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web site is an online diary maintained by azzurri.Friday 05 November
Juve show Cassano caution
Football Italia
Juventus have again underlined their admiration for Antonio Cassano but have admitted they may not be able to afford him. Many are expecting Cassano to leave Roma in the summer given his current contractual situation – his deal expires in 2006 – and his difficulties with new boss Gigi Del Neri.
The Old Lady of Italian football have been strongly associated with a summer swoop but they seem to have gently applied the brakes.
"Cassano is a player who everyone likes," stated director general Luciano Moggi. "He is a little champion who can do well anywhere. I would be lying if I said we were not keen on him but it isn’t possible to spend big anymore on one player."
The Italian international cost £20m in the summer of 2001 when the then 18-year-old left his hometown club Bari.
It is believed that Roma would like just as much for his sale and possibly even a little bit more. However, Juventus would probably only offer that figure if they sacrificed a few big name players themselves at the end of the season.
Milan, Inter, Real Madrid and Chelsea have also been linked with the troubled capital forward. Moggi then added that Alessandro Del Piero, a man who could in theory be replaced by Cassano, will end his career with Juventus.
The transfer chief also dismissed speculation that Marcelo Salas will return from his loan spell in January. "That is impossible," concluded Moggi. "He will remain with River Plate."
Chelsea prepare big Cassano bid
Tribal Football
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is prepared to offer £30 million to AS Roma for firebrand striker Antonio Cassano. Roma president Franco Sensi is ready to sell the Italy international after becoming exhausted over the player's constant battles with club management.
Chelsea are in the market for a replacement for the disgraced Adrian Mutu and Abramovich is convinced Cassano fits the bill. Juventus have also declared their interest, along with Real Madrid. But both clubs do not possess the spending power of Chelsea.
Agent urges Roma to move for Evra before Real Madrid come in
Tribal Football
The agent of AS Monaco left-back Patrice Evra has urged AS Roma to step up their interest before they lose him to Spain's Primera Liga. Federico Pastorello told Calciomercato.com: "As far as Roma, nothing has happened this year. We've kept the interest away from Evra, which is why he is doing so well this season.
"I wanted to wait to speak with Roma, where I have a great relationship with Franco Baldini. The only club to make a serious approach is Barcelona. But I expect Real Madrid to also ask about him very soon."
Betis president: Chelsea ahead of Real Madrid for Joaquin
Tribal Football
Real Betis president Manuel Ruiz de Lopera has revealed he believes Joaquin is more likely to join Chelsea than Real Madrid if he is to leave the club.
"I have the feeling that if we transferred him, he is going to finish at another club that, is not perhaps Real Madrid," said Lopera, "because we have had offers that perhaps Madrid cannot match. And at any day in the future, I could answer Chelsea with a 'yes'."
Juventus ready to send Tacchinardi to Barcelona
Tribal Football
Barcelona can sign Juventus midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi in January. Juve intend to offload several of their fringe players when the winter market opens, including Nicola Legrottaglie, Mark Iuliano and Paolo Montero.
Tacchinardi is also on that list, though everything will depend on Inter Milan's willingness to allow Cristiano Zanetti to move to Turin as his replacement. If Zanetti arrives, Juve coach Fabio Capello will give his okay for Tacchinardi to join Barcelona on-loan in January.
Viola want Juve trio
Football Italia
Reports suggest that Fiorentina are keen to complete the signings of Fabrizio Miccoli, Enzo Maresca and Giorgio Chiellini. All three arrived from Juventus last summer in co-ownership deals and the Viola are already keen to keep them permanently.
Miccoli has started to score goals with some consistency, while Maresca and Chiellini are impressing too. Speculation suggests that the Tuscan outfit are ready to offer a combined £10m for the Bianconeri trio. It is unclear at this stage whether the Stadio Delle Alpi outfit are willing to do a deal before the end of the season.
Atletico Madrid supremo makes money available for Robinho, Elano
Tribal Football
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has confirmed money will be available for January signings. Cerezo also nominated Santos pair Elano Blumer and Robinho as two players Atletico are serious about signing after they were scouted by sports chief Toni Munoz.
"I have not yet been able to speak with Toni because of his jet lag from the trip to Brazil," said the president. "If the technical body wants that we sign players in December, we will. For the good players, always there is interest from us."
Shakhtar Donetsk chasing Brescia striker Caracciolo
Tribal Football
Shakhtar Donetsk are chasing Brescia centre-forward Andrea Caracciolo. The young striker has been outstanding this season after putting the disappointment of missing the Italy Olympics squad behind him. Shakhtar are in the market for a striker and Caracciolo is high on their shopping list for January's winter market.
Thursday 04 November
B Munich 0 - 1 Juventus
Football Italia
Alex Del Piero took advantage of Oliver Kahn's howler to give Juve victory in Munich and qualification for the final 16.
Alessandro Del Piero recovered from flu and Gianluca Zambrotta was fit after an ankle problem to start this match, while Gianluca Pessotto was the surprise choice to step in for the injured Jonathan Zebina, moving Zambrotta over to right-back.
Bayern Munich were smarting from their 1-0 defeat in Turin, but welcomed Claudio Pizarro back from injury to partner Roy Makaay. The Dutchman hadn't scored in six games coming into this clash and was hoping to break that drought against the Group C leaders - especially as Juve had not conceded a single goal in the tournament.
It was a slow start with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Bastian Schweinsteiger's header and a Torsten Frings shot all going off target.
It sprung to life in spectacular fashion after 11 minutes when Schweinsteiger's effort cannoned off the underside of the bar and Buffon slapped the ball off Hargreaves' head, but when the ball eventually went in it was disallowed for Pizarro's offside position. Replays suggest the final touch might have been from Fabio Cannavaro, so the goal would have been valid.
Buffon was called to make a fantastic one-handed save as Pizarro skipped past Lilian Thuram and his angled drive was heading for the far corner. At the other end, Lucio performed a crucial tackle on Mauro Camoranesi and Oliver Kahn did well to block a deflected Zambrotta effort.
Juve were beginning to come out of their shell, but that was when Makaay sprung the offside trap on Schweinsteiger's pass and again found an on-form Buffon at the ready.
The Bianconeri had their own controversial incident within 90 seconds of the restart, as Kovac sliced Zambrotta down inside the box, but referee Graham Poll waved play on.
Makaay turned an angled drive well wide, but the Bianconeri were more confident in this second half and Camoranesi's snapshot was off target. On the hour mark Cannavaro's bullet header from a corner kick nearly gave Juventus the lead, as it skimmed the woodwork with Kahn left stranded.
Cannavaro was then decisive at the other end, as a deflected free kick almost fell to Pizarro and Makaay on the edge of the six yard box, but he kept his cool to clear. There was bad news for Bayern when substitute Gorlitz limped off with what looks to be a serious knee injury, as he caught his studs in the turf.
Lucio brought down Ibrahimovic on the edge of the box after 72 minutes, but the Swede blasted it straight into the wall. Ibrahimovic then saw his shot charged down and Pavel Nedved picked up the loose ball, fingertipped round the near post by Kahn.
Pizarro nodded well wide from Mehmet Scholl's free kick, but Buffon was made to work by comfortably tipping Makaay's dipping header over the bar.
Instead, it was Juventus who grabbed the victory in the final minute following a howler from the Bayern back line. Ibrahimovic left two defenders standing out wide on the left with a cheeky backheel, and his shot was only parried into the path of Alessandro Del Piero. Oliver Kahn allowed the captain the easiest of tap-ins for their fourth 1-0 victory in a row.
Makaay thought he had earned a point with the final kick of the game when he sprung the offside trap and Zambrotta slipped, but Buffon got a fingertip to the Dutchman's lob and turned it inches wide of the open goal.
Bianconeri thank Buffon
Football Italia
Fabio Capello and Fabio Cannavaro thanked Gigi Buffon for their passage into the knockouts and look close to home for the other trophy contenders.
“We played well against a side that put us under real pressure during the first 20 minutes,” conceded the Coach. “Once they slowed down the tempo a little we became comfortable, although Gianluigi Buffon performed two really crucial saves.”
The world’s most expensive goalkeeper was called to keep out Claudio Pizarro and Roy Makaay in the first half, while he got a finger to the Dutchman’s last gasp effort.
“I appreciated the team spirit and work ethic on show tonight, plus qualifying so early allows us to relax a little and rotate the squad over the next few weeks.”
Juventus seemed relatively comfortable after that initial period of pressure and snatched the victory in the final minute to ensure their 100 per cent record remained intact. Only Chelsea and the Bianconeri have achieved that after four games.
“Tonight everyone played well against a very tough opponent,” continued Capello, “but above all this squad has real quality and at any moment they can turn the game. That includes the lad in goal!”
Bayern Munich seemed to be suffering the tension more, as shown by Oliver Kahn’s howler that gifted Alessandro Del Piero his goal.
“It’s nice to play without the pressure of a win at all costs, as that puts the strain on our opponents.”
Capello’s men have already matched one Champions’ League record, as Sparta Prague went without conceding a goal for four consecutive games in 2002.
“I always say that records go into the almanacs and that’s where they belong. All that matters is points and victories on their way to that trophy.”
Fabio Cannavaro has been a key factor in that defensive turnaround after reuniting with his ex-Parma teammates Lilian Thuram and Gianluigi Buffon.
“I think Thuram and I are now more experienced and make less mistakes,” noted Cannavaro, “even if in our Parma years we were a little faster and stronger. Buffon is an incredible player who improves with each season and is still only 26 years old. He has deserved the Balon d’Or for the last four or five years.”
Juve are now among the favourites to lift the Champions’ League trophy in May and Cannavaro looks close to home for the other contenders.
“We most fear the other Italian clubs and Barcelona, who are a cause for concern if they play the way they did against Milan. Chelsea and Arsenal are less of a worry, as I think the other teams I mentioned are more complete.”
Bayern Munich are nonetheless favourites to go through in second place following Ajax's shock defeat away to Israeli club Maccabi Tel-Aviv.
Salas hints at Juventus return
Tribal Football
Juventus striker Marcelo Salas has hinted he could return to Italy from his loan at River Plate. The Chile international is on-loan at River until the end of this season and he admits he doesn't know where he will be going next summer.
"At River Plate I am happy, but I do not know what will happen next year," said Salas.
Juventus defender Chiellini keen on Fiorentina deal
Tribal Football
Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini says he would happily sign permanently with Fiorentina. The fullback has impressed on-loan this season at Fiorentina and declared: "In Florence I find myself very well.
"I am playing with confidence and continuity therefore I would happily remain even if the decision will be up to the two clubs. But if they asked me about the possibility to remain, I would give my approval."
Roma To Attempt Evra Coup In January
Goal.com
AS Roma are closely tracking Monaco wing Evra, according to Goal.com’s Italian edition. The 23 year old player, who began his career in Italy with Marsala and Torino, has the precise characteristics Roma boss Delneri is looking for in his ideal left wing.
Roma currently lack a true wing for their left flank of the pitch.
“I could talk with Baldini in the next days,” said the player’s agent Pastorello.
Evra was on the verge of joining Juventus this summer, but the deal fell through when the Bianconeri opted for Capello instead of Evra’s current coach Deschamps.
Juve Ahead In Cassano Race
Goal.com
Antonio Cassano’s relationship with Roma is on the brink as the player seems to have the whole of the dressing room against him while Sensi and Baldini seem fed up of his antics.
This has led to the start of an auction which will be decided at the end of the season with various teams being interested in obtaining the services of the young Italian star.
Among them are big European squads, including Juventus, Milan, Inter, Manchester United and Real Madrid; however the two squads who are currently leading the race for the Roma player are the Turin and Spanish giants, with the bianconeri having an advantage of their competitors.
Capello has already stated that he can handle Cassano better than anyone else and Moggi praised the player, declaring that if the giallorossi were open to negotiate for the former Bari star, then Juve will surely make a move.
Real Madrid are closely following the situation, and thanks to their healthy financial situation, can make Cassano the next Galactico to join them at the end of the season.
It’s still early to see where the player will be next season, but by the looks of it Roma will not be his home anymore.
Real Madrid offer player swaps for Roma's Cassano
Tribal Football
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has contacted AS Roma counterpart Franco Sensi about the availability of striker Antonio Cassano. Perez telephoned Sensi on Tuesday to register his interest in Cassano, who was dropped for last night's Champions League match after a bust-up with coach Gigi del Neri.
Sensi is ready to sell and Perez has offer a cash-plus-player swap deal for the Italian international. Real are prepared to offer the loan, to the end of the season, of one of Fernando Morientes or Walter Samuel, in exchange for Cassano.
Mascherano: No Real Madrid, Depor contact
Tribal Football
River Plate midfielder Javier Mascherano is refusing to consider a move to Spain - or England - until a concrete offer arrives. The Argentina international is being chased by Deportivo La Coruna and Real Madrid from Spain, while Premiership champs Arsenal are also keen.
"I'm staying on the margin of what is possible, there has been nothing more but rumors," he said. "If a team really comes in with an offer and there is a concrete interest, then we will see. I know very clearly that I cannot live on dreams, but on realities."
Mascherano added: "The leagues of Spain and England seem to me to be the best ones. Italy doesn't interest me."
Munoz has new target for Atletico Madrid - Robinho
Tribal Football
Atletico Madrid sports director Toni Munoz has returned to Spain after his scouting trip to Brazil. The new name high on Munoz's agenda is Santos star Robinho, who he saw score twice against Fluminese on Sunday. While pursuing a deal for Santos midfielder Elano Blumer, Munoz registered Atletico's interest in teammate Robinho.
Chelsea remain favourites to land the Brazil international, who has been likened to Pele. But Atletico are in the mix. And thanks to their strong relationship with Santos, can count on sealing a deal for less than the £15 million his club are asking for.
Barca head Bojinov chase
Football Italia
Barcelona have reportedly taken an early lead in the race to sign Lecce young gun Valeri Bojinov. The Bulgarian is one of the most wanted players in Europe right now after a simply splendid start to the season.
Bojinov, an international striker, is just 18-years-old but has already netted six goals in Serie A so far this term. That has seem him linked with a host of top clubs with the Nou Camp outfit ready to make a summer swoop.
Barca have received favourable reports from their former striker, Hristo Stoichkov, who has great faith in his fellow countryman. Yet the Spanish giants are set to face some stiff competition from a number of Italian clubs and also Arsenal.
Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger is a known admirer of Bojinov who made his Serie A debut at the age of just 15. Juventus, Milan, Inter and Roma are also very keen on landing the forward who appeared at Euro 2004.
Meanwhile, Moreno Torricelli could return to the Italian game after starting a trial with Serie B side Arezzo. The former Juventus and Italy defender, now 34, spent last season in Spain with Espanyol.
Stoichkov urges Bojinov to choose Barcelona
Tribal Football
Bulgaria coach Hristo Stoichkov has told Lecce striker Valeri Bojinov to sign for Barcelona. The Barca legend is a hero to 18 year-old Bojinov, who is being chased by a host of clubs, including Arsenal, Juventus and Inter Milan.
Barca president Joan Laporta has spoken with Stoichkov to influence Bojinov to choose the Nou Camp when he decides to leave Lecce - which could be at the end of this season.
Wednesday 03 November
Bayern Munich v Juventus: Preview
ESPN Soccernet
Bayern Munich coach Felix Magath is desperate to find any weakness in the Juventus defence as he looks to mastermind a win that can put his side back in command of Champions League Group C.
Bayern trail the Italian giants by three points following their 1-0 defeat in Turin a fortnight ago and Magath knows it will be difficult to get any change out of a rearguard that has yet to be breached in three games.
"They have a very strong defence, as their record shows, and it's going to be hard work," he said. "With their defence, it's difficult to find any holes so we've got to try and pull the defenders out of position."
Michael Ballack will be handed the task of breaking down the Bianconeri and the attacking midfielder is hoping to get off to a flying start in front of a sell-out 63,000 crowd at the Olympic Stadium.
"It's difficult for teams to play against Juventus, but they don't go behind very often so it would be good to take the lead," he said. "We hope that a big crowd can push us on and maybe we can manage it."
Doubts hang over the fitness of Torsten Frings and Andreas Gorlitz and both will be given late tests. Owen Hargreaves, who was a surprise absentee from the first leg in Italy, has also earned a recall and can be confident of slotting straight in just behind Ballack.
Magath believes his side must take the initiative to stand any chance of claiming the three points. He said: "I can't imagine Juventus wanting to come here and play spectacular football, they will want to defend, which is their style.
"It's not going to be another 4-0 (like against Ajax), I don't really expect four goals on Wednesday." And the 51-year-old listed many reasons why Juventus will provide a tough test.
"You can start with their goalkeeper, their left full-back and their midfield, with Pavel Nedved," added Magath. "It's a top team right the way through, but we're just concentrating on winning."
Ballack added: "They have many big names. Their defence is the obvious strength and the attack benefits from it, as they have proved this season."
Juventus coach Fabio Capello has warned his side against complacency when they face the German giants. Bayern have had an indifferent season but Capello is still aware of the danger they possess.
"There is still much at stake in Group C," Capello said. "If Ajax beat Maccabi and get a point against Bayern, they will still be able to qualify. Wednesday's Champions League match against Bayern is not crucial but it is important that we gain points."
The only major absentee for the Bianconeri appears to be injured defender Jonathan Zebina who is expected to be out for a month. Alessandro Birindelli is poised to deputise for him after playing 80 minutes of the weekend win over Chievo.
The visitors will be buoyed by the return of talisman Alessandro Del Piero who was rested during that match and he is expected to link up with Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The industrious Gianluca Zambrotta should operate on the left flank, while Brazilian Emerson is due to return in the middle of the park.
Del Piero doubt for Munich
Football Italia
Juventus captain Alessandro Del Piero is a major doubt to feature against Bayern tomorrow evening after coming down with flu.
"Alex was suffering from a high temperature this afternoon," revealed Fabio Capello, "so as a precautionary measure I told him to stay in bed instead of training. We'll see if he's up to playing tomorrow, but if not then Marcelo Zalayeta is ready."
The captain was set to be a key figure after scoring three goals in his last two games, although be was rested for the weekend's 3-0 victory against Chievo.
The Bianconeri have the opportunity to book their ticket to the next round with a positive result in Munich, as so far they have won all three of their Champions' League ties without conceding a single goal.
"We will play an open game and try to bring back as many points as possible from Germany," added the Coach. "We know Bayern a little better after our first leg victory, although they'll have Claudio Pizarro back and we'll keep an eye on him."
Del Piero is not the only worry, as Gianluca Zambrotta is still working on a separate training programme due to his ankle injury, while Alessandro Birindelli replaces the injured Jonathan Zebina.
"I feel good," assured Birindelli. "I have already taken on this role in both competitions, so I know my job at Juve is to be ready when I'm needed. We have a system that works so well that the individual players can change, but the team unit will always be effective."
The midfield will be boosted by the return of Brazilian Emerson, who missed out on the Chievo win.
"I rested on Sunday because I was suspended," explained Emerson, "but now I am raring to get the result that would ensure our qualification. It would be important to seal that up as early as possible so we can concentrate on Serie A."
Capello: We’ll Play To Win In Germany
Goal.com
Juventus coach Fabio Capello says his side will go for all three points against Bayern Munich in Germany tonight.
"Qualification is far from certain," he said. "Ajax could potentially take six points from their two games against Maccabi Tel-Aviv) and a defeat for us tomorrow night would change the complexion of the group completely.
"We play to win points, like we always do. We can’t play in any other way: we can’t go on to the pitch holding out for a draw."
Alessandro Del Piero is doubtful for the match.
Juve strong in defence
Sky Sports
Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon has underlined the difference in the club's defence last season compared to this campaign. Defence was a primary concern for Juventus last year but this season Fabio Capello's team have only conceded two goals in the opening nine Serie A matches.
"This is a different team in comparison to last year," the 26-year-old recognised. "That defence has been criticised a lot, sometimes in the wrong way.
"Without naming players, the transfer list does explain that the problem has now been overcome. Now we are covered and balanced and it is difficult for the opposition to get anywhere near me.
"I like this team a lot. We are more solid than spectacular but it is facts that count. It is important to win and results make the difference.
"We are a Juve that reminds me of the team who won the scudetto two years ago and got to the Champions League final. We are heading in the same direction this year. I am convinced that this time this team will be able to win the Champions League."
Ambitious Moggi Eyes Treble
Goal.com
In an interview with la Gazzetta dello Sport Juventus general manager Luciano Moggi revealed his team's ambitious plans for this season.
"With a bit of luck, we can win everything this season," said Moggi, who then added "The secret to our success? We know how to win."
Moggi, who is considered to be the most powerful man of the Italian football world, also congratulated the coach that in just three months was able to transform Juventus from a depressed team to one of the best on the planet, Fabio Capello.
"If he's not the best coach, he's one of the best because he knows how to hand his teams determination and a winning mentality," he added.
Moggi also removed Inter from the title race. "Inter can fight for the second spot, but I doubt they can get back into first," he said.
Juventus currently lead both the Serie A table and their Champions League group, and have yet to lose an official match this season.
Juve won't release Tacchinardi
Football Italia
Juventus have told Barcelona to forget about trying to sign Alessio Tacchinardi in January. The Turin giants have confirmed that the Spaniards are interested but the midfielder is not for sale.
"What is being said does correspond with the truth," director general Luciano Moggi told Tuttosport. "But we are not going to allow him to leave because we have great faith in the player, he is someone we are counting on.
"We will not even consider his sale because Alessio still has much to give to Juventus in the future."
The Nou Camp outfit allegedly want to take the player on loan before having the option to buy outright at the end of the season. Tacchinardi could be interested in such a move given that he is no longer a first team regular under new boss Fabio Capello.
Meanwhile, Moggi has again stated that his club would be interested in signing Roma starlet Antonio Cassano. Cassano is currently in negotiations with the capital side in an attempt to extend his contract that expires in 2006.
"If Roma put him up for sale then we could make a bid because he is a great player," noted the transfer guru. "However, we have a lot of young forwards already at this club so we may not buy in that area."
Inter Milan supremo eyes Udinese's Jankulovski
Tribal Football
Inter Milan supremo Massimo Moratti has discussed the possibility of signing Udinese midfielder Marek Jankulovski in January. Moratti and Mancini discussed his squad's weaknesses in the wake of Saturday's 1-1 draw with Lazio and Jankulovski's name was put forward as a possible winter market signing.
Juventus are favourites to sign the Czech Republic international, but coach Fabio Capello's comments on Sunday that they won't be active in January has encouraged Moratti. Udinese are demanding £6.5 million for Jankulovski, who only recently signed a new contract extension.
Atletico Madrid watch as Boca fans push Tevez out
Tribal Football
A January exit is becoming more and more likely for Boca Juniors striker Carlos Tevez. The Argentina international is being chased by Atletico Madrid, PSV Eindhoven and Bayern Munich, while Corinthians made a £10 million offer over the weekend.
Influential Argentine daily, Ole, published an internet poll which had over 70 per cent of Boca fans demanding Tevez be sold before he returns from his holidays. The striker wants a move to Atletico, but its Bayern which has made the most significant bid.
Tuesday 02 November
Zlatan bursting with confidence
Sky Sports
Juventus striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic feels the club can do a clean sweep of trophies this season. The Sweden international scored his fourth goal of the Serie A campaign on Sunday night with the final strike in the 3-0 win against Chievo.
With Juve also focused on European glory in the UEFA Champions League, Ibrahimovic is certainly enjoying life in Turin. "I feel confident," he told TT. "I'm getting to play a lot and feel it's going well. The side have also got high confidence."
The Old Lady tackle Bayern Munich in Germany on Wednesday night. "It is an important match for us," asserted the former Ajax attacker. "We should get a point and, if we win, we have qualified for the next stage.
"There are no problems [with his back injury]. It's getting better and better. I am getting a lot of treatment. I am having extra training on the back and it feels good."
Capello: Trezeguet who?
Football Italia
Juventus boss Fabio Capello is happy that the absence of star striker David Trezeguet is not affecting their campaign.
The Bianconeri have won every game since the Frenchman was told that he wouldn't feature again until the New Year because of a shoulder injury. The latest victory came on Sunday when they won 3-0 against Chievo to make it eight wins and one draw in their first nine games – a Serie A record.
"If there are no more serious injuries then there will be no need to buy in the January transfer window," stated the tactician. "We are in good shape as we are. I have a big squad and sooner or later, everybody will get a chance to play. We also have some interesting youngsters."
One man who is catching the eye is Zlatan Ibrahimovic, as the summer signing from Ajax has now scored four goals in the top-flight. "Ibrahimovic scores but also allows others to score," added the Coach. "I'm happy for him and for us."
The Bianconeri have had an amazing start to the season when you consider that they have also won all three of their Champions' League games.
Now Capello wants that record to continue on Wednesday when they travel to Bayern Munich. "We need to keep going down this path and concentrate on Europe now," he noted. "But we are only at the beginning."
Pavel Nedved is also eyeing up the three points in Germany. "We are going there in order to wrap up qualification," said the Czech. "We won again on Sunday even though we were without players like Emerson, Zambrotta and Zebina. That illustrates how strong we are."
Juve close transfer window
Football Italia
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi has insisted that his club will ignore the January transfer window. The Bianconeri are continually being linked with new players but the transfer guru maintains that the club's cheque book will not be put into use.
"We are a side with no holes," he said on Monday. "A replacement for David Trezeguet? That won't be needed as he will be back himself in January."
The Frenchman has been sidelined with a shoulder problem but he's been splendidly replaced by Marcelo Zalayeta.
"He is a very serious youngster," continued Moggi. "He is doing some important things for us right now and his compatriot Ruben Olivera will too in the future."
The Turin giants have made a splendid start to season, mainly thanks to a water tight defence. "Our defence was strengthened over the summer and we now have a compact squad," added Moggi. The latter bought in both Jonathan Zebina from Roma and Inter stopper Fabio Cannavaro for the new term.
Moggi was also asked to comment on the difficulties that Napoli, his former club, are experiencing in Serie C1. "I think they just need a little time to get used to the Division," he explained. "I wish them all the best because they are a club worthy of Serie A."
Juventus chief: Cassano would be interesting
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi has admitted he is keeping tabs on Antonio Cassano's situation at AS Roma. Cassano again had a bust-up with coach Gigi del Neri on Sunday and Moggi made no secret that he was following developments closely.
"It could be very interesting," he said. "But it will depend if Roma choose to put him on the market." Moggi added: "At the moment we do not have any plans for January. The squad is very strong and compact. Trezeguet will also soon return."
Are Juventus Europe's best?
Football Italia
Italian giants Juventus are arguably the best team in Europe right now, according to the statistics. The Bianconeri are unbeaten in Serie A, having won eight out of their nine League games. That means that the Turin giants are averaging 2.77 points a tie, more than Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea.
In fact only CSKA Sofia are doing better by picking up 2.82 points a match – even if the weakness of the Bulgarian national championship must be highlighted.
Juventus beat Chievo 3-0 on Sunday to equal the Serie A record for the best start to a season. They are now in line with Milan (54-55), Inter (66-67 & 88-89) and city cousins Torino (76-77). If the Old Lady of Italian football can keep up this sort of pace then they could end the season with over 100 points.
Juventus also currently have the best offensive and defensive record in the top-flight right now. They have scored 20 goals, the same number as little Lecce, but have conceded just two so far.
The club also don't seem to be relying on just one man to score goals as David Trezeguet (currently injured), Alex Del Piero, Marcelo Zalayeta and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have all netted four each in the League to date.
Atletico Madrid press for Tevez after Corinthians bid
Tribal Football
Atletico Madrid chief Miguel Angel Gil Marín has met with Boca Juniors president Mauricio Macri over striker Carlos Tevez. Gil held talks with Macri yesterday to discuss a fee for the Argentina international ahead of a potential move at the end of the season.
Atletico face competition for Tevez, with Valencia and this week Corinthians also in the frame. Indeed, Corinthians are said to have offered £11 million for Tevez over the last 24 hours. Boca have turned down the bid, insisting Tevez will not leave for anything less than £15 million.
Monday 01 November
Juventus 3 - 0 Chievo
Football Italia
There's no stopping Juventus at the moment, but Chievo wasted a host of golden opportunities to cause an upset.
Fabio Capello was forced to make massive changes with Emerson suspended and Gianluca Zambrotta and Jonathan Zebina injured. Surprisingly, he also opted to leave Alessandro Del Piero on the bench in favour of Marcelo Zalayeta and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Chievo lost their unbeaten record to Sampdoria midweek, but Federico Cossato struggled on despite a knee injury. The visitors had a good start, especially on the flanks, and Cossato just failed to get on the end of Sergio Pellissier's cutback.
Yet the first save was from Luca Marchegiani, who perhaps didn't have much time to react before Alessandro Birindelli's fierce free kick slammed into him.
Daniele Franceschini's effort was charged down by Lilian Thuram's elbow, but it was close to his body and therefore considered to be involuntary. Franceschini was again dangerous moments later, when his free kick was deflected inches over the crossbar by the defensive wall.
Pavel Nedved gathered Zlatan Ibrahimovic's pass and ran past three defenders, but his finish left a lot to be desired. The deadlock was eventually broken after 25 minutes when Marcelo Zalayeta volleyed in a chipped pass from Manuele Blasi.
Chievo felt hard done by soon after when an incorrect offside decision stopped Federico Cossato as he was one on one with Gianluigi Buffon.
Just before the break Marchegiani surpassed himself with a stunning reaction save on Nedved, though much of the credit for this move goes to Zalayeta's intelligent backheel inside the area. Salvatore Lanna's crucial intervention prevented Ibrahimovic reaching Camoranesi's cross at the back post as the second half kicked off.
Chievo had a golden opportunity to get back into the game on the hour mark, but Cossato slipped and turned Sergio Pellissier's inviting cross wide with only Buffon to beat.
The Flying Donkeys were made to rue that mistake, as moments later Juventus doubled their lead with Pavel Nedved. Substitute Olivier Kapo rolled the ball across for the Czech, who placed a magnificent long range effort into the top corner.
Simone Tiribocchi nearly put Chievo back into it in acrobatic fasion, as his karate kick finish went over the bar, then Cossato somehow turned a free header off target from eight yards.
But Juve are top of the table because they don't waste their opportunities and in the closing minutes Zlatan Ibrahimovic got on the scoresheet. He used his strength to fight off his marker and latch on to Lilian Thuram's searching pass.
Juventus: Buffon; Birindelli (Tudor 80), Thuram, Cannavaro (Ferrara 86), Pessotto; Camoranesi, Tacchinardi, Blasi, Nedved; Ibrahimovic, Zalayeta (Kapo 64)
Chievo: Marchegiani; Moro (Malago 78), Mandelli, D'Anna, Lanna; Semioli, Brighi, Baronio (Allegretti 67), Franceschini; Cossato, Pellissier (Tiribocchi 72)
Ref: Pieri
Post-match Comments
Fabio Capello: "At the start of the season this run of results was unthinkable. The characteristics of this side are humility and determination, so we must hold on to them. We lost a bit of concentration at 2-0 and Chievo had good chances, which shouldn't be allowed to happen."
Mario Beretta: "We create plenty of scoring opportunities, but can't seem to make the most of them. We played well and Juve took full advantage of the few chances we allowed them. In any case, we mustn't get downhearted and will break through soon."
We Are All Suprised By Great Start, Says Proud Capello
Goal.com
After his team's eighth win in nine matches Fabio Capello thanked his players for their great dedication to the new Juventus project, adding that nobody expected the team to do so well from the start.
"We didn't expect to do this well so early. We hoped for this, but nothing more. Now we are convinced of our strength, we have players of great quality that can change the fate of the game in any moment.
"What I think is playing a big part in our great start is the humility and determination my players are demonstrating to possess," said Capello, who then revealed Juventus will not try to sign more players when the transfer window reopens in January.
"We have no intention to enter the transfer market, unless we suffer some incredible injury. We are fine as we are now, the players are all backing the project. I'm slightly worried for the spring-time, when we will be tired, but today made me understand we have many solutions we can use," he said.
Capello: "Humility is our strength"
Juventus.com
"It's hard to play so many matches within a short time and squad rotation becomes necessary. The players called in today have done an excellent job even if they hadn't played much this season. All of them have showed great attention, reliability and humility and this is the real strength of this group."
Fabio Capello is unquestionably pleased with how his squad has faced the match against Chievo, without missing the absent Zambrotta, Zebina and Emerson. Even those who haven't played many games for a long time have played an excellent match.
He continues "Yes, I'm satisfied, even though we conceded Chievo one too many occasion and after the second goal we've relaxed too much, which must not ever happen.
"They are dangerous because they play with passion, however we haven't been very aggressive at the start while they've been very determined. In any case, when we attack it was clear that we were dangerous".
The time to enjoy the deserved win against the Verona-based club is not over yet but it's time to think about Wednesday's fixture against Bayern. According to Capello, that will be a very important match, but not decisive.
"There is still much at stake in Group C; just consider the case of Ajax Amsterdam winning over Maccabi and gaining one point against Bayern, and the Dutch may come closer again. Wednesday's Champions League match against Bayern is not yet decisive but it will still be important to gain points."
Pavel, one hundred times bianconero
Juventus.com
A typical shot from Nedved: a hard and precise right-footed shot into the top corner of the net. Pavel Nedved has left his mark on the match against Chievo Verona with a memorable goal and celebrated his 100th match with Juventus in the best possible way.
The Golden Goal Award winner comments: "I'm very happy of having scored in my 100th match with Juventus. It was a great goal. Anyway, to win was the most important objective and we've managed to do so giving proof of all of our strength.
"I must also compliment my team-mates who may not have played much but who, today, have replaced the absent regulars in the best way, giving their utmost.
"It's now the turn for Champions League. We're playing so often now that we hardly distinguish one match from another, but we are determined to gain the three points at issue and close the subject."
Ibrahimovic, what a goal
Juventus.com
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's fourth goal in Serie A sealed the result against Chievo with a fine half-volley. The Swede comments on his and his squad's performance
"I'm happy because we've played a good match and on a personal level I'm happy to have scored as it is important to keep confidence high by scoring."
Zlatan says that "the Italian championship is different from the Dutch one; I am getting used to it and it's getting better every day".
He ends by answering about his own aims and the team's: "Personal aims are the same as the team's, which are to win everything and I believe we are a group capable of fighting to achieve that."
Pessotto: "The coach can always count on us"
Juventus.com
Pessotto comments on the 3-0 win over Chievo. "We're all satisfied about the result, it is important for the squad and particularly for those who, like me, hadn't played for a while".
At the end of the match against Chievo VR, Gianluca Pessotto is the picture of happiness and not only because of the three points gained. His performance, like Birindelli's and Tacchinardi's, who hadn't got on the pitch for long, is one more positive fact in this matchday.
"The fact that we've been able to cope with the absence of some players proves that Juventus has a great team roster. Our game is practical, essential and fully reflects our players' characters, who dedicate ourselves to work.
"Some players may be off the pitch for a month or two but when they're asked to play they always give their best. This is a strong signal for the coach, who knows he can always count on us, but also for the squad, who gets much confidence from such performances".
Valencia seek to trump Atletico Madrid for Tevez
Tribal Football
Valencia are preparing a bid for Boca Juniors striker Carlos Tevez. While Atletico Madrid are favourites to land the Argentina international, AS says Valencia's board have chosen to send a delegation to South America this month to open negotiations.
Boca president Mauricio Macri confirmed Atletico's interest last week, but also mentioned a second Spanish Liga club was keen on Tevez.
Sunday 31 October
Juventus v Chievo Verona: Preview
ESPN Soccernet
Juventus have hit the ground running with an excellent start under their new coach Fabio Capello and will be anxious to continue with three more points at the expense of visitors Chievo.
Chievo had also started better than any of their supporters could have dared hope after Mario Beretta replaced Luigi Del Neri in the summer but in midweek slumped to their first defeat of the season, 2-0 at home to Sampdoria.
Now the club from Verona will run out at the Stadio Delle Alpi against a Juve team that is in awesome form. The only blemish on what has otherwise been a perfect start was a home 1-1 draw with Palermo - the Bianconeri have won all three Champions League matches and seven out of eight fixtures in Serie A.
That gives them a lead that already stands at five points going into the weekend fixtures.
One player definitely unavailable for Juve is their Brazilian midfielder Emerson who was sent off in the closing stages of Thursday's 2-0 home win over Roma, his former club. French striker David Trezeguet remains a casualty for the Turin club but with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alessandro Del Piero and Marcelo Zalayeta all in goalscoring form his absence has hardly been noticed.
Czech midfielder Pavel Nedved will make his 100th appearance in the black-and-white jersey against Chievo since he joined the club in 2001 from Lazio as a replacement for Zinedine Zidane.
Mauro Camoranesi believes it is too early for the leaders to talk of a breakaway.
After the Roma match, Camoranesi told club website www.juventus.it: "We wanted to maintain our top spot and also our five-point lead at the top and we succeeded in doing that but we can not talk of being in the clear or say some clubs are out of the race for the Scudetto.
"It is still too early for that," said the Argentina-born Italian international who is one of several Juve players to have an outstanding start to the season.
Despite Camoranesi's caution, Juve lead champions AC Milan by five points. With Lecce, Cagliari and Chievo - in third, fourth and fifth respectively - not expected to maintain a challenge over a whole season they already have a 10-point lead over six-placed Internazionale and the race for the Scudetto will develop into a two-horse race between Juve and AC Milan unless something changes soon.
As for Chievo, Beretta has kept the club competitive despite the departure of Del Neri in the summer. The club from Verona has won three, drawn four and lost one of their eight matches so far with Samp ending their unbeaten run in midweek.
Beretta will at least be able to fortify his defence with the return of Salvatore Lanna from the suspension that kept him out of the Sampdoria match. Beretta has never previously crossed swords with the mighty Turin giants nor has he ever faced Capello in his coaching career.
Juve defence torn apart
Football Italia
The Bianconeri have an emergency in defence for Sunday's match with Chievo, as both Gianluca Zambrotta and Jonathan Zebina are out.
The versatile Italian international is struggling with a bruised foot and will not even be fit to sit on the bench at the Stadio Delle Alpi. As expected after he was stretchered off during the 2-0 win against Roma on Thursday evening, Zebina has suffered a minor thigh strain and is also a major doubt for next week's Champions' League trip to Munich.
Capello had until now resisted rotating the squad, especially in a defence that has conceded just two League goals all season, but suddenly loses half his favoured back four.
"You all asked for the squad rotation system," said the Coach as he started today's press conference, "and got your wish. After all, we couldn't play the same men for the entire year."
The Bianconeri have several options open to them, as Alessandro Birindelli and Gianluca Pessotto could take over as fullbacks, while Lilian Thuram could also push back into his old right-back position and bring ex-Chievo man Nicola Legrottaglie into central defence.
This isn't Fabio Capello's only problem, as Emerson is suspended following his red card against the Giallorossi, while Manuele Blasi is not 100 per cent fit.
Meanwhile, Pavel Nedved will start in midfield and is set to celebrate his 100th Serie A appearance in a Juventus jersey. The Czech international has so far picked up 138 League caps for Lazio and this will be his 238th in the Italian top flight.
Juventus squad: 1 Buffon, 2 Ferrara, 3 Tacchinardi, 4 Montero, 5 Tudor, 7 Pessotto, 9 Ibrahimovic, 10 Del Piero, 11 Nedved, 15 Birindelli, 16 Camoranesi, 18 Appiah, 20 Blasi, 21 Thuram, 22 Bonnefoi, 23 Kapo, 24 Olivera, 25 Zalayeta, 28 Cannavaro
Capello calms injury concerns
Football Italia
Fabio Capello is forced to make massive changes against Chievo, but he claims Juve have the strength in depth to maintain their five-point lead.
"We don't care what Milan and Inter do," he assured when asked about the Scudetto race. "Chievo have a solid defence and we'll have to give everything we've got to continue our run of results, but we have the team to make up for those players who are out."
Both fullbacks are changed as Gianluca Zambrotta and Jonathan Zebina are injured, while midfield maestro Emerson is suspended.
"The press kept pushing for me to rotate the squad, so they'll be pleased. We couldn't play the same eleven men for the whole season. A great team has to know how to get around these situations and we'll see many such dilemmas over the course of the season."
Juventus are still unbeaten and have only dropped points in the 1-1 home draw with Palermo, but Capello is never happy.
"Everyone hopes to start a campaign this well," he added, "but it's a long tournament and we can't afford to let up the pace. I'm satisfied with how we have performed so far, but reaching 80 to 85 per cent of your potential is the easy part. To get that extra 15 per cent you have to work really hard and that's what we're trying to achieve."
Capello spent the last few years at the Stadio Olimpico where Roma would regularly have 50-60,000 fans every Sunday, so he is finding it tough to adjust to the Stadio Delle Alpi.
"If at a Champions' League game between Juventus and Bayern Munich you only get 18,000 fans in attendance," noted the Coach, "then something is fundamentally wrong. We tried offering mini-season tickets, but it wasn't enough. Maybe families feel they aren't safe going to the Stadium, but if my team was playing Bayern I wouldn't miss it for the world."
Roma eye up Evra
Sky Sports
Roma are ready to rival their Serie A adversaries in the quest to land Monaco full back Patrice Evra. The France international is coveted by a string of Europe's top clubs, with Manchester United and Barcelona among his suitors. Evra claims he has been contacted by both those clubs, along with Internazionale, Juventus and Milan, during the past 12 months.
He has, thus far, resisted the temptation to leave Ligue 1 for a sterner challenge and signed a contract keeping him at Monaco until 2008 in September. But that is unlikely to deter his suitors from launching a renewed attempt to prise the defender away from the Principality next summer.
Reports suggest Roma are now willing to join in the bidding for the 23-year-old after watching Evra in action several times this season. The concern for Roma, though, is they may lack the financial clout to rival the Milan duo and Juventus for Evra's signature.
Inter Milan, PSV in for Chelsea target Robinho
Tribal Football
Inter Milan are being linked with Santos winger Robinho. Despite reports last week that a deal had been struck with Chelsea for the youngster, his agent, Wagner Ribeiro, insists nothing has been decided.
"The chief executive of Benfica, Jose Veiga, called me to ask about my client," revealed Ribeiro. "But nothing has been decided. "There is also interest from a Dutch and Italian club."
Along with Inter, PSV Eindhoven are also interested in Robinho. It was reported last week that Chelsea had signed the winger for £10 million and agreed to loan him to Benfica.
Saturday 30 October
Juventus - Chievo
Football Italia
Can anyone stop this mighty Juventus side? Having won seven and drawn one of their first eight League games, surely little Chievo will become their next victims at the Stadio Delle Alpi on Sunday.
The Bianconeri's solid 2-0 defeat of Roma on Thursday ensured they maintained their five-point lead at the top of the table but that crucial victory came at a price. Right-back Jonathan Zebina picked up an injury, while Emerson was dismissed and he'll therefore miss the Chievo game.
Boss Fabio Capello is likely to bring in Alessandro Birindelli and Manuele Blasi - if the latter is fully fit. The tactician may also decide to rest Zlatan Ibrahimovic for Marcelo Zalayeta, who scored as a sub against Roma, with next week's Champions' League games to think about.
Chievo had made a solid start to the season until they lost their first game of the campaign on Wednesday. Sampdoria collected a 2-0 win at the Stadio Bentegodi that did surprise some onlookers.
Juventus (probable): Buffon; Birindelli, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Appiah, Blasi, Nedved; Del Piero, Ibrahimovic
Chievo (probable): Marchegiani; Moro, Mandelli, D'Anna, Malagò; Semioli, Brighi, Baronio, Franceschini; Cossato, Pellissier
Ref: To follow...
Focused Juve impress Capello
Football Italia
Juventus boss Fabio Capello has praised Roma but believes his side did enough to deserve their 2-0 win.
"It was a difficult game for us as I saw a good Roma side out there," stated the former Giallorossi boss. "But we were more reactive than they were and limited them to just one chance in the first half. I'm satisfied because my boys remained concentrated throughout on a very tricky wet surface."
The capital outfit arguably had the better start to the game and that forced Capello to make a slight adjustment.
"We did take our time to settle as they caused us a few difficulties in the first 15 minutes," he added. "But then I decided to place Nedved in a wider position so that he and Zambrotta could attack Sartor."
Juventus won the game thanks to goals from Alessandro Del Piero and Marcelo Zalayeta.
"Alex gave a generous performance and he's improving all of the time. He has found his feet again and is scoring regularly," continued the tactician. "Zalayeta is maturing as a player and I like him because he always goes for goal.
"But we must also thank Gigi Buffon," noted Capello. "He made some crucial saves. I've always said that he is the best in the world."
The only negative came with the late dismissal of Emerson. "We accept referee Pierluigi Collina's decisions without any problems," he concluded.
Del Piero on right road
Football Italia
Alessandro Del Piero says he's slowly getting back to his best after scoring again for Juventus last night. The Italian netted in the 2-0 win over Roma just three days after scoring a brace away to Siena.
"I'm still not 100 per cent but things are going a lot better for me," he said after recently recovering from an Achilles' tendon problem. "Scoring a goal is always a moment of great joy but winning thanks to your goal is even more special.
"I feel of real use to the team right now, especially as beating this Roma side was not that easy."
However, Del Piero was keen to point out that he wasn't the only reason behind the victory.
"We are playing very well in defence, even if the fact that we are conceding so little is because we are so concentrated," he added. "I think that a new Coach has arrived is also a factor. He's brought with him new methods and we have a new stimulus."
Juventus have dropped just two points in eight games as they already have a five-point lead over Milan, 10 over Inter and 13 over Roma.
"We are not looking at the table," added the No 10. "Our aim is to just keep on improving with every game."
Juve pace worries Ancelotti
Football Italia
Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti admits that Juventus' stunning start to the season has put his side under pressure. Juventus have dropped just two points so far this season and have won all of their Champions' League games to date.
"Seeing Juventus go so well does increase the heat on us," said the tactician whose side are already five points behind the Bianconeri. "They have set off at quite a pace and that means that we must be alert for every single one of our games.
"However, I think that we are putting them under pressure too given our recent displays."
Barcelona favourites to land Lecce starlet
Tribal Football
Barcelona are favourites to land Lecce striker Valeri Bojinov at the end of the season. The 18 year-old Bulgarian is being chased by Juventus, Inter Milan, Roma and Arsenal, but his relationship with former Barca star Hristo Stoichkov has led the Spanish giants to being outright favourites to land the youngster.
Roma are Bojinov's preferred option, but their cash problems are unlikely to see them match the spending power of Barca when the summer market opens next June.
