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web site is an online diary maintained by azzurri.Friday 29 October
Nedved on the defensive
Football Italia
Pavel Nedved believes that Juventus' defensive strength could make the difference against Roma this evening.
"They have players who are very dangerous when going forward but we are solid at the back," said the Czech ace. "The defence is our secret weapon, given that we are a tough team who know what we want to achieve."
The Bianconeri have conceded just two goals so far this season as they've set the early pace in the championship.
"Tonight's game is very important even if their League position suggests otherwise," added the midfielder. "This is only Week 8 of the season and all the teams with Scudetto ambitions still have a chance. I include Roma in this equation."
If Juventus have started the campaign so well, then the merit must go to boss Fabio Capello who left Roma in the summer.
"I didn't know him before he arrived and I have to say that he surprised me on a human level," continued Nedved. "He is very good at talking to players and looking after squad harmony. He also has a close relationship with his staff which explains why he has been so successful."
Juventus 2-0 Roma
Football Italia
Juventus have maintained their five point lead over Milan at the top of the table after a 2-0 win against Roma. Alex Del Piero and Marcelo Zalayeta grabbed the goals even if their victory was tarnished by the late dismissal of Emerson.
The Delle Alpi clash was easily the most intriguing of the Week 8 schedule. Not only because it gave Juventus a chance to maintain their lead over Milan, and pull even further away from Inter, but due to the intense rivalry between the two sides. A rivalry which took on a new twist in the summer when boss Fabio Capello, Emerson and Jonathan Zebina all left the capital for the Old Lady.
Capello, who was on the opposite bench in the last game between the two sides which ended 4-0 to the Giallorossi, made no changes from the 3-0 win at Siena. Manuele Blasi, another former capital starlet, was expected to replace Stephen Appiah in midfield but the latter kept his place.
His opposite number, Gigi Del Neri, fielded the 'trio delle meraviglie' in the form of Totti-Cassano-Montella but had to make substantial changes to the rest of the side. He started with three centre-backs, as well as fielding the young Aquilani in midfield given the injuries to Dacourt and De Rossi.
The Bianconeri kicked off on a wet surface - in front of around only 30,000 fans - with Appiah linking up with Ibrahimovic on three occasions in the space of five minutes but nothing came of it. Roma hit back with a few attacks of their own in a lively start, but Buffon wasn't really troubled by a Cassano shot and he then intercepted a through ball aimed at Montella.
On 12 minutes, Nedved crossed from the left but Ibrahimovic's volley, from a favourable position, failed to threaten Carlo Zotti. Juventus made a cautious start but they created the first real scoring chance on 23 minutes. The impressive Zambrotta found Camoranesi but his right footed effort finished three metres over the bar.
The Argentine-born winger then proved dangerous on two occasions in the space of 60 seconds. His first shot hit Aquilani, while his acrobatic header from the resulting corner finished wide of the target. Camoranesi made up for that error soon after though as he set up the opening goal. The midfielder collected the ball from Ibrahimovic, passed to Del Piero on the edge of the box, who beat Zotti to his right with a shot that found the corner of the net.
Roma tried to hit back almost immediately. They were awarded a free-kick 35 yards from goal. Totti has found the back of the net from that distance before but his powerful drive was central and relatively easy for Buffon. Perrotta then thought he would have a long ranger but it didn't trouble the Juve No 1.
The home side thought they'd doubled their lead on 40 minutes when Ibrahimovic headed past Zotti. But the giant Swede was adjudged to have been in an offside position when Emerson delivered his cross from the right. Ibrahimovic should have perhaps scored for real when Nedved played him in soon after but he failed to control and the ball skipped out of play.
Juventus went into the break 1-0 up but only thanks to the brilliance of Buffon. Totti found Montella with a precise pass but his close range effort, in the dying moments of the half, was somehow blocked by the 'keeper's miracle hands.
Del Neri brought on Mancini for the resumption of the game as the Giallorossi reverted from a 3-4-2-1 to a 4-3-1-2. Yet the opening 15 minutes of the second period were characterised by a number of excellent tackles in dangerous positions by the likes of Cufre and Ferrari for Roma and Thuram for Juventus.
Fans had to wait until the 62nd minute to see either of the 'keepers make another save. That honour went to Zotti who held onto a Del Piero free-kick which was taken just left of centre. By now Juventus seemed to be in control of a game with few chances.
Boss Capello then made two changes as Zebina (injury) and Del Piero were replaced by Pessotto and Zalayeta. The latter made an instant impression by scoring within 120 seconds. The Uruguayan took advantage of a Ferrari miss-kick to blast home from close range. 2-0!
On 78 minutes, Nedved forced Zotti to give away a corner after a 25-yard test. Totti replied with a free-kick soon after that seemed to beat Buffon but also the 'keeper's left-hand post. Montella then attempted to add to his six League goals this term but his 85th minute shot flew over the bar.
Dellas also missed a sitter in the dying minutes. Juve held on for the win but their night was spoilt by the sending off of Emerson for two bookable fouls – both shirt pulling offences. He'll now miss the Chievo game on Sunday.
Juventus: Buffon; Zebina (Pessotto 66), Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Emerson, Appiah, Nedved; Del Piero (Zalayeta 72), Ibrahimovic (Kapo 88).
Roma: Zotti; Ferrari, Sartor (Mancini 46), Dellas, Mexes, Cufre; Aquilani, Perrotta, Totti; Montella, Cassano.
Ref: Collina
Sent off: Emerson (J) 88
Capello Satisfied With Juve's Performance
Goal.com
A happy Fabio Capello expressed his satisfaction at the way his side defeated a good Roma side to stay 5 points clear at the top of Serie A.
The bianconeri won 3 fundamental points for the title race and the display against the giallorossi was once again solid as remarked by the Juventus coach.
"I saw a good Juventus and a good Roma, whose qualities cannot be discussed as they have great players. We were good and concentrated. Today we played against a great team which is Roma and we played well. In the first minutes they gave us problems and I think that the giallorossi will do well during the season."
Capello also spoke about Alessandro Del Piero, author of three goals in the past two games. "Del Piero is improving and is a psychologically recovered player."
Juve in Mascherano bid?
Football Italia
River Plate have reportedly rejected a Juventus bid for the services of rising star Javier Mascherano. The central midfielder is highly rated in South America and impressed scouts as Argentina won gold at the Olympics Games in Athens.
Stories in his homeland suggest that the Italian outfit have offered close to £6m for the 20-year-old but that was turned down. Inter are another Serie A side who have been linked with the player but a switch to Italy doesn't seem to be on the cards.
The youngster would apparently be more in favour of a transfer to Spain, especially as Real Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna are keen. Real could in fact make an attempted swoop in the January transfer window given their lack of ball-winning central midfielders.
European giants Barcelona and Bayern Munich are also monitoring Mascherano's contractual situation with interest.
Chelsea wrap up deal for 'new Pele'
Tribal Football
Chelsea have swooped for Santos midfield whiz Robinho in a £10 million deal. The Daily Mail says Chelsea have beaten a host of clubs, including PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona for the exciting winger. Robinho is regarded as Brazil's hottest young talent and has been likened to Pele.
Chelsea are said to have agreed a deal with Benfica after their club president Luis Filipe Vieira was a guest of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich when the Russian billionaire moored his yacht in Lisbon harbour during Euro 2004.
The deal suits Chelsea because they would have been unable to get a work permit for Robinho.
Thursday 28 October
Juventus v Roma: Preview
ESPN Soccernet
Fabio Capello will be the centre of attention on Thursday when Juventus and his former club Roma clash at the Stadio Delle Alpi.
Capello stunned Roma when he walked out on the club in the summer to replace Marcello Lippi at the club where he also starred as a player. The coach was revered by Roma fans after steering the Eternal City outfit to the Scudetto in 2001 - only the third in the club's history.
Capello has made a great start with Juve who have a 100 percent record in the Champions League and who are also the pacesetters in Serie A with one draw with Palermo marring what would otherwise have been a perfect record.
Roma have had a nightmare time and, including Capello, have had four coaches in six months. Capello's replacement Cesare Prandelli quit for health reasons and then Rudi Voller lasted less than a month. Finally, Luigi Del Neri took the reins of the club which is in midtable going into Thursday's match.
Capello told www.juventus.com: "I'm anticipating this match with the right attention, tension and respect for our opponents. I've already watched Roma's match (1-1 draw against Palermo), which proves how carefully I am preparing for this event.
"I was positively impressed by Roma's performance, they can be dangerous, have top quality players who can make all the difference particularly near the penalty box. It's a team I know very well, they are very talented."
Capello has called up 21 players for the match at the Stadio Delle Alpi and among them are Brazilian midfielder Emerson and French defender Jonathan Zebina. Both those players followed Capello from Roma to Turin this summer.
Boardroom relations between Roma and Juventus have always been poor and Juve transfer supremo Luciano Moggi staged another of his stunts this week by letting it be known he might like to sign Roma's prodigiously talented but enormously temperamental striker Antonio Cassano.
Cassano was dropped ahead of the Palermo match for yet another training ground tantrum but has been included in the party that will travel north. Cassano's fellow Italian international Daniele De Rossi is not included in the squad as he is battling against injury while Del Neri has also omitted Christian Panucci.
Del Neri has promised he will field a three-pronged strike force which will feature Cassano, Francesco Totti and Vincenzo Montella.
"Roma have always played with Montella, Cassano and Totti," said Del Neri. "The objective is to go to Turin to get the victory. I think we will have to play the three-pronged strike force because the occasion dictates it, not out of lack of respect (for Juventus) or presumption."
Del Neri revealed he had held clear-the-air talks with Cassano.
"We took the decision together, I asked him how he felt and after training I decided to call him up," said the former Chievo and Porto coach. "We will see tomorrow what condition he is in and his physical condition will also depend on his psychological condition."
Capello plots Roma KO
Football Italia
Fabio Capello believes that his Juventus side could end Roma's Scudetto hopes on Thursday. "A victory would see us move 13 points clear of a direct rival for the title, therefore basically taking them out of the Scudetto equation," the tactician said today.
The Delle Alpi clash is set to be a heated affair given the rivalry between the two clubs, especially after Capello, Emerson and Jonathan Zebina all left for Turin in the summer.
"I have no time to think about Roma's 4-0 win in the last game, or about Francesco Totti's four-fingered hand gesture," Capello added. "There are also no thoughts of a vendetta on my part against an environment who didn't recognise my achievements when I left.
"All that I am concentrated on right now is winning the game. I would even be happy with just a 1-0 win."
Will it be an emotional occasion for the former Milan boss? "I had some marvellous moments in the capital," he admitted. "I will probably feel a few different sensation tomorrow night but then I will just focus on my Juventus side."
The Bianconeri have made a stunning start to the season but Capello is aware of the Roma threat despite their difficulties. "We are top because we are a compact and determined side," he added. "I have a squad who offer me guarantees but also some champion players.
"Roma? They are improving and have players that can make the difference such as Totti. He can be kept quiet for the entire game but then invent something right at the end."
Capello was also asked for his thoughts on the news that Antonio Cassano will start against his side. "I'm happy for the player but not for us because he is an extremely dangerous opponent," he concluded.
Capello has named a 21-man squad with Paolo Montero, Nicola Legrottaglie, David Trezeguet, Antonio Chimenti and Mark Iuliano omitted for one reason or another.
Juventus squad: Buffon, Ferrara, Tacchinardi, Tudor, Pessotto, Emerson, Ibrahimovic, Del Piero, Nedved, Birindelli, Camoranesi, Appiah, Zambrotta, Blasi, Thuram, Bonnefoi, Kapo, Olivera, Zalayeta, Zebina, Cannavaro.
Moggi Plays Down Cassano Interest
Goal.com
Days after hinting that Juve are interested in bringing Antonio Cassano to Juventus, Luciano Moggi has denied that the young forward will move to Turin next season. The transfer guru has therefore closed the Cassano chapter as he gave little chance to the possibility of the former Bari player joining the current league leaders.
"He's a great talent and a big bad boy; he doesn't interest us because Roma doesn't want to sell him. If they want to sell him we shall look around us but we are fine as we are; we can't send on the stands Del Piero or Ibrahimovic."
Panucci set for Leg swap
Football Italia
Reports of a January swap deal involving Christian Panucci of Roma and Juve's Nicola Legrottaglie are gathering pace. Football Italia reported on Monday that a switch could occur and the Italian media are convinced that a deal is in the pipeline.
Panucci's future in the Italian capital is uncertain after he clashed with new boss Gigi Del Neri over the weekend. He's been left out of the Roma side since and would have no problems with teaming up with boss Fabio Capello in Turin.
The two men have worked together with success in the past at Milan, Real Madrid and Roma. Panucci would seemingly be welcomed by Capello given that the international can play as a right-back but also in the centre of defence.
Legrottaglie may also be enthusiastic about the move as he broke into the Italian national side thanks to his form at Chievo under Del Neri. That saw Juventus and Roma battle for his signature in the summer of 2003 – with the Bianconeri coming out on top.
But Roma could now finally sign the player, who struggled at the Delle Alpi last term, as he doesn't seem to feature in Capello's first team plans. Fabio Cannavaro and Lilian Thuram are the first choice centre-backs, with Igor Tudor apparently next in line.
Speculation suggests that the two players will join rival clubs on loan before signing permanent deals at the end of the season.
Trez wary of surgery
Planet Football
Juventus striker David Trezeguet admits he was initially sceptical about undergoing shoulder surgery.
Trezeguet had an operation on his shoulder earlier this month and he is unlikely to return to action until February. The France international has been plagued by the problem for the past month but the injury flared up in a match against Udinese earlier in the season.
Surgery was eventually decided as the only course of action but Trezeguet revealed he was keen to avoid going under the knife. He has now started his rehabilitation in Lyon and concedes the operation has eradicated the pain he was suffering in his shoulder.
"At first, I was firm," Trezeguet told L'Equipe. "I absolutely wanted to avoid surgery as we were not certain of the result. I got advice from several doctors and they all gave me the same diagnosis: There is no specific treatment for the shoulder.
"So they gave me the name of a specialist in Lyon who confirmed I had no solution other than surgery. Now I need three months to set my shoulder. It is a new life that starts but the most important thing is I feel fine.
"At first, I should have gone back to Turin after one week but, with the club's doctor and physio, we realised there was everything at Lyon for my rehabilitation."
Lippi to call U-21 old boys
Football Italia
Italy boss Marcello Lippi has hinted that he will call-up some new youngsters for November's Finland friendly. "It is my job to form a squad to take to the 2006 World Cup Finals in Germany," stated the ex-Juventus boss.
"I will make my decisions based on the players who have represented Italy in the last few years, a few of the Under-21 boys who are now too old for the Azzurrini and obviously whatever revelations the Italian championship offers me."
It's the former Under-21 players who are likely to get a chance against the Scandinavians next month. The Azzurrini won the European U-21 Finals in the summer and the Coach has already called up Daniele Bonera, Daniele De Rossi, Cristian Zaccardo and Alberto Gilardino from that outfit.
However, more will be tested out in the near future with Palermo defender Andrea Barzagli set to be given a chance. There is also a possibility that Udinese midfielder Gianpiero Pinzi may be handed a debut call-up.
The revelations of the season that Lippi mentioned are likely to be Messina left-back Alessandro Parisi and probably Chievo's Franco Semioli.
Atletico Madrid seek share deal for Tevez
Tribal Football
Atletico Madrid are in negotiations with Boca Juniors over striker Carlos Tevez.
The Argentina international has told Boca he wants to join Atletico next year and president Mauricio Macri is prepared to sell. However, Atletico cannot afford Boca's £15 million valuation and the two clubs are in negotiations over the possibility of sharing Tevez's registration.
Its been suggested Atletico could buy 80 per cent of the striker's registration for £10 million, with Boca holding onto the rest.
Benfica hope Chelsea assist Robinho signing
Tribal Football
Chelsea could assist Benfica to win the race for Santos dazzler Robinho. Benfica's general manager Josè Veiga says they could share Robinho's registration with the Premiership giants to bring Robinho to Portugal.
"I don't know if Chelsea are willing to do this, but if there is this possibility, we would welcome it;" he said. Santos are demanding £6.5 million for the Brazil international.
Wednesday 27 October
Preview: Juventus - Roma
Football Italia
There are grudge matches in Italian football, and then there is Juventus-Roma. After a fiery summer in which Fabio Capello, Emerson and Jonathan Zebina moved to the auld enemy, how will troubled Roma react?
The rivalry between these two sides has always been intense, but stepped up a few notches in recent years with controversial decisions and long-running transfer battles adding fuel to the fire.
The shock of the summer saw Capello sign for the Turin giants, seemingly without the knowledge of Roma, after the club had released him from his contract. Emerson then engaged in a tug-of-war to join the Coach and Zebina at the Delle Alpi, rejecting more lucrative moves to Real Madrid, Chelsea and Inter along the way.
He isn't the only one, as Zlatan Ibrahimovic was also heavily linked to the Giallorossi last year before eventually plumping for Juventus.
This should also be an entertaining encounter between two of the three teams who have scored in every single game so far this season, the other being Lecce.
It will take a great Roma performance to break through this defence, as Juve have conceded just two goals so far, but if anyone can do it then it's Francesco Totti, Vincenzo Montella and Antonio Cassano.
The young talent has now been allowed back into full training and looks set to make his comeback against the club that this week confirmed its interest in discussing terms for a summer switch.
Christian Panucci could still be left out after turning up late for training, while Cristian Chivu, Vincent Candela and Ivan Pelizzoli are injured. Manuele Blasi should recover from a thigh problem to start in the Juve midfield.
Juventus (probable): Buffon; Zebina, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Emerson, Blasi, Nedved; Del Piero, Ibrahimovic
Roma (probable): Zotti; Sartor, Ferrari, Mexes, Cufre; Mancini, Perrotta, Dacourt; Totti, Cassano; Montella
Ref: To follow...
Capello focused on Roma
Planet Football
Juventus coach Fabio Capello is fully focused on tackling Roma, with the Italian giants set to clash in the league on Thursday night. Capello comes up against his former club at the Stadio Delle Alpi and a win for Juve would leave the Giallorossi 13 points adrift of the leaders.
Despite Roma suffering a below-par start to the campaign, a start that has seem them take just nine points from their opening seven games, Capello is not underestimating the visitors. Capello watched Roma in action against Palermo last Sunday and was impressed by their display at the Stadio Olimpico.
"I saw Roma's match against Palermo and they made a good impression on me," said Capello. "They are dangerous with quality players who are able to make the difference. They are a team I know well.
"They have had a difficult start but it's obvious considering the problems they had. It will surely be a difficult match for us and we will prepare for it with a great focus."
Capello facing his past
Football Italia
Juventus boss Fabio Capello says life is much easier in Turin than it was in the capital with Roma. Capello made the comment ahead of Thursday's game at the Delle Alpi as he faces his former club for the first time since his shock departure.
"There is too much tension in Rome but the situation is totally different here," stated the tactician. "There is a particular environment in that city, unique in the football world. The tension makes it tough to work in even if I did stay there for five consecutive years which is a lot.
"Things are easier here. My relationship with the media is also different, I have a much better understanding with them."
Capello's exit, to join deadly rivals Juve, shocked many in the capital, including star man Francesco Totti who wasn't impressed with Capello's choice. But the tactician insists that he has nothing against any of his former players or the club.
"I haven't got a problem with anyone," he added. "I thank the President and the squad but a Coach can't stay forever with one club. Only in England can a manager remain with the same outfit for a sustained period of time."
Thursday's clash will also be an important game for Jonathan Zebina and Emerson who left Roma for Juve in the summer too. "This match must be treated just like any other for Zebina and Emerson," concluded the former Milan boss.
Del Piero welcomes back form
Planet Football
Alessandro Del Piero is relieved that his return to full fitness brought a brace of goals in a 3-0 win against Siena. The former golden boy of Italian football has found his reputation tarnished over recent years, but is still capable of being the match-winner, as he proved against Siena.
Del Piero scored twice and set up a third for Mauro Camoranesi in Juve's win at the weekend, but insists he is still not fully fit.
"I think I have made steps forward but I have not yet completed my recovery," said Del Piero of the Achilles injury that has kept him out. "There is always luck involved in scoring but I am feeling good.
"I have a little pain and it is not easy being at the top of your game when you don't feel 100 percent."
Coach Fabio Capello believes that Del Piero can recapture the glorious form of old, but must be given time.
"I have talked with Del Piero and told him he had to find himself," said Capello. "It is the time for him to do this. I think the two goals were important to him and for Juve too.
"He did things in the match that he has not managed to do for a long time."
Juve chasing Cassano
Planet Football
Juventus have confirmed they would be interested in Roma's Antonio Cassano, if he becomes available. Roma president Franco Sensi indicated earlier this week they would consider selling Cassano because of his off-field problems.
The controversial forward is undoubtedly one of the best players in Italy, but he is a somewhat difficult character to deal with. Juve general manager Luciano Moggi has now admitted the Turin giants could be ready to offer Cassano an escape route from Rome if they do decide to sell him.
"It's useless denying it. Cassano is a really big champion," said Moggi. "But, in any case, the negotiations to buy him will be made with Roma, and not directly with the player. The reason is simple. Cassano is tied to Roma for a many years.
"Roma are a friendly club and they deserve the utmost respect. So, in any case, we will negotiate only with them."
There is sure to be no shortage of interest for Cassano throughout Europe if Roma do confirm their intentions to let him leave.
Cassano to face Juve
Football Italia
Antonio Cassano could be reintegrated into the Roma squad for Thursday's clash at Juventus.
The youngster was expected to be left out after he was told to train on his own in a bid to rediscover his best form. But reports emerging from the peninsula suggest that he may now feature at the Stadio Delle Alpi.
The 22-year-old trained with the rest of his teammates on Monday before having lunch with sporting director Franco Baldini. The two men are believed to have spoken about a number of issues and agreed that Cassano would probably be included for the Turin trip.
That news will not be welcomed by Juventus stopper Fabio Cannavaro, who had hoped the starlet would be absent.
"I hope that he doesn't play," smiled the defender. "Antonio is a great individual who is difficult to play against. Even if Roma have a great strike force who are always dangerous in every game they play."
However, Juventus have conceded just two goals so far this term.
"We are the most solid side in the Division right now," added Cannavaro. "We may be less spectacular than Inter and Milan but we are more concrete than they are."
The Old Lady are currently top of the table, five points ahead of Milan and eight clear of the Nerazzurri.
Tevez prefers Spain
Planet Football
Carlos Tevez's agent Roberto Tessone has confirmed that the Boca Juniors star is likely to move to Spain. He contended that the style of football in La Liga has more parallels with the Argentinian game than the football in the rest of Europe.
"There are several clubs interested in Carlos Tevez: Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSV Eindhoven and also some Italian teams," Tessone said. "Out of all of those clubs, I think that Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich have the best chance.
"For many reasons, for what Madrid is as a city, for what Atletico is like as a club, the language and the fact that the culture is similar to Argentina's all mean that Tevez would feel more attracted to playing in Spain.
"The plan is that Tevez will leave Boca in June 2005 but it is possible that he may leave before that, maybe in January."
Tevez invites Milan offer
Football Italia
Boca Juniors starlet Carlos Tevez is sparking off a bidding war after confirming he'll leave in June, but three Serie A clubs face stiff competition.
"There are several teams showing an interest," revealed his agent Roberto Tesone on ‘Radio Efe', "such as Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSV Eindhoven and a couple of Italian clubs that have had persistent contact with us."
Although the sides have not been named, it's believed they are Milan, Fiorentina, Palermo and possibly Inter.
20-year-old Tevez confirmed his undoubted talents when his goals took Argentina to the gold medal at the Athens Olympics in August, while his Boca side also got the better of Milan in the Intercontinental Cup last year.
"His preference at the moment is for Atletico Madrid and we are doing what we can to ensure he gets his choice," added the agent, "but in any case he will make his decision in December."
This could play into the Serie A side's hands, as Atletico are struggling financially and have so far only offered half of Boca Juniors' £14m asking price.
Fiorentina and Palermo are bank-rolled by rich Presidents Diego Della Valle and Maurizio Zamparini, while Milan would be willing to splash out on this young talent following the persistent injury worries of Pippo Inzaghi and Hernan Crespo.
Tevez would form a devastating partnership with Andriy Shevchenko and give the player an immediate leg up into Champions' League football.
Tuesday 26 October
Panucci in Capello link
Football Italia
Christian Panucci's fall out with Roma boss Gigi Del Neri could lead to a Juventus transfer in January.
Panucci was axed from the Giallorossi squad for the Palermo game following what Del Neri described as "offensive behaviour." It's unclear as to what exactly happened but the tactician was not impressed with the latest lack of indiscipline at the club.
"He behaved offensively and disgracefully with me and with the team," explained the former Chievo boss. "The incident happened in training and he showed a lack of respect that cannot be tolerated. Those who do not respect the rules will be punished and the club will take steps."
Panucci has had problems with a number of managers in the past but he's always got on well with Fabio Capello – who is now with Juventus. The latter has already signed him on three occasions in the past during spells at Milan, Real Madrid and Roma.
Now the right-back may be set for a fresh link-up once the transfer window opens in the New Year. Panucci may move to the Stadio Delle Alpi in a swap deal with Nicola Legrottaglie – a player who excelled at Chievo under Del Neri.
Juve hail champion Cassano
Football Italia
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi has reiterated that his club are keen on Antonio Cassano. Roma may sell the starlet at the end of this season and the Bianconeri are pondering a bid.
"Cassano? We follow players with good feet," Moggi stated. "Antonio is of interest even if we are well covered in his role at Juventus. After the recent statements from his club, how can't we be interested? He is a bit of a rebel but he is certainly a champion."
The Giallorossi themselves added fuel to the fire regarding a sale after an outburst from President Franco Sensi. He stated last week that he was unsure whether to keep the international whose contract expires in 2006.
That has led to speculation that Cassano could be the latest Roman to join rivals Juve after the summer exits of Jonathan Zebina, Emerson and Fabio Capello.
However, Maria Sensi – the wife of owner Franco – insists that the Bianconeri won't get their hands on the 22-year-old. "As long as my husband is here then Cassano will never sign for Juventus," she stated on Sunday evening.
Yet Juventus are not the only club keen. Milan, Inter, Chelsea and Real Madrid have all been associated.
Moggi Admits Cassano Interest
Goal.com
Luciano Moggi has admitted that Juventus are closely following the Cassano case as the bianconeri are very much interested in the Roma player.
When asked whether Juventus will be trying to lure Cassano to Turin, Moggi revealed: "We follow talented players; after certain declarations by his club, he is an interesting player for us."
Juventus had followed the young starlet before he had joined Roma 3 seasons ago, but the giallorossi tipped the bianconeri in the race for Cassano with an offer the Old Lady could not match.
The transfer guru also spoke about Saturday's good display by the bianconeri at Siena, where Del Piero showed glimpses of his past glory.
"Also on Saturday, Siena played a good first half, but then we came out. Del Piero was only disputed from the outside. He's a great champion and never scores less than 15 goals."
Roma president: Cassano no chance for Juventus
Tribal Football
AS Roma president Franco Sensi has rubbished talk of a Juventus move for troubled striker Antonio Cassano. Backtracking on last week's comments that he may seek to sell Cassano, Sensi declared: "Antonio is with Roma and for as long as I am president of the Giallorosso, Cassano will not ever go to Juve.
"We have been talking for a long time over an extension of his contract. Any other reports are just filler for the newspapers."
Cassano sale not ruled out
Football Italia
Roma say they want to keep Antonio Cassano at the club even if they can't guarantee he will remain.
"Negotiations with his agent are open but also very complicated," sporting director Franco Baldini told ‘Radio Anch'io Sport' on Monday. "Nobody can be 100 per cent sure that a sale won't take place. All that I am certain about is that we do not want to release him."
Cassano is only tied to the club until the summer of 2006, which means he must either sign a new deal or he will be sold at the end of this season. Roma chief Franco Sensi has stated that he is unsure of whether to keep him but Baldini insists the player is not available for transfer at this precise moment.
"I can confirm that Cassano is not on the market," he underlined. "We are attempting to extend his current contract and his sale is not a financial necessity as some are suggesting."
The 22-year-old is currently training on his own, officially in an effort for him to rediscover his best form. He was left out of the 1-1 draw with Palermo on Sunday and is set to miss the Juventus tie on Thursday – against the club who are very keen on his signature.
"This decision has been taken as a long-term measure," continued Baldini. "The Coach is in daily contact with the players and he knows best. I think it is worth waiting for Cassano if he returns to the team in better shape than he left it."
Cassano has been hampered by numerous off the field problems since his arrival from Bari but he did shine under Fabio Capello, now Juve boss, last term.
"I don't think that Capello succeeded more than anybody else in managing him," added the official. "He simply let him play and Cassano performed."
Juve to negotiate stadium name
ESPN Soccernet
Leading Italian club Juventus are to follow the example of England's Arsenal and sell the name of their new stadium to a sponsor.
In a statement the 27-times Italian champions said they planned to rebuild their Delle Alpi stadium in the next two years. Juventus said they had signed a deal with Envision, a division of the Los Angeles based company Wasserman Media Group, to find a new stadium and shirt sponsor.
Envision negotiated Arsenal's sponsorship with Emirates Airlines worth a potential £100 million, the biggest deal in English football history. Arsenal's new stadium is to be called the 'Emirates Stadium' as part of the package which also includes shirt sponsorship.
"We are particularly happy to be the first Italian company, and among the first in Europe, to pursue naming rights for a stadium," said Romy Gai, Juventus's Chief Sales and Marketing Officer. "'Through this strategy we hope to become a leading example of how to successfully manage and develop a prominent stadium's potential."
The revamped stadium will hold 30,000 to 40,000 people, around half its current capacity, and the athletics track will be removed to bring fans closer to the pitch. Juventus also hopes 200 executive boxes, with space for 2,000 guests, will help boost revenue.
The current Delle Alpi has never won the hearts of the Juve fans and crowds for big European games in Turin have slumped in recent years with only 18,000 watching last week's Champions League game against Bayern Munich.
Bayern and city rivals 1860 Munich, have also attracted a name sponsor for their new stadium in financial services company Allianz. In recent years English clubs Middlesbrough, Bolton Wanderers and Leicester City have also sold 'naming rights' to their grounds.
Milan: Juve won derby
Football Italia
Milan chief Silvio Berlusconi and star man Kaka insist that Juventus were the real winners of the San Siro derby. The Milan clubs played out a 0-0 draw that allowed the Turin giants to increase their lead over Milan and Inter to five and eight points respectively.
"It was a good game, with a high content of technical ability," stated the Italian Prime Minister. "Inter played some good football and have some dangerous attackers but we were good enough to stop them.
"Milan looked good even if it is a real shame that both sides gifted Juventus two more points."
The creative Kaka, who got four Inter players booked for fouls on him, mirrored Berlusconi's view.
"I think that Juventus won tonight," said the Brazilian who impressed in the game. "They have a five point lead which is already quite a lot even if the season is a long one. Now we will just have to start picking up wins and hope that they start to drop some points in an effort to catch them."
Captain Paolo Maldini also recognised the Old Lady's impressive start to the campaign but he insists it is not all over just yet.
"Juventus have begun the season in a very strong fashion but the campaign is a long one," he stated. "I really don't understand why we should be worried about their advantage at this moment in time."
Gilardino ignores move talk
Football Italia
Parma's Alberto Gilardino is back to his scoring ways and so are the rumours regarding his future. The Italian international seems to have finally resolved his problems after he netted a beauty in the 3-1 win over Lazio yesterday.
"I scored a great goal but I must thank Domenico Morfeo for a super pass," he stated. "I've had a difficult start to the season but I'm now being rewarded for my hard work."
Gilardino is one of the most wanted players in Italian football after his 23 League goals last season. That saw his name linked with a host of clubs, with Milan currently the favourites to land his signature.
"Could I soon be playing alongside Andriy Shevchenko? Three months ago I was apparently set to join Juventus and then Roma," he replied. "Instead I stayed here and all that I'm thinking about at this moment in time is giving my all for this shirt.
"It is only normal that a player wants the very best for his career but I can assure you that I have had no direct contact with any clubs."
Tevez set for Boca exit
Planet Football
Boca Juniors president Mauricio Macri has revealed the club are prepared to sell Argentine international ace Carlos Tevez. The 20-year-old striker is one of the hottest talents in South America and the latest news is sure to attract interest from a host of European clubs.
Boca are keen to retain Tevez's services, but concede that ultimately he is going to have to leave with next summer the ideal time to push through the transfer. Tevez's credentials were strengthened last summer when he finished as Argentina's stop scorer with eight goals in the Olympics in Athens.
"Unfortunately, I have to recognise that, yes, he's going to leave," said Macri to an Argentine radio station. "Boca will sell Tevez at the end of the year, although our idea is that he should leave in June 2005.
Boca have already rejected a $17 million (€13.5 million) offer from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich for the striker, but it now appears more bids will be forthcoming.
Tevez favours Atletico switch
Planet Football
Reports in Argentina have claimed that striker Carlos Tevez has made it clear he wants to join Atletico Madrid when he leaves Boca Juniors. The 20-year-old is one of the hottest properties in South American football and is being courted by a host of clubs.
Bayern Munich and PSV Eindhoven have already submitted offers for the hit-man, while clubs from Russia and Ukraine are also in the hunt for his signature. However, Clarin newspaper insists that Tevez made it clear to Boca president Mauricio Macri in a recent meeting that he wants to move to Spain, and more precisely Atletico.
"Carlos would prefer to go to Madrid because of the language, the customs, the city and the adaptation of his family, La Liga and the possibility of playing in the Madrid derby with his idol (Ronaldo)," the paper quotes a source close to the player as saying.
Macri has admitted that Tevez will leave Boca for a European team at the end of this season, but has slapped a price-tag of €20 million on the youngster's head. Atletico are reported to be ready to splash out €10 million to land Tevez, but the player's desire to join Los Rojiblancos could smooth negotiations.
Tevez pleads with Boca Juniors for Atletico Madrid deal
Tribal Football
Boca Juniors striker Carlos Tevez wants a move to Atletico Madrid. Argentine press reports state Tevez has spoken with Boca president Mauricio Macri and pleaded with him not to block his dream switch to the Vicente Calderon.
Macri confirmed over the weekend that he was ready to sell Tevez, proposing a likely fee of £15 million for the Argie phenomenon. Before jetting to the Caribbean for a holiday, Tevez spoke with Macri about his desire to join Atletico.
Along with Atletico, Macri claimed PSV Eindhoven had been in contact about Tevez, though it was reported yesterday that coach Guus Hiddink had ruled out trying to sign the Argentina international.
Monday 25 October
Juve: Let's start Cassano talks
Football Italia
Antonio Cassano's time at Roma seems to be up after Juventus transfer guru Luciano Moggi revealed he wants to discuss terms. "We want to sign Cassano, but always showing respect for our friends at Roma," noted the Director General this morning.
The two clubs had a bitter row this summer over the transfer of Emerson, who rejected more lucrative moves to Real Madrid and Chelsea so he could join other ex-Giallorossi Fabio Capello and Jonathan Zebina.
"Antonio is a world class player," added Moggi, "and it's pointless denying we'd like him in our team. However, any transfer talks will take place with the club and not directly with Cassano."
Emerson denied he had already signed a contract with Juve while he was still tied to the Capital club, but he did agree terms with the Turin giants.
"Roma are our allies on the transfer market and deserve respect, especially as Cassano is still tied to a contract that expires in 2006. If we are to discuss any move, it will be directly with President Franco Sensi."
Cassano has been in the news this week after President Sensi claimed, "I'm not sure I want to keep him. The contract renegotiations are not a financial matter, but rather one of personality. His performance against Bayer Leverkusen was worthy of a slap."
Since that statement, the 22-year-old has been training by himself in what is officially a bid to rediscover his best form, but this is a tactic often used by Italian clubs when a player is in a contract dispute.
Roma bought 18-year-old Cassano from Bari in 2001 for a remarkable £20m, beating Juventus in a bidding war that summer, but he could now end up at the Delle Alpi after all.
Meanwhile, details are beginning to emerge on what caused the latest row with Christian Panucci.
The player was left out of the squad to face Palermo after what Coach Gigi Del Neri described as "a disgraceful incident that showed a complete lack of respect for the staff." It seems that the defender turned up late for training on Saturday.
Roma Confirm Cassano Out Of Juve Showdown
Goal.com
AS Roma general manager Franco Baldini announced that Antonio Cassano will not play against Juventus on Thursday evening.
"I really don't think Cassano will play against Juve, because the program Delneri and he agreed will last a minimum of one week," said Baldini. By 'program' Baldini means the solitary training Cassano began last Friday in order to reach top form again.
To add even more mystery to this decision are the continual reports (and Moggi confirmations) that Juventus are interested in signing the 21 year old creative, whose contract expires in June of 2006.
Brescia's Caracciolo cool on Juventus talk
Tribal Football
Brescia striker Andrea Caracciolo has played down interest from Juventus.
"Its nice that they're following me," said the young centre-forward, "but my only focus is on Brescia. Personally, I think you have a better chance of developing at a smaller club. But that's not to say that if I were to go to a bigger team that I would disappear."
He added: "Being overlooked for the Olympics hurt me. I hope I've proved some people wrong this season."
Barcelona open Parma talks over Bonera, Bovo
Tribal Football
Barcelona have opened talks with Parma over defensive pair Cesare Bovo and Daniele Bonera. The two clubs begun negotiations on Tuesday as Barca prepared for their Champions League clash in Italy with AC Milan.
Barca sports director Txiki Begiristain has approached Parma about both Bovo and Bonera and are seeking to sign the pair in January. Parma are ready to deal, with the struggling Serie A club in need of new funds.
Atalanta's Montolivo attracting big club interest
Tribal Football
Atalanta inside-forward Riccardo Montolivo is attracting interest from Serie A's biggest clubs. AC Milan, Inter and Juventus have all made enquiries in recent weeks about Montolivo's availability after the youngster's impressive campaign so far.
Inter supremo Massimo Moratti is a huge fan of Montolivo and has told close friends he regards the youngster as having the potential to surpass AC Milan ace Kaka as a Serie A star.
Boca supremo reveals: PSV, Bayern, Atletico Madrid offers for Tevez
Tribal Football
Boca Juniors president Mauricio Macri has confirmed they will sell striker Carlos Tevez at the end of this season. The Argentina international has been likened to Diego Maradona and Macri also revealed serious talks had been held with Atletico Madrid, PSV Eindhoven and Bayern Munich.
"It's lamentable, but I must admit Carlos Tevez will be sold in July," said Macri. "We have made him a good offer, but he wants to move to Europe."
Sunday 24 October
Siena 0 - 3 Juventus
Football Italia
Alessandro Del Piero has put his injury woe behind him with a well-taken brace to sink a determined Siena side. Del Piero claimed he wouldn't start a match until he regained full fitness, but he partnered Zlatan Ibrahimovic at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. Stephen Appiah replaced the injured Manuele Blasi in midfield.
Siena have struggled to get goals this season and had a tough task to take on the Serie A leaders, but their Coach was an old hand at taking on Juventus. Gigi Simoni was in charge of Inter in 1998, when a controversial penalty effectively handed the title to the Turin giants.
The home side had the first real chance after two minutes, but Davide Nicola only scuffed his volley from a promising position. Fabio Pecchia's cross then almost reached Mattia Graffied for a tap-in at the back post, but he slid in a little too late.
Juve hit back, but efforts from Mauro Camoranesi and Ibrahimovic were easily dealt with, then the Swede pounced on Argilli's error only to balloon over the bar from seven yards.
Mauro Camoranesi's backpass put Lilian Thuram in a tricky situation when two Siena players converged on him, but the World Cup winner was able to clear.
The Tuscans were surprisingly aggressive and Gianluigi Buffon performed a difficult save on Chiesa's inswinging corner kick. On 35 minutes the goalkeeper was at full stretch for another one-handed reaction save as Graffiedi was clear from eight yards, even though the move was later halted for an offside position.
The Bianconeri were finding it hard to get shots on goal, but soon after Fabio Cannavaro nodded a corner kick on to the outside of the near post. Del Piero curled a free kick not far over the bar, while Ibrahimovic chested down a pass and thumped his volley off target.
Siena were forced into a substitution at half-time, as Alfonso Camorani replaced the injured Gianluca Falsini, moving Davide Nicola to that left-back role.
Cannavaro was giving the defence real problems on set-pieces and got another header at the back post. Then Del Piero ran on to Camoranesi's through ball and hit it straight at Marco Fortin with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Ibrahimovic was having a terrible game and wasted another golden opportunity on Stephen Appiah's cross, controlling it well before ballooning it over the bar. However, Juve eventually broke through on 53 minutes.
Fortin parried Ibrahimovic's diving header on a Jonathan Zebina cross, but he could do nothing on Del Piero's follow-up from five yards. It was an important confidence booster for the captain, in his first Serie A appearance since suffering an Achilles tendon problem three weeks ago.
Siena hit back and Chiesa's volley was charged down by Thuram and almost into the path of Graffiedi, while from the resulting corner Di Donato nodded wide.
Chiesa, Graffiedi and Camorani again saw two shots blocked by some desperate Juventus defending, as Cannavaro and Gianluca Zambrotta literally flung themselves at their opponents.
But they left themselves open to the counter-attack and Del Piero struck again with a control and volley on another Zebina cross from the right. His finish went through Fortin's legs and was perfectly placed.
Not content with scoring two, Del Piero then turned goal provider for Mauro Camoranesi. His powerful free kick was redirected into the top corner by the Italian international's glancing header to sink Siena.
Siena introduced creative midfielder Davide Chiumiento, who is a youth product on loan from Juventus. Marcelo Zalayeta also replaced Ibrahimovic so he can rest ahead of Thursday's clash with Roma.
The home side refused to give in and Chiesa put in a great pass for Chiumiento, who fired a weak effort into the grateful arms of Buffon. Zebina was running wild out on the right and his cross was redirected towards his own net by Bruno Cirillo, but Fortin recovered for a good save.
Siena: Fortin; Cirillo, Portanova, Argilli, Falsini (Camorani 46); Nicola, Pecchia (Flo 74), Du Donato, Vergassola; Graffiedi (Chiumiento 65), Chiesa
Juventus: Buffon; Zebina, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Emerson, Appiah (Tacchinardi 85), Nedved; Ibrahimovic (Zalayeta 67), Del Piero (Kapo 78)
Ref: Bertini
Capello cool on Juve praise
Football Italia
Juve are marching ahead of the pack with another convincing victory, but Fabio Capello and Alex Del Piero claim they are nowhere near their peak.
";We are a good side," commented the Coach after tonight's 3-0 victory away to Siena, ";who played well against a team that caused us a lot of problems."
The Tuscans had the better of the first half and had a series of shots charged down before three goals in the space of ten minutes brought them to their knees.
";Juventus have real character and didn't run any real risks after the second goal. I don't mind if we don't create all that many scoring opportunities, as long as we take the ones we have."
Del Piero took two of them and created the third for Mauro Camoranesi in the captain's first Serie A game since suffering an Achilles tendon injury three weeks ago.
";Del Piero just needed to find himself again," assured Capello. ";Tonight he did things he hasn't done in a while and he was just looking for that spark."
The Italian international himself was also pleased with his brace and Man of the Match status.
";Apart from the goals, which were a bit lucky, this performance was down to a marked improvement in my physical fitness," he explained.
The forward hadn't wanted to take part in this encounter as he feared his lack of sharpness would affect his play, as it had done in the Champions' League clash with Bayern Munich midweek.
";I played because I don't feel pain and was alright during training. The important thing is to be fully fit and form follows on from that, even if I'm not 100 per cent yet."
Siena Coach Gigi Simoni was understandably upset at the final whistle.
"I could not have asked any more of my players, as we were on level terms for the entire first half and even had several chances to equalise after the opening goal."
Saturday 23 October
Siena v Juventus: Preview
ESPN Soccernet
Juventus could hardly have started the season better under new coach Fabio Capello and will travel to Tuscany to play Siena in the best of form.
In the Champions League, the club are top of Group C with nine points from three matches. Domestically, Juve have also had a fine start and lead Serie A with five wins out of six matches - the only dropped points came from a 1-1 draw with Palermo at home.
With closest pursuers AC Milan involved in the derby with Internazionale on Sunday evening the stage could be set for the Bianconero to extend a lead that currently stands at three points.
If Capello had any doubts about the wisdom of leaving Roma to take charge of Juve in the summer they must be gone with the Eternal City club in freefall both in Europe and Serie A since his departure.
Capello, who replaced new Italian boss Marcello Lippi, refused to gloat at the decline of the Roman empire that reached its zenith when he led them to the 2001 Scudetto.
He told satirical programme Striscia La Notizia: "I do not take pleasure in the misfortune of others and I hope that Roma recover soon because they are a great team and I had five good years there."
If there is one blemish on Juve's success it is still the shrinking crowds at the Stadio Delle Alpi. Although the turnout for the visit of Bayern Munich was better than the dismal 6,000 that turned up for the game with Maccabi Tel Aviv it was still only 18,000, and many had come from Bavaria.
"I don't know why," admitted Capello to club website, www.juventus.it. "But it annoys me because we deserve better for games like these."
The irony is that at Siena, Juve will have many more supporters than attended the home game with Maccabi as their supporters around Italy are more faithful than their Turin-based fans.
A couple of years ago the club even openly suggested they could become a touring team and tap into their vast nationwide support by playing their home games around the country rather than in the ugly and unloved Delle Alpi, a concrete bowl built for the 1990 World Cup.
Siena midfielder Fabio Pecchia has warned his team-mates not to play the role of cannon fodder for the Juve big guns when they visit the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
"They are top of the league, they have conceded no goals away - the two they have conceded were at home - and that tells us a lot about the team we are playing," Pecchia told club website, www.acsiena.it. "But we must not believe we are predestined to be victims - there are three points at stake and you never know in football and we must believe in ourselves."
Pecchia is one of the many players who learned his trade at Juve before moving on to progress his career but he has no hostility towards his former employers.
"I only have good memories," he said. "It is a club that puts its stamp on you and an atmosphere that helps you grow."
Daniele Di Donato and Andrea Ardito trained normally this week and are available for coach Luigi Simoni but there are still doubts over the participation of Michele Mignani and Francesco Colonnese.
Alex doubt for Juventus
Football Italia
Alessandro Del Piero could play at Siena on Saturday says Juventus boss Fabio Capello. The Italian was expected to start the game on the bench but the tactician has failed to rule him out of the Week 7 clash.
"I'm not someone who forces people to play if they are not fully fit," he stated on Friday afternoon. "Del Piero will start if he is in good shape. His lack of form? That will only improve with games."
Although Juventus go into the match as firm favourites, Capello has warned his men to not underestimate their opponents - especially as Scudetto rivals Milan and Inter meet on Sunday.
"This looks like being a favourable weekend for us on paper but I'm not interested in the derby," he continued. "We must just focus on the Siena game and even forget about Wednesday's match against Roma. Siena will make it difficult for us and there are dangers ahead but we are concentrated on getting the three points."
One of Juventus' main strengths this season is their defensive power after conceding just two goals so far.
"All sides who are successful have great strength at the back," Capello added. "You only reach certain objectives with a solid defence because it isn't always possible to win 5-3."
Juventus to pounce as Roma punish Cassano - AGAIN
Tribal Football
Juventus and AC Milan head the queue of clubs ready to hand Antonio Cassano an escape route out of AS Roma. Cassano is expected to be put on the market by Roma after he was disciplined again by coach Gigi del Neri and told to train on his own this week.
Roma president Franco Sensi is fed up with the striker's antics and is on the verge of circulating his name to interested clubs.
Juve, where former Roma coach Fabio Capello is in charge, are favourites to land the Italian international. Director general Luciano Moggi has been open about their interest in Cassano, with many Juve players also praising the youngster in public while he clashed with Roma management this season.
Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani is also keen, but his focus is on Parma ace Alberto Gilardino, which is likely to leave the way clear for Juve to land firebrand Cassano in January.
Barcelona seek loan deal for Juventus' Tacchinardi
Tribal Football
Barcelona are keen on a loan deal for Juventus midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi. After defeat at AC Milan during the week, it was agreed by Barca directors that they would try to strengthen the squad in January. Barca president Joan Laporta has told coach Frank Rijkaard if he wants a new signing, he can have one.
Along with Tacchinardi, Laporta's favoured choice, Arsenal midfielder Edu is also under consideration. The stumbling block for Barca in Edu's case is that Arsenal are not interested in a loan arrangement and will only deal in an outright transfer.
Azzurri face Finland friendly
Football Italia
Italy will play their November 17 friendly against Finland after China cancelled their proposed match at the last minute. Marcello Lippi's men were set for an historic trip to Shanghai on Nov 19, but the encounter was called off due to the Asian side's need for a World Cup qualifying play-off with Hong Kong.
There were fears that another test could not be rescheduled at this late stage, so a Serie A or Coppa Italia round would be brought forward, but Finland have now agreed to the game. The Federation is yet to confirm the venue or kick-off time, but it would be a familiar scenario for Lippi.
The new Coach has already faced two Scandinavian sides since taking over this summer, losing his friendly debut 2-0 in Iceland before beating Norway 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier.
