for Stefano Fiore and Luca Toni. Totti was moved up to a support striker role and a more traditional 4-4-2 system.
The two substitutes very nearly combined for a goal within moments of stepping on to the pitch. Fiore's floated cross was kept in play by Camoranesi and Toni's rising shot rattled the underside of the crossbar.
Totti was furious when he charged into the box and fell under a challenge from Mavric, but the referee correctly waved play on.
However, after all Italy's pressure and wasteful finishing, it was Slovenia who took the lead with eight minutes left on the clock. Ceh floated a free kick towards the back post where substitute defender Cesar was allowed a free header from six yards.
Marco Di Vaio was already set to replace Camoranesi, but his entrance became even more crucial after this goal. Italy poured forward with Totti firing just wide and Di Vaio closed down by Cesar as he prepared to pull the trigger, but it was not enough.
Lippi rues wasted opportunities
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi was left ruing missed chances after their defeat in Slovenia, while his players insist they deserved a point.
"Slovenia scored with the only real chance they had in the second half," insisted the Coach after their 1-0 defeat, "but the team played a great game and really didn't deserve to lose. Unfortunately, these things happen in football."
The return of Francesco Totti and debut of Mauro Esposito didn't bring Lippi the required extra verve, but he refused to point the finger at anyone.
"I don't want to comment on individual players' performances, as the whole squad put in a strong show and just couldn't seem to score. I want to see what the situation is before discussing any changes against Belarus, but now we must win that match."
Italy have now dropped off the top of Group 5 with this result, as Slovenia take the lead on seven points to the Azzurri's six. Their next encounter is on Wednesday evening when Belarus – who hammered Moldova 4-0 this evening – pay visit to the Stadio Tardini.
Mauro Esposito was one of the most eagerly awaited players on his international debut. "We lost a game that we deserved at least a point from," said the Cagliari man, "as Slovenia were only ever dangerous from set-pieces."
The debutante nearly grabbed a goal moments before his substitution, but could only shake the side-netting. "It's a shame that my shot didn't go in, as I tried to hit it hard at the near post and narrowed the angle a bit too much."
Fabio Cannavaro also suggested that critics shouldn't read too much into this setback to Slovenia.
"Lippi complimented us for our performance in the dressing room," revealed the Italy captain, "as apart from the result we did well. Perhaps the younger players are bringing a breath of fresh air into the squad and our whole approach is more committed."
Director Gigi Riva hinted that Italy might have taken the draw for granted in the closing stages of the game.
"I heard Lippi talk to the squad in the dressing room and he might have wanted to control the result," said the Azzurri legend, "but when that happens a goal can come out of anywhere and it proved to be a set-piece. Neither team played particularly better than the other and a draw would have been the right result."
"Clearly there are a few problems in Italian football, as it has been a few years since we have achieved some truly important results on the international stage. We have good players who just need to find their form and the right approach."
With Slovenia, Belarus and even Norway now back in the running for a direct qualifying spot into the 2006 World Cup, the pressure is already mounting on Lippi.
"Now we have the chance to make up for this defeat immediately with a victory against Belarus," concluded Riva, "and we must pick up all three points from that match."
Gentile calls in duo
Football Italia
Simone Dallamano and Fabio Quagliarella have been added to the Under-21 squad for Tuesday's qualifier against Belarus. Boss Claudio Gentile has called up the pair after losing both Daniele Corvia and Giorgio Chiellini.
Corvia, who was only selected late on Friday, has picked up an injury and he's been replaced by Torino forward Quagliarella. Brescia defender Dallamano has been given a chance to impress as Chiellini will be suspended - after he was booked in the 3-0 win over Slovenia last night.
The Azzurrini take on Belarus at Mantova where they will be looking to maintain their 100 per cent record following three straight wins.
Bianchi cuts Gila comparisons
Football Italia
The new hero of the Under-21 squad is Rolando Bianchi, but he refuses to compare himself with Azzurrini alumni Alberto Gilardino.
"Let's not even joke about these things," smiled the striker who scored a brace in Italy's 3-0 victory over Slovenia last night. "I just try to do my best."
The Cagliari forward was the star of the show in their third consecutive qualifying victory, although it wasn't plain sailing for the entire match.
"The lads were too rushed and desperate to score in the first half," pointed out Coach Claudio Gentile, "but after the break I really liked their performance. There were a few mistakes that we need to work on, though."
One of the goalscorers, Fiorentina's Giorgio Chiellini, will not be able to take part in Tuesday's clash with Belarus.
"It's a shame he got that yellow card and will now be suspended. I'll have to choose his replacement in defence, but if there are no more injuries then the rest of the starting eleven will be the same as in Slovenia."
There could be one other change, as Sampdoria midfielder Biagio Pagano provided an assist for the opener within minutes of stepping on to the field.
"Pagano did well to work for the whole team," noted Gentile. Teammate Bianchi was more expansive in his praise and said, "I have to thank Pagano for two crosses that enabled me to score. He's an excellent player and will no doubt become a key figure for this Under-21 side."
Capello eyes national service
Football Italia
Fabio Capello is keen to boss a foreign national side once his Juventus spell comes to an end. The tactician signed a three-year contract in Turin over the summer but he is already looking to the future.
"I will remain for the length of my deal because I respect this club and the agreement which I made with them," he told the Gazzetta dello Sport. "I may be 58 right now but I don't think I will have the desire to quit football after my time at Juventus ends.
"I don't do this job for money but because football is inside of me. I would love to be involved with international matches, though not with Italy. I would like to work abroad again and I would not object to being a national Coach in the future."
Capello enjoyed a one-year spell in Spain when he led Real Madrid to the Liga title but then left – a departure he regrets. The former Milan and Roma boss was also believed to have been contacted about the England job before Sven Goran Eriksson was appointed.
Meanwhile, the former Azzurri midfielder is confident that his side can battle for the Champions' League this term. The Bianconeri have opened their Euro campaign with two 1-0 wins over Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
"Juve have been built to win," he said after the summer arrivals of Fabio Cannavaro, Emerson and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. "Our aim is Europe and we are not denying it."
Emerson wants it all
Football Italia
His arrival at Juventus was clouded in controversy, but Emerson is determined to make it worthwhile by winning the Scudetto and Champions' League.
"I want to win everything with this club," announced the Brazilian as he picked up the 'Player of the Month' award voted by Juve fans. "I won't make a choice between the Italian League title and Europe, as this is a competitive squad that is capable of going all the way in both competitions."
For a while this summer, Emerson's future appeared to be at Real Madrid or Inter, but Roma eventually agreed to sell him to their rivals in Turin.
"I have settled in to the Juve atmosphere very quickly," he assured. "I don't want to compare it to Roma, as I was happy there as well, but Turin is certainly a more tranquil city."
Emerson has been one of the few players that Fabio Capello has not rested so far this season, as the rotation system has been necessary upfront with a series of injuries.
"David Trezeguet's shoulder problem is different from mine," said the man who missed the 2002 World Cup after falling awkwardly in training. "It's up to him to decide how to best deal with it. I hope Alessandro Del Piero also returns soon, as he is a great talent who will show everyone what he is capable of."
Vieri back to prove himself
Football Italia
It is increasingly likely that Vieri will be sold or loaned out to another club in January and there are several options open to him.
He would suit Roma boss Gigi Del Neri's 4-4-2 system and be able to hook up with Italy teammates Francesco Totti and Antonio Cassano.
However, the club tipped to win this particular race is Juventus. Vieri was already rumoured to be returning to Turin during the summer, but the arrival of Coach Roberto Mancini pushed them to give him another chance.
The Bianconeri also need a new forward to tide them over after both David Trezeguet and Alessandro Del Piero suffered injuries, but there is one major stumbling block to this move.
Inter are still smarting from their decision to sell Fabio Cannavaro to Juventus in the closing stages of the transfer campaign, and the defender's arrival has been crucial to Fabio Capello's side topping the Serie A table.
Inter ponder Mascherano bid
Football Italia
Inter's Argentine contingent could be increased after the club were linked with Javier Alejandro Mascherano. The central midfielder is highly rated in South America and impressed scouts as his country won gold at the Olympics Games in Athens.
The Nerazzurri are said to be considering a January bid even if they face stiff opposition for the River Plate ace. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Milan and Juventus have also been associated with the 19-year-old.
However, reports suggest that Inter are ready to make a substantial offer in January in order to net the international. If Mascherano arrives then the San Siro giants would probably sell Cristiano Zanetti – who was associated with a move to Juve in the summer.
Saturday 09 October
Juve target Cassano swoop
Football Italia
Juventus transfer guru Luciano Moggi is planning to make Antonio Cassano his next big signing. The youngster's future at Roma is uncertain and the Bianconeri official hasn't hidden his admiration for the international.
"He is an exceptional talent who I really like," Moggi told the Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper. "I know that I could help him. But if he came here then he would have to make changes to his life.
"He would need to abide by our rules but our rules are in place to help Juventus be successful."
A proposed swoop for the 22-year-old wouldn't be easy for the Turin giants given their frosty relationship with Roma. Relations between the two clubs were tested even further in the summer after Fabio Capello, Emerson and Jonathan Zebina all left for the Giallorossi's deadly rivals.
However, Moggi insists that he's made peace with Roma President Franco Sensi after years of clashes.
"The war is over," he continued. "People often put us against each other in the past because this is a naughty world which we live in."
Moggi concluded by revealing his objectives for the season ahead. "I would like to win the Champions' League and dedicate it to the Agnelli family," he added. "Winning the championship wouldn't be bad either even if Milan and Inter are tough rivals."
Meanwhile, boss Capello has revealed that the club were planning a summer swoop for Didier Drogba. "If David Trezeguet left then we were looking at Drogba even if he would have taken some time to settle in Italy," stated the tactician.
The striker, who impressed many at Marseille last term, joined Chelsea instead for a massive £24m.
Juventus chief presses Chelsea for Mutu
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi won't give up on trying to prise Adrian Mutu away from Chelsea. Moggi almost landed the Romania international in August and has been encouraged by this week's blow-up between Mutu and Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.
Mutu's agent insists the inside-forward will stay at Stamford Bridge, but Moggi will press Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon for the Romanian leading up to the January market.
Mutu is also wanted by Atletico Madrid and is understood to favour a move to Spain. But Moggi is confident he can convince Mutu he can be successful in Turin if he is made available.
Nedved sets quit date
Football Italia
Pavel Nedved will probably hang up his boots when his present Juventus deal comes to an end. There was talk that the Czech ace would sign a new contract in Turin but that now seems unlikely.
"My current agreement expires in 2006 and I don't think that I will renew it," stated the midfield marvel. "I'll be 34 by then and I think that I will retire from the game."
The former Lazio player is an influential figure at the Stadio Delle Alpi and he was rewarded for his efforts with the 2003 Golden Ball. So who does he believe should succeed him this year as the European Footballer of the Year?
"There are a host of players who have done enough to deserve the award," explained the Bianconeri ace. "But my favourite is undoubtedly Milan's Andriy Shevchenko. If it was up to me then he would get it because I really like him as a player."
Betis president: We rejected £20M Chelsea bid for Joaquin
Tribal Football
Real Betis president Manuel Ruiz de Lopera has revealed he turned down a £20 million offer from Chelsea last season for winger Joaquin.
"On the 30th of December I had a meeting in Madrid with representatives from Chelsea and they made an offer to me of £20 million for Joaquin. "I rejected this proposal because I understood that it was not the best thing for Betis."
Lopera made the revelation amid pressure over his reign as Betis president which has emerged this season.
River Plate's Mascherano wants Real Madrid move
Tribal Football
River Plate midfielder Javier Mascherano wants a move to Real Madrid. The 21 year-old confirmed yesterday he had spoken with Real, along with Barcelona and Deportivo La Coruna, about a move to Spain in January.
AS says Mascherano is desperate to join Real - at any cost. Though he won't declare his ambitions publicly as he does not want to upset River's massive support.
Real will pay around £6.5 million for the Argentina international, with personal terms all but agreed after Mascherano's agent held lengthy talks with the Spanish club in August.
Lippi counting on Totti
Football Italia
Francesco Totti will play his first international match under Marcello Lippi and the Coach is expecting great things.
"I have spoken with Totti a great deal over the last few days," revealed the Italy boss, "and he was very relaxed. I expect a wonderful performance from him in a position he enjoys and that will allow him to prove just what he can do."
If Totti is a certain starter, his first appearance since Euro 2004 due to a ban and injury, then Lippi is eager to keep the rest of his squad list under wraps until kick-off against Slovenia.
"I have no doubts at all over who will be in that first eleven," he told the press, "but I won't inform the newspapers before I've given the news to the players themselves."
Italy have won both their opening World Cup qualifiers and a third successive victory would put them well on the road to Germany 2006.
"I take this campaign one game at a time and even if we beat both Slovenia and Belarus I would still not consider us qualified. This will be an entertaining game against a good team that is moving into a new era. The one to watch will be Lille forward Acimovic."
Slovenia will be without captain Aleksander Knavs after he suffered a knee injury in training, so Zeljko Mitrakovic should start in defence.
Lippi has also been forced to reshuffle his squad with Christian Vieri and Alessandro Del Piero out injured, so Cagliari support striker Mauro Esposito is looking at his debut match.
"Whoever joins the Azzurri set-up does so because they are ready," assured the former Juventus Coach.
"Nobody will be out of their depth if they play tomorrow. I saw youngsters like Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo settle right into their stride, but if our new players do well that doesn't mean there won't be space for our more experienced men when they return. It is important to have valid alternatives."
Slovenia 0 - 3 Italy
Football Italia
The Azzurrini won their third consecutive Under-21 Euro qualifier in Slovenia with Cagliari's Rolando Bianchi bagging a brace.
Claudio Gentile's boys had won their first two European Championship qualifiers and came into this game with confidence running high. The Coach was forced to make changes after Atalanta's Riccardo Montolivo pulled out with an injury, so his club teammate Lazzari stepped into the break. Cagliari forward Rolando Bianchi returned from a one-match ban.
The Azzurrini had a bright start and went close with Giampaolo Pazzini's right-foot drive, then Bianchi saw his effort fingertipped round the upright by goalkeeper Simcic.
Semler drilled wide of the target for Slovenia, but Italy had the better of the first half with another save on Bianchi and Lazzari firing just past the post from a promising position.
On 33 minutes there was a clear scoring opportunity when Bianchi pounced on a defensive error, but he hesitated and allowed Simcic to recover his position.
Italy started the second half on a similar note and Simcic excelled himself by flying to palm Cesare Bovo's header out of the top corner.
But the turning point came on the hour mark, when Slovenia were reduced to ten men for Bozic's second bookable offence.
Moments later the visitors broke the deadlock, as substitute Biagio Pagano provided a cross for Bianchi's diving header. The Sampdoria midfielder had been on the pitch for less than two minutes when he put in the assist.
Slovenia fell apart and soon after Italy made it 2-0 thanks to Fiorentina defender Giorgio Chiellini's header on a Potenza cross.
Bianchi was about to make it a hat-trick of headers, but Simcic performed a stunning reaction save, then Roma midfielder Aquilani wasted a golden opportunity as Italy's players flooded forward.
Cagliari striker Bianchi was on a roll and turned in a low drive to put the result beyond any doubt, but Pazzini blasted the potential fourth goal over the bar with only Simcic to beat.
Also in Group 5 this evening, Belarus climb into second place with a 3-2 victory away to Moldova, while Scotland succumbed 2-0 to visiting Norway. This puts Italy three points clear at the top of the table with a 100 per cent record from three games.
Slovenia U21: Simcic; Kelhar (Urbanc 66), Hadzic, Matic, Berko; Suler, Brecko, Bozic, Vrsic (Ljubijankic 84); Semler, Bozicic (Birsa 46)
Italy U21: Agliardi; Potenza, Mantovani, Bovo, Chiellini; Rosina (Pagano 60), Aquilani (Loviso 74), Donadel, Lazzari (Pepe 72); Pazzini, Bianchi
Ref: Briakos (Gre)
Sent off: Bozic 59 (S)
