This
web site is an online diary maintained by azzurri.Friday 31 December
Moggi wants Milan rematch
Football Italia
Juve struggled against the Rossoneri this month and lost in 2003, but Luciano Moggi hopes to meet Milan in the Champions' League Final.
"I would like to face them again in Istanbul on May 25," said the Turin giants' director general. "It would be our chance for revenge after our Old Trafford defeat and of course a triumph for Italian football. It's never nice to lose a trophy on penalties."
Marcello Lippi was still in charge when Juventus lost the shoot-out in 2003, a defeat that evidently still stings the Bianconeri's consciousness. To clash in Europe would be a crowning achievement for both clubs, but in the meantime it's almost certain the Scudetto is now a two-horse race between them.
"I don't think any other team could possibly break back into it now," added Moggi, "even if the season still has a long way to go and many obstacles to encounter."
Their disappointing performance in the 0-0 draw with Milan before the Christmas break led newspapers to claim there will be massive changes in the squad over the January period.
"I was very satisfied with our overall show in 2004," insisted the transfer guru. "Nobody will be signed next month, as we already have four or five strikers available. However, we have received requests for Nicola Legrottaglie, Igor Tudor and Mark Iuliano."
It's widely believed that Legrottaglie will join his former Chievo mentor Gigi Del Neri at Roma, possibly in exchange for an option on Milan target Cristian Chivu.
Juve rule out striker move
Sky Sports
Juventus general manager Luciano Moggi insists the club are not chasing a new striker for January's transfer window. Reports in Italy have been incessant that the Serie A table-toppers are going to beef up their attack in the New Year.
Monaco forward Shabani Nonda is the latest name to be linked with a move to Stadio Delle Alpi but Moggi has refuted talk of more firepower being added to Fabio Capello's squad.
"We are good in this way and I don't see why we would have to sign another striker with the four or five forwards we already have in our squad," said Moggi.
But while there are unlikely to be any arrivals in Turin during January, departures are forecasted, with a trio of Juve players attracting interest.
Moggi added: "There will be a few market operations regarding departures, someone will leave. We have a few requests for [Nicola] Legrottaglie, [Mark] Iuliano and [Igor] Tudor."
Looking further into the future, Moggi is keeping his fingers crossed that Juve will meet staunch rivals Milan in this season's UEFA Champions League final. Milan beat Juve on penalties in the 2003 final and Moggi is relishing the prospect of a possible revenge mission for the Old Lady.
He continued: "It would be a pleasure to find Milan in Istanbul. It would be a big success for Italian football and it would be a big occasion for revenge for us after the loss we suffered in Manchester."
Udinese's Mauri Followed By Roma And Juve
Goal.com
The 24 year-old midfielder has been doing extremely well this season and
has caught the eye of various clubs.
Stefano Mauri's manager, Tiziano Gonzaga, has confirmed that the Giallorossi
and Bianconeri are interested in obtaining the services of his client but
denied that the player will be leaving Udine before June.
"I spoke with Pozzo just before Christmas; he confirmed to me the investment he made this summer. However in June some things might happen as the player is appreciated by both Delneri and Capello."
Juve and Gers in for Nonda
Sky Sports
Shabani Nonda's agent has admitted having contact with Juventus and Rangers. The Monaco striker seems unlikely to leave the Principality in the transfer window as he will instead wait until his contract expires in June.
"There are 99.9 percent of chances that Shabani will end the season with Monaco," John Dario told L'Equipe. "He is much better on a physical level and wants to play in the Champions League.
"There is an interest from Juventus, it is true, but he has not signed anything yet. I also have a meeting with them [Rangers officials] later in January."
Monaco had been believed to be looking to raise funds to bid for Fernando Morientes by off-loading their African attacker in the New Year.
Bernard in Juve's sights
Sky Sports
Newcastle full back Olivier Bernard is being linked with a January transfer to Italian titans Juventus. Bernard has been a consistent figure for The Magpies, but he would appear to be on his way out of St James' Park as talks over a new deal have failed to bear fruit.
The defender has suggested he would happily stay with Newcastle, provided they match his contract demands. The two sides have failed to reach a suitable agreement and it is being suggested that Newcastle have resigned themselves to losing the French full back in January.
With Newcastle bringing in a left back for January in the form of Celestine Babayaro, it could be that manager Graeme Souness feels he can allow Bernard to move on from Tyneside. Bernard's displays have caught the eye of a clutch of teams, with his rampaging style down the left flank attracting some of Europe's big hitters.
There are few bigger clubs in Europe than Juventus and it is being claimed that coach Fabio Capello has set his sights on luring Bernard to Turin. Juventus are leading the way in Serie A and are through to the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League.
Capello is said to be happy with most areas of his squad, while it has been claimed there will be no new arrivals in January, but one area of concern is at left back. Gianluca Zambrotta has been turning out at left back and although the Italian international has performed with great credit, he is not a natural full back.
It could well be that Capello has earmarked a left back for January and rumours are suggesting Bernard is his favoured option. French television reports have claimed Bernard is ready to make the move to the Old Lady when the transfer window opens in January and have even suggested a deal is close to being finalised.
Fiorentina chief rubbishes talk of Juventus return for Chiellini
Tribal Football
Fiorentina director general Fabrizio Lucchesi has denied reports that defender Giorgio Chiellini is set to return to Juventus in January.
Its been suggested a clause in Chiellini's deal allows Juve to recall the youngster midway through his season-long loan, but Lucchesi insisted yesterday: "Chiellini will not be shaken by the talk of his return to Juventus.
"He is happy in Florence. We will only speak with Juventus in June about the player's future."
Laporta's Juve swoop worry
Sky Sports
Barcelona president Joan Laporta remains fearful that the club will be unable to push through a deal for Juventus midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi. The Italy international has emerged as Barca's top target to fill the void created by injuries in the defensive midfield position.
Tacchinardi has featured sporadically for Juventus this season and that had prompted Barca optimism that they could sign the 29-year-old on loan for the second half of the campaign. But Barca supremo Laporta concedes that progress in the deal is proving frustrating as Juve coach Fabio Capello seems reluctant to offload Tacchinardi.
"We hope to sign Tacchinardi in January, yes, because we need a similar player with his characteristics," Laporta told the Gazzetta dello Sport. "But I fear it is difficult because they have told me that Fabio Capello doesn't want to allow him to leave."
If Laporta misses out on Tacchinardi, the midfielder will join a list of names that the Barca chief has failed to tempt to La Liga from Serie A. He added: "Last summer we were close to signing David Trezeguet but we didn't find an economical agreement.
"The year before we had hoped to sign Adriano before he went back to Inter [from Parma]. Subsequent events have given us the reason for that because Adriano is the best player there is in Italy, the only one for whom I'd do something foolish."
Adriano going nowhere
Football Italia
Inter owner Massimo Moratti has reiterated that Adriano will not be leaving the club after Real Madrid's Ronaldo called him to the Spanish club. "We are not even going to talk about it, and Ronaldo should be the first to know that," stated the oil baron.
The Inter No 1 also spoke about the club's interest in Lazio's Cesar. "He is certainly an option for us, but in these situations it depends on the willingness of both clubs and the player."
Last summer Lazio's President Claudio Lotito was strongly opposed to the sale of the Brazilian to Inter.
Inter, AC Milan aware Samuel unhappy at Real Madrid
Tribal Football
Real Madrid defender Walter Samuel is being linked with an end-of-season return to Italy. The former Lazio defender has struggled to settle in Madrid and its been suggested his representatives have already made Serie A clubs aware that he is considering a return.
AC Milan and Inter are both leading the chase for Samuel. Real will ask £16 million for the Argentina international and Milan are deemed favourites for his signature thanks to the presence of Arrigo Sacchi now at Madrid.
Real Madrid to trump Man Utd, Arsenal for Mavuba
Tribal Football
Real Madrid general manager Arrigo Sacchi is preparing a January bid for Bordeaux midfielder Rio Mavuba. The 20 year-old is already established in the full French national team and is regarded as a long-term replacement for Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira.
Sacchi has made signing a defensive midfielder a priority for the winter market and after discarding the possible transfers of Edu (Arsenal) and Javier Mascherano (River Plate) has turned to Mavuba.
Arsenal and Manchester United are also chasing the youngster, but Real are confident they can clinch Mavuba's signature given the current financial constraints of both Premiership clubs. Sacchi has drawn up a four-and-a-half year contract for Mavuba with a view to landing the defensive midfielder in January.
Trap backs Juve and Milan
Football Italia
Former Italy Coach Giovanni Trapattoni believes that Lo Scudetto is a two-horse race between Juventus and Milan. The former Italy Coach believes that, despite Silvio Berlusconi's resignation as Milan President, the Rossoneri will be Juve's main rivals for the remainder of the season.
"Nothing will change," claimed the current Benfica Coach. "Recently the technical decisions were left up to Adriano Galliani and Carlo Ancelotti anyway. Berlusconi will continue to be Milan. He redesigned the way we look at Italian football in modern times."
With regards to the title race, Trap believes that Milan, along with Juventus, are superior to the rest of the challengers.
"Juventus remind me of my Inter squad in 1989," continued Trap. "They are efficient, concrete and solid. They are covered in every role. The Rossoneri, meanwhile, play an attractive football and have a set style of play. They are the current champions.
"The Nerazzurri, meanwhile, are behind because they keep changing. They couldn't maintain the pace of the top two and so they looked for other solutions. Experimenting doesn't help with the continuity, but it will help for the future. Let's not forget Roberto Mancini is only in his first season at Inter."
Thursday 30 December
Trez close to comeback
Football Italia
Juventus ace David Trezeguet is confident that he is just a few weeks away from returning to action. The striker had shoulder surgery in October but the Frenchman is on the verge of a full recovery.
"I'm very close to a return," he stated. "I should resume full training with my teammates on January 2 and then it will be up to the Coach to decide when to use me."
Many expect Trez to be back in Serie A mode on January 23 for the home match against Brescia.
"It will be very pleasing to play alongside Alessandro Del Piero or Zlatan Ibrahimovic again," explained the former Monaco man. "Ibra is a great player. It is very easy to play alongside him because he creates space for others which makes scoring goals rather easy."
The 26-year-old concluded by revealing that he hopes to get his hands on the European Cup in 2005.
"I've won a lot with Juventus up to this point but I am missing the Champions' League. Fortunately with this team, we can lift any trophy," he added.
Juventus aim to beat Liverpool, Spurs for Behrami
Tribal Football
Juventus are planning to trump Liverpool and Tottenham for Swiss midfielder Valon Behrami. The 19 year-old is currently starring on-loan at Verona from Genoa and Juve coach Fabio Capello and director general Luciano Moggi are agreed that he is a priority signing for next season.
Aware of interest from the Premiership, Moggi plans to bid for Behrami in January and sign him before immediately loaning the teenager back to Verona for the rest of the season.
Bologna set Meghni fee
Football Italia
Bologna have told admirers of Mourad Meghni that he will cost around £7.5m on the transfer market. The 20-year-old has been dubbed as the 'New Zidane' by some which has seen him linked with a number of big clubs. But the Stadio Dall'Ara outfit insist they have no intention of giving the Frenchman away on the cheap.
"Meghni is being watched by a lot of teams but we have given him a valuation and that will not change," owner Giuseppe Gazzoni Frascara told the Corriere dello Sport. "We are ready to negotiate for around the sum of £7.5m. We will not start talking for anything less."
Whispers suggest that the attacking midfielder is already on the wish list of Juventus and Real Madrid. And Frascara is confident that such a move would be fitting for the youngster who is set for stardom.
"Meghni is already a very good player but he can develop into a great champion," he concluded.
Juventus pair Iuliano, Tudor want Italy stay
Tribal Football
If they're to leave Juventus, defensive pair Mark Iuliano and Igor Tudor want to remain in Italy. Iuliano has offers in front of him from Celtic and Olympiakos, but is expected to accept a proposal from Genoa, though possibly not until the end of the season when he is off contract.
Croatia international Tudor, who has been linked with Newcastle and Standard Liege, also wants to remain in Italy. Bologna and Cagliari are seeking talks with Juve about Tudor during the January transfer market.
Meanwhile, veteran Paolo Montero will remain with Juve after clear-the-air talks with coach Fabio Capello.
Nonda's Juve honour
Sky Sports
Shabani Nonda admits he would be flattered to join Juventus, amid rumours the Monaco forward has agreed a deal with the Serie A giants. The African powerhouse is out of contract at the end of the season and appears unlikely to sign an extension.
Nonda has been at Stade Louis II since 2000 but has struggled with injuries during the past two campaigns. The 27-year-old refused to confirm reports he is due to pen a pre-contract agreement with Juve but claims it would be an honour to represent the Bianconeri.
"For me it would be an honour to wear Juve's jersey, playing in a team like [Fabio] Capello's together with big players like Del Piero, Trezeguet, Nedved, Ibrahimovic," Nonda told Corriere dello Sport. "In Turin, it could be the last stage of my career, the most important one.
"With Juve I can aim to win a lot. It is a quality jump, a step forward. Teams like Juve, Manchester United, Milan or Arsenal represent the top for a player."
The reports in Italy suggest Juve general manager Luciano Moggi already has the deal signed and sealed, with Nonda's agent John Dario confirming the striker has rejected a new contract at Monaco.
Dario said: "It will be really hard for him to stay at Monaco. We have refused the first proposal. And if Nonda will change clubs, he will only do it for a big team."
Legrottaglie ready to leave
Sky Sports
Juventus centre back Nicola Legrottaglie has revealed he is ready to move on from the Turin giants in January's transfer window. The former Chievo Verona stopper has been frozen out of the club's first team reckoning this season by Bianconeri boss Fabio Capello.
Legrottaglie has only appeared for the Old Lady in UEFA Champions League qualifying and the Coppa Italia this term after an indifferent spell with Juve following his move from Chievo two seasons ago.
The Italy international admits his time with Juve has been difficult and that he is prepared to move on in January to get more first team football.
"Unfortunately, I've had an unlucky period, as it can happen to everyone," Legrottaglie told Corriere dello Sport. "Last season, I had not given the performances expected. It has been partially my fault and partially I've been blocked by physical problems but Turin's audience expected more.
"Everyone makes mistakes, but mine were exaggerated. I failed in five or six matches and I had everyone against me. I've found a hostile environment towards me and I've never had help."
Legrottaglie has been linked with a move to Roma, where his former boss at Chievo - Luigi Del Neri - is in charge. The defender says he has not received any contact from other clubs as yet, but that a move to the Giallorossi or abroad would appeal to him.
"I've never spoken about my future, so this is the first time I speak about the market," he added. "We must wait until January. I know nothing and I have not had contacts with anyone.
"I don't know what the future can hold for me. I'm already taking into consideration the hypothesis to leave, just to show that I'm reborn. Roma? I got close to them two seasons ago.
"This year, I'd have a big motivation because I've a lot of esteem for coach Luigi Delneri. Coming back to work with him would be great. It would be one of the best solutions, if I'd have to leave.
"Abroad? I'd like to have a foreigners' experience. It would be great playing in England or in Spain. The English one is a championship that for my characteristics would be good."
Juventus use Legrottaglie to get option on Roma's Chivu
Tribal Football
Juventus are ready to sell defender Nicola Legrottaglie to AS Roma next month. Roma coach Gigi del Neri is keen to sign his former Chievo protégé, though had expressed concerns that Legrottaglie's price-tag would be too high.
Juve are ready to assist Roma by dropping their asking price in exchange for first refusal on Cristian Chivu at the end of the season. Legrottaglie is ready to move, declaring this week that he needed to leave Juve to resurrect his career.
Roma snub Legrottaglie bid
Football Italia
Roma boss Gigi Del Neri has ruled out a January swoop for Juventus stopper Nicola Legrottaglie. The latter has been linked with the capital club after failing to break into Fabio Capello's Turin plans. But Del Neri, who bossed the defender at Chievo Verona, insists he won't arrive in the New Year.
"A few players could join in January like Siena's Rodrigo Taddei," he told the Corriere dello Sport newspaper. "As for Legrottaglie, he is an excellent player but he is somebody that we don't need at this moment in time."
Although a transfer to Roma now looks unlikely, Legrottaglie is still expected to leave the Old Lady.
Whispers suggest that he could quit Serie A altogether with apparent interest from English and Spanish clubs. However, Legrottaglie is understood to have rejected a move to Feyenoord. The Dutch team wanted him on loan until the summer.
Meanwhile, another Bianconeri defender in the shape of Igor Tudor is set to depart the Stadio Delle Alpi. The Croatian – who can also be used as a central midfielder – is wanted by Standard Liege, Bologna and Cagliari.
Wednesday 29 December
Mutu nets Juve deal?
Football Italia
Adrian Mutu has signed a pre-contract agreement with Juventus, according to reports in Romania. The forward is currently suspended and without a club after he tested positive for cocaine earlier this season.
However, the 'Gazeta Sportuliror' newspaper claims that the Italian outfit have offered him a fresh start after Chelsea sacked him.
Mutu, who is available for nothing, has been strongly associated with a switch to Turin in the past and a deal seems to be on the horizon. It is claimed that Juve have already wrapped up a deal for the international in a bid to beat the competition.
Although Mutu did fail a drugs test, he still has many admirers in the game after his impressive spells at Verona and Parma. Roma, Fiorentina and Palermo are other Italian clubs keeping an eye on his situation.
Should Mutu move in at the Stadio Delle Alpi then Fabrizio Miccoli is likely to remain at Fiorentina. The Italian joined the Viola in the summer after Juventus opted to keep the faith with Alex Del Piero.
Roma, Juventus, Fiorentina all in for Mutu
Football Italia
A mad scramble is on between Serie A clubs for disgraced Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu. The Romanian has instructed his representatives to find him an Italian club for next season as he serves the final seven months of his drugs ban.
Bucharest press reports state he has already penned a pre-contract with Juventus. However, any such deal would be challenged by Chelsea in the courts as they seek compensation for the striker.
Meanwhile, along with Juve, Palermo, Fiorentina and AS Roma have all made contact with Mutu's agents, which include Italian Alessandro Moggi, to declare their interest in the former Parma star.
Ferrara set to quit
Football Italia
Juventus veteran Ciro Ferrara will retire from the game at the end of this current campaign.
"I am still under contract with Juventus but once this season ends I will hang up my boots," he admitted. "However, I will then begin a job as a club official for the Bianconeri."
The former Italian international stopper, who is now 37-years-old, has enjoyed a majestic career. Born in Napoli, Ferrara made his Serie A debut for his home-town club in the 1984-85 season. He won two League titles at the San Paolo before winning five more at Juventus following his 1994 move to Turin.
Legrottaglie ponders exit
Football Italia
Nicola Legrottaglie has conceded that he may have to leave Juventus in order to kick-start his career. The Italian joined the giants in the summer of 2003 after becoming one of the most wanted stoppers in Serie A - thanks to his fine form at Chievo.
But Legrottaglie failed to settle at the Stadio Delle Alpi and he now doesn't figure in Fabio Capello's first team plans.
"Juventus are a great club but perhaps I joined them at the wrong time," stated the central defender. "I also had numerous injury problems to deal with and I lost my first team place. Maybe it is time for a change of environment."
Transfer whispers claim that Roma are interested in a January swoop but the player has his eyes on the Premiership.
"The club haven't spoken to me about a move at this present moment in time," continued the international. "If I do receive a few offers then I will evaluate all of them. I really do like the English game even if I have to admit that Roma would be one of the best solutions for me."
The Giallorossi could be keen given that boss Gigi Del Neri brought the best out of the player while they were both at Chievo.
Real Madrid After Adriano
Goal.com
According to daily sports newspaper "AS", the Spanish club are ready to convince the Inter striker to join them. Real's President, Florentino Perez, with the help of new Director of Football, Arrigo Sacchi, wants to bring the Brazilian striker to Spain next summer.
Adriano would be more than willing to join Ronaldo and form a magnificent attacking duo just like with the Brazilian national team, however the problem will be to convince Massimo Moratti. Perez is confident that he will be able to convince the Inter patron to sell the player just like he had done some years back when the Nerazzurri sold Ronaldo to Real in the last minute of the transfer market.
Apart from Adriano, Real also want to bring to their court Robinho from Santos and Steven Gerrard from Liverpool.
Santos ace Robinho drops Real Madrid hint
Tribal Football
Santos winger Robinho says he wants a move to Spain's Primera Liga. Benfica and Chelsea are chasing the Brazil international, but Real Madrid remain favourites for the youngster's signature.
"I would like to play for a great team in Spain. I have my favourite, but I am not going to say anything just yet," said Robinho yesterday. "I am on vacation, enjoying my time again with my mother."
"Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos have spoken very well of Madrid and the city to me, but still I do not know if I am going to go there, for that it is necessary to speak with my representative, who is the one that is working on it."
Tuesday 28 December
Capello relished rest
Football Italia
Fabio Capello concedes the Christmas break came at the right time for a tired Juventus, but denies there will be any January signings.
"Our performance against Milan was not up to scratch and it proved we were very tired," said the Coach as training resumed in Turin. "Now the players are more relaxed and will begin another type of fitness preparation to get us to the end of the season on top form."
The Bianconeri maintained their four-point lead over Milan despite a disappointing performance in the Scudetto showdown that ended goalless.
"This break really was needed and allowed everyone to recover their energy levels ahead of the restart on January 6."
Gianluca Zambrotta has been given an extra 24 hours of rest after arriving back from the tsunami-hit Maldives early this morning, while the South Americans will join in training on Tuesday. The press is already looking ahead to the January transfer window, but Capello was quick to close it.
"There will be no new arrivals mid-season," assured the Coach. "We are waiting for David Trezeguet to recover from his shoulder surgery and he'll be the only reinforcement Juventus need."
With the French hitman returning to the side in late January, this leads some to wonder how Alessandro Del Piero fits in the line-up.
"Del Piero is definitely not out of the equation and we can experiment with new tactics. As for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, we all knew his qualities, but he has settled in very quickly."
Capello may claim there are to be no new signings, but he was less certain when it came to the potential departures of Mark Iuliano, Alessio Tacchinardi, Igor Tudor and Nicola Legrottaglie.
"It's not nice to wash ones dirty linen in public," said the former Roma Coach. "We'll all wait and see what happens."
Mascherano's agent reveals Juventus contact
Tribal Football
The agent of River Plate midfielder Javier Mascherano has revealed the interest of Juventus in the Argentina international. Juve coach Fabio Capello wants a new midfielder in January, particularly with Alessio Tacchinardi likely to be on his way to Barcelona.
Gaetano Fedele, who represents Mascherano, revealed yesterday: "Javier Mascherano appeals a lot to the Bianconeri and if there is a club that can buy him, then that one is Juve. I cannot rule out that something could be done."
Chelsea, Real Madrid rival Juventus for Ajax's Maxwell
Tribal Football
Chelsea and Real Madrid have joined the race for Ajax winger Maxwell. Italian giants Juventus remain favourites for the left-sided Brazilian, whose agent Mino Raiola enjoys a good relationship with their director general Luciano Moggi.
Raiola has confirmed Maxwell will leave Ajax at the end of this season and along with Juve has also received an enquiry from AS Roma. However, its been suggested today that Chelsea and Real Madrid are also hot on the trail of Maxwell, who is likely to fetch a fee of around £6 million when he does leave his Dutch club in June.
Messina move for Juventus keeper Bonnefoi
Tribal Football
Messina president Pietro Franza is ready to offload Greek goalkeeper Theo Eleftheropoulos during the January market. Eleftheropoulos infuriated club management after he left for his vacations early before the rest of his teammates after being dropped for last week's clash with Atalanta.
Juventus' French goalkeeper Landry Bonnefoi is Franza's top choice to replace Eleftheropoulos, though also in the frame is Albinoffe's Paolo Acerbis.
Valencia star Aimar wants Liverpool move
Tribal Football
Argie star Pablo Aimar wants out of Spanish champs Valencia.
AS says Aimar has told his agent, Gustavo Mascardi, that he wants to leave Valencia after falling out with coach Claudio Ranieri. Aimar doesn't feel valued by Ranieri and has told close friends he'd love to work again for Rafa Benitez at Liverpool.
Valencia are prepared to listen to offers for the midfield dazzler as he is one of the club's highest wage earners and the Spanish champs aren't prepared to have him see out the season sitting on the bench.
But the stumbling block is Valencia's bitter dispute with Benitez, which could wreck any hopes for Aimar of moving to Anfield. Valencia sent a letter of complaint to Liverpool last week over Benitez's public attack on their sports director Manuel Llorente and will be reluctant to deal with their former coach.
Lippi crowns Spalletti
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi casts an eye over the Serie A stage and reveals he had recommended Luciano Spalletti for his successor at Juventus.
"Udinese are a phenomenon of modern football management," commented the Italy boss. "Behind their results lie a network of scouts and video cameras to scan potential stars around the world. No transfer decision is left to chance."
The Friuli outfit has never finished higher than third in Serie A, but this season they have been the only side capable of closing in on Juventus and Milan. Can they challenge for the Scudetto?
"Why not?" responded Lippi. "Nobody has done better in the last ten rounds, so why put a glass roof on your ambitions?"
There are several Udinese players who have been tipped for a future in the Azzurri squad, with Stefano Mauri already earning a cap under Lippi's reign.
"The whole team has extraordinary potential, but if you want individual names then I can say Morgan De Sanctis, Felipe, Mauri, David Pizarro and those wonderful strikers Antonio Di Natale, David Di Michele and Vincenzo Iaquinta."
The man who has forged them into a team is Luciano Spalletti, a Coach considered to be worthy only of mid-table sides before this fantastic season.
"I will reveal a little secret," added Lippi. "Last February I decided to stop Coaching Juventus and put forth Spalletti's name as my replacement. I was set for a role as general manager within the club, but my career took another path."
Udinese may be the Serie A revelation, but the title race already seems to be between two teams before we've even reached the half-way point.
"It will be a long battle between Juventus and Milan, but the difference will be made by minor details, such as the recovery process of David Trezeguet, Jaap Stam and Pippo Inzaghi. Emerson has been Juve's masterpiece buy, while their desire to get back on track has also been key."
L'Equipe ideal side hails Serie A
Football Italia
French newspaper l'Equipe has published its ideal line-up of 2004 and included six Serie A stars, among them two Azzurri.
The Italians are represented by goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who is increasingly regarded as the best in the world, and the unusual choice of Gianluca Zambrotta. The Juve fullback was not even on France Football's 50-man shortlist for the European Player of the Year.
Milan veteran Marcos Cafu is also included in the defence at the ripe old age of 34, where he is flanked by Chelsea's central defenders John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho. Bologna midfielder Theodoros Zagorakis earns his place after captaining Greece to glory in the Euro 2004 tournament.
The strength of Serie A's strike forces is evident in the choice of both San Siro-based hitmen, as Andriy Shevchenko and Adriano are joined by Barcelona's Ronaldinho in this fantasy line-up.
As expected, Jose Mourinho is named top Coach for his role in taking Porto to the Champions' League and his fine start with Chelsea.
L'Equipe ideal team of 2004:
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus & Italy); Cafu (Milan & Brazil), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea & Portugal), John Terry (Chelsea & England), Gianluca Zambrotta (Juventus & Italy); Deco (Barcelona & Portugal), Maniche (Porto & Portugal), Theo Zagorakis (Bologna & Greece), Ronaldinho (Barcelona & Brazil); Andriy Shevchenko (Milan & Ukraine), Adriano (Inter & Brazil)
Quake strands Serie A stars
Football Italia
Several top Italian players were in the Maldives for their Christmas holidays when the tidal wave struck, but they have escaped unharmed. The strongest earthquake in the last 40 years sparked giant tidal waves in the Indian Ocean on Boxing Day, killing thousands in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and the Maldives.
Several Serie A players were in the area for the Christmas break and there were fears they might have been caught up in the disaster. Alessandro Nesta was able to fly out early, but his Milan teammate Paolo Maldini and Juve's Gianluca Zambrotta were stranded for most of the day.
"We were already at the airport when the disaster struck," explained Maldini after flying in this morning, "so all we saw was the flooded landing strip. We were fortunate to be on the other side of the island awaiting our flight."
Some are still in the Maldives and it's unclear when they will be able to fly back for training, set for today or tomorrow ahead of the Serie A restart on January 6. Inter defender Marco Materazzi, Milan striker Pippo Inzaghi, Livorno's top scorer Cristiano Lucarelli and Perugia patron Alessandro Gaucci are all currently waiting for flights.
"I'm fine, even if obviously we were scared," said Inzaghi. "Now there are around 300 people waiting in the hotel lobby for transport."
Cristiano Lucarelli added, "We saw this huge wave coming towards the beach, so I grabbed my two children and ran towards safety. Everyone is camped out in the lobby without electricity."
The earthquake was registered as 8.9 on the Richter scale and so far more than 17,000 people have died.
Monday 27 December
Serie A stars Buffon, Gattuso spent Christmas behind bars!
Tribal Football
Multimillionaires Gigi Buffon and Rino Gattuso chose to spend part of their Christmas in jail behind bars! Juventus goalkeeper Buffon and AC Milan midfielder Gattuso both visited separate jails in Italy to lift the spirits of inmates and guards alike.
Gattuso even took part in a football tournament which pitched inmates of the Rossano jail against local club teams. For his part, Buffon visited the Massa jail and spent several hours with prisoners and guards discussing their lives behind bars.
Chelsea furious over Mutu's Juventus move
Tribal Football
Chelsea are fuming as reports emerge that disgraced striker Adrian Mutu has signed a pre-contract with Juventus. The Sunday Mirror says Chelsea had to write off the £15.8million they paid Parma for him 18 months ago and are set to legally challenge his right to join another club without Chelsea getting compensation.
The club's chief executive Peter Kenyon insists they will pursue Mutu through the courts and are refusing to release his registration papers despite sacking him in October. Chelsea claim that despite sacking the player they have every right to reclaim some of the fee they paid Parma.
The Blues feel that at the very least they are within their right to retain Mutu's registration to the length of his four-year contract, which still has two-and-a-half years to run.
Agent dismisses Chivu talk
Sky Sports
Cristian Chivu's agent has dismissed talk of him leaving Roma to join Juventus. Some reports in Italy have suggested that the Romanian stopper could jump ship from the Italian capital to join Juve. Chivu's agent Andrea Pretti has dismissed any talk of a move to Turin for his client, insisting it is nothing but speculation.
"He won't leave Roma," Pretti told Radio Incontro. "Juventus? It's normal that big players will have suitors, but I don't think that Bianconeri officials are close to calling me, because there is nothing concrete."
Chivu has missed most of the season with a broken metatarsal, but Pretti says he should be back in action in February. "Chivu feels good now and he will be back in February."
The 24-year-old has already been linked with Milan this season, and it seems as though the top clubs are circling over the former Ajax stopper, with Roma struggling on and off the pitch.
Sunday 26 December
Emerson urges Totti to quit Roma
Tribal Football
Juventus midfielder Emerson has told his former teammate Francesco Totti that he should leave AS Roma for the sake of his career.
Emerson controversially quit Roma over the summer for Juve after months of bitter negotiations and he said: "I do not have anything against my former fans - but I know that they will hiss me when I return to Roma. I only want them to understand that for the good of the club that changes must always occur to teams.
"In fact, for the good of everyone, including himself, I would tell Totti that he should change teams for his own sake."
Juventus chief rules out January bid for Monaco's Nonda
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi has ruled out a January bid for AS Monaco striker Shabani Nonda. Nonda is off contract in June and Moggi is confident the centre-forward will resist all rival offers in January to remain available for Juve.
Moggi could seek to secure Nonda to a pre-contract next month, though much will depend on the long-terms plans coach Fabio Capello plans has for Marcelo Zalayeta.
Juventus want Fiorentina's Obodo as Tacchinardi replacement
Tribal Football
Juventus are ready to step up talks with Fiorentina and Perugia over midfielder Christian Obodo next week. The Nigeria international is wanted by Juve coach Fabio Capello as a replacement for Alessio Tacchinardi, who is set to move to Barcelona.
Fiorentina and Perugia share Obodo's registration and with Juve enjoying a good relationship with both clubs, insiders say negotiations will not prove difficult - should La Viola be prepared to sell the youngster in midseason.
Indeed, the stumbling block is expected to be Fiorentina's reluctance to lose Obodo in January, particularly with no replacement lined-up by new president Andrea Della Valle.
Juventus to listen to offers for Iuliano, Legrottaglie
Tribal Football
Juventus are ready to listen to offers for defender Nicola Legrottaglie in January. The former Chievo Verona stopper has been linked with AS Roma, though his ex-coach Gigi del Neri says they cannot afford him.
Along with Legrottaglie, Juve director general Luciano Moggi is also prepared to allow Mark Iuliano to move on. The veteran's agent confirmed this week talks with an unnamed Premiership club.
Bologna president reveals Juventus approach for Meghni
Tribal Football
Juventus are favourites to land Bologna midfield ace Mourad Meghni.
The 20 year-old Frenchman has emerged as a top target for Real Madrid president Florentino Perez in the last month and new GM Arrigo Sacchi's good relationship with Bologna has raised speculation that Spain could be Meghni's next port-of-call.
But Bologna president Beppe Gazzoni is said to have already struck an agreement with Juve director general Luciano Moggi about a deal at the end of the season.
"It's true Juventus have made an approach for Meghni," said Gazzoni. "But nothing is happening now. We have invested a lot in Mourad and for that reason he will not leave Bologna."
However, a summer move is likely, with Bologna's free signing expected to fetch a fee of over £6 million in June.
Brescia's Caracciolo considers Arsenal, Liverpool interest
Tribal Football
Brescia centre-forward Andrea Caracciolo has revealed both Arsenal and Liverpool have made enquiries about his availability.
The 23 year-old Italy international has emerged as one of the hottest properties in the European market this January and along with the Premiership pair, also has AC Milan, Juventus, Villarreal and Shakhtar Donetsk all chasing his signature.
Caracciolo's agent, Tiziano Gonzaga, said last week: "We do not expect any business in January. Brescia are most likely to sell in June. But in football, anything is possible."
Asked about interest arriving from England, Caracciolo declared: "England it would be fascinating experience. For sure, Liverpool and Arsenal are concrete possibilities."
Saturday 25 December
Juve eye Tacchi alternative
Football Italia
Juventus are looking for a new central midfielder as a possible replacement for Alessio Tacchinardi. The Italian is being tipped to join Barcelona in January and he would need substituting if released. Whispers in the peninsula suggest that there are two players who boss Fabio Capello is particularly keen on.
The first is Inter's Cristiano Zanetti, a player who won Lo Scudetto at Roma under Capello in 2001. However, there are problems with the proposed swoop as the Nerazzurri aren't keen on strengthening a rival. Inter already released Fabio Cannavaro to Juve in the summer – a decision that has backfired.
An alternative for the Old Lady of Italian football would be the impressive Fiorentina starlet Christian Obodo. The Nigerian, who has been immense for the Viola this term, is being watched by transfer guru Luciano Moggi.
Fiorentina don't want to lose him in January but relations between the two clubs are good after the moves of Fabrizio Miccoli, Enzo Maresca and Giorgio Chiellini.
West Brom boss Robson turns to Juventus stopper Tudor
Tribal Football
West Bromwich Albion boss Bryan Robson is chasing Juventus defender Igor Tudor. The Sun says Robson has made the £3million-rated Croatian star his top priority in the January transfer window. It is a bold move because Tudor is a Juventus regular and, at 26, is approaching his prime.
Roma duo snub Juve
Football Italia
The Roma pair of Cristian Chivu and Christian Panucci are unlikely to be joining Juventus in the near future. Both players have been strongly associated with the Turin giants but their respective agents have rubbished reports.
"I don't think that Luciano Moggi is about to call me," stated Andrea Pretti, the Romanian's representative. "Cristian is a great player and it is only normal that he has admirers. However, there is nothing concrete regarding a transfer."
Meanwhile, speculation over the last few months has suggested that Panucci would be joining Juve in a swap deal with Nicola Legrottaglie. "Panucci is at Roma, he is happy at Roma and he will remain with Roma," agent Oscar Damiani underlined.
The Italian international may not be heading to Turin but Legrottaglie could still arrive at the Olimpico in January. The central defender is not part of Fabio Capello's plans and Giallorossi boss Gigi Del Neri is keen on landing his former Chievo player.
Real join Gilardino race
Football Italia
Real Madrid will be Milan's biggest rivals in the chase to sign Italian international Alberto Gilardino. Parma are expected to sell the player at the end of the season and a move to the Rossoneri seemed certain.
However, Real's appointment of Arrigo Sacchi as technical director could scupper Milan's proposed swoop. Sacchi knows Gilardino well after seeing him develop into one of Italy's top strikers at the Stadio Tardini.
Milan were hoping to net the forward in a bid to pair him in attack with Andriy Shevchenko, the European Footballer of the Year. It's believed that the San Siro giants had plans to sell Jon Dahl Tomasson at the end of this season and replace him with the former U-21 starlet.
Juventus and Roma have also been associated with a Gilardino swoop in the past but it now seems to be simply a two-horse race.
