This
web site is an online diary maintained by azzurri.Friday 19 November
Capello: "We want to win in Coppa Italia too"
Juventus.com
"The Coppa Italia is an important competition, although behind Serie A or Champions' League. Anyway, it is useful to me as it will be the chance for players who've been out for a while to play and for those who have played a lot to make a specific work."
For most teams and coaches, the Coppa Italia is rather an obstacle, due to the busy schedule at this time of the season. For Fabio Capello, on the contrary, is a competition to be faced seriously, being an important occasion to give a chance to those who have played less often.
"Players who have been champing will now have the opportunity to be in the spotlight in a beautiful and serious competition which we are determined to win. It is certainly not an obstacle
"I admit that this title is less prestigious than others but it's happening the same in other countries. It would definitely take on a new significance should it grant the winner direct access to the Champions' League."
Thus, Friday night's match against Atalanta will make way to those who've been playing less frequently but whose great seriousness and professionalism are acknowledged: they've kept the same behaviour all the time, without ever complaining or demanding.
As Capello explains: "This is Juventus' culture and it's always been so, also before my arrival. In this club, players accepts the coach's and the club's decisions without arguing. The squad knew my intention to make few changes during the first stage of the season.
" Also, fortunately we've had plenty of available players and inevitably some would have been left out. Now, with the Coppa Italia and the Champions' League, where we have already qualified, there will be more chances for all of them."
Capello opts for reserves
Football Italia
Juventus will give some of their forgotten players a chance to impress in their Coppa Italia game. The Bianconeri face Atalanta on Friday and boss Fabio Capello has confirmed that he will give his less-used squad members a chance.
"This is the right opportunity for people to illustrate their worth," the tactician said on Thursday. "Fortunately my players all accept my decisions and those of the club without moaning.
"Up until now I've been rather lucky to have had so many players at my disposal, so it was inevitable that some wouldn't feature very regularly. They will get their chance tomorrow."
Whispers suggest that Mark Iuliano and Nicola Legrottaglie will start in defence, while Olivier Kapo and Marcelo Zalayeta should be fielded in attack. Although the tactician insists that the Italian Cup isn't a priority, he's eager to do well in the competition.
"The Coppa is undoubtedly a level below the Scudetto and the Champions' League but we want to go as far as possible," added the former Roma boss.
Capello concluded by commenting on David Trezeguet, who will return to Italy on Friday to continue his rehabilitation from shoulder surgery.
"From what I can see there are no problems, everything is going as planned," he noted. Trez should be back in action by the middle of January.
Juventus battle Inter Milan for Atalanta starlet Montolivo
Tribal Football
Juventus face stiff opposition from Inter Milan for Atalanta attacking midfielder Riccardo Montolivo. Juve had scouts tracking Montolivo last weekend and its understood director general Luciano Moggi is keen to open talks with Atalanta over the 19 year-old next month.
But Atalanta president Ivan Ruggeri has already spoken with Inter supremo Massimo Moratti about Montolivo's availability and knows he can drive up the youngster's price as two of Italy's biggest clubs press for the player's signature.
Ruggeri is reluctant to lose Montolivo and is expected to demand a deal which would see the inside-forward loaned back to Atalanta for the entire next season if a deal is to be struck in the next six months.
Juventus must see off Fulham, Man City for Meghni
Tribal Football
Juventus will battle a host of Premiership clubs for exciting Bologna midfielder Mourad Meghni. The French youngster was watched by Juventus representatives over the weekend and has emerged as a major target for director general Luciano Moggi.
However, Juve will face competition from several cashed-up Premiership clubs for Meghni, including Manchester United, Manchester City and Fulham.
Udinese's Jankulovski won't believe transfer talk
Tribal Football
Udinese midfielder Marek Jankulovski insists he won't get carried away with press speculation suggesting he will be on his way to either Juventus or Inter Milan in January.
Coach Luciano Spalletti declared last week that he expected Jankulovski to join a "big club in January", but the Czech Republic international insisted: "Its nice what coach Spalletti said about me joining a great team. But I fear it is just words. I won't get carried away until something concrete appears."
Joaquin in Juve hint
Football Italia
Real Betis ace Joaquin has suggested that he would happily leave his club for Italian giants Juventus. The 23-year-old was believed to be a target for Real Madrid but he admits that move may never happen. Now he has seemingly opened the door for Juve to make a bid for his services in the future.
"There has been talk about Real Madrid for two years and it hasn't been easy to deal with," said the wide midfielder. "I met Real President Florentino Perez recently and told him that he'd probably lost the right to net me and that I will look elsewhere.
"That would mean joining a big club in Italy, one that is able to compete both domestically and in Europe.
"Juventus boss Fabio Capello is a great and he was interested in me when he was still in charge of Roma. They already have a good selection of players but he likes to have a big and competitive squad at his disposal."
Joaquin, whose release clause is believed to be around £40m, was linked with Juve after his performances at Euro 2004. Any Juve move would only seemingly occur in the summer though. The player, who is tied to Betis until 2010, is also liked by Chelsea.
Brescia move for Ternana youngster Jimenez
Tribal Football
Brescia will move for Ternana starlet Luis Jiminez in the January market. The Chile international has attracted interest from the likes of Manchester United, Juventus and Inter Milan in the past - but without any concrete offers arriving.
Brescia president Guiseppe Corioni rates Jimenez highly and believes the midfielder's spirited approach would fit perfectly into the club's philosophy. While Ternana insist Jimenez is not for sale, Corioni will make a bid for the player when the winter transfer window opens.
Thursday 18 November
Italy 1 - 0 Finland
Football Italia
Fabrizio Miccoli's audacious free kick gave an experimental Azzurri side victory over Finland, while Vincenzo Montella rattled the frame of the goal on his comeback.
There were six new faces in the squad Marcello Lippi named for this friendly match, although only three made their debut from the start. They were Udinese midfielder Stefano Mauri, Messina fullback Alessandro Parisi and ex-Under-21 international Andrea Barzagli - who partnered his Palermo teammate Cristian Zaccardo in defence. Marco Materazzi wore the captain's armband as the most experienced player in the side.
It was a particularly special occasion for Parisi, who became the first Messina player to wear the Azzurri jersey and made his debut in front of his home fans. Nonetheless, there weren't too many to cheer him on, as the Stadio San Filippo was half-empty.
The first shot on goal came from Luca Toni, who gathered Mauro Esposito's pass and spun round his marker, but saw his shot smothered by Bolton star Jussi Jaaskelainen.
Palermo hitman Toni was again on show soon after when he just failed to latch on to Fabrizio Miccoli's floated pass and the goalkeeper was able to clear.
Ivan Pelizzoli had to make the toughest early save, as after 17 minutes he fingertipped Nurmela's deflected low drive round the near post.
The deadlock was finally broken with a moment of magic from Fabrizio Miccoli. Mauri was brought down out wide just a couple of yards from the corner flag, but the Fiorentina forward curled in a free kick from this almost impossible angle at the near post with Jaaskelainen left looking rather foolish.
Italy nearly doubled their lead moments later when Miccoli's cross found Toni's glancing header, but the goalkeeper got a hand to it and there was nobody to take full advantage of the loose ball.
Finland fought back and Lecce midfielder Aleksei Eremenko curled a free kick just over the crossbar, but Italy had the better of the first half and Miccoli's shot from inside the box was deflected off Toni's heel and almost caught Jaaskelainen off-guard.
Lippi made a number of half-time changes, as Giorgio Chiellini, Aimo Diana and Vincenzo Montella came on in place of Parisi, Esposito and Miccoli. It was the Roma striker's return to the international scene for the first time since Oct 16 2002, while Fiorentina defender Chiellini was making his senior debut after a successful spell with the Under-21 side.
Within 60 seconds of stepping on to the field, Sampdoria midfielder Diana fired wide of the target, then Toni just failed to redirect Daniele De Rossi's cross past Jaaskelainen. Eremenko combined with Jari Litmanen and Pelizzoli timed his run well to pluck the ball off the ex-Ajax man's foot.
Montella nearly marked his return with a spectacular bicycle-kick, but it drifted inches wide of the woodwork. Chiellini found space down the left and his cross towards Toni was intercepted. Palermo midfielder Simone Barone replaced De Rossi on the hour mark, leaving four Rosanero players on the pitch.
Italy really should have doubled their lead on 65 minutes when Toni dribbled past a couple of defenders only to lose sight of the target and roll across for Montella, but the Roma man's first time strike was touched on to the woodwork by Jaaskelainen.
Another Under-21 alumni, Brescia's Andrea Caracciolo, took over from Toni for Italy's fifth debut of the game. He had a good chance with 11 minutes to go, but his diving header on Chiellini's cross was just wide.
The Azzurri thought they had earned a deserved second goal in the final stages, but Diana's strike was correctly disallowed for offside after he had turned in the loose ball from a save on Baronio.
Pelizzoli made a late but none too complicated save on Okkonen's header, but Montella was repeatedly caught offside.
Italy: Pelizzoli; Parisi (Chiellini 46), Barzagli, Materazzi, Zaccardo; Blasi, De Rossi (Barone 64), Mauri, Esposito (Diana 46); Miccoli (Montella 46), Toni (Caracciolo 69)
Finland: Jaaskelainen; Nurmela, Kuivasto, Kallio, Kopteff; Vayrynen (Okkonen 69), Eremenko (Kangaskorpi 87), Litmanen; Johansson (Multaharju 63), Kolkka (Lagerblom 75), Kuqi
Ref: Tudor (Rom)
Lippi praises Azzurri newcomers
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi is content with the performances of his second string side and assured this was not the end of the line for the debutants.
"This builds morale for the lads who gradually relaxed into their stride and their confidence grew as time went on," he said after Italy's 1-0 victory over Finland.
"There was a period where we started launching long balls forward, but for the most part we tried to play the ball and these lads proved Italy has a large squad that we can count on."
Lippi was criticised for leaving so many of the top stars at home and calling up six new players for this friendly – five of which made their senior international debuts. However, the Coach insisted that many of these newcomers would become regular fixtures.
"The future of this Italy side is a mixture of the old guard and new. We won't have any competitive internationals until the World Cup qualifier against Scotland in March, but after that we have time to test out a few more players."
Among the most impressive debutants was Fiorentina fullback Giorgio Chiellini, who came on for the second half and put in several good crosses as well as defending well.
"I think Claudio Gentile will have to give up on having Chiellini at his disposal for a while," smiled Lippi in a message to the Under-21 boss.
Turin return for Trezeguet
Football Italia
David Trezeguet will return to Italy on Friday to continue his rehabilitation following shoulder surgery. The Juventus ace has been recovering in France for the last month since his October 18 operation in Lyon.
The striker, who has been magnificently replaced by Zlatan Ibrahimovic in attack, should be back in action by mid-January.
Meanwhile, his Juventus colleagues will resume training today ahead of Friday's Coppa Italia tie against Atalanta. Alessandro Del Piero and Gianluca Pessotto should train separately after picking up slight muscle strains at the weekend.
Neither of the pair will feature in the Cup match even if Jonathan Zebina is expected to return after injury. The French defender, who has been sidelined since the win over Roma, will either play against the Bergamo boys or in the Champions' League game versus Ajax on Tuesday.
Udinese await Marek offers
Football Italia
Udinese have confirmed that they could sell Marek Jankulovski in the January transfer window. The Czech ace has recently signed a contract extension with the Bianconeri but a switch is still a real possibility.
The left-sided midfielder, who rejected a summer move to CSKA Moscow, has been linked with a host of clubs but two seem in pole position.
"I spoke to Roma sporting director Franco Baldini recently and he didn't mention Marek, therefore I doubt they are interested," stated Udinese official Oreste Cinquini. "That leaves Juventus and Inter still in the race to swoop for the player in the New Year."
The Turin giants almost netted the international in the summer but no agreement was reached between the two clubs. Inter are in need of a player with Jankulovski's characteristics after failing to land Lazio's Cesar.
However, the former Napoli star may not be the only departure despite Udinese's current third place in the table. Cinquini added that former Under-21 international Vincenzo Iaquinta could also be sold at the right price.
"Iaquinta is not untouchable and if a decent offer is made then we could accept," declared Cinquini. "Milan and Juventus could be some of the clubs interested."
Nevertheless, both giants have insisted that they will not be signing new forwards after Christmas.
Juventus chief scout checks on Atalanta pair
Tribal Football
Juventus had their chief scout attend last weekend's clash between Atalanta and Brescia. Juve director general Luciano Moggi is constantly looking for Italy's best young talent and was having Atalanta pair Riccardo Montolivo, 19, and Giampaolo Pazzini, 20, scouted.
Also being tracked by the Juve representative was Brescia striker Andrea Caracciolo, who has attracted the interest of Liverpool this week.
Wednesday 17 November
Lippi: Opportunity knocks
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi has refused to name the starting eleven that will face Finland, but reminded the new arrivals this is a great opportunity to prove their worth.
"This is a chance that won't come round again," stated the Italy boss after naming six debutants in his squad. "These individuals will be excited and perhaps a little nervous, but they must take risks if they are to prove themselves at this level."
Since taking over from Giovanni Trapattoni in the summer, the tactician has tended to confirm his line-up 24 hours before the game, but is keeping tight-lipped ahead of this friendly.
"I have decided the starting eleven, but haven't told the players yet. Luca Toni and Ivan Pelizzoli will start and all the other new arrivals will play at one point in a simple 4-4-2 system."
The last game between ranks before flying out to Sicily saw Fabrizio Miccoli bag a brace with goals for Manuele Blasi, Luca Toni and Vincenzo Montella. The starting line-up in Messina should have Pelizzoli in goal, Cristian Zaccardo, Andrea Barzagli, Marco Materazzi and Giorgio Chiellini at the back, Mauro Esposito, Manuele Blasi, Daniele De Rossi and Stefano Mauri supporting Miccoli and Toni.
Most of the regular first team stars have been left at home, but Lippi denies Arrigo Sacchi's statements that club football has pushed the international scene into a corner.
"I don't want to spend my entire time complaining and we are aware of what the calendar is until 2006. Besides, sometimes it's better to have an aspiring newcomer filled with enthusiasm than an experienced and tired champion."
Alessandro Parisi is not thought to be in the starting eleven despite this match taking place in front of his home fans at Messina's Stadio San Filippo. Lippi is keeping his cards close to his chest, but candidates set to kick off the game are Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini and Stefano Mauri.
"Pelizzoli isn't on the best form of his career," he noted of the Roma goalkeeper, "but since he has been Gianluigi Buffon's understudy I thought it only right to play him now. The experience could also help him restore some of his calm and balance."
Toni has also struggled over the last two months, but in Sunday's 2-0 win over Sampdoria he scored his first Serie A goal since Week 2.
"There are so many great strikers in Italy at the moment," said the Palermo hitman, "so I have to make the most of this great opportunity Lippi has granted me. A good performance against Finland can increase his faith in my abilities and that goal at the weekend really fired me up."
Lippi's last friendly against a Scandinavian side was his international debut, a 2-0 defeat to Iceland in August.
"I saw Finland's last two games," explained the Coach, "and they were very impressive, especially their first half performance against Holland. They will be missing a few players, but have good talents such as Kokka, Eremenko and Kuqui. As with all North European sides, they use physical strength and resistance as their main weapons."
Probable line-up: Pelizzoli; Zaccardo, Barzagli, Materazzi, Chiellini; Esposito, Blasi, De Rossi, Mauri; Miccoli, Toni
Azzurrini in Bulgaria test
Football Italia
Claudio Gentile is confident that this afternoon's friendly against Bulgaria will be of use to his Under-21 side.
"I expect the match to provide a good test for us against a strong side who play good football," noted the Italian boss. "I'm happy that this game has been set-up because I'm eager to see how the new players adapt."
That means that new boys Daniele Mannini of Brescia and Lecce's Erminio Rullo are expected to make their debuts but the pair aren't expected to start.
Gentile is likely to keep faith with his tried and tested players even if the tactician is without three key men. The Atalanta duo of Gianpaolo Pazzini and Riccardo Montolivo are injured, while Giorgio Chiellini has been promoted to the full squad.
Italy are expected to start the game with a 4-4-2 consisting of: Berni; Potenza, Bovo, Piccolo, Dallamano; Rosina, Donadel, Pagano, Aquilani; Bianchi, Pepe.
Gentile closes great 2004
Football Italia
The Azzurrini rounded off a memorable year with a friendly victory and Claudio Gentile's takes the chance to look back on a successful season.
"It has been an extraordinary 2004," commented the Italy Under-21 Coach. "We notched up a remarkable number of victories that took us to the European Championships and the Bronze medal in the Athens Olympics, now top of our qualifying group."
Gentile and the Azzurrini have come together to find great success and today conquered Sofia for their ninth win on the trot.
"We came here to play an entertaining game, but it wasn't to be," he said of the 2-0 victory away to Bulgaria this afternoon. "Our opponents and the referee didn't seem interested in an open and flowing encounter. In any case, I am happy with the win and the effort put in by all the lads."
This is a new generation of Under-21 stars, as players such as Daniele De Rossi, Alberto Gilardino, Ivan Pelizzoli and Andrea Barzagli have now graduated to Marcello Lippi's squad.
"It is always pleasing to see my lads make it to the senior Italy side," admitted the 1982 World Cup winner. "It brings me great satisfaction, although obviously the credit must all belong to the players."
Lecce striker Bojinov drops big Roma hint
Tribal Football
Lecce starlet Valeri Bojinov has revealed his ambition to join AS Roma. The 18 year-old Bulgarian is being tracked by the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Barcelona and AC Milan. But he said: "I would be happy to play on the wing for Roma alongside Francesco Totti.
"Also Montello is a great player. I would only accept leaving Italy for a very big, foreign club."
Tuesday 16 November
Juve hit back at Zeman
Football Italia
Juventus have acted swiftly in response to the controversial comments made by Lecce boss Zdenek Zeman. The latter believes that yesterday's game, won 1-0 by the Turin giants, should not have been played because of the terribly wet conditions.
"I think that we have played in worse over recent years," Juventus director general Luciano Moggi told Radio Anch'io lo Sport. "After all, we played in a swimming pool at Perugia where we lost the championship on the last day of the season.
"Despite the rain, the pitch held up well. The ball was able to bounce and both teams could play."
Zeman also appeared on Italian television last night where he suggested that referee Massimo De Santis aided Juve's victory.
"I'm disappointed that De Santis brings such fortune on Juventus," he told La Domenica Sportiva. "I'm saddened that they sent him to take charge of a game that the whole of Italy was looking forward to."
Moggi has rubbished that statement though. "De Santis did well," he responded. "Juventus deserved the win thanks to the number of chances created."
The Old Lady of Italian football have now collected 31 points in 12 games and the official has admitted that they have a great chance of winning the title.
"We have demonstrated to everybody that we are a competitive team," added the transfer guru. "We can't deny the fact that we have what is needed to be successful this season. I just hope the side continues to play at this level."
Emo hails watertight defence
Football Italia
Emerson has praised the Juventus defence for their performance in the 1-0 win at Lecce on Sunday. "I must compliment our defence for not conceding against the most prolific side in the Division," said the Brazilian.
The Bianconeri impressed again at the weekend for not only winning but doing so in terribly wet conditions.
"The pitch was very heavy but we illustrated our determination to win the game," added Emerson. "Lecce did cause us problems in the second period but we played well enough to hold out for the three points."
Juventus, who have conceded just four goals this season, maintain their six-point lead over Milan.
Zlatan: I will be world's best
Sky Sports
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has played down comparisons between himself and Marco van Basten, but the confident Swede feels he will become the best player on the planet. The skilful forward has made a huge impression since quitting Ajax for Juventus in the summer.
Another classy display in the midweek win over Fiorentina had the media purring again, with some sections comparing him favourably with legendary Dutch marksman van Basten. Although Ibrahimovic says it is too early to compare himself with van Basten, he feels he will one day be classed as the best footballer in the world.
"For me it is an honour to be compared with a player like him," Ibrahimovic told Gazzetta dello Sport. "But I don't feel like I am at that level yet. I can still improve. Only an injury can prevent me becoming the world's strongest forward.
"For the moment the number one is Ronaldinho, and I hope this year he will win the Ballon d'Or."
Fiorentina, Juventus in talks over Nigerian Obodo
Tribal Football
Fiorentina and Juventus are in talks over Nigeria international midfielder Cristian Obodo. Obodo has been outstanding for Fiorentina this season and Juve director general Luciano Moggi and his counterpart Fabrizio Lucchesi held talks last week over the Nigerian's future.
A move for the January market has been mooted, though Fiorentina are reluctant to lose the youngster halfway through the season. Part of the talks has centred on Fiorentina's push to make Fabrizio Miccoli's loan from Juve a permanent deal. Obodo could move to Turin as part of the agreement.
Fiore issues Inter plea
Football Italia
Unsettled Valencia player Stefano Fiore has invited Inter to make a January bid for his services. The Italian has struggled to adapt to the Spanish game and is reportedly a target for the Nerazzurri.
"I would be a hypocrite if I said that I wouldn't like to work under boss Roberto Mancini again," Fiore reportedly stated. "I've always done well for him and he's had faith in me. When a Coach believes in you then you respond with good performances."
Fiore was a key player for Mancini in the Italian capital with Lazio over the last two seasons. Their difficult financial situation saw him and teammate Bernardo Corradi sold to Valencia in a £13m deal. But the former Parma and Udinese midfielder has failed to convince Coach Claudio Ranieri of his ability so far.
In other Inter transfer news, whispers suggest that Emre could join Manchester United in a swap deal with Ryan Giggs. The latter, who chief Massimo Moratti has always liked, has just rejected a one-year extension on his Old Trafford deal.
The San Siro giants are also believed to have signed a 15-year-old Swede being named as the 'new Zlatan Ibrahimovic'. Goran Slavkovski is currently with the Malmo youth team but will allegedly join up with the Inter Primavera side next summer.
Lippi stands by choices
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi has defended his decision to name an experimental squad for Wednesday's Finland friendly. The tactician has opted to leave the established stars at home in favour of giving maiden call-ups to Flavio Roma, Alessandro Parisi, Andrea Caracciolo, Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini and Stefano Mauri.
"This won't be an experimental Italy. I plan to forge a real team, one that will be of use to my squad in the future," Lippi stated. "I want to take a closer look at players who haven't had too much of a chance before and individuals who are doing well in Serie A right now.
"I consider this match against Finland on Wednesday night to be a very important test."
However, Lippi's selections haven't been accepted by Lecce boss Zdenek Zeman after Antonio Cassetti was ignored. The Czech feels that his frosty relationship with Lippi may have had a part to play in the decision to not select his midfielder.
"This gentleman has lots of suspicions but this one is not justified. I simply make my decisions based on tactical ideas and nothing else," noted the Italy Coach. "This time I have called up players who have done well such as Giorgio Chiellini and Alessandro Parisi.
"Cassetti could be included next time. After all, I have left out individuals such as Vincenzo Iaquinta and Gianpiero Pinzi of Udinese who were under observation too."
Lippi was also asked to comment on another player who is absent – Roma enigma Antonio Cassano.
"Am I worried about the footballing talent of Cassano? At this moment in time I would say yes," he explained. "I met him on Wednesday and wished him all the best in resolving whatever problems he may have.
"He is a real talent of Italian football and I hope he can play as regularly as possible so that I can call him up in the future."
Monday 15 November
Lecce 0 - 1 Juventus
Football Italia
Alessandro Del Piero scored the decider against his old enemy Zdenek Zeman in a game ruled by the appalling conditions.
These are the two most prolific teams in the top flight, though the leaders were forced to do without the suspended Pavel Nedved. There was extra spice to this tie, as Zdenek Zeman reiterated the controversial claims he made six years ago that players such as Alessandro Del Piero were "victims" of Juventus.
There were fears this game wouldn't go ahead at all after heavy rainfall flooded the Stadio Via del Mare, but the teams tried to carry on in difficult conditions.
Juve should have taken the lead after two minutes, as Zlatan Ibrahimovic ran on to a quickly taken Emerson free kick and somehow blazed it wide of an open goal. It was also a lucky escape for the referee, as the Swede was clearly offside when the kick was taken.
After all the lead-up to this game, it seemed fitting that Alessandro Del Piero should open the scoring. Much of the credit goes to Ibrahimovic, who chested down a long Emerson ball forward and pulled it back for the captain to thump into the top corner under pressure from defenders.
Zeman's men piled on the pressure and Gianluigi Buffon was forced into a fantastic reaction save to push Sasa Bjelanovic's header out from Cristian Ledesma's corner. Gianluca Pessotto's strike was parried into the path of Ibrahimovic, who slipped at the crucial moment and turned the loose ball wide.
There was a frightening moment for Buffon when Ledesma's angled drive took a bounce and squirmed out of his grasp, but the goalkeeper was able to recover.
In the second half Fabio Cannavaro's challenge proved decisive on Sam Dalla Bona, then Sicignano stopped Olivera scoring for the second game running. The pitch would inevitably take its toll and scorer Del Piero limped off with a muscular problem.
Juve were nonetheless still in control and went close to doubling their lead when Ibrahimovic combined with substitute Olivier Kapo, but Sicignano rushed off his line to close him down. Mauro Camoranesi wasted a golden opportunity when he tried to dribbled round Ledesma inside the box, but probably should have blasted it.
Lecce could have drawn level with Bojinov's solo effort down the left, but he could only shake the side-netting. In the closing moments it turned into a siege and Buffon flew to tip Mirko Vucinic's effort over the bar, while the final five minutes were played entirely in Juve's goalmouth.
Lecce: Sicignano; Silvestri (Vucinic 86), Diamoutene, Stovini, Abruzzese (Eremenko 86); Cassetti, Ledesma, Dalla Bona, Giacomazzi; Bjelanovic, Bojinov
Juventus: Buffon; Pessotto (Tudor 85), Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Emerson, Appiah, Olivera (Blasi 75); Del Piero (Kapo 59), Ibrahimovic
Ref: De Santis
Post-Match Comments
Zdenek Zeman: "Football on this kind of pitch is a lottery. Had it not rained so much, we would have seen a very different game of football."
Fabio Capello: "It was a tough and physical game played on a pitch that was barely legal. We created a lot of chances and ran a few risks at the same time."
Capello: "Bravo Camoranesi!"
Juventus.com
After the fine and important win over Lecce, Fabio Capello compliments the team and when he's asked to name one among the best players, he mentions Camoranesi: "He's been very good, like the others, from Emerson to Kapo, who would have scored if he hadn't been halted by the playground's conditions".
Then Capello comments on Del Piero's goal and Ibrahimovic's performance: "It wasn't easy, those are goals that only aces can score. Ibrahimovic is working very hard, he engages the opponents and thus allows his team mates to clear. He could have scored today, unfortunately the heavy ground did not let him."
The Bianconeri's manager analyses the match: "It's been a manly match, tough, played on a ground on the edge of being unplayable. With a dry ground we would have achieved more, instead we've created much but suffered until the end."
It may now be only a race for two, Juventus and Milan. Capello finishes like this: "Certainly, shouldn't one of the two win the championship, both would have to kick themselves."
Emerson, the best
Juventus.com
He's been excellent. He has fought into the midfield, has been decisive in defence and, as often, he's gone for the personal initiave in attack. Thus Emerson has deserved the award for best player of the match assigned from Sky Italia's journalists at the end of the tough match against Lecce played on a heaviest ground and under a pouring rain.
Here is his comment on the spur of the moment: "It was hard to play on such a ground for both sides, I'm happy that we eventually won. They were three very important points, like all of them, and we've gained them"
Del Piero: "I'm satisfied"
Juventus.com
It was him, Alessandro Del Piero, with a fine feint and an accurate shot, to take advantage of an excellent assist from Ibrahimovic and score the winning goal in Lecce.
The captain comments the Bianconeri's victory: "I'm very satisfied as it was hard to play today but the match was nevertheless spectacular. We tried to aim at the net through schemed moves, we sometimes succeeded, sometimes did not. It might have been more spectacular on a different playground."
Capello cools Zeman row
Football Italia
Zdenek Zeman is the centre of attention at the Stadio Via del Mare, but Fabio Capello tried to bring the game back to football amid the controversy.
"On the fixture list it says Lecce-Juventus, not Juve-Zeman," noted the Bianconeri boss. "We'll be playing against a team full of talented players with great technique, not against a Coach."
Zeman's feud with the Turin giants has been going on for six years, since he first made cast aspersions on the muscularity of Alessandro Del Piero and Gianluca Vialli. These are statements he has added to this week, claiming the players are "victims."
"Zeman has always done great things in football," assured Capello, "and his teams are constantly dangerous in attack. They played a different style against Siena midweek, so I don't know what kind of team we'll be faced with."
The Giallorossi were more solid at the back during that 1-1 draw, but Zeman has already warned he won't hold his free-flowing style back any longer. There is also an extra incentive for Lecce, as Juventus have an unusual trend this season.
"So far we have conceded goals only against the Southern clubs," smiled the Bianconeri boss. "Lecce have enormous potential and Valeri Bojinov is an extraordinary jewel in Serie A's crown at the tender age of 18."
Alessandro Del Piero will start and has a point to prove against his critics, despite showing a marked improvement in form since his injury lay-off.
"Ale is a player who leads by example. He accepts my decisions and this is what allows everyone else to relax and concentrate. This is the only way a team will get great results."
There were fears this game would have to be postponed after sections of the Stadio Via del Mare were flooded yesterday afternoon.
However, this morning a pitch inspection proved successful and Lecce team manager Mario Zanotti assured, "We are 99 per cent sure the tie will go ahead, as the field held up well under the heavy rainfall. The main problem was the locker rooms, but that has now been resolved."
Zanetti insists no row at Inter Milan
Tribal Football
Inter Milan midfielder Cristiano Zanetti insists he won't kick up a fuss about being left out of the first team. "Its absurd to talk like that," rapped the Italian. "The squad is united and we're all focused on the one goal. The formation used by Roberto Mancini, 4-4-2, is the right one."
Real Madrid target Robinho more spectacular than Pele
Tribal Football
The junior coach of Santos attacker Robinho says the youngster can genuinely be compared with Pele. With Robinho on the verge of an agreement with Real Madrid, his former coach, Izildo Pereira, said: "Robinho has as much ability with the ball as Pelé had.
"But I do not believe that he can obtain the numbers of Pelé because today football is different from 50 and 60 years ago. Robinho is a more spectacular player than Pelé. It is the moment for him to go to Europe. I even believe that he should go now. He will play a great role in Madrid."
Sunday 14 November
Lecce v Juventus: Preview
Football Italia
Juventus suffered their first defeat of the season last weekend in the south of Italy and will be eager to avoid another when they head back there to visit Lecce, the top-scoring team in Serie A.
Juve's slip-up last weekend at Reggina was their first setback since Fabio Capello took over the reins of the Turin giants in the summer but they recovered their poise with a home midweek win over Fiorentina. That success allowed Juve to extend their lead at the top of the division to six points.
Juve's haul of 22 goals from 11 matches is bettered only by Lecce who have scored 24 following their midweek draw with Siena in Tuscany.
Marco Cassetti scored the Lecce goal in that match but he insists that team ambitions take priority for the side in fourth place in Serie A even though they have drawn two and lost two of their last four matches.
"The Siena game was tough," Cassetti admitted to club website, www.uslecce.it. "We were struggling in the first half but then we raised the pace and we created more chances after we psychologically got over our block with my goal.
"It's a pity we could not come away with the win. I am pleased with my goal because it gave us an extra point in the standings."
Cassetti is only one of several Lecce players who have had their shooting boots on this season - others like Mirko Vucinic and Bulgarian teenager Valeri Bojinov have been outstanding.
Lecce coach Zdenek Zeman will be pleased with the form of a side that ended last season under his predecessor Delio Rossi with four wins and a draw in their last five matches. That impressive sequence included a victory over Juve in a fixture that has taken on a new dimension since the Czech took over at Lecce in the summer.
It was Zeman whose controversial magazine interview when he was coach of Roma sparked off a judicial probe into alleged doping at Juve - a court case is currently ongoing.
The period being studied by the investigators came in the late 1990s long before Capello took the reins so the present Juve coach will no have personal axe to grind against Zeman. Everything is looking rosy for Juve this season with excellent performances in the Champions League and in Serie A apart from that hiccup in Reggio Calabria.
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is delighted with the way the team is playing this year and especially with the midweek performance against Fiorentina. Buffon told club website www.juventus.com: "They are three important points that all of us can be pleased with as they help us pull clear of the teams that are in pursuit."
However, even the normally safe hands of Buffon will have to be at their best to keep at bay a Lecce side that has scored in every game it has played this season.
Lecce-Juve rained off?
Football Italia
There are fears tomorrow's big game at the Stadio Via del Mare will be postponed after the arena was flooded. Southern Italy is currently under heavy rainfall and it has been pouring down on Lecce since Friday night. A fifth of the Stadium is flooded and at least a metre of water is covering the tunnel leading back to the locker rooms.
Workmen are trying to pump the water out of the affected areas, but the state of the pitch is a more complex matter. Weather reports are not looking good, so there will be a pitch inspection on Sunday morning to determine whether or not the game can go ahead.
This was set to be the highlight of the Week 12 calendar, as leaders Juventus travel to face Zdenek Zeman's fourth-placed Lecce.
Alex: "Our strength is being a group"
Juventus.com
On November 9th Del Piero turned 30 and Fabio Capello, in his wishes, highlighted how the captain nearly seemed to be 40 because of the experience gained in 12 years at Juventus.
When Alex is told about his boss's joke about his age, he nods, amused: "I can confirm what he's said. He's worked in Juventus as a player too and knows about the physical and psychological commitment requested in such a top club, both for the high number of matches and for the determination of the opponents when they play against us.
Nerves-wise, playing for Juventus is certainly more demanding and 12 years are filled with moments to remember. Many of these are positive and I try to focus on them, forgetting defeats and looking forward in a positive way."
Such an attitude is unquestionably advantageous since Alex and his team mates are living a wonderful time: "The Serie A season has started well, we're aware of our strength, the new manager and staff have brought in new stimuli that fortunately, and thanks to our work, we've been able to turn into victories.
The effects of the team's wonderful time are reflecting on me, the injury is left behind, things have been improving for a month now and I scored too: I'm much satisfied for the moment me and the team are living."
In spite of the hard times he's experienced due to the injury at the start of the season, Alex, as a real captain and leader, doesn't forget to send a thought to his team mates, especially those less frequently chosen by Capello as first-choice.
"The hallmark of this team, our strength, has always been putting ourselves at the group's disposal. Some of them are now playing less frequently but they still represent a fundamental and important part of this group. The roster is wide and quality is present in every role.
Everybody's is giving their best, so much that substitues like Zalayeta, Olivera, Pessotto, and forgive me should I miss anyone, have left their mark, doing very well. I'll say it again, this is our strength, it has always been and will still be."
Bologna rival Juventus for Panucci
Tribal Football
Bologna and Juventus are battling for AS Roma fullback Christian Panucci. Panucci held clear-the-air talks with Roma coach Gigi del Neri last week, but is still expected to be made available in January. Juve coach Fabio Capello wants to bring him to Turin, but Bologna can guarantee the veteran a regular first team spot - which is at the root of Panucci's problems with Del Neri.
Appiah happy at Juventus
BBC Sport
Ghana captain Stephen Appiah is more than happy playing for Juventus despite links with moves away from the Italian club. Appiah has a contract with Juventus, who are currently dictating the pace in the Italian Serie A, until 2008.
Appiah said: "I'm happy here and my dream is to win honours for the club. Juventus is one of the best clubs in the world."
There have been rumours linking him with a move to English premiership club Arsenal. "Arsenal are a great club too but I'm happy here, if there does come a time to move on I'll know when that is."
The midfielder, who had Juventus officials panicking following a mysterious illness last week, is now recovering after a scan showed no problems.
Appiah, who had played for Hearts of Oak in Ghana, arrived in Italy to play for Udinese in 1997 after helping Ghana to victory in the under-17 World Cup two years earlier. After three years with Udinese he moved to Parma, where he spent two seasons then after a year with Brescia he joined Juventus.
A new Juventus Store
Juventus.com
Juventus first once again. No other team in Europe, in fact, owns an official shop in an airport. That's way the Juventus Store of "Sandro Pertini" airport in Caselle is an absolute novelty.
Situated just after the customs barrier, it is the fourth Juventus Store opened in little over a year, after Torino, Tokyo and Palermo. The Team in full force was present at the event.
Just before leaving for Lecce it met the press and the city authorities. Also Capello was there with his staff. The symbolic "kick-off" of the new Juventus Store in Caselle has been given by the captain Alessandro Del Piero.
Chelsea join queue for Lecce starlet Bojinov
Tribal Football
Chelsea have joined the queue of clubs chasing Lecce striker Valeri Bojinov. The 18 year-old Bulgarian knocked back an approach from Liverpool last week and is also being chased by Valencia, Barcelona and a host of Serie A clubs.
Juventus coach Fabio Capello regards Bojinov as big a talent at the same age as Roma's Francesco Totti and would love to snap him up at the end of the season. But Barca remain favourites, with Bulgaria coach Hristo Stoichkov urging Bojinov to follow his career path and move to the Nou Camp.
Robinho Says No To Real Offer
Goal.com
Santos star Robinho has rejected Real Madrid's recent transfer offer as he doesn't want to wait until next summer to make a move.
Robinho's agent Wagner Ribeiro apparently told Florentino Perez that in light of the recent kidnapping involving Robinho's mother, the player will only accept an immediate contract, not ‘an option or preferred lane for his signature'.
This means that the player wants Real Madrid to sign him immediately, and not next June as both the Spanish club, and Robinho's current club Santos would prefer. But it is very difficult, if not impossible, that Real Madrid will choose to meet Robinho's new desires.
Not only did the Merengues announce last week that they will not be active during the January transfer window as this would go against the club's policy, they also currently lack additional non-EU slots to fill-in.
Brazlians Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos are both in the process of gaining Spanish citizenship, but it is uncertain when exactly they will be able to successfully complete the procedure. It could be in January, but it could also occur much later.
Therefore Robinho's decision to make an instant move to Europe practically puts Real Madrid out of the list of contenders for his services, a list that includes giants of the game such as Inter, Juventus, Chelsea, Roma, and PSV.
Lippi enchanted by Italy
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi has spoken of the "magic" he feels at leading the Azzurri despite earning a quarter of Sven Goran Eriksson's wages.
"If I had been given the choice between Real and the Italy squad, there would have been no hesitation," stated the Coach who replaced Giovanni Trapattoni in the summer. "Italy would always be top of my list. However, if I'd been offered the Spanish club and the England or Scotland post, then I might have gone to Madrid."
Lippi was always first choice to take over from Trap after winning every trophy available with Juventus and explained his choice to French newspaper L'Equipe.
"To Coach your own country's side is a magical experience. The Nazionale is above everything else in my book. I really appreciated being asked to perform this job and money doesn't enter into it, which is why I'm currently earning half what I did at Juve."
Lippi picks up just £700,000 a season, which is particularly paltry when compared to Sven Goran Eriksson's £3m a year England wage packet.
"A Coach can also be the star of his squad," he continued, "but must also be careful not to suffocate the personality of his players. I had a tactician called Fulvio Bernardini in my youth and he was wise, intelligent and had a strong character. He was able to be the focus point while still respecting others' personalities. This is the real strength of a Coach."
Lippi is preparing the Azzurri for their assault on the 2006 World Cup, but will be return to Serie A after this experience?
"I am so closely linked with Juventus that it would have been very difficult to take over another big Italian club. I could always start again with a smaller side, or even overseas."
Meanwhile, Lippi will name the squad for Wednesday's friendly against Finland and is set to bring in a host of experimental players. These will probably include Lecce's Marco Cassetti, Messina fullback Alessandro Parisi, Chievo winger Franco Semioli and Udinese's former Under-21 international Giampiero Pinzi.
It's rumoured that Serie A top scorer Vincenzo Montella has done enough to earn an Azzurri recall.
Saturday 13 November
Lecce - Juventus
Football Italia
The two most prolific teams in Serie A clash at the Stadio Via del Mare in what is set to be an entertaining and hard-fought encounter.
Zdenek Zeman has been very vocal over the years in his misgivings about Juventus, sparking lawsuits and trials among other things, so it is never an ordinary football match when he takes on the Turin giants.
Lecce are still firmly ensconced in the top four despite a run of disappointing results that saw them pick up two points from their last four games. Alex Pinardi and Babù could return to the starting line-up to support Valeri Bojinov, while Marco Cassetti will duel with Juve's attacking fullbacks.
The Bianconeri were held to a 1-1 draw when they last came to visit and this time must do without the suspended Pavel Nedved. Emerson is also a doubt after limping off during the 1-0 win over Fiorentina, so match-winner Ruben Olivera should step in to that central midfield role, perhaps advancing Gianluca Zambrotta. Can Zeman put a spanner in Juve's works yet again?
Lecce (probable): Sicignano; Cassetti, Diamoutene, Stovini, Rullo; Giacomazzi, Ledesma, Dalla Bona; Babù, Bojinov, Pinardi
Juventus (probable): Buffon; Birindelli, Thuram, Cannavaro, Pessotto; Camoranesi, Olivera, Blasi, Zambrotta; Del Piero, Ibrahimovic
Ref: To follow...
Emerson Recovers For Juve
Goal.com
Brazilian midfielder Emerson should be able to recover for Juve's match against Lecce on Sunday. The former Roma player picked up a knock during the week against Fiorentina and had to be substituted in the second half. However all points towards Emerson being able to recover in the for the away game against Zeman's side.
In the mean time, Camoranesi's condition is still being evaluated due to the winger picking a knock on his right knee during the same game against Fiorentina.
Alex snubs Zeman feud
Football Italia
Zdenek Zeman has spent the last several years insulting him in public, but Alex Del Piero insists he won't use Sunday's clash as revenge.
"I have nothing personal against Zeman," assured the Juventus captain. "As far as I am concerned, this is a game like any other."
The Lecce Coach sparked controversy when he told newspapers he was amazed at how muscular Juve stars Gianluca Vialli and Del Piero had become in a short period of time.
The comments saw Vialli sue, while the Turin public prosecutor began a long-running investigation into the club's medical facilities. The trial is still going on to this day with players such as Del Piero and Zinedine Zidane called in to testify.
"I've no intention nor need to wreak vengeance on Zeman," he added. "I only hope it's an entertaining game for the fans, as both teams always play to win."
Del Piero was also an example of humility when asked his feelings at not being in the 50-man shortlist for the prestigious Balon d'Or.
"It was entirely predictable, because between Euro 2004, my injury problems and missing out on the Scudetto it was obvious I wouldn't be a candidate."
There are nonetheless 14 Serie A players vying to succeed Pavel Nedved as European Player of the Year.
"There are players who have won trophies, such as Deco with the Champions' League and reaching the Euro 2004 Final," noted Alex. "There are others like Andriy Shevchenko and Adriano who deserve the title, but Gianluigi Buffon is certainly the best goalkeeper in the world."
The Bianconeri are already six points clear at the top of the table despite repeatedly rotating the squad and Del Piero is often the one left on the sidelines.
"Fabio Capello always makes good substitutions," he smiled, "and perhaps he keeps replacing me because it's brought him luck in the past! I am substituted for a variety of reasons, some tactical and others linked to my fitness. When I'm not on form it's only right for Capello to take me off."
Del Piero turned 30 years old this week and was asked to give an appraisal of his career.
"It's a bit early for that," laughed the Juventus captain. "I'll only make that kind of judgement when I hang up my boots."
Moggi laughs at doubters
Football Italia
Luciano Moggi has hit back at the critics who questioned Juventus' strength at the start of the season.
"It makes me laugh when I think back to what was said, when some claimed we were not competitive," stated the club's director general. "Yet we have shown that this current Juventus side is in perfect harmony with our tradition as a club."
The Turin giants have made an outstanding start to the season, already six points clear of Milan and 13 ahead of Inter. "We are just looking to do our best and hopefully we will prove to be successful," he added. "But we are only at the beginning.
"Inter? I simply can't understand how a side with so many champions can be 13 points adrift."
The transfer guru was also asked to comment on this season's European Footballer of the Year race.
"I find it hard to believe that the Golden Ball won't be heading to one of our players," he explained. "Just think about the individuals we have like Buffon, Ibrahimovic, Trezeguet, Nedved and Del Piero."
The latter is not even on the 50-man shortlist but Moggi has again praised the Bianconeri captain. "He is a real champion who has given a lot to this club and a player who will continue to give more to Juventus," he concluded.
Juventus lead chase for Ajax's Maxwell
Tribal Football
Juventus have leapt to the front of the queue for Ajax wing-back Maxwell. The Brazilian international's agent, Mino Raiola, confirmed yesterday that he will leave Ajax at the end of this season. Maxwell is due to sign a new contract with the Dutch giants before they allow him to leave.
Ajax will demand £8 million for his transfer. Juve are ready to make an approach, with director general Luciano Moggi regarding Maxwell as the perfect replacement for Alessio Tacchinardi.
Tacchinardi wants Barcelona move
Tribal Football
Juventus midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi wants a move to Barcelona. Barca are considering signing the Italy international on-loan for the second-half of the season and have already held preliminary talks with Tacchinardi's agent, Alessandro Moggi.
Juve want an outright transfer for Tacchinardi as he is contracted until 2009 but barely on speaking terms with coach Fabio Capello. Barca aren't interested and will only consider a straight loan without a purchase option.
Diariosport says Tacchinardi has told close friends that if he cannot join Barca in January then he would prefer a move to the Premiership.
Lippi ignores Cassano option
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi has revealed that he won't select Antonio Cassano for Wednesday's friendly against Finland.
"I've spoken to him and he seems to be a nice kid," the national Coach told the Corriere dello Sport newspaper. "He is a great talent and he'll get tired of playing for the side in the future. But now isn't the right time. I can't select a player who isn't playing for his club."
The youngster has yet to appear for the Azzurri under Lippi and won't feature while his row with Roma continues. Cassano has been frozen out of the squad in recent weeks after clashing with Coach Gigi Del Neri.
Meanwhile, Lippi has given his thoughts on who he believes should be handed the Golden Ball.
"Milan's Andriy Shevchenko without a doubt," continued the former Juventus boss. "I gave him my vote in the FIFA award. He is an outstanding player.
"Adriano? He is devastating and I still remember his debut against Real Madrid. He will be compared to Ronaldo in the near future."
