This
web site is an online diary maintained by azzurri.Friday 12 November
Capello: "Bravo Olivera, I have faith in him"
Juventus.com
"It was a very tough match, against a well-organized Fiorentina, good at turning defence into attack. A side hard to beat at the moment."
Fabio Capello is clearly satisfied with the win over the Viola, which comes in an extraordinary hectic time for the Bianconeri: "The tiredness caused by playing every three days without any rest is now showing, especially against other sides that have fewer fixtures.
"With so many matches to play, you never know when you're going to fail. In any case, this win was very important for the standing. The season is still long, although we've gained some precious advantage over the other teams."
In fact, the table is more than comforting and rewards the Bianconeri not only for being dangerous but also extremely practical, which enables them to preserve the lead, once they've achieved it, until the end of the game.
"We have really improved under this point of view. We can keep the ball moving and take few risks, thanks to the defence, besides worrying the opponents. It's not easy to become dangerous in attack when we play in Turin as the other sides fear us and end up playing tight in defence.
"Fortunately, we're able to find several solutions in attack."
One was fielding Olivera, the match winner, as a central midfielder. "It was an emergency, with Tacchinardi and Appiah unavailable and Emerson to be replaced for injury. The best solution seemed to be placing Ruben in that position and I must say that he behaved well.
"He's a young man who has the characteristics to play that role. I have much faith in him."
Olivera: "I'm happy"
Ruben Olivera is happy tonight for having scored his first goal as a Juventus player. A significant goal that has given Capello's side the win against Fiorentina: "I substituted Emerson which is not an easy task, also because it was in a role I've never played before.
"I'm happy for the goal scored and because we won a tough match that helps us extend further our lead over our direct opponents."
Buffon about the match
It's Gigi Buffon's comment on the win over Fiorentina: "We've gained three important points that help us increase our advantage on the opponents behind us in the table. It wasn't easy as Fiorentina played a smart game, should have they played in attack they would have runned more risks."
Capello explains Juve strength
Football Italia
Juventus boss Fabio Capello has revealed the secret behind his side's scintillating start to the season.
"We are creating something important here because my team is convinced of their own ability," he stated. "Every time we step onto the pitch we play to win, while our opponents defend. That proves we are to be feared."
The Bianconeri are now six points clear at the top of the table after a 1-0 win over Fiorentina last night.
"It wasn't easy for us because the Viola are a very organised and quality side," continued the tactician. "Fortunately we won thanks to a goal in the second half even if we played better in the first period, where we deserved to take the lead.
"They had the best chance after the break but we defended our lead well, also thanks to our midfielders."
Hero of the night was young Ruben Olivera, who came on for the injured Emerson to score the winner.
"I've been thinking about playing him in central midfield for a while now," added the former Milan boss. "Emerson couldn't play any longer, while Alessio Tacchinardi hasn't been too well of late. But I think Ruben can do well there because he has all the characteristics to become an excellent player."
Capello Fears Juve Are Getting Tired
Goal.com
Fabio Capello was once again satisfied with his team's win which extended their lead at the top to 6 points over Milan. Juventus won a difficult match against a good Fiorentina side and this increased the merits of the bianconeri.
"The game was not easy," explained Capello, "They are very well organized and play in their own half using counter attacks. We were able to win thanks to Olivera's goal, even though before we had other chances. In the second half the best chance fell on their feet."
However the Juve coach is worried by his team's fatigue in recent matches.
"We are starting to feel the fatigue also on the psychological level."
Olivera Makes Believer Out Of Capello
Goal.com
Juventus manager Fabio Capello spoke highly of Wednesday's goal hero, substitute Ruben Olivera.
"Olivera is a young, only 21-years-old and has great potential," Capello said of the Uruguayan midfielder. Oliver replaced Emerson in the second half and about a quarter hour later found the winner.
"I believe and expect a lot from this boy."
Juve receive Emo boost
Football Italia
Emerson and Mauro Camoranesi should both be available for Juventus' trip to Lecce on Sunday. The pair suffered slight injuries in the 1-0 win over Fiorentina last night but seem likely to recover.
The Brazilian picked up a foot problem, perhaps fortunately given that his replacement – Ruben Olivera – netted the winner. While Camoranesi twisted his knee after he clashed with a Viola opponent at the Stadio Delle Alpi.
Boss Fabio Capello should also have three more players at his disposal in the form of Stephan Appiah, Nicola Legrottaglie and Alessio Tacchinardi. The latter has been suffering with the flu recently but trained with the rest of the squad earlier today.
Juventus favourites for ex-Chelsea striker Mutu
Tribal Football
Adrian Mutu will hold transfer talks with Juventus, the Serie A club has confirmed. Romanian Mutu, 25, was sacked by Chelsea and banned for seven months after failing a drugs test. The striker has signed up with an Italian management company led by Alessandro Moggi - son of Juve boss Luciano Moggi.
A Juve official said: "Mutu will be in our club's main stand to watch the match between Juventus and Fiorentina this evening. Then he will meet some important people at the club."
Mutu joined Chelsea from Parma for £15.8million in August 2003 and saw a summer move to Juve collapse when he was found to have taken cocaine.
Inter Milan agree deal for Udinese's Jankulovski
Tribal Football
Inter Milan have struck a preliminary agreement with Udinese for midfielder Marek Jankulovski. Controcampo says the Czech Republic international can join Inter in January after the two clubs settled on a £4 million cash fee, plus the loan of defender Giovanni Pasquale, in exchange for Jankulovski.
Robinho wants Real Madrid move in January
Tribal Football
The agent of Santos midfielder Robinho says the youngster wants to move to Real Madrid as soon as possible.
Wagner Ribeiro revealed to AS yesterday: "We are confident over the next few hours his mother will be released by her kidnappers. This isn't wishful thinking, but based on the good feedback I have received from the authorities.
"No longer does a good atmosphere exist for Robinho to stay in Brazil. He's not interested in waiting around. He wants to move to Madrid as soon as he can. Although Real Madrid's preference is to have first option, the player wants to complete the move immediately."
Benfica has first option on Robinho, but that agreement will expire at the end of November unless they cough up £4 million.
Gentile names U-21 squad
Football Italia
Under-21 boss Claudio Gentile has called up 18 players for next week's friendly against Bulgaria. The Azzurrini take on their opponents in the Bulgarian capital of Sofia on Tuesday.
Goalkeepers: Agliardi (Brescia), Berni (Ternana).
Defenders: Bovo (Parma), Rullo (Lecce), Dallamano (Brescia), Piccolo (Reggina), Potenza (Parma), Zambelli (Brescia).
Midfielders: Aquilani (Roma), Donadel (Sampdoria), Lazzari (Atalanta), Loviso (Bologna), Pagano (Sampdoria), Rosina (Parma).
Forwards: Bianchi (Cagliari), Mannini (Brescia), Pazzini (Atalanta), Pepe (Piacenza).
Thursday 11 November
Juventus 1 - 0 Fiorentina
Football Italia
Juventus extend their lead at the top of the table to six points after this hard-fought victory against their old foes, but there was controversy in stoppages.
One of Serie A's classic grudge matches returns to the Stadio Delle Alpi for the first time since 2002, when Fiorentina were declared bankrupt. Even before their decline, the Viola had not conquered Turin since 1987-88 and have only ever won here five times.
Alessandro Birindelli was expected to step in for Gianluca Pessotto after Juve's shock 2-1 loss at Reggina, but was not even on the bench, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic partnered Alessandro Del Piero. It was a particularly spicy encounter now that ex-Juve stars Fabrizio Miccoli, Giorgio Chiellini and Enzo Maresca were returning to face the club that loaned them out in the summer.
Juve had a very aggressive start and nearly broke through in spectacular fashion after two minutes. Ibrahimovic held up the ball for Pavel Nedved's volley to dip over the bar.
Giorgio Chiellini was left totally unmarked as Miccoli floated a free kick towards the back post, but he didn't put enough power on the header and Gianluigi Buffon was able to block.
Alex Del Piero hoped to mark his 30th birthday with a goal and nearly bagged a truly memorable right-foot volley on Mauro Camoranesi's cross, but Cristiano Lupatelli flew to push it round the post. The Bianconeri were dominating and Ibrahimovic somehow turned a free header wide from a corner kick.
The Viola were more aggressive in the second half and Miccoli's free kick was deflected wide by Ibrahimovic, then Tomas Ujfalusi's solo effort drifted wide of the far post after good build-up play from Miccoli.
Emerson limped off with a fitness problem, while Marcelo Zalayeta replaced Del Piero.
William Viali's acrobatic clearance on a Camoranesi cross nearly resulted in an own goal, but the goal finally arrived after 72 minutes with substitute Ruben Olivera. A Camoranesi corner kick was touched on and the Uruguayan was ready to toe-poke home from close range.
Martin Jorgensen's solo effort and angled drive skimmed the woodwork as the Viola tried to get back into the game, then Buffon merely got a fist to Miccoli's swerving free kick and Ujfalusi failed to make the most of the loose ball.
Fiorentina were piling on the pressure in the closing stages with crosses and free kicks raining into the box. In stoppages Enrico Fantini charged into the box and fell under Lilian Thuram's challenge, the advantage was played and Buffon pushed out Javier Portillo's follow-up. It was a contentious moment, as Thuram probably did not get a touch on the ball. Sergio Buso suffers his first defeat since taking charge of Fiorentina.
Juventus: Buffon; Pessotto, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Emerson (Olivera 56), Blasi, Nedved; Del Piero (Zalayeta 63), Ibrahimovic
Fiorentina: Lupatelli; Ujfalusi, Viali, Delli Carri, Dainelli; Ariatti (Portillo 78), Obodo, Maresca, Chiellini; Nakata (Jorgensen 60); Miccoli
Ref: Farina
Post Match Comments
Fabio Capello: "It wasn't an easy game, as Fiorentina are very organised and dangerous on the counter-attack. We were able to win thanks to Ruben Olivera, who did very well in an unusual central midfield role. We had plenty of chances to get the victory even before that goal, although in the second half I concede they had the best scoring opportunity. We are beginning to feel a little tired now."
Sergio Buso: "This was a match where we had to balance our energy out over the course of the 90 minutes, because we were coming off two very draining encounters. We nearly took the lead only to concede the decider on a set-piece, and that shouldn't happen against a side like Juventus. I don't want to comment on that penalty incident in the final minute."
Capello: "We want champions like Alex"
To Fabio Capello, next Wednesday's fixture against Fiorentina doesn't differ from any other match, although it does for many supporters because of the long-time rivalry between the two clubs. "It's absolutely an ordinary match to me, against a team that is clearly recovering. They play well and have excellent players."
The Bianconeri's manager would rather focus the attention on the danger the opposite side can cause: "They have a lot of former Juventus players, who are doing well and we're pleased about that and happy for them. It's a dangerous squad
"They play with only one forward, are very quick and take advantage of the attacks by the well-known Nakata, Jorghensen, Maresca, Chiellini. They're also very good at starting in defence and closing very quickly once the ball is lost.
"Buso has brought in something more, probably new motivations. When a new manager gets in, sometimes players may wish for revenge, wish to prove their worth."
The wish for revenge is well-known to Juventus as well as they want to make up for the Reggina loss. Capello says: "We played well against Reggina but we were unfortunate. We dominated but all our attempts crushed into their defence or the post or were a little wide of target.
" However, the squad has reacted well to the loss, also because it was tempered by the opponents' results".
The last due thought of boss Capello goes to Alex Del Piero, who is 30 on Nov, 9th: "He has just turned 30 but he looks 40! I mean that he started off when he was very young, so he's been on the scene for many years.
" He's a unique player, who's always left his mark, on the field as well as on the outside. His behaviour has always been exemplary, particularly for the youngsters. These are the champions that we want to see."
Juventus coach defends offloading Miccoli
Tribal Football
Juventus coach Fabio Capello insists he did not act alone in cutting Fabrizio Miccoli from his squad in the summer. Ahead of last night's clash with Fiorentina, Capello said: "I was not the only one who decided to send him to Fiorentina. It was a four-man decision, with Moggi, Giaraudo and Bettega also involved."
Miccoli criticised Capello earlier this week over the way he was offloaded by Juve before the start of the season.
Tacchi set for Barca
Football Italia
Juventus are considering accepting a January bid from Barcelona for Alessio Tacchinardi. The midfielder doesn't presently feature in Fabio Capello's plans and an exit may be on the cards.
Tacchinardi is seemingly fourth choice at the Delle Alpi behind Emerson, Manuele Blasi and Stephen Appiah. Despite extending his contract with the club last season, the Italian could be close to bringing his 10-year relationship with the Old Lady to an end.
Barcelona are interested in the former Atalanta player given their midfield injury crisis at the Nou Camp. They have also been linked with Olivier Dacourt of Roma but the Spaniards are on good terms with Juventus. That after they made a similar move last January when they signed Edgar Davids from the Turin giants.
If the Bianconeri do release Tacchinardi then they are expected to replace him immediately. Possible transfer targets include Dacourt, Lecce youngster Cristian Daniel Ledesma and Inter's Cristiano Zanetti.
Juventus green light for Tacchinardi's Barcelona move
Tribal Football
Juventus are ready to send midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi on-loan to Barcelona in January. Barca are now in talks with the Italy international over personal terms and if a deal can be agreed, Tacchinardi will move to the Nou Camp on a six-month loan after Christmas.
Tacchinardi is likely to join Barca in a similar deal to Edgar Davids' move last season where they will pay part of the midfielder's contract. But the Spanish giants are reluctant to include a purchase option in the loan deal, with the board seeing Tacchinardi as only a stop-gap for this season.
Mutu set for Juventus?
Football Italia
Adrian Mutu will watch Juventus this evening, fuelling speculation that he could join the Turin giants.
"Mutu will be at the match between Juventus and Fiorentina," an unnamed Bianconeri official is quoted as saying by the BBC. "Then he will meet some important people at the club."
The Romanian, who was earlier linked with a possible switch to Roma, is a free agent after being sacked by Chelsea for failing a drugs test. The 25-year-old almost joined the Delle Alpi outfit in the summer until the deal collapsed at the very last minute.
But a move could occur - once his ban ends in May - given that he is now represented by agent Alessandro Moggi, son of Juve director general Luciano.
Roma rival Juventus for ex-Chelsea striker Mutu
Tribal Football
AS Roma are among interested clubs to be chasing sacked Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu. The Romania international is training with Dinamo Bucharest as he begins his seven-month suspension for failing a drugs test.
But the ex-Parma man did visit Rome last week and has confirmed he has offers from around Europe for his services next season. Asked if he was interested, Roma coach Gigi del Neri said: "Yes, but I believe it all depends on him."
Roma will face competition from Juventus for Mutu, who has actually signed with the son of Juve director general Luciano Moggi. Alessandro Moggi now controls Mutu's affairs, putting Juve in the box-seat to land the Romanian next summer.
Roma look to Mutu
Football Italia
Roma will attempt to sign Adrian Mutu if they decide to sell Antonio Cassano in the summer. The latter looks likely to be heading out of the Stadio Olimpico, given his problems with boss Gigi Del Neri and the fact that his contract expires in 2006.
Now reports in Italy suggest that the Giallorossi could look to replace the enigma with the currently suspended Mutu. The Romanian will be available for nothing, once his drugs suspension ends in May, after Chelsea recently sacked him.
Mutu is highly regarded in the Italian game after excelling during spells at Verona and then Parma.
Meanwhile, Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti has rubbished rumours that his club will sign Alberto Gilardino in January. "We are happy as we are," said the tactician. "We have no need to buy a new forward in the New Year. If you tell me the name of Gilardino then I will simply reply that we are not interested in him.
"We already have Andriy Shevcehnko, Jon Dahl Tomasson is fine and Hernan Crespo will soon be back to his best. Then let us not forget that Pippo Inzaghi will return in February. Therefore, we need nobody else, not even Gilardino."
However, some sections of the media remain convinced that the Parma player will either join at the start of the New Year or at the end of the season.
Inter assess Marek option
Football Italia
Inter are looking at Marek Jankulovski of Udinese to resolve their continuing left-sided problem. Reports in Italy today suggest that the Nerazzurri could make a move to sign the international in January. The San Siro giants tried to net a wide midfielder in the summer but had no success, after missing out on Cesar of Lazio.
In his absence, boss Roberto Mancini was confident that Francesco Coco and Kily Gonzalez could provide their services. But the Italian is still not ready for football at this level after serious fitness troubles, while the South American is suffering with ankle trouble.
That has seen Mancio try out Dejan Stankovic, Edgar Davids and Emre on the left but he's keen on having a real wide-man at his disposal. Although Cesar remains an option, whispers claim that Jankulovski is now their number one transfer target.
Inter are ready to offer £3m, plus the services of young left-back Giovanni Pasquale, for the Czech. However, the Nerazzurri will have to deal with competition from Juventus who are also keen on the 27-year-old. Although Jankulovski recently extended his contract until 2008, Udinese are likely to sell if an adequate bid is tabled.
Agent: Inter Milan best solution for Valencia's Fiore
Tribal Football
The agent of Valencia midfielder Stefano Fiore has backed Inter Milan's move for the Italy international. Fiore is being chased by Inter after falling out with Valencia coach Claudio Ranieri in recent weeks over his first team status.
The former Lazio midfielder's agent, Federico Pastorello, told Calciomercato.com: "I will know more when I travel to Spain on Friday. Stefano's priority is to stay at Valencia. But he is disappointed at the lack of regular games he has played.
"I am aware of the reports about Inter Milan. It would be a solution that the player would definitely favour, even though Inter's midfield is very strong at the moment."
Man Utd boss tracking Roma ace De Rossi
Tribal Football
Manchester United are again being linked with AS Roma winger Daniele De Rossi. The exciting Italy international is a favourite of United boss Sir Alex Ferguson's, who has the youngster high on his shopping list for next season.
Local Rome press reports state United are preparing a £15 million bid for De Rossi in the summer, which is likely to be funded by offloading several of Ferguson's under performing fringe players.
De Rossi only signed a new deal with Roma in September, which runs to 2009. But the in-fighting at the capital club has upset the youngster, who has spoken openly about his frustration at the way the club has imploded at times this season.
Santos president insists no Real Madrid deal for Robinho
Tribal Football
Santos president Marcelo Teixeira insists star player Robinho will stay with the club this season. The Brazil international's mother was kidnapped last week only days after news broke of an imminent agreement with Real Madrid.
But Teixeira said last night: "The intention of Santos is that the player fulfils his contract (which runs to 2008). I hope the kidnapping of his mother was not because of the rumours of his possible departure. Robinho will definitely stay here until June, 2005.
"No pre-contract has been signed."
Teixeira did thank Real Madrid president Florentino Perez for phoning him with an offer of support.
"It was a very nice call," continued the Santos president. "But we have already said that we do not have any intention of discussing his transfer at this moment. We want Robinho to stay."
Italy slip in rankings
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi's Italian national side have fallen to tenth place in the latest FIFA World Rankings. The Azzurri have been overtaken by Mexico following last month's shock 1-0 defeat to Slovenia. The top four of Brazil, France, Argentina and Spain remain unchanged from the previous month.
Top 10
- Brazil 847 points (1)
- 2 France 802 (2)
- 3 Argentina 784 (3)
- 4 Spain 775 (4)
- 5 Czech Rep 768 (6)
- 6 Holland 758 (5)
- 7 England 752 (7)
- 8 Mexico 743 (10)
- 8 Portugal 743 (8)
- 10 Italy 736 (8)
Wednesday 10 November
Capello archives Reggina loss
Football Italia
Juventus boss Fabio Capello is confident that his side can get back to winning ways on Wednesday.
"We want to make up for that undeserved defeat at Reggio Calabria by beating Fiorentina," he stated. "A win would also be important as we want to take advantage of the fact that both Milan and Inter only drew at the weekend.
"We played well at Reggio but we were simply unfortunate. However, the side has reacted well to the setback."
Juve fell to a shock 2-1 defeat at Reggina on Saturday and could find it tough to break down a rejuvenated Fiorentina.
"It will be a difficult game but we have what is needed to do well," added the tactician. "The Viola are a dangerous side, one that can quickly turn defence into attack."
There has always been a great rivalry between the two clubs, but the game has extra spice after Juve sold Enzo Maresca, Giorgio Chiellini and Fabrizio Miccoli in the summer.
"They are doing very well in Florence, even if we would be happy if they don't excel on Wednesday evening," noted Capello.
The tactician has admitted that he will make few changes to the side that lost at Reggina, but Alex Del Piero, who is 30 today, will return to the line-up.
"Alex is feeling good and has recovered from his slight problem, he is ready to start," he explained. "His birthday? He is a player who has a lot more experience than his 30 years suggest. He is someone who certainly has even more to give Italian football and Juventus.
"His behaviour has always been exemplary, one which youngsters have followed. These are the champions that we want to see."
Del Piero Celebrates 30th Birthday On Top
Goal.com
Alessandro Del Piero is celebrating today, Tuesday 9th of November, his 30th birthday.
The Juventus star is currently in his 12th season with the bianconeri, where he played 274 games scoring 112 goals. His best season was the 1997/98 one where he scored 21 goals in 32 matches played, while this season he has already scored 4 goals from 6 matches played.
Pinturicchio scored his first goal with Juventus in the 1993/94 season but became a fan favourite during the 1994/95 campaign as he superbly substituted the injured Roberto Baggio for the first half of the season.
On Wednesday Juventus host bitter rivals Fiorentina at the Delle Alpi, nearly ten years after Del Piero's amazing strike against the viola which helped the bianconeri come back from 0-2 to win the game 3-2 and pave the way for their first Scudetto in 9 years.
That was the first of a long series of successes that Del Piero achieved with the black and white shirt. In fact, the number 10 player won with Juventus: 5 Scudetti, 1 Coppa Italia, 4 Italian Super Cups, 1 Champions League, 1 European Super Cup and 1 Intercontinental Cup in a span of 12 years.
Miccoli plots Juve revenge
Football Italia
Fiorentina's Fabrizio Miccoli is planning to haunt former club Juventus on Wednesday evening. The Italian returns to Turin for the Week 11 clash after the Bianconeri sold half on his contract to the Tuscan giants over the summer.
"I dream about scoring past Gigi Buffon with a chip," Miccoli told TG5. "A prediction? We'll win 2-1."
The decision to sell Miccoli surprised many in the Italian game given his undoubted quality in Serie A. And he will arrive at the Stadio Delle Alpi in a rich moment of form after initially struggling to settle in Florence.
"Juventus made some important signings and they have a great Coach but we are doing well," he added. "We were a little unfortunate on Sunday as my shot hit the woodwork against Inter in the 1-1 draw. I hope to have a little more fortune in Turin.
"This will undoubtedly be a special game for me but I am calm about the situation because I'm really happy where I am now."
Meanwhile, Juventus will be without Nicola Legrottaglie and Stephen Appiah yet again because of injury. But Alex Del Piero, who Juve favoured over Miccoli, will start after he was only used as a substitute at Reggina on Saturday.
Juventus pair want Fiorentina deals
Tribal Football
Juventus duo Giorgio Chellini and Enzo Maresca say they want to make their loan deals at Fiorentina into permanent transfers. Defender Chellini and midfielder Maresca are both first team regulars at Fiorentina and are happy to remain in Florence.
"At Juve they have Zambrotta, who is ahead of me," said Chellini. "I would be happy to stay. But, obviously, the two clubs must decide my future."
Maresca also said: "I am tired of packing and unpacking my suitcases. Here I am happy and would gladly stay."
Gilardino going nowhere - agent
Football Italia
Alberto Gilardino's agent has confirmed that his client will remain with Parma until the end of the season. The Italian international has been linked with a January switch to Milan but his representative has dismissed the speculation.
"Milan have not contacted us," Francesco Romano stated. "Anyway, Gilardino is still needed here at Parma. Alberto is certainly a player who could be of interest seeing as he is doing very well but there is nothing new to report.
"The situation regarding the player hasn't really changed since the start of the season. Gilardino is calm and serene. It is his and Parma's intention to complete the entire campaign together."
The former Under-21 ace was one of the most wanted players during the summer transfer market. He netted 23 goals last season which saw his name linked with the likes of Roma and Juventus. But the 23-year-old, who is now an Azzurri regular, remained at the Tardini and is now finding the target with consistency yet again.
Man U mad for De Rossi?
Football Italia
There are reports that Manchester United are lining up a £17m swoop for Daniele De Rossi, while Gigi Del Neri reveals the problem with Antonio Cassano.
Although Roma have solved some of their financial problems by penning a new pay-per-view television contract with Sky Italia, they are still open to selling off some of their top stars if the right bid comes along.
The youth system has turned out some great players over the years and the latest talent is midfielder De Rossi, who this year won the European Under-21 Championship, the Olympic Bronze medal and is now a senior Italian international.
According to reports in Italy, Sir Alex Ferguson had already made enquiries after the 21-year-old in September, but the signing of a new contract tying him to the Capital club until 2009 put a stop to talks.
However, it's now claimed that negotiations have started up again following De Rossi's strong performances in Serie A and for Italy, with a £17m offer on the table to reinforce Man U's midfield.
Meanwhile, the player most likely to leave Roma is Antonio Cassano, who is still frozen out of the squad due to disciplinary reasons.
"The situation is at a stalemate," revealed Coach Gigi Del Neri this evening. "I think a lot depends on him. Admitting you've made a mistake is not shameful, but rather proves you are a man. When you realise there are errors you shouldn't make, that is when you begin to improve yourself."
Cassano had been on a collision course with the club for several weeks, but refusing to turn up to a meeting with directors proved the final straw.
Now Roma must also win back the home fans after they were pelted with eggs and repeatedly insulted during the 5-1 victory over Cagliari.
"I hope there will be no protests this time," added the Coach. "I think our performance against Milan went a long way to getting the fans on our side and we need them at the Stadio Olimpico. That's especially true as we're facing Udinese, perhaps the toughest team we could have taken on this week, as they have no weak points and are tactically very versatile."
Real Madrid accelerate talks with Santos over Robinho
Tribal Football
Real Madrid were locked in talks with Santos officials last night as they sought a quickfire agreement over the transfer of wing ace Robinho.
The deal was all but agreed last Friday, but the shock kidnapping of Robinho's mother has delayed negotiations. AS says the transfer will be formally announced once the player's mother is released.
Real president Florentino Perez chose to accelerate talks yesterday after Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich made a fresh move for the Brazilian. Perez wants all contracts signed so he is assured Robinho will be a Real Madrid player next season.
Santos agreed terms with Real over a £15 million transfer fee - even though Robinho's contract has a buy-out clause set at £25 million. The youngster's deal with Santos runs to 2008 and is worth £1 million-a-season.
His Real deal will earn him an initial £1.5 million-a-year.
Robinho's registration has also been broken down. Santos own 60 per cent, with his agent, Wagner Ribeiro, holding 10 per cent. The remaining 30 per cent is owned by the player, himself.
Nedved hands crown to Sheva
Football Italia
2003 European Player of the Year Pavel Nedved claims Andriy Shevchenko deserves to take the title.
"It has rarely happened in the history of the Balon d'Or," said the Czech international, "but it's not out of the question that two East Europeans will win in successive seasons."
The Juventus midfielder was crowned the best player on the continent last year and hopes the trophy remains in Italy.
"Shevchenko would deserve it, as I've seen him close at hand over the last few years. It's more difficult to score goals in Serie A than anywhere else, but that doesn't stop Andriy getting on target regularly."
The Ukrainian has been named as one of the favourites to win the journalists' vote in December, along with Adriano, Deco and Ronaldinho. His fine current form for Milan in the League – netting seven goals in nine games – is also helping his cause.
"Every time that Milan seem to be in some difficulty," added Nedved, "he comes along to get them out of trouble. His goals are always decisive."
Scoring in each leg of the Champions' League Group clash with Barcelona also put his name in the headlines, so with this endorsement from the reigning European Player of the Year, Shevchenko could finally get his award.
Golden Ball list revealed
Football Italia
Five Italians are included in the 50-man shortlist for the prestigious European Footballer of the Year award. Alessandro Nesta, Paolo Maldini, Andrea Pirlo, Francesco Totti and Gigi Buffon are up for the honour and are also joined by nine foreign Serie A stars.
Totti is included despite his spitting incident at Euro 2004 but the Juventus duo of Alessandro Del Piero and Gianluca Zambrotta are omitted, as is Roma's Antonio Cassano.
Milan are the most represented club with six players in the running for the Golden Ball, with Andriy Shevchenko, Kaka and Clarence Seedorf joining their three Italian colleagues.
Juventus have four nominations as Buffon is flanked by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Emerson and current Golden Ball holder Pavel Nedved.
Inter have just one candidate in the form of Adriano but the Brazilian is considered as one of the favourites, along with Shevchenko, Ronaldinho, Deco and Thierry Henry.
The winner, which will be decided after a select number of European football journalists have voted, will be announced next month.
The contenders
Adriano (Inter)
Ailton (Schalke 04)
Ayala (Valencia)
Baraja (Valencia)
Baros (Liverpool)
Barthez (Marseille)
Beckham (Real Madrid)
Buffon (Juventus)
Cech (Chelsea)
Charisteas (Werder Bremen)
Deco (Barcelona)
Dellas (Roma)
Drogba (Chelsea)
Emerson (Juventus)
Eto'o (Barcelona)
Figo (Real Madrid)
Giuly (Barcelona)
Henry (Arsenal)
Ibrahimovic (Juventus)
Juninho (Lyon)
Kaka (Milan)
Kapsis (Bordeaux)
Lampard (Chelsea)
Larsson (Barcelona)
Maldini (Milan)
Maniche (Porto)
Micoud (Werder Bremen)
Mista (Valencia)
Morientes (Real Madrid)
Nedved (Juventus)
Nesta (Milan)
Nikopolidis (Olympiakos)
Pirlo (Milan)
Reyes (Arsenal)
Carvalho (Chelsea)
Ronaldinho (Barcelona)
Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
C. Ronaldo (Manchester Utd)
Rooney (Manchester Utd)
Rosicky (Borussia Dortmund)
Scholes (Manchester Utd)
Seedorf (Milan)
Seitaridis (Porto)
Shevchenko (Milan)
Totti (Roma)
Van Nistelrooy (Manchester Utd)
Vicente (Valencia)
Vieira (Arsenal)
Zagorakis (Bologna)
Zidane (Real Madrid)
Tuesday 09 November
Moggi: Paparesta Should Have Been Substituted
Goal.com
Luciano Moggi replied sarcastically about the refereeing during Juventus' game against Reggina on Saturday night. The bianconeri's transfer guru was still philosophical about the mistakes which damaged the Old Lady in the last match day and did not seem very worried about the first upset of the season.
"You all saw the game and you can judge by yourself. The referees make mistakes just like the players do. The only difference is that the players can be substituted but the referees cannot.
"On Saturday we made three substitutions but we couldn't also substitute the referee. However on Saturday Paparesta and his assistants should have been substituted."
Juventus keep tabs on Arsenal's Campbell
Tribal Football
Juventus are keeping tabs on Sol Campbell's contract situation at Arsenal. The England international's current deal expires in the summer and he has been asked to take a pay-cut regarding a new contract extension. Campbell is refusing to sign and wants his new deal to be worth the same - at least - of his current agreement.
Juve are tracking the situation and are willing to meet Campbell's demands to bring him to the Serie A on a Bosman next season.
Real open Cassano door
Football Italia
Real Madrid have denied making a bid for Antonio Cassano - but admit they may make an offer in the summer. The Spanish giants have been heavily associated with a January swoop for the Roman but they insist that won't occur.
"Our last contact with Roma was when we signed Walter Samuel," President Florentino Perez told radio show 'La politica nel pallone' on Monday. "We have an excellent relationship with the Giallorossi, their directors and the Sensi family.
"For the time being we are concentrating on this season but we could discuss Cassano next June."
The Italian international looks set to leave the Stadio Olimpico outfit after a difficult start to the new season. He's been frozen out of the squad after clashing with Roma boss Gigi Del Neri in recent weeks.
Roma must also look to resolve his future as quickly as possible given his current contractual situation. He's presently tied to the club until June 2006, which means Roma must tie him down or risk losing him for nothing once his deal expires.
Juventus are also believed to be very keen on the former Bari player who cost Roma a massive £20m in 2001. Cassano did train with the rest of his teammates today but it is unclear whether he will feature against Udinese on Wednesday.
Robinho rejects mega Chelsea offer for Real Madrid
Tribal Football
Real Madrid accelerated talks with Santos over midfielder Robinho yesterday. After striking a deal with his agent, Wagner Ribeiro, over the weekend, Real president Florentino Perez will now push for an agreement over a transfer fee with the youngster's club, Santos.
A Santos delegation are expected in Madrid on Wednesday and will seek £15 million for Robinho's transfer. The Brazilian club own 60 per cent of his registration, with the rest belonging to a management group.
Robinho is prepared to sign for Real for less than the £2.5 million-a-year Chelsea have offered him. The Brazilian international is also close pals with Ronaldo, who has been constantly on the phone urging him to snub England and join him in Madrid next season.
Monday 08 November
Juventus, Inter Milan tracking Valencia rebel Fiore
Tribal Football
Juventus and Inter Milan are keeping tabs on Valencia midfielder Stefano Fiore. The Italy international fell out with Valencia coach Claudio Ranieri and has been banished to the reserve team after refusing to play against Inter Milan last week.
Valencia are expected to now sell Fiore in January and both Juve and Inter are following developments closely. Juve coach Fabio Capello is in the market for a new midfielder, having already enquired about Inter's Cristiano Zanetti. Inter trainer Robert Mancini worked with Fiore at Lazio and rates the midfield schemer very highly.
Valencia ready to listen to Fiore offers
Tribal Football
Valencia will put midfielder Stefano Fiore up for sale in January. The Italy international is training in isolation after refusing to play against Inter Milan last week.
A disappointed Valencia coach Claudio Ranieri chose to banish Fiore from his senior squad and is now ready to sell the midfielder when the transfer window reopens. A return to Lazio is the most likely destination for Fiore.
Juventus close to deal for Roma outcast Panucci
Tribal Football
Juventus are close to sealing a deal for AS Roma veteran defender Christian Panucci. The Italy international has been frozen out this season at Roma and is keen to be reunited with his former trainer Fabio Capello at Juve.
Juve are prepared to send defender Nicola Legrottaglie to Roma in a straight swap for Panucci. Roma coach Gigi del Neri is happy with the proposal, having worked with Legrottaglie at Chievo Verona.
Genoa, Reggina chasing Juventus stopper Iuliano
Tribal Football
Genoa are amongst a trio of clubs chasing Juventus defender Mark Iuliano. The veteran stopper has been frozen out this season and will be moved on by Turin chiefs in January. Along with Genoa, Bologna and Reggina have also registered their interest with Iuliano's representatives.
Real Madrid win race for Brazilian star Robinho
Tribal Football
Real Madrid have trumped Atletico Madrid and Chelsea for Santos wing wizard Robinho. AS says the Brazilian international has agreed to join Real at the end of this season after talks on Saturday.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez met with Robinho's agent, Wagner Ribeiro, on Friday to register his interest in the youngster. Negotiations continued the following day, with the meeting also being attended by intermediaries Juan Figger and Luis Douens.
The summit was held at 12:30pm and later in the evening Ribeiro emerged to declare: "He can come to Real Madrid. A dream for him is to play in a great club of Europe and Madrid is that. Florentino Perez has said to me that he is a talent. The approach of positions between the parties was more than positive."
Real have secured first option on the player's behalf, with negotiations still needed with Santos to seal the deal.
Real prepare Cassano swoop
Football Italia
Real Madrid representatives will be at the San Siro this evening to discuss Antonio Cassano's future and Roma already know how to spend the cash.
The transfer gossip surrounding the troubled Italian international hit overdrive this week when the club officially confirmed it was freezing Cassano out of the squad as a disciplinary measure.
Although Milan and Juventus are interested in the £20m rated player, they are only willing to make a move in the summer. Real Madrid are prepared to swoop in January and are reportedly lining up cash plus either Fernando Morientes or Michael Owen.
"In the past we have done everything possible to reassure him and find a good working relationship," revealed director of sport Franco Baldini. "We carried on trying to open up a channel of communication right until the last moment and if Cassano had agreed to talk then we would have found a way for him to live within the group."
The final breakdown in relations came on Friday afternoon, when he refused to attend a meeting with directors. Cassano is now out of the squad and will not be called to the first team for the foreseeable future.
"Obviously we hope that Cassano will be a Roma player for some time to come," the transfer guru told the 'Corriere dello Sport-Stadio', "but at the moment we cannot explain his behaviour."
The Giallorossi already know how to spend the cash from Cassano's sale, as a January move for Rodrigo Taddei is finally shaping up.
The Brazilian has been frozen out of the Siena squad since the summer, when he agreed basic terms with Roma and refused to negotiate with any other clubs. Before he can be released for £1.3m plus the loan of either Scurto or Corvia, the midfielder must first extend his contract with Siena.
Roma favoured by sacked Chelsea striker Mutu
Tribal Football
AS Roma are favourites to land sacked Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu once he has served his seven-month drugs ban. The Sunday Mirror says Mutu wants to return to Italy, where he made his name with Parma before joining Chelsea for £15.8m in the summer of 2003.
A close friend of Mutu said: "He has offers from a number of clubs, but seems extremely keen on Roma. But whatever happens it's unlikely he will remain in England."
Mutu returned to Rome after the FA hearing at Soho Square on Thursday.
Sunday 07 November
Reggina 2 - 1 Juventus
Football Italia
Juventus had two goals disallowed and a clear penalty denied as they lose their unbeaten record to relegation strugglers Reggina.
Fabio Capello rotated the squad once again, as Alessandro Del Piero was benched in favour of Marcelo Zalayeta, while Gianluca Pessotto replaced the injured Jonathan Zebina. The decision to rest Del Piero might also have been affected by the appalling state of the Stadio Granillo pitch.
Reggina were forced to do without the suspended Mozart, as the midfielder failed a routine drugs test for a substance the club claims was contained within an anti-mosquito bite cream. Salvatore Soviero made his Serie A debut in goal, making his comeback after a five-month ban for punching members of the Messina bench during their Second Division encounter with Venezia.
Juve quickly took control and Gianluca Zambrotta's cross-cum-shot whistled across the face of goal. Zlatan Ibrahimovic also had a good chance, but the visitors were in for a shock.
After just 12 minutes Reggina took the lead with an extraordinarily fortunate goal. Fabio Cannavaro cleared the ball straight at Giuseppe Colucci inside the area and it ricocheted off his hip to loop over a stranded Buffon. It was the first goal Juventus have conceded on their travels this season.
However, the lead didn't last any longer than 90 seconds, as a terrible defensive error from Gaetano De Rosa allowed Ibrahimovic to steal the ball and thump a low drive into the near corner. The Swede was particularly lively and battled his way through two defenders before a third managed to close him down on the edge of the six-yard box.
Soviero smothered Zalayeta's shot, but the Amaranto were again lucky to restore their lead on 25 minutes. A powerful razor-sharp Marco Zamboni free kick took a slight deflection off Manuele Blasi to push the ball past Buffon. Zamboni is a former Juventus player and made his Serie A debut with this club in 1997.
It was an action-packed first half, as Emerson's delightful lob floated just over the crossbar. Reggina felt Lady Luck was behind them and Emiliano Bonazzoli's long-range strike was fingertipped round the post by Buffon. Moments later Zamboni's cross beat everyone, including Bonazzoli, who only needed to stretch to put it in.
At the other end Zambrotta's floated cross had a similar effect, with panicked Reggina defenders able to clear from Mauro Camoranesi at the back post. There was controversy on 37 minutes, as Jacopo Balestri clearly handled in the box, but the move continued and Soviero performed a fine save on Emerson's strike from the edge of the area.
The Amaranto certainly did not batten down the hatches and Cannavaro required an acrobatic header to prevent Bonazzoli latching on to Balestri's cross. Bonazzoli and Manuele Blasi had long range efforts smothered as the shots kept raining in from all angles at both ends of the pitch.
It was definitely not Juve's night, as at the start of the second half Zalayeta's powerful header on a Zambrotta cross thumped the outside of the post with Soviero static. Camoranesi's effort was deflected off De Rosa, again possibly with an arm, and on the resulting corner Soviero smothered Cannavaro's header.
Ibrahimovic thought he had drawn level again on the hour mark, but the referee had already blown the whistle earlier for an elbow on Ivan Franceschini inside the box. Contact was made, but how intentional was unclear.
Soviero was at full stretch to turn an Ibrahimovic cross-shot round the post as the siege intensified. Fabio Capello needed to spice them up and threw on Alex Del Piero and Ruben Olivera for Zalayeta and Pessotto, moving Juventus to a three-man defence.
There was bad news for the Amaranto, as Giuseppe Colucci hacked down Olivera for his second bookable offence, so the home side had to play the remaining 17 minutes in ten men. It was an avoidable incident, as his first yellow card was for removing his jersey in the goal celebrations.
Olivera saw Soviero off his line and thumped an effort just wide from almost 30 metres out, then Del Piero's scuffed half-volley bobbled past the post. The Reggina goalkeeper punched a free kick off the head of Ibrahimovic, but the home side also had a good chance when Buffon blocked Davide Dionigi's snapshot.
There was panic in the Amaranto box during stoppages when Soviero twice fumbled a harmless cross, but managed to get it back under control before Ibrahimovic could pounce.
There was one more incident to go, as in the final minute of stoppages Juventus seemed to draw level. Substitute Olivier Kapo sprung the offside trap and chested down the ball before rifling it into the far corner, but after several tense moments of consultation with the linesman, the goal was disallowed for a handling offence.
However, replays show that Olivera got his head to the cross, putting both Kapo and Ibrahimovic into an offside position, so the handling offence was irrelevant.
Reggina: Soviero; Cannarsa (Piccolo 69), Zamboni, De Rosa, Franceschini; Balestri, Paredes, Colucci, Tedesco; Nakamura (Veron 88), Bonazzoli (Dionigi 59)
Juventus: Buffon; Pessotto (Olivera 70), Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Emerson, Blasi (Kapo 83), Nedved; Zalayeta (Del Piero 70), Ibrahimovic
Ref: Paparesta
Sent off: Colucci 73 (R)
Capello: "A match born under an unlucky star"
Juventus.com
Fabio Capello comments on the Reggina loss. "The match had a bad start from the very beginning. We conceded two goals which were lucky to score, virtually two own goals, then we controlled the game but it was difficult to find room within their tight defence".
Fabio Capello accepts the defeat against Reggina with serenity and the awareness of having seen a good Juventus: "Everybody gave their best, playing good soccer and dominating the game. We were let down by some events but there is no use in regretting now.
"Going behind twice and then catching up was really very hard. We tried to play our game but it was impossible to control the ball on such a ground. Moreover, they were very good with headers and crosses as well, and the whole Reggina in defence made it difficult to attack.
"Anyway, I have seen a squad in a good condition, which ran for 90 minutes and showed great character. I must compliment Reggina for the win but also my team for the commitment during the match."
Zambrotta: "How unlucky!"
Juventus.com
"We've conceded two goals from fortunate deflections; we've been quite unlucky, but during a season you can meet obstacles all the time. We must go on our way."
Gianluca Zambrotta, elected best player on Reggio Calabria's pitch, can reasonably complain for the bad luck in a match dominated by Juventus without being able to win the result: "We dominated the game but luck turned its back on us.
"In any case, we're only at the beginning of the season: we did not think of being on the run before and we must not lose confidence now. We must keep working as hard and determined as we do."
Pessotto: "It's only a blip"
Juventus.com
"We must not lose confidence. Within a season, unlucky episodes can happen. The important thing is to make this night a unique episode." Gianluca Pessotto has experienced too many seasons on top of the standings to be impressed by a defeat, especially if this has come because of two unlucky circumstances.
He analises the match against Reggina serenily: "Except for the result, we must be satisfied with the team's performance only three days after the match against Bayern Munich, showing an athletic freshness. We might have lacked in lucidity in the box but, again, such episodes can happen."
Capello shrugs off controversy
Football Italia
Fabio Capello and Walter Mazzarri refused to put Juve's defeat down to some controversial refereeing decisions.
"It was a strange game with essentially two own goals, as both took massive deflections," said the Bianconeri boss after they lost 2-1 at Reggina. "We attacked and pushed for 90 minutes, but the ball wouldn't go in. We accept the defeat and must move on, continuing to work hard."
Juventus saw two goals disallowed and a clear penalty denied at the Stadio Granillo, but Capello was gracious in defeat.
"Unfortunately, when you concede goals like this it's a clear sign that luck isn't on your side. I always accept refereeing errors and only human, but that penalty was pretty clear for everyone to see. It was incredibly evident. Nonetheless, it's a bit pointless to recriminate and complain now that the decision has been made."
Whatever the result of tomorrow's clash between Milan and Roma, Juventus will hold on to the leadership for this week, but the gap could be cut to just two points.
"I think tonight we proved once more than we are a great side," insisted Capello, "as we played well, but those two strange goals gave us an undeserved defeat. Our compliments go to Reggina for taking full advantage."
Walter Mazzarri was under real pressure going into this game, as the Amaranto were in penultimate place, so this victory was unexpected to say the least.
"I say that apart from today's performance, we have been repaid for all the mistakes we made and the points we lost along the way this season," said the Coach. "It's clear that a side like Reggina needs a lot of luck to beat Juventus, and we certainly had that this evening.
"We tried putting Juve under pressure early on, but their strength forced us to sit back a bit more. It was not a tactical choice. While we had all eleven men on the field, we did play well and had chances to increase our tally, so I could say it's not a scandal we got the three points."
Mazzarri also tried not to comment on the refereeing decisions that affected the 2-1 result.
"I have never commented on television replays before, even when they were errors against us, so I'm not going to start now. In all honesty, even if there was a mistake it is a drop in the ocean compared to the problems referees have caused us this season."
Juve keep hold of Balon d'Or?
Football Italia
Juve prepare to take on Reggina, but the club is filled with talk of which Balon d'Or candidates could keep the trophy in Turin.
"I don't have a favourite to take over from me," insisted Pavel Nedved, who won the journalists' vote in 2003, "because there are many players who deserve the trophy."
Every year journalists from around the continent are polled by newspaper 'France Football' for the best player to have graced Europe's Leagues. Early contenders include Ronaldinho, Andriy Shevchenko, Deco and Adriano, but Juve Coach Fabio Capello has other ideas.
"Gianluigi Buffon is the best goalkeeper in the world," stated the Bianconeri boss. "It is about time that he becomes the first goalie since Yashin to win the trophy. He is worth every bit as much as a centre-forward when it comes to winning points."
This is the second endorsement that Buffon has received, although some consider the mere fact he cost £32m when moving from Parma in 2001 to be proof enough of his value.
"Buffon has deserved the Balon d'Or for the last three or four years at least," said his teammate Fabio Cannavaro. "I was by his side at Parma and can say he has improved with each passing year."
However, there is another more unusual school of thought at Juventus, represented by Director General Luciano Moggi.
"The Balon d'Or should go to Alessandro Del Piero," insisted the transfer guru. "I know him as a professional and as a man of great character. I always felt he would work hard to become the Del Piero we all knew and loved."
The Bianconeri captain has struggled with injury ever since snapping all the ligaments in one knee in 1998, but came back from an Achilles tendon problem this month to score key goals against Siena and Bayern Munich. Del Piero is expected to start alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic when Juve take on relegation strugglers Reggina this evening.
"We must continue to work this hard for every result," warned Capello, "without becoming distracted by what we see or read in the newspapers. I won't revolutionise the squad, as changing more than two or three players per game makes it difficult for everyone."
Juventus, Milan chiefs back away from Cassano interest
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi has ruled out a January move for AS Roma striker Antonio Cassano. AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has also backed away from Cassano's potential signing after the Italy international was effectively transfer-listed by Roma yesterday.
"We're not in the business of collecting attackers. We already have Ibrahimovic, Trezeguet, Del Piero and other players. So its useless to bring in another," said Moggi.
Ancelotti also said: "Who would I choose between Cassano and Totti? I would choose Totti. He has more experience and on the pitch he brings everyone into the game. He's a player I admire greatly."
Juventus Transfer News
Yahoo! Sport Italia
Juventus linked with Panucci, Fiore and Mutu
Rumors of a straight-swap deal involving Juventus' Nicola Legrottaglie and Roma's Christian Panucci are gathering pace. Both players are currently out of favour at their respective squads, while their current managers have always managed to get the best out of the other player.
Valencia's Stefano Fiore is thinking about a transfer after falling out with manager Claudio Ranieri. The midfielder has not started many matches and is unhappy at primarily being used as a substitue. This has alerted Juve's Luciano Moggi, who has been linked with a move while he was at Lazio, as well as Inter's Roberto Mancini, who would love to have his former playmaker.
Arsenal lead several clubs interested in Romania striker Adrian Mutu. The sacked Chelsea forward is considered lucky to be banned for only seven months, which means he can play next season. Shakhtar Donetsk and Galatasaray are also rumored to be interested, while Juventus would offer him the chance to return to Italy's Serie A.
Iuliano, Boudianski and Zeytulaev linked with moves away
Mark Iuliano is being linked with a move away. The 31-year-old defender is not in Capello's first team plans, and Serie B side Genoa is rumored to be very interested, especially if they can convince him to play in Serie B. Other suitors include Reggina and Bologna.
Udinese has given trials to two players from Juventus' youth squad. They are Ukraine midfielder Viktor Boudianski and Uzbek striker Ilyas Zeytulaev. Boudianski has been likened to Pavel Nedved.
Saturday 06 November
Del Piero hails Juve power
Football Italia
Alessandro Del Piero believes that Juventus have returned to being a major force in the European game. The captain issued the warning as the Bianconeri booked their place in the last 16 of the Champions' League on Wednesday.
"We've won four games out of four with the added characteristic of not having conceded a goal yet," he told his official website. "That is quite a run and a clear signal for us but also our opponents on what to expect this term."
Del Piero was the hero at Bayern Munich as he netted the only goal in the closing minutes of the game. "A draw would have been enough for us but we managed to score late on. We couldn't have asked for more," he continued.
The Italian's strike was especially significant as it was netted on the same ground that Juve lost to Borussia Dortmund in the 1997 European Cup Final.
"It was my first goal of the tournament this season and getting the winner at the Olympiastadion, where I lost a Final, was particularly special," he added. "However, I must thank Zlatan Ibrahimovic for his work in the goal. I was simply in the right place at the right time."
Meanwhile, defender Fabio Cannavaro is looking ahead to Saturday's game at little Reggina. "We won't let our guard down," insisted the stopper. "We have already shown in the past that we can put important performances together."
Reggina v Juventus: Preview
ESPN Soccernet
Under-fire Reggina coach Walter Mazzarri has waited a lifetime to beat Juventus and with his side struggling in Serie A there would be no better time to get it than now.
Mazzarri, whose team have suffered four defeats and two draws since their last win on September 22, is determined to bring to an end his poor record against the Bianconeri.
"Juve is always Juve," admitted Mazzarri. "I have met them so many times as a player and I have never beaten them. This will be a good opportunity to do so. We have to think of going to the pitch and giving our best, making them run because that is the only way we have a chance to win."
The Reggio Calabria outfit desperately need three points to stay clear of bottom side Atalanta, having clinched seven points out of a possible 27 in the last nine games.
"I am not worried about criticism," said Mazzarri. "When things don't go well there is a lot of talk about the coach, the future of the team and the possible successor, but this doesn't worry me because I decide to focus all my energy on working hard for Reggina to achieve results."
But a positive outcome at the Oreste Granillo stadium is an unlikely scenario as they come up against the league's only unbeaten team. Fabio Capello's men travel to the South in confident mood. Their impressive run in the domestic and European competition has given plenty of cause for optimism for the Bianconeri fans.
Juve's midweek victory against Bayern Munich saw the Turin giants progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League with two games left to play and no goals conceded. Juventus made some big signings in the summer but one of their best players of late has been Italian international Alessandro Del Piero, who scored against Bayern.
In the league, Juve command a five-point advantage over reigning champions AC Milan, having dropped only two points so far with eight wins from nine games.
"This a very strong Juve," said former Internazionale defender Fabio Cannavaro, who joined the Old Lady in the summer. "It's very gratifying to get these results and to remain unbeaten in both competitions. It is a sign that we always step onto the pitch fully concentrated and with the right determination."
Capello will have all his players available with the exception of the injured France striker David Trezeguet and his compatriot Jonathan Zebina.
The bad news for the hosts is they will face the best attack in the competition without their number one goalkeeper Nicola Pavarini who is struggling with a muscular problem and will be replaced by Salvatore Soviero. Moreover, Reggina could struggle in midfield with Giandomenico Mesto suspended and Ricardo Esteves out with a thigh injury.
Emiliano Bonazzoli and Shunsuke Nakamura will take the responsibility of leading the line against the best defence in Italy, which has conceded only two goals all season.
Cannavaro doesn't fear Ruud
Sky Sports
Juventus defender Fabio Cannavaro has told skysports.com that he does not fear English sides nor Ruud van Nistelrooy in the UEFA Champions League.
Although impressed by the Manchester United striker's four-goal haul in the midweek mauling of Sparta Prague, the Italy international is willing to write off The Red Devils and the other Premiership representatives in Europe's top competition.
"I have always considered myself to be an ambitious player," he told skysports.com. "I really look forward to a major achievement with Juventus. In the Champions League, I think there are four favourites - the Italian sides [Juve, Internazionale and Milan] and Barcelona.
"I am less worried by the English sides, although Chelsea have been doing very well in their group. I also know Ruud van Nistelrooy scored four against Sparta Prague but I wouldn't be afraid to mark him. When you face this kind of player, you get an extra motivation to stop them."
Juve secured a superb 1-0 win against Bayern Munich on Wednesday with the 31-year-old outstanding at the heart of the defence. "I am very happy with my performance," he explained. "But mostly with us grabbing the three points against such a great side like Bayern.
"From my point of view, it's a very flattering result. It's very easy for me to play with Lilian Thuram and Gianluigi Buffon, as we were the defensive pack of Parma in their golden years. Maybe we were physically stronger some years ago but we have gained a lot of experience since then."
The Azzurri skipper believes keeper Buffon should be a contender for the coveted Ballon d'Or award.
"It's incredible he has never won it," added Cannavaro. "He has been the best goalkeeper in the world for four or five years so I can't see a better candidate than him. His miracle save in injury time from Roy Makaay's shot is just further proof of his value.
"He is still very young, but he was already a world-class player when he made his debut at 17."
Maresca wants Viola stay
Sky Sports
Enzo Maresca has admitted that he is delighted to be at Fiorentina and would like to stay there long term. The former West Brom midfielder completed a whirlwind move to Viola from Juventus, and admits he was less than delighted with the manner of his transfer.
"After so many changes it would be nice to stop here at Fiorentina," admitted Maresca. "I have the sensation that this could be my final destination.
"The truth is one day I was called into the Juventus offices and met by a Fiorentina official who said 'You are going to play for us.' "I thanked him but I was annoyed that Juve hadn't informed me. For this reason I met [Juve's director of sport] Luciano Moggi and I said I would go.
"I think Fiorentina have a chance at a Uefa Cup place."
Real line up Robinho, but may have to fight off Chelsea
World Soccer News
Real Madrid are targeting Brazil striker Robson de Souza as their next high profile catch, local media reported. His agent Wagner Ribeiro had a meeting with Real Madrid's director of marketing Jose Angel Sanchez, the man who sealed the move of David Beckham to the Spanish capital, to discuss a possible transfer on Saturday.
"The player definately wants to play for Real Madrid, they are one of the best clubs in the world, and they are interested in the situation of the player. At the moment, he's considered to be Pele's successor," Ribeiro told Spanish national agency EFE.
Ribeiro didn't reveal what Real's offer was but other reports in Spain suggested that they were prepared to pay around 20 million euros. The 20-year-old is currently under contract with Brazil first division side Santos, the club who discovered and nurtured Pele, until 2008.
However, Real are not alone in wanting to sign Robinho. Ribeiro revealed that Benfica, PSV Eindhoven and Chelsea have also tabled offers, with the English Premiership side apparently matching Real's cash.
"In the coming season he's definately going to be playing for one of the top clubs in Europe, one that's in the Champions League," added Ribeiro.
One sticking point is that Real currently have three non-European Union players on their books - fellow Brazilains Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo, as well as Argentine defender Walter Samuel - the limit in the Spanish first division.
However, Roberto Carlos is in line to get dual nationality in the coming months, which may clear a spot for his compatriot.
Joaquin's Chelsea move was done deal
Tribal Football
Real Betis winger Joaquin has visited Chelsea's Stamford Bridge this year to look over the club's facilities. AS says Joaquin was given a tour of Stamford Bridge by Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon in January and was informed they intended to sign him at the end of the season.
Without thinking twice, Joaquin thanked Kenyon for his interest, but said any negotiations would have to go through Betis president Manuel Ruiz de Lopera. Sources say Kenyon replied that a deal worth £20 million had already been all but agreed with Lopera - which stunned Joaquin.
Its claimed Kenyon had been given the green light to sign Joaquin by Fabio Capello, who was being lined up to coach Chelsea as Claudio Ranieri's replacement. But everything went pear-shaped as Capello chose to remain in Italy and sign with Juventus, forcing Kenyon to pull out of negotiations with Betis for Joaquin.
Now the deal is set to be revived, with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho requesting a new right-sided winger, with Joaquin top of his list. Kenyon must now go back to owner Roman Abramovich to convince him to again put up the £20 million needed to land the Spanish ace.
