This
web site is an online diary maintained by azzurri.Friday 17 December
Juventus - Milan
Football Italia
Games don't get much bigger than this as the two remaining Scudetto contenders clash in the final fixture of 2004. The result could either blow the title race wide open or give Juventus a seven-point lead to enjoy over their Christmas dinner.
The Bianconeri have been leading the way throughout the campaign thanks to Fabio Capello's intelligent tactics and hard-working squad, but in the last month some cracks have started to appear. Unconvincing victories over Lecce, Lazio and Bologna were peppered with defeat at Reggina and the extraordinary 2-2 draw at Inter.
It took a last-gasp and extremely controversial Pavel Nedved free kick to keep the lead at four points last week and confidence is not running high. Alessandro Del Piero is still looking for his best form, while the partnership with Zlatan Ibrahimovic hasn't quite gelled yet.
On the other hand, Milan could not have asked for a better lead-in to this showdown. Fiorentina were literally torn apart in a 6-0 victory that showed just how effective Andriy Shevchenko, Hernan Crespo and Kaka can be in a trident attack.
It is also the Ukrainian's first game since he was crowned European Player of the Year and he'll be facing the 2003 title holder Nedved at the Stadio Delle Alpi. The Rossoneri are coming off four consecutive wins in which they scored 11 goals and conceded just two.
Last season, Milan's record against the other big clubs proved decisive in their ascent to the Scudetto and Juve often struggled in these fixtures. This tie ended 3-1 for the visitors with Shevchenko and a Clarence Seedorf brace making Ciro Ferrara's late goal mere consolation. It was their first win in Turin since 1999 and ended a run of four consecutive defeats in this Stadium, but on current form anything could happen.
Juventus (probable): Buffon; Zebina, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Emerson, Blasi, Nedved; Ibrahimovic, Del Piero
Milan (probable): Dida; Cafu, Nesta, Maldini, Pancaro; Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf; Kaka; Crespo, Shevchenko
Ref: To follow...
A Win Is What We Want-Thuram
Goal.com
Juventus defender Lilian Thuram says the Bianconeri will play to win on Saturday when they face AC Milan in the Delle Alpi stadium.
"We always come onto the pitch to win games, and we will do the same on Saturday night, trying to attack when best. If the story of the game ends up handing us a draw, then we will accept it," said the French veteran.
Thuram also refused the possibility that Juventus will arrive at the match in poor physical shape. "A small drop of shape happens, but in big games like Saturdays everyone gives their best, and one doesn't feel fatigue," he said.
Juventus lead the Serie A table with a four point edge over the Serie A champs.
Buffon will face Milan
Football Italia
Gigi Buffon missed training again today but the Juventus No 1 should play against Milan on Saturday. The goalkeeper is suffering with a fever but the Bianconeri are confident he will be back for the Scudetto showdown.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Emerson should also start despite the fact that they only worked in the gym on Thursday. The only other players who were absent from training were Ruben Olivera and David Trezeguet. However, there is some good news for the French international who recently had a shoulder operation.
Trezeguet had a medical consultation today which confirmed that his rehabilitation is going as planned. The striker will have another check-up on January 10 and he could be back in action by the middle of the same month if given the green light.
Dida hails rival Buffon
Football Italia
Milan goalkeeper Nelson Dida has publicly praised Gigi Buffon ahead of the match against Juventus.
"Buffon is a really special player," said the Brazilian ace. "I like to see him in action and I study him closely. I find I can learn something new from him all of the time."
The personal battle between the two 'keepers is set to be one of the many interesting clashes during Saturday's game. Many consider the Juve No 1 to be the best in the world but Dida isn't too far behind on current form.
"I have no problem rating him as the best around because I certainly don't feel at the top," added Dida. "I like to think of myself as the worst. Only that way can someone find the stimulus to keep on improving."
Bayern Munich president praises Italian teams
ESPN Soccernet
Bayern Munich president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has praised Italian teams in the Champions League. In an interview with Soccernet, he was asked to give his comments on the remaining clubs in Champions' League knock-out round, ahead of the draw.
"Even though I'm a former striker, I'm under no illusion that trophies in Europe are to a great extent won at the back, by resolute, intelligent and well-organised defences," he states. "It's in this area that the Italians score highly. They generally give little away and make the most of their scoring opportunities."
Rummenigge also singled out Juventus's achievements in this season's Champions' League.
"Look at Juventus, who are now being brilliantly coached by Fabio Capello. It's extraordinary that five out of six of their first round matches in the Champions League ended in 1-0 victories. It speaks for itself. Juve are so solid and have that killer instinct."
Meghni flattered by Juve talk
Sky Sports
Bologna midfielder Mourad Meghni has admitted to being flattered at reported interest in him from Juventus. The 21-year-old is forging a solid reputation in Serie A, with Juventus believed to have expressed interest in the French schemer.
Meghni is contracted to Bologna until 2007 and says he is fully focused on his present club's cause, but admits it is flattering to be linked with a move to the Serie A leaders.
"I have heard that Juventus are attracted in me," said Meghni. "But I have had no direct contact. I am trying not to get carried away, but it is flattering. At first, though, I will try to achieve a good season with Bologna."
Thursday 16 December
No mugging the Old Lady
ESPN Soccernet Correspondant Roberto Gotta
There has to be a reason Juventus, despite not playing the most attractive football in the Serie A, are top of the league with a four point advantage on Milan entering the week leading up to their clash at Turin's Stadio delle Alpi on Saturday evening.
It may be the simplest reason, and the worst-kept secret in soccer: they have great players and they play to the maximum of their strength. Which is of course not a secret at all, but more the end product of Juve's situation this year.
When, near the end of last season, it emerged the Turin club's finances were not as healthy as it had seemed, and some form of cost-control would have to be undertaken, it was easy to believe - I did it, too - the 2004-05 campaign would be a transitional one, with a new coach replacing Marcello Lippi and presumably feeling his way around the squad and the Serie A before setting on the task of winning, but the hiring of Fabio Capello, still one of 2004's biggest shocks after all he'd said about Juventus, signalled that something was on.
Despite that, a few days before the Serie A kickoff there was much suspicion Juve was missing some pieces: Del Piero was still struggling and the defence had not been strengthened after last year's goal-leaking form.
Then came the signing of Fabio Cannavaro and Zlatan Ibrahmovic and everything changed. After a couple of awkward seasons with Inter, Cannavaro has proved to be a invigorating force in central defence, paired with Lilian Thuram - whom Lippi had played as a right back too often for the Frenchman's liking - while the Swede has been a surprising star up front.
Do not cringe at my use of the adjective 'surprising': as an accomplished Swedish international and a regular Champions League performer, Ibrahimovic should have been seen as a sure bet, but there's a disgraceful tendency among Italian media - myself included - and fans to think a player is not worth his weight in feathers unless he proves to be able to perform at the highest level, and that level is often seen to be Serie A, although that increasingly looks like a delusional thought.
Ibrahimovic has been playing very well, holding the ball up front, acting as a target man and as a provider, with an impressive arsenal of ball skills for a man his size. He's sometimes too clever for his own good - 60% of his touches seem to consist of flicks and backheels - but his contribution to Juve's start of the season has been massive.
An interesting tactical development will be David Trezeguet's return from shoulder surgery in a few weeks' time. Juve's main goalscoring threat in the past four years - ok, you can make a case for Nedved, too - is more of an out-and-out striker than Ibrahimovic and his arrival could cost the Bianconeri some variety up front.
Capello could have his choice of two between the Swede, Trezeguet and Del Piero, but the latter's recent revival means leaving him out would also damage Juve's chances.
With the Champions League now going to sleep for a few months, Capello's decision to forgo tinkering with his starting XI may pay off even better, and some of Lippi's ever-presents may well have to bite their lips and keep waiting for some playing time, as they've been doing all year: Tacchinardi, Montero, Iuliano, Tudor, Ferrara the best known among them.
Capello has stuck to his best players, while making inspired substitutions (Zalayeta and Olivera the main contributors off the bench) and the results have proven him right, although the form of the team has slipped in the past couple of weeks and Milan appear to have a slight edge at the moment - but they're four points behind and defeat on Saturday would open a huge gap between the two teams.
There is a dark side, sadly, to Juve's brilliant string of results this year. Their reputation has taken a worldwide hit recently after their long-time team doctor, Riccardo Agricola, was found guilty of supplying performance-enhancing drugs to the players between 1994 and 1998: in 1994, Juve were desperately trying to get out of a nine-year Scudetto drought and they subsequently won the Champions League (1997), the Intercontinental Cup and three Scudettos.
Italians who dislike Juve - and that group usually includes everyone who's not a Juve fan - did not need the Turin trial to believe there was something fishy behind Juve's continuing success, unless dodgy refereeing in some key matches counts as a proof, so Dr Agricola's conviction hardly added to their grievances.
But it doesn't make them any more bearable, of course. This unfortunate situation has bred a culture of suspicion and scepticism - a staple of everyday Italian life - which sometimes casts a shadow on Juve's many triumphs even when there's nothing remotely suspicious about them: the Turin trial, after all, involved events that happened a decade ago and Juve's success has come with the help of great players, not journeymen turned into monsters able to run all day.
Still, Juve carry this stigma of having everything go their way, one way or another. Take Sunday night's win at Bologna, for instance: Juve had most of the possession and missed a couple of good chances, but had Gianluigi Buffon to thank for a string of wonderful saves, which is the reason Juve gave Parma 50 million euros for the right to his services, of course.
With five minutes to go in a tense match, ref Pieri awarded Juve a controversial free kick from the edge of the area - most TV shows and newspapers agree Bologna defender Capuano did not foul Ibrahimovic as much as Ibrahimovic did the same to him in a classic fight for a high ball, and the two-man commission in charge of assigning refs admitted as much on Monday.
Some of the home fans sitting near the Press Box left at the moment Pieri signalled for the free kick, muttering something along the lines of 'he (i.e. the referee) finally found a way to help them'.
The general feeling among the people leaving the stadium afterwards was that you just can't win against the big clubs because they will always find a referee willing to award them a penalty or free kick from a dangerous position or, as some of the more dedicated followers of the conspiracy theory declared on Sunday night, turn a blind eye on some wild tackles because Juve play Milan next Saturday and heaven forbid some of their best players get a suspension.
I must point out now I do not endorse those views, I just relate them as I hear them more and more each time, but I am as frustrated and worried as anyone at the erosion of confidence regular fans feel towards football and the two-horse race the Serie A has now worringly become.
So, on Saturday night, while marveling at the sight of the Stadio delle Alpi with actual people sitting in it and not disguised as empty seats, please spare a thought for the other clubs who, with varying degrees of power and wealth - you can hardly count Inter as paupers - play what looks increasingly like an 18-team Serie A1 where referees can be seen to award penalties and dish yellow cards, make decisions and mistakes regardless of the names and reputations of the teams. How cheeky.
Van Basten hails strike pair
Sky Sports
Dutch legend Marco van Basten has praised newly-crowned European Footballer of the Year Andrei Shevchenko and Juventus' Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Asked about the weekend's mouth-watering clash between Juventus and Milan, the former San Siro maestro has been adding his not inconsiderable knowledge about the merits of the two men on show.
Shevchenko, who now fills the centre forward role played with such marvellous distinction by van Basten in Arrigo Sacchi's all-conquering side of the late 80s, will be pitted against former Ajax star, Ibrahimovic, who is starting to make his mark with the Turin giants.
The current Dutch coach had plenty of praise for Shevchenko and Ibrahimovic saying: "Sheva is an extraordinary player, and the right man for the San Siro. Ibrahimovic is talented, he has a lot of technique, a lot of class and a big shot on him.
"He has been my heir at Ajax. He is young and can achieve many important things at Juve. At Juve, Capello will help him improve on different aspects of his game. Some things need improvement, but he is young and he will grow.
"I see him as one of the forwards of the future."
Gilardino revives Roma rumours
Football Italia
While newspapers in Italy believe he's already agreed a deal with Milan, Alberto Gilardino admits he's still got his eye on a move to Roma.
"There was the chance to join the Capital club this summer," revealed the 22-year-old who will face the Giallorossi this Sunday, "but then I decided to stay at Parma for another season and I think it was the right choice. I definitely won't leave in January, but we'll see what happens in June."
The Italian international shot to fame as the replacement for Adriano in the second half of last season and he has been on the wish-lists of most top clubs. Juventus and Milan were touted, but throughout he had one club in mind.
"I don't know if the Roma move has been shelved for good. It's a wonderful city with a big club and passionate fans. This year my Under-21 international teammates Daniele De Rossi, Ivan Pelizzoli and Matteo Ferrari pressured me to join them and negotiations were in place, but for a series of reasons we couldn't reach an agreement."
Gilardino would above all relish the opportunity to create a world class and all-Azzurri trident attack at the Stadio Olimpico.
"Francesco Totti is one of the best players in the world and Antonio Cassano is just unique! Vincenzo Montella is doing great things with Roma now, so I don't think they really need me."
The European Under-21 Champion was also linked to some foreign giants, including Real Madrid and Barcelona, but rules out a Premiership move. "I would definitely choose La Liga if I were to go abroad, as it's just too cold in England."
Meanwhile, the chilly striker is looking ahead to a new experience with Coach Pietro Carmignani at the Stadio Tardini.
"We spoke and I immediately understood where he was coming from," concluded Gilardino. "We tested out the system we used last year with Domenico Morfeo supporting me and that can be a real boost for our attacking potential."
Joaquin ponders £25M January move to Chelsea
Tribal Football
Real Betis winger Joaquin has admitted he is seriously considering a £25 million move to Chelsea. The Real Betis and Spain winger, 23, has been offered the chance to join the Blues next month. But that means he must give up his dream of signing for Real Madrid.
He said: "The Chelsea offer has given me something to think about. I have heard the offer is very big and I know they are a very big club. But for me money has never been an issue. Football is the only issue.
"I know Jose Reyes plays at Arsenal and it would be exciting to play against him. As for Real Madrid? If I listened to everything in the news I would have been a Real Madrid player a long time ago."
Joaquin added: "My friend Reyes says good things about England. It does makes me think. English football has a sensational atmosphere. I have always loved Manchester United but all the players nowadays want to play for Chelsea."
River Plate's Mascherano flattered by Real Madrid talk
Tribal Football
River Plate midfielder Javier Mascherano admits he is flattered to be linked with Real Madrid. The Argentina international was in Madrid on Tuesday night for the 'Game against Poverty' at the Santiago Bernabeu and told AS: "Real Madrid is a very big club that can contract any player that it wants.
"In my position there are very good players with great reputations. That they're paying attention to me is flattering, but I only think about River and making the things successful for my team."
He added: "Here, in Madrid, I have not had contact with anybody because I was resting in my hotel room before playing."
Bordeaux in Utd Rio jest
Sky Sports
Bordeaux are waiting for Manchester United to send their scouts to watch France international Rio Mavuba. The young midfielder has established himself as one of the brightest prospects in French football, with his progress not going unnoticed.
Italian giants Juventus were recently linked with a bid for the 20-year-old, after watching Mavuba in action for Les Girondins. Reports now suggest Spanish titans Real Madrid have dispatched an envoy to put Mavuba under the microscope.
The continued speculation surrounding Mavuba is starting to irritate the club's chairman Jean-Louis Triaud, who insists he has fielded no offers for the starlet. With some of Europe's top clubs mooted as admirers of Mavuba, Triaud jokes that Premiership outfit United will be next in line.
"We haven't received any offers for Rio," affirmed Triaud. "In a few days we will probably know Manchester United are attracted, too."
Wednesday 15 December
Buffon sees Scudetto glory
Football Italia
Gigi Buffon believes Juventus could take a massive step towards the Scudetto by beating Milan at the weekend.
"A lot will change if we collect a victory over them on Saturday," said the international goalkeeper. "Moving seven points clear would be a massive psychological advantage for us, one that Milan would feel.
"If we lose I think we would cope. Mainly because the Christmas break which follows it will allow us to recharge our batteries."
Milan go into the game in better shape, following their 6-0 win over Fiorentina, but Buffon isn't too concerned.
"They seem to be in perfect health and are experiencing less difficulties than ourselves right now," he noted. "It should be a well balanced game though which may not go the way of the favourites. After all, it didn't go our way in the Champions' League Final two years ago."
The former Parma man was also asked to comment on Andriy Shevchenko, the new European Footballer of the Year, and Milan 'keeper Dida.
"I hope that Shevchenko now takes things a little easier after winning the Golden Ball," he stated. "Dida? He is one of the best in the world. He's really impressed me with his consistency."
Juve should also be well supported on Saturday as reports suggest that the Stadio Delle Alpi will be sold-out.
Juve assess Meghni option
Football Italia
Bologna have confirmed that Juventus are interested in signing rising star Mourad Meghni. The youngster, 20, has been dubbed as the 'New Zidane' ever since he joined the Rossoblu in the summer of 2000.
"They have asked us about Meghni but there is nothing official as of yet," stated owner Giuseppe Gazzoni Frascara. "In order to seriously consider any sale for the player we will all have to sit down around a table."
Meanwhile, Roma have dismissed talk that they will swap Christian Panucci for Nicola Legrottaglie of Juventus. "There is no truth in it," stated boss Gigi Del Neri. "I believe that Panucci will remain with us."
Panucci has been associated with a switch, after a row with Del Neri earlier this term and because of his close relationship with Juve boss Fabio Capello. While Legrottaglie is keen on working with Del Neri again, after their time at Chievo, following his relegation to the Juve bench.
Del Piero: We Deserved The Win
Goal.com
The Juventus captain was satisfied with his team's performance at Bologna
despite all the controversies.
Alessandro Del Piero believes that Juventus deserved the win over the Rossoblu
after a very tough game at the Dall'Ara against a good battling side.
"It was a deserved win, especially for the tenacity with which we played. It was a very tough match against an opponent which wanted to win. Personally I played some good balls. This win was important to hold to the four point lead."
Juventus will host Milan on Saturday night in what promises to be the match of the season.
Nedved: Juventus can't match AC Milan style
Tribal Football
Juventus midfielder Pavel Nedved has admitted Saturday's opponents AC Milan play a better brand of football. As the country prepares for the massive showdown, Nedved said: "They are missing Jaap Stam and Pippo Inzaghi, but they are a great team that will give us a great contest right to the end of the championship.
"We are not as beautiful a team to watch, but we obtain the results needed and everyone here wants to win. We want to do something great this season."
Juventus planning sales
Sky Sports
Juventus general manager Luciano Moggi has revealed that the club are seriously considering making a couple of sales during the winter transfer period.
So far this season the Turin giants have firmly established themselves at the top of the Serie A table, thanks to a solid commitment to defence. However whilst top players like Fabio Cannavaro and Lilian Thuram are in the team's back-line, other great central defenders are missing out on the opportunity of playing.
Luciano Moggi told skysports.com how hard it would be for these other central defenders to find some first team action and so Mark Iuliano and Nicola Legrottaglie may soon leave Stadio Delle Alpi.
"If I should only look at the interest of the team," said Moggi. "I would keep everybody in, because the season is long and we may need to change something in the team.
"But when I see great players like Mark Iuliano and Nicola Legrottaglie on the bench I am very sad, particularly when you consider they play at international level." Moggi added: "It is in their interest that we may consider selling them in January."
When questioned about rumours that have recently linked Monaco striker Shabani Nonda with a possible move to the club, Moggi was quick to play down any suggestion that the sales would be made to fund a spending spree.
"We will not buy anyone before the end of the season, that is simply out of discussion," the Juventus boss concluded.
Tuesday 14 December
Juve to sacrifice Trez?
Football Italia
David Trezeguet could be the next high profile player to be sold by Juventus, according to reports.
Whispers claim that the Bianconeri will consider selling the forward if a suitable offer is tabled in the summer. Although Trezeguet only extended his contract until 2008 in July, the club could sacrifice him in order to balance the books.
It is believed that the Italian outfit are assessing a sale after coping so well without him so far this term. Although the Frenchman started the campaign brightly, he's been ably substituted by Zlatan Ibrahimovic following shoulder surgery in recent months.
Barcelona and Arsenal are just two clubs who have been strongly associated with the ace in the past. Juventus are not new to selling star players after releasing the likes of Roberto Baggio, Christian Vieri and Zinedine Zidane in the last decade.
Meanwhile, the former Monaco player could be replaced by another Principality forward. Shabani Nonda, 27, is available on a free transfer and has been hotly linked. "I think that the right moment has arrived to move to Italy," he stated. "Juventus have always been a dream club for me."
Trezeguet is expected to be available for selection again towards the end of January.
Capello satisfied with win
Football Italia
Fabio Capello and Pavel Nedved insist that Juventus deserved the 1-0 win at Bologna last night.
"It was a great game of football, one which was played with real determination from both sides," said the tactician. "Juventus and Bologna really wanted to win the game and I don't think neither would have been content with a draw."
Although the Bianconeri have been collecting consistent results, some believe they are struggling more now than at the beginning of the campaign. "We are in better shape physically but we are not in the mindset that we were at the start of the season," he concluded.
Nedved was the hero of the evening as he netted a controversial free-kick in the 86th minute. "I don't think that Bologna should have protested so much about the free-kick," stated the Czech ace. "We deserved the win at the end of the game."
The midfielder also looked ahead to next Saturday's key clash at the Delle Alpi against Milan. "They are in great form right now as the 6-0 win over Fiorentina clearly illustrates," he added. "I've spent the last week in bed with the flu so I may struggle to be at my very best. Let's just hope that it is a good game."
Nedved: Too Many Protests
Goal.com
The Czech player scored the match winner for Juve against Bologna, however was not impressed with the Rossoblu's protests at the end of the match. Pavel Nedved feels that Bologna's protests were exaggerated and they were not fair at the end of the day.
"I did not like how the match was played in the last minutes; all those protests for a free-kick were not right. In the end we deserved to win. We had tried many times and Pagliuca made a great save some minutes before, then we were also lucky.
"If we always complain about a free-kick awarded by a referee, then it's better if we don't play football. It took us ten minutes to shoot towards goal."
Buffon Looks Forward To Dida Challenge
Goal.com
Next Saturday's Juve-Milan will also be an encounter between the two currently best keepers in the world: Buffon and Dida. Gianluigi Buffon is certain that goalkeepers in Italy are probably the best in the world, with the Juve and Milan keepers being probably the best around.
"Right now, Dida and I are the most advertised because we play in two big teams, though you're only advertised if you do well. However there are other strong keepers in Italy like Pagliuca, who never drowns, De Sanctis and Lupatelli. Maybe there is more quality here than abroad.
"Dida is a great keeper; he improved incredibly also thanks to his coach William Vecchi and also thanks to his own merits. Milan arrives to this encounter against us in great condition, but this is a particular and delicate match and I don't think that the values expressed this Sunday will be the same ones of next weekend."
Player of the Week: Buffon (Juventus)
Football Italia
Having seen Milan thrash Fiorentina 6-0 earlier in the afternoon, Juventus desperately needed a win at Bologna last night in order to maintain their four-point lead at the top of the table. Although it was the inspirational Pavel Nedved who netted a super free-kick, the Bianconeri must thank Gigi Buffon for the three points.
The goalkeeper was at his very best against the Dall'Ara outfit, again underlining that he is simply the best on the planet. Gigi made some wonder stops, especially in the first half when he blocked two close range headers from Giacomo Cipriani and Mourad Meghni.
Some questioned whether spending £32m on a 'keeper was a wise investment by the Turin giants. Yet apart from perhaps his first six months at the Delle Alpi, following his 2001 summer move, Buffon has looked to be worth every single penny of that massive transfer fee. He'll continue to be a key part of Juve's success for years to come.
Juventus reach Udinese exchange deal
Tribal Football
Juventus are close to sealing a player-exchange agreement with Udinese. Controcampo says Udinese winger Marek Jankulovski will be the first to move clubs as part of the scheme, which will see players switch between the two Serie A contenders.
Along with Jankulovski, Juve are also set to gain first option on Udinese's highly-rated youngster Sulley Ali Muntari.
Barca close in on Tacchi
Football Italia
There are fresh reports in Spain that Alessio Tacchinardi will leave Juventus for Barcelona in January. The Turin giants have recently denied such claims but the media are confident a move will take place.
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 club.
It is understood that an agreement has been reached in principal between the two sides.
Shevchenko takes Ballon d'Or
UEFA.com
AC Milan and Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko has been named European Footballer of the Year for 2004.
Prolific form
The 28-year-old finished as top scorer in Serie A in the 2003/04 season with 24 goals as Milan won the title in convincing fashion. Shevchenko has showed no sign of slowing down in the present campaign, with three goals in five UEFA Champions League matches and eleven more strikes in the Italian top flight.
Nedved successor
Shevchenko succeeds Juventus FC midfielder Pavel Nedved as the winner of the Ballon d'Or, which has been organised by France Football since 1956, beating the likes of FC Barcelona forward Ronaldinho and Arsenal FC striker Thierry Henry who are in the running with the Ukrainian for next week's FIFA World Player of the Year award.
Deco in second place
Shevchenko collected 175 votes in the France Football poll, with Barcelona's
Portuguese international Deco in second place with 139 votes. His Camp Nou
team-mate Ronaldinho was third with 133 votes and French international Henry
fourth with 80 votes.
I'd like to thank all those who helped me, especially my fellow Ukrainians
Andriy Shevchenko
'Special day'
"I'm very happy to have received this award," Shevchenko said. "I'd like to thank all those who helped me, especially my fellow Ukrainians. I'm Ukrainian and proud of it. I dedicate this award to my people."
Monday 13 December
Bologna 0 - 1 Juventus
Football Italia
Pavel Nedved left it very late indeed to bring down Bologna and maintain Juve's four-point lead.
Juventus needed a victory after Milan's 6-0 mauling of Fiorentina put the pressure on and they travelled to face a side that hasn't won in a month. Nastase and Petruzzi were suspended, so there were major changes at the back for Bologna.
The first chance fell to the home side, as Claudio Bellucci's free kick found Giacomo Cipriani and the young striker couldn't get his header on target. Juve hit back and Emerson turned a Jonathan Zebina cross wide of the near post, while Gianluigi Buffon got down well to block a Theo Zagorakis counter-attack.
There was sheer panic in the Rossoblu area on 24 minutes when it took an acrobatic Zagorakis goalline clearance to push Emerson's looping finish out of the top corner with Gianluca Pagliuca beaten.
Moments later at the other end there was more chaos, as Buffon just about pushed out Cipriani's downward header and Mauro Camoranesi was able to clear the loose ball.
Pavel Nedved prepares to hand over his European Player of the Year title to Andriy Shevchenko, but first tried to emulate him and his looping header thumped the base of the upright on a Zebina cross.
It was a very open game and Mourad Meghni again tested Buffon's world-class reflexes with a powerful glancing header from eight yards. Alessandro Del Piero fired wide after some great build-up play from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but it was a real chance as Pagliuca did not have time to react.
The Bianconeri seemed more secure after the break and maintained plenty of possession, with Pagliuca getting his fists to a fierce Ibrahimovic snapshot from 20 metres. Bologna had timid penalty appeals when Cipriani went over a Zebina challenge, then Zagorakis fired a good chance high from the edge of the box.
There was controversy on 64 minutes when Cipriani rushed into the box and fell under a tackle from Lilian Thuram. The Frenchman did not make contact with the ball but did clip his ankle, so this was more of a penalty shout for the home side.
Juve reacted and Pagliuca flew to fingertip a stunning long-range drive from Nedved out of the top corner. Time was running out and captain Del Piero was replaced by Marcelo Zalayeta.
The whistle had already gone for a handling offence by the time Ibrahimovic hit the back of the net, while Buffon was quick to smother Loviso's piledriver. Substitute Zalayeta ballooned over the bar from a promising position, but the deadlock was eventually broken with just four minutes left on the clock.
Bologna were angry at a free kick awarded on the edge of the box for a shirt tug on Ibrahimovic and from that set-piece Nedved drilled an unstoppable shot into the back of the net. Bologna were livid and the final stages were extremely tense with several yellow cards.
Bologna: Pagliuca; Daino (Capuano 78), Juarez, Gamberini, Sussi; Zagorakis, Colucci, Amoroso (Loviso 66); Meghni (Locatelli 66), Bellucci; Cipriani
Juventus: Buffon; Zebina, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi (Kapo 80), Emerson, Appiah (Tacchinardi 59), Nedved; Ibrahimovic, Del Piero (Zalayeta 71)
Ref: Pieri
Capello's Comments
Juventus.com
Fabio Capello comments victory over Bologna as such: "It was a high level match, played with great determination by both teams. We had chances mainly in the first half, they've been dangerous in a play's stage. There was a great willingness and determination, both we and Bologna were looking for victory.
" I reproved my team in the beginning because of too many wrong passes in a perfect pitch, thus no excuses this time".
Bianconeri's coach judges the team's condition: "We improved both mentally and physically, not perfectly yet, but we still suffer the long Tel Aviv's away match. Physically however we didn't lose shape, while our mental focus still isn't like it was in the early season".
Nedved protagonist
Juventus.com
Pavel Nedved hit the post with a header in the first half, forced Pagliuca into a great save in the mid second half and beat him on 41' giving Juventus the victory over Bologna.
The Czech comments: "We deserved the three points. Their goalkeeper already made a great save on me. I spent a week in bed, so I still wasn't at my best. Next Saturday the great challenge versus A.C. Milan: We hope it'll be a great performance".
Capello keeps Juve focused
Football Italia
Juventus must beat Bologna at the Stadio Dall'Ara to maintain their four-point lead and Fabio Capello warns his men not to think about Milan.
"We have to rediscover that determination and aggression that we had a couple of weeks ago," said the Bianconeri boss. "Getting three points here would be crucial in maintaining the lead we worked so hard to create. I know it's Christmas, but we have no intention of giving our rivals any gifts."
The Turin giants qualified top of their Champions' League Group and are in front of the Serie A standings, but their performances have been more sluggish of late.
"At Maccabi Tel Aviv I saw more of the grit that had perhaps been lacking against Lazio. Maybe we're already too relaxed psychologically, but I can assure you that physically we are on fine form."
There is the risk that his players will already be looking ahead to next Saturday's crunch match against second-placed Milan, so Capello must work hard to keep them focused.
"We will play against Bologna and keep our minds on that task," said the tactician. "There is time yet to worry about Milan. In the last few games the Rossoblu have played good football and been unlucky, so let's hope they don't rediscover their fortune this weekend!"
Zlatan Ibrahimovic keeps his place alongside Alessandro Del Piero and the Swedish international has been a revelation in his first Serie A season.
"I believe Zlatan has another 20 per cent margin of improvement available to him, as he has extraordinary potential. The Italian League will teach him a great deal, but I already think he has clear objectives mapped out."
Juventus squad:
1 Buffon, 2 Ferrara, 3 Tacchinardi, 6 Legrottaglie, 7 Pessotto, 8 Emerson, 9 Ibrahimovic, 10 Del Piero, 11 Nedved, 12 Chimenti, 16 Camoranesi, 18 Appiah, 19 Zambrotta, 20 Blasi, 21 Thuram, 22 Bonnefoi, 23 Kapo, 25 Zalayeta, 27 Zebina, 28 Cannavaro
Juventus keep tabs on Fiorentina's Nigerian Obodo
Tribal Football
Juventus are keeping tabs on Fiorentina midfielder Christian Obodo. The Nigeria international is being considered by Juve for the summer market after impressing in the first-half of this season.
Juve are happy to wait while Fiorentina negotiate with Perugia to buy out their half of Obodo's registration. Serie B Perugia are asking £1.7 million for their 50 per cent of the youngster's registration.
Juventus tell Barcelona price for Tacchinardi
Tribal Football
Juventus have told Barcelona it will cost them £4 million for midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi. The Italy international has also tabled his personal demands, asking for a three-year contract worth £1.4 million-a-season from Barca.
Barca coach Frank Rijkaard wants to bring Tacchinardi to the Nou Camp, but club chiefs would prefer to sign him on-loan rather than shell out for a player who is entering his 30's.
Juventus chief Moggi won't look beyond 2006
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi has refused to look beyond his current contract, which expires in 2006.
"I have a contract for two more years," said Moggi, "and, between other things, I do not want to put pressure on the board of directors. Until 2006 I work for Juventus. My objective is to win as much as possible. Then it (his contract) will be looked at."
Moggi added: "If at the end of my term the situation is as it is now, I would be happy to sign a new contract. My aim, in fact, is to stay here as long as possible."
Lecce chief denies buyout clause for Chelsea target Bojinov
Tribal Football
Lecce director general Pantaleo Corvino has denied that striker Valeri Bojinov can be signed for £10 million. Bojinov, 18, is a top target for big spending Chelsea, Barcelona and Juventus and is set to fetch a huge fee in the summer when Lecce's board are expected to cash in.
It was reported last week that in Bojinov's new contract a clause was included allowing the Bulgaria international to leave if an offer of £10 million arrived. But Corvino denied the report yesterday.
Agent reveals Premiership interest for Juventus target Langella
Tribal Football
The agent of Cagliari midfielder Antonio Langella has revealed two Premiership clubs are chasing the 27 year-old. Juventus are leading the chase for Langella, who is being considered by the Turin giants as an eventual successor for Pavel Nedved.
But they face competition from England, with Langella's agent revealing over the weekend: "There are four great clubs that are trying for him, two in Italy and two in England."
Sunday 12 December
Bologna v Juventus: Preview
ESPN Soccernet
With next weekend's potential Serie A title showdown with champions AC Milan looming, Juventus coach Fabio Capello has ordered his side to give their total concentration to Sunday's trip to struggling Bologna.
The match has the words "banana skin" written all over it a week before the Stadio Delle Alpi hosts leaders Juventus and the second-placed Rossoneri in a battle royal which will be the ideal 2004 finale before Serie A hangs up its boots for the festive season.
All the more reason why Capello will want to maintain that four-point lead over the champions as it would at least ensure they end the calendar year in pole position, even if they lose the summit meeting in Turin.
"It is absolutely essential that we get all three points at Bologna," said Capello ahead of the trip to the Stadio Dell'Ara. "We must be absolutely sure that we do not have our minds on the match with Milan and we must look for victory (at Bologna) with absolute determination."
Although Bologna are in the middle of a dismal run that has left them in the promotion-relegation play-off spot, Capello is expecting a tough encounter with the team coached by Carlo Mazzone.
"We will be playing a team that has been playing good football even if they have not been having much luck recently," said Capello. "I hope that their luck does not return against us."
Bologna defender Alessandro Gamberini, who was on the books of Juventus as a youngster, is looking forward to the game - and has earmarked where the danger will come from.
He told www.bolognafc.it: "I have always played for Bologna and never thought of anything else. I was very young when I started playing for Bologna and it was a dream for me and wearing the jersey has always been a source of great pride for me.
"Juventus are a team full of great players, but if we show the right attitude and determination, we can get a result. (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic has always impressed me even when he played for Ajax. For me he is a great player because he is physically very strong and has the skill of a great player.
"He has also settled in very quickly in Italy and in my opinion will become one of the greatest forwards in the world."
Bologna have drawn four of their last six games and lost the other two, while Juve have won four of their last six. However, Gamberini believes that the results don't depict the real story of their recent form. "We have been a little unlucky and we were looking good against Lecce and Fiorentina before losing both games," he said.
Bologna expect to have former Juve striker Giacomo Cipriani back from a two-game suspension while Valentin Nastase and Fabio Petruzzi are suspended and will be replaced by Juarez and Gamberini. The Bianconeri are expected to name an unchanged line-up.
Del Piero pleased with himself
Football Italia
Alessandro Del Piero is always at the centre of praise or criticism, but the Juve captain is confident he's doing his job. "I realise that there are always great expectations hanging over me, but I consider that to be a good thing. It means that fans and journalists think me capable of brilliant football."
Del Piero has barely featured over the last six weeks due to an Achilles tendon problem and muscular strain, but his goal in the 1-1 Champions' League draw with Maccabi Tel Aviv boosted his confidence.
"I had a few slight injury worries, but nothing compared to what I had to deal with last year. This is a positive moment for myself and the whole team," commented the Italian international. "Of course there's always room for improvement, but I am satisfied with my progress."
The Bianconeri qualified top of their Champions' League group with five wins and a draw, while they must protect a four-point Serie A lead from Milan.
"I am scoring regularly and my understanding with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcelo Zalayeta is just perfect. When David Trezeguet returns from his shoulder surgery, we will have an extra weapon in our armoury."
The press in the Peninsula is already looking forward to next week's Scudetto showdown with the Rossoneri, but Del Piero pours cold water over their enthusiasm.
"I understand that this is a game that makes people excited," he concluded, "but first we must beat Bologna. It's a very important tie that will get us to the Milan match in top condition. I'm not sure if the title is a two-horse race now, as Inter's 5-0 win over Messina could spark a string of victories for them.
"All we must do is concentrate on winning our own games and not on what our opponents are doing."
Milan 'book' Gilardino move
Football Italia
Newspapers in Italy maintain that Milan will pay the first instalment of their offer for Alberto Gilardino in January to stave off any other potential buyers. The latest reports were sparked by the visit of Parma director Arrigo Sacchi to the Rossoneri headquarters on Friday.
It is well known that the Parma striker is a prime target for Coach Carlo Ancelotti, especially with Pippo Inzaghi, Jon Dahl Tomasson and Hernan Crespo struggling with repeated injury problems over the past year.
The Gialloblu are more than willing to sell at the end of the season due to their financial worries, but must evaluate the interest from Juventus, Inter, Roma and overseas outfits in the Spanish Liga and Premiership.
Milan are known to be the favourites thanks to a number of factors, including the strong transfer ties between the two clubs. It's claimed they have agreed to hand over the first instalment of £7m in January as a deposit, then the cash sum of £9m will be paid in June to complete the transfer.
The Italian press also suggests the international will have his current £700,000 a season salary doubled for a contract tying him to the San Siro until 2010.
Saturday 11 December
Trez hopes for quick return
Sky Sports
David Trezeguet could be set to return for Juventus sooner than anticipated. The France international was not expected to return until February after surgery on his shoulder. However, the prolific striker has targeted a return soon after the Italian season resumes after Christmas.
"People speak about the end of January or the beginning of February but I would like to return in early January," said Trezeguet. "I want to come back. I am working hard. I hope to have good news after next week's check-up in Lyon."
The news will come as a huge boost to Juventus, who are currently leading Serie A under the tutelage of Fabio Capello.
Juventus trail Premiership targets Mavuba, Essien
Tribal Football
Juventus are chasing two of the French league's brightest young stars. Bordeaux's French international Rio Mavuba and Lyon midfielder Mikael Essien, a Ghana international, have both been scouted in recent weeks by Juve. Juve director general.
Luciano Moggi had Mavuba watched in last weekend's match against Auxerre and has since received a glowing report on the youngster. Both players are rated in the £8 million class by their clubs and are also attracting serious Premiership interest.
Essien came close to joining Everton last season, while Mavuba has Barcelona, Manchester United and Arsenal hot on his trail.
Bologna block Meghni exit
Football Italia
Bologna maintain that the highly talented Mourad Meghni will remain with the club until the end of the season. The youngster has been dubbed as the 'New Zidane' which has seen his name linked with numerous clubs.
"The boy has talent but we are unfortunately not really receiving any offers with the transfer market in the current state that it is," said owner Giuseppe Frascara Gazzoni. "There are clubs in Italy and also abroad who are interested in him but he won't be leaving us in January."
The latest outfit associated with the attacking midfielder are Juventus - who ironically travel to the Stadio Dall'Ara on Sunday. Some whispers suggest that director general Luciano Moggi will make initial enquiries about the Frenchman over the weekend.
Siena await Taddei bids
Football Italia
Siena are ready to sell Rodrigo Taddei in January but the club have not received any offers.
"I'm prepared to let him go to whichever club he wants but we have yet to be made an official bid," stated President Paolo De Luca. "Now it is up to him to decide what he will do in the future. Taddei has a great opportunity but he needs to prove his worth.
"He needs to show people what he is capable of doing on the pitch because we've not received any great offers for him as of yet."
The Brazilian has only just returned to first team action after spending the last six months on the bench. He was frozen out of the squad after refusing to sign a new contract with the Tuscan minnows. Although he still hasn't extended his deal, which expires in the summer of 2005, he is back in the side.
However, he's now expected to be sold for a nominal fee in January rather than leave for nothing at the end of the season. Roma, his first choice, and Juventus have been strongly associated with the creative midfielder.
Italy face French tussle
Football Italia
Italy and France are set to make bids to host the European Championships in the summer of 2012. All proposals for the 2012 event must be submitted to UEFA by 31 January 2005, even if a decision won't be made until December 2006.
The Italian Football Federation have recently admitted that they will make an offer if they receive enough government backing. While reports in France on Friday claim that the French Football Association are pondering whether to submit a rival bid for the tournament.
Italy last hosted the European Championships in 1980 and they organised the World Cup a decade later. France, who staged the 1998 World Cup, last played host to the European Championships in 1984. They won both trophies.
