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web site is an online diary maintained by azzurri.Friday 04 February
Capello defends defeated Juve
Football Italia
Fabio Capello insists Juventus didn't deserve to lose to Sampdoria last night, a defeat that re-opens the title race. The Bianconeri lost 1-0 at home to Doria, leaving Milan just five points adrift after they destroyed Messina 4-1.
"We played well and created a host of chances throughout the game," said Capello after the Delle Alpi shock. "I have to say that goalkeeper Francesco Antonioli, who I know well from my time at Roma, was their best player.
"He made two or three really excellent saves. Sampdoria had just two shots and I don't think Gigi Buffon really had too much to do."
Doria took the lead in the first half thanks to an Aimo Diana header and managed to defend their advantage with some determination.
"Samp are a team who play their best football away from home," continued Capello. "They defended deep in the second half and played on the break. Samp did well but we were a little unfortunate. Despite the loss, I'm happy with what we did."
Juve started the match with Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the bench, but he again showed his quality when he was fielded alongside Alex Del Piero and David Trezeguet in the second period.
"He started as a substitute because of the rotation system but did well when he came on," concluded the tactician.
Kapo blow for Juve
SkySports
Juventus midfielder Olivier Kapo has been ruled out of Saturday's clash with Palermo. The Frenchman was forced off in Juve's surprise midweek defeat to Sampdoria and has since learnt he will be sidelined for the next few days at least.
Tests undertaken on Tuesday indicate that the player has suffered a muscular sprain but there are slight fears that the injury could be more serious.
Juve coach Fabio Capello has spoken of a need to have a full squad to choose from and this latest blow will not improve his mood. The Old Lady engage in UEFA Champion League football in the not too distant future but the club are hopeful that Kapo will definitely be available for those dates.
Ambrosini set for Juventus?
Football Italia
Massimo Ambrosini could leave Italian champions Milan for Scudetto rivals Juventus in the summer. The midfielder rarely features at the San Siro and his representative has confirmed that a Turin switch is a possibility.
"Massimo deserves more respect and we will evaluate whether to stay at Milan at the end of the season," warned Moreno Roggi. "He is a player who Fabio Capello likes and I can't exclude that Juventus will officially manifest their interest in the next few months."
Ambrosini is an Italian international but struggles to play for Milan given the competition offered by Clarence Seedorf, Gennaro Gattuso and even Vikash Dhorasoo lately.
Meanwhile, Genoa have confirmed that Juventus are ready to make a bid for Valon Behrami. "We own him but we don't have to keep him," said director general Capozzucca. "He is available for £4m and Juventus are in pole position."
The 19-year-old, a right-sided midfielder with a Swiss passport, is impressing on loan with Verona this season.
Juventus fancy Atalanta kid Motta
Tribal Football
Juventus are tracking Atalanta teenager Marco Motta. Juve coach Fabio Capello has been following the 18 year-old's progress and has discussed the youngster with director general Luciano Moggi. An end-of-season deal involving taking co-ownership of Motta is being considered by Juve.
Juventus tracking Brazil U20 starlets
Tribal Football
Juventus are tracking Brazil U20 internationals Rafael Sobis and Fernandinho.
Juve director general Luciano Moggi has posted a scout at the U20 South American championships and has received glowing reports on the pair. Sobis is a striker with Internacional, while attacker Fernandinho has senior experience with Atletico Paranaense.
Also catching the eye of Juve representatives is Uruguayan U20 midfielder Jorge García of Danubio.
Trez receives French call
Football Italia
Juventus striker David Trezeguet is one of four Serie A stars selected in the latest French squad. Les Bleus face Sweden next Wednesday in a friendly where Trez, who hasn't played for his country since defeat to Greece at Euro 2004, should face club colleague Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The former Monaco striker, fully recovered from shoulder surgery, needs just one more goal to equal Jean-Pierre Papin's record of 30 for France. Milan midfielder Vikash Dhorasoo is also recalled given the 32-year-old's fine form of late. Roma midfielder Olivier Dacourt and Juventus right-back Jonathan Zebina are included too.
Thursday 03 February
Juventus 0 - 1 Sampdoria
Football Italia
Walter Novellino beats Juventus for the first time in his career as the Bianconeri suffer their first home defeat and see their lead cut to five points.
The Bianconeri were already eight points clear of nearest Scudetto contenders Milan going into this game and could afford to rest a few of their top stars. Alessandro Del Piero returned to the starting eleven following his goal against Atalanta at the weekend, while Ruben Olivera and Jonathan Zebina were both suspended and Pavel Nedved injured.
Sampdoria have only won here three times in their history and had Simone Inzaghi out with a one-match ban, so Francesco Flachi returned from suspension to start upfront.
Juve should have taken the lead after six minutes when a Mauro Camoranesi backheel found David Trezeguet, but his shot and an Olivier Kapo follow-up were charged down.
Olivier Kapo was set to replace Nedved out wide on the left, but his match lasted just 20 minutes before he made way for Manuele Blasi.
Sampdoria took a shock lead after 33 minutes. Castellini's header from a Zenoni corner kick thumped the crossbar and Aimo Diana was first to react and tap in from six yards. The midfielder was kept onside by Camoranesi.
Juve made changes in the second half, introducing Zlatan Ibrahimovic and moving Del Piero back into a Trequartista role behind the two strikers. They were more aggressive after the break and Trezeguet's glancing header skimmed the woodwork, while Ibrahimovic had a similar effort.
Substitute Blasi's curling right-foot strike shaved the far post with Francesco Antonioli frozen to the spot. The goalkeeper was certainly more active soon after, tipping Del Piero's shot over the bar and getting down to the floor to turn an Ibrahimovic header round the post from the corner.
Sampdoria nearly doubled their lead, as first Fausto Rossini failed to make the most of a botched Ibrahimovic clearance, then Max Tonetto's looping header dropped inches past a helpless Buffon.
Antonioli was man of the match and performed a stunning save on Ibrahimovic's turn and volley from seven yards.
Juventus: Buffon, Birindelli (Montero 75), Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Emerson, Tacchinardi (Ibrahimovic 46), Kapo (Blasi 20); Del Piero, Trezeguet
Sampdoria: Antonioli; Zenoni, Castellini, Falcone, Pisano; Diana (Edusei 84), Volpi, Palombo, Tonetto; Flachi, Rossini (Kutuzov 88)
Ref: Messina
Post-Match Comments
Fabio Capello: "Francesco Antonioli effectively earned this victory for Sampdoria, as his saves were decisive. We created several scoring opportunities and played with real character, while Samp only had two shots on goal. We were slightly unlucky today, but our position in the table is still comforting."
Capello about the match
Juventus.com
Fabio Capello comments his side's match against Sampdoria, their second home defeat of this season: "On the match's eve I said that they are good at gaining points in away matches but I must also say that we were also unlucky.
"Buffon's only intervention was on their goal occasion, while their goalkeeper was Sampdoria's best player of the match. We had many occasions but we did not take advantage of them".
Zambrotta's and Birindelli's comments
Juventus.com
"It was an unlucky match, we played on a difficult playground, completely iced: they created only one dangerous action and they managed to score. We played a good second half and created several scoring occasions but there was no chance to make it tonight.
"Still, this remains only an episode, we're ready to start again". There's certainly regret in Gianluca Zambrotta's words for the result of a match Juventus did not deserve to lose. The Bianconeri led the game but they found Antonioli keeping good watch and a cynical Samp, ready to take advantage of their only occasion.
"On their goal, we probably made a mistake" - Alessandro Birindelli admits - "but we created many occasions, as a proof that we're in a good physical condition. Unfortunately, we were not precise in the box. They're in a good moment, their physical condition is good and moreover they are more dangerous in away matches than at home.
"The distance from AC Milan reduced to 5 points? It makes no difference: we knew exactly how useless it is to look at the table at this time of the championship."
Juve to sign Behrami
Football Italia
Italian giants Juventus have confirmed that they are monitoring Verona starlet Valon Behrami. "We have been following him for a while now," stated director general Luciano Moggi. "I can't deny that we are interested."
The 19-year-old has impressed in Serie B this season after Genoa agreed to loan him to their Second Division rivals. Reports suggest that the Turin side will sign the right-sided midfielder but loan him to Palermo for the 2005-06 season.
It is understood that Moggi will hold talks with Genoa chief Enrico Preziosi in the next few days to start negotiations.
Inter were also interested in the Albanian youngster, who holds a Swiss passport, and attempted to net him in January. The Nerazzurri offered Jose Ze Maria to Genoa, who would have linked up again with former Perugia boss Serse Cosmi, but the bid was rejected.
Juventus chief moves for Fiorentina's Obodo
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi is lining up Fiorentina midfielder Christian Obodo for a summer switch. Both Moggi and Juve coach Fabio Capello have been impressed by the 20 year-old's progress at Fiorentina this season and want to sign the Nigerian youngster to some sort of option in June.
Moggi has discussed Obodo with Capello, with co-ownership and outright transfer options both being considered. The Juve chief is confident of positive talks with Fiorentina over Obodo, thanks to their strong relationship with the promoted Serie A club.
Giorgio Chiellini, Enzo Maresca and Fabrizio Miccoli are all on-loan at Fiorentina from Juve and could be used as bargaining chips in Moggi's pursuit of Obodo.
Vialli predicts Del Piero exit
Football Italia
Gianluca Vialli doesn't expect Alessandro Del Piero to end his career with Italian giants Juventus. The captain has developed into a symbol for the club since his arrival in 1993 but his former Bianconeri teammate believes his time in Turin is coming to an end.
"I don't think that Del Piero will terminate his playing days at Juve," the legendary Italian told the Gazzetta dello Sport. "I hope he decides to experience an adventure abroad so that he can enjoy himself in Spain or England.
"He can choose where and when," added the ex-striker, who himself left Turin for English club Chelsea in 1996.
Del Piero is tied to the Delle Alpi outfit until 2008 but he's no longer guaranteed a starting shirt under boss Fabio Capello.
"Alex has the right to be unhappy but also needs to continue training seriously and play with enthusiasm as he is doing," added Vialli. "Capello? I can't argue with the decisions of a Coach whose team is eight points clear at the top of the table.
"Capello can't change his 4-4-2 system now. Del Piero can play in a wide variety of roles but only in attack."
Juventus insist that Del Piero, now 30, will remain even if he has been linked with Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid recently.
Mascherano eyes Emo partnership
Football Italia
River Plate ace Javier Mascherano says he would love to play alongside Emerson at Juventus. The midfielder is one of the most highly-rated players in South America right now and a summer switch to Europe beckons.
Mascherano, who impressed and won gold at the Olympics with Argentina, has been associated with a host of clubs. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Milan and Inter are all keen but Juventus could have a slight advantage.
"I know that Juventus and Inter have made contact," he said. "I admire Emerson and I would love to star with him. However, I know that I will play for River Plate until June. The rest is in the hands of my agents."
Italy set up Irish friendly
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi's Azzurri outfit will pay visit to the Republic of Ireland in an August friendly, it was confirmed today. Italy will play the test match in Dublin on August 17 in preparation for the upcoming 2006 World Cup qualifiers and an evening kick-off at Lansdowne Road has already been slated.
It will be the first meeting between these two nations since the 1994 World Cup, when the Republic shocked Arrigo Sacchi's side with a 1-0 first round victory sealed by Ray Houghton. That remains the only defeat in this fixture, as Italy have won every single one of the other seven encounters.
"Italy make a welcome return to Dublin and will be a massive attraction because they are one of the great traditional powers in the world," stated manager Brian Kerr. "The game will be ideal preparation for the three important World Cup qualifiers in the autumn."
The Azzurri's next scheduled games are a friendly against Russia at Cagliari's Stadio Sant'Elia on Feb 9 and a crucial World Cup qualifier with Scotland at the San Siro on March 26.
Lippi to use Roma trident
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi is thinking about transferring Roma's trident attack to the Italian national side. The tactician has been impressed by the trio of Vincenzo Montella, Antonio Cassano and Francesco Totti, forcing him to think about his own Azzurri options.
"The Giallorossi system can be used by us with the same three players or others," said the former Juventus boss. "I won't exclude a team with three strikers, so long as those in attack are ready to work hard for the team and not just wait for the ball to arrive."
Lippi is still in the early stages of developing a side for the 2006 World Cup, but he insists he already has a good base on which to build from.
"I have players like Fabio Cannavaro, Alessandro Nesta, Gigi Buffon, Gianluca Zambrotta, Gennaro Gattuso, Alex Del Piero, Christian Vieri... There is something there to progress from. Unfortunately we didn't win both of our last two qualifiers but I'm happy with the squad available."
Italy are currently top of Group 5 despite a shock 1-0 defeat to Slovenia back in early October. They are next in action on February 9 when they face Russia in a friendly, before resuming qualification against Scotland a month later.
Wednesday 02 February
Juventus - Sampdoria
Football Italia
League leaders Juventus take on Serie A upstarts Sampdoria at the Delle Alpi Stadium. The weekend's results helped Juve consolidate their league ambitions, as their win extended their lead at the top to eight points. Sampdoria were held to a draw by struggling Siena, but a Champions' League place is still not beyond them.
Fabio Capello welcomes Manuele Blasi back from suspension but the tactician will be without three key players. Ruben Olivera, star of the show against Atalanta on Sunday, and Jonathan Zebina are suspended. Pavel Nedved is still out for a couple of weeks with his knee injury, although Gianluca Pessotto is more hopeful for a return.
Doria boss Walter Novellino can field Francesco Flachi once again, after the player served his suspension last week. But Cristiano Doni, Luigi Turci and Stefano Sacchetti are all injured. January signing Simone Inzaghi is suspended.
Juventus (probable): Buffon, Birindelli, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Camoranesi, Tacchinardi, Emerson, Olivera, Ibrahimovic, Trezeguet
Sampdoria (probable): Antonioli, Zenoni, Castellani, Falcone, Pisano, Diana, Palombo, Volpi, Tonetto, Flachi, Rossini
Ref: To follow...
Juventus v Sampdoria: Preview
ESPN Soccernet
Juventus' irrepressible march to the Scudetto is gathering momentum by the week.
The Old Lady's latest victory came at the expense of Atalanta at the Atleti Azzurri d'Italia on Sunday although the 2-1 scoreline indicated that the Bianconeri did not have it all their own way against Serie A's basement side.
And with AC Milan's reverse at home to Bologna - their second slip-up in a row against supposedly inferior opposition - Juve find themselves eight points clear at the top of the table. Fabio Capello's men should face a more testing encounter when they come up against Sampdoria at the Delle Alpi.
Having suffered just one defeat in their last nine games, Samp currently lie in sixth position in the standings. But Capello intends to put the breaks on Sampdoria's recent run having compared his side to a former Italian cycling great.
Francesco Moser was a graceful rider of the 1970s and 1980s who was at his best in the downhill sections of cycling races. And the Juventus boss hopes that having done all the hard work in the opening 21 games of the season, his charges can free-wheel to the title come May.
"I said that the slope had started," said Capello. "Now we'll see if we're capable of going on until the end like Moser. "I hope we can imitate him!"
The former Milan and Roma boss has been particularly impressed with Ruben Olivera in recent weeks. The Uruguayan midfielder, who can also play up front, was handed a rare start against Atalanta, and responded by netting the opening goal.
And the 21-year-old's adaptability is giving his manager some food for thought. "Olivera is a player who's constantly improving," Capello added on www.juventus.it. "He is able to play in different areas of the pitch."
He could earn another start against Samp, while out-of-favour forward Alessandro Del Piero is also pushing for recall. The playmaker scored the all-important second goal from the spot on Sunday, but Capello is unlikely to break up the Zlatan Ibrahimovic-David Trezeguet axis in attack.
The hosts, who are unbeaten since early November and have only lost one league match all season, have no other fresh injury worries to contend with.
Visiting coach Walter Novellino is still yearning for a Champions League spot although his side's hopes of a place in the top four were dealt a blow when they could only draw 1-1 with Siena at the weekend.
Fausto Rossini's 79th-minute effort earned Samp a point, but they could be boosted by the return of leading scorer Francesco Flachi, who has missed their last two games with a head injury picked up in training last week. Reserve goalkeeper Luigi Turci remains an absentee.
Capello hits back at Totti
Football Italia
A new war of words has erupted between Roma ace Francesco Totti and Juventus boss Fabio Capello. The two men have exchanged comments since Capello walked out on the Giallorossi in the summer, and a new spat has developed after the publication of Totti's latest column today.
The No 10 took a swipe at Capello after he was asked to comment on the quality of the club's youth system.
"Many people claim merit for the development of our youngsters but the unearthing and development of them is exclusively down to (youth team co-ordinator) Bruno Conti and the people who work with him," he wrote in the Corriere dello Sport.
The former Milan and Roma boss wasted little time in responding to the Italian international.
"Before Totti writes, he must read," stated Capello. "I've never said that Conti didn't do a good job. But it must be noted that a lot of the younger players regularly trained with the first team squad in the capital. Perhaps Totti is unaware of this fact as when others were working on the pitch, he was already back in the changing rooms."
Totti had previously hit out at Capello earlier this season for the way he 'controlled' Antonio Cassano during his time at the Olimpico.
Here is Mutu!
Juventus.com
Adrian Mutu has been officially introduced to the press and has trained with his new team mates for the first time. It all happened at the Sisport Centre where he was assigned the No 30 shirt, the same number he was registered with at Uefa.
The strong Romanian striker tells about his first feelings as a Bianconero: "I'm happy, after a bad time this is the start of a new life for me. Juventus is one of the strongest teams in the world, honestly I did not expect to make a new start from such a high-ranked Club and because of that I must thank the Bianconeri Club, the coach and my managers.
"I have to wait three more months, during which I'll be training with my new team-mates; then I'll be ready to put my skills at the team's disposal. I feel I have much matured, this experience has made learn that if you want to play soccer at a high level you must lead a professional life and if you have a family you must be close to them.
"Capello is a winner and I'm happy to be part of a squad who aims at winning it all; I hope to be able to do my own part in the last two matches of the season and give my contribution to winning the Scudetto and, who knows, maybe also the Champions' League!"
Fabio Capello said about Mutu's signing: "It's a very good signing, he's one of those players who can enhance the team's technical level, he's got exceptional shots. On a personal level, he made a faux pas, he has to make up for it and Juventus is the right place where he can make it."
During the official presentation, Luciano Moggi denied the rumours of the player joining them only temporarily: "Mutu is a great player and he's here to stay and play in Juventus".
Mutu: Juve gave my life meaning
Football Italia
Adrian Mutu has at last joined his new Juve teammates and admits this is a chance to put his recent problems behind him.
"I am happy to be here because after such a terrible time my life now has meaning again," said the former Chelsea star in his presentation press conference in Turin this evening.
"I can start all over again. I have learned that to be a professional football player you have to maintain that approach off the field as well. Also, if you are lucky enough to have a family then you must spend that time with them."
The Romanian will not be able to play again until his drugs ban expires on May 18, but he has been included in the Champions' League squad - so a potential Final appearance in Istalbul on May 25 is on the cards.
"I think that I have matured over the last few months," added the striker who was sacked by Chelsea after failing a drugs test.
"I can learn from the experience. I am in one of the best clubs in the world frankly didn't expect to start again at such a high level. I thank Juventus and cannot wait to put myself at their service to win the Scudetto and maybe even the Champions' League."
Mutu has been given the number 30 jersey and trained with his new teammates in Turin today, taking part in the game between ranks. "I have three months to wait now, but I will train hard with my colleagues so that I'll be ready when the time comes."
Fabio Capello was also at the press conference and explained why the Turin giants were so eager to seal the deal early.
"Mutu is an excellent buy and one of those players who automatically raises the quality level of the whole squad," said the Coach. "On a personal level, he slipped up on a banana skin. He can recover from that mistake and Juventus are the right club to help him get back on his feet."
Some sources believed that Mutu was only signed in order to tempt Roma into parting with Antonio Cassano in the summer. "Mutu is an excellent player and he is here to stay at Juventus for a long time," insisted director general Luciano Moggi.
Juventus Champions' League squad:
1 Gianluigi Buffon, 2 Ciro Ferrara, 3 Alessio Tacchinardi, 4 Paolo Montero, 7 Gianluca Pessotto, 8 Ferreira Emerson, 9 Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 10 Alessandro Del Piero, 11 Pavel Nedved, 12 Antonio Chimenti, 15 Alessandro Birindelli, 16 Mauro German Camoranesi, 17 David Trezeguet, 18 Stephan Appiah, 19 Gianluca Zambrotta, 20 Manuele Blasi, 21 Lilian Thuram, 22 Landry Bonnefoi, 23 Oliver Kapo, 24 Ruben Olivera, 25 Marcelo Zalayeta, 27 Jonathan Zebina, 28 Fabio Cannavaro, 30 Adrian Mutu, 31 Domenico Criscito, 34 Andrea Masiello.
Juventus-Palermo co-op push for Genoa's Behrami
Tribal Football
Juventus and Palermo have launched a joint operation for Genoa attacker Valon Behrami. The Swiss wonderkid is currently on-loan with Serie B Verona and was the subject of an offer from the Juve-Palermo co-op in the final days of the winter market.
An agreement with Genoa couldn't be struck, but Juve director general Luciano Moggi will speak with Genoa president Enrico Preziosi in the coming days to thrash out a deal for Behrami. Juve and Palermo intend to sign the teenager in a co-ownership arrangement, which will see Behrami play next season with Palermo.
Italy register Euro 2012 bid
Football Italia
Italy are one of ten nations to have registered their interest in hosting the 2012 European Championships. Italy, Azerbaijan, Greece, Romania, Russia and Turkey are the six countries who have made solo bids. Croatia and Hungary, plus Poland and Ukraine, have decided to make joint bids for the tournament.
UEFA will select a three-nation shortlist in November 2005 before naming the hosts in December 2006. Italy have already staged the tournament on two occasions in the past, when they won it in 1968 and reached the semi-finals in 1980.
Tuesday 01 February
Del Piero goal delights Juve
Football Italia
Juventus are celebrating after Alessandro Del Piero returned to action and the scoresheet at Atalanta. The Italian yesterday started on the bench for the third successive game, but came on in the second-half to score a penalty which ensured the 2-1 win.
"Alex will thank me at the end of the season for the way I've been treating him," stated boss Fabio Capello, who seems to now prefer the Zlatan Ibrahimovic and David Trezeguet partnership in attack.
"I'm happy that he scored and happy with what that goal represented for us on Sunday afternoon."
Bianconeri general director Luciano Moggi mirrored his tactician's views on the club captain. "I'm very content with Del Piero's goal," outlined the official. "It shows that all the controversy surrounding him recently has brought us luck."
The Turin giants are now eight points clear of Milan but Capello was quick to praise a few more of his players. "Jonathan Zebina was perfect for us, while Ruben Olivera (who scored the opening goal) was great," continued the former Milan and Roma boss.
"I have to say that Lilian Thuram was also impenetrable in defence. I am very satisfied with the performance."
The Old Lady stretched their lead at the top after Milan lost their second consecutive game, this time at home to Bologna.
"We are not in crisis, we are just having a little difficulty in scoring right now," said boss Carlo Ancelotti, whose side were defeated by Livorno last week. "However, I have to admit that the advantage that Juventus have right now is an important one."
Livorno have pick of Juventus kids over Mutu deal
Tribal Football
Livorno will pick up two Juventus fringe players thanks to their involvement in the signing of Adrian Mutu for Juve this week.
Mutu's switch to Juve was rubberstamped yesterday after Livorno agreed to give up their final non-EU slot for the Romania international. The former Chelsea striker will be available for Juve at the end of this season once he completes his drugs ban.
Livorno coach Roberto Donadoni will choose players from Daniele Gastaldello, Abdoulay Konko, Matteo Paro, Raffaele Palladino and Davide Chiumiento from Juve when the summer market opens as a fee for their co-operation.
Gasbarroni returns to Samp
Football Italia
Former Under-21 international winger Andrea Gasbarroni has joined Sampdoria on loan from Palermo. The midfielder, who is part owned by Juventus, returns to Doria after helping them win promotion to Serie A in the 2002-03 season.
The 23-year-old, who will wear the No 46 shirt, was once hailed as a potential star of the future but has struggled to get a regular game at the Barbera this term. The port club needed reinforcements after Marco Donadel left for Fiorentina and Atalanta netted Biagio Pagano earlier today.
Elsewhere, Serie B giants Genoa have signed midfielder Vincenzo Italiano from Second Division rivals Verona.
Fiorentina land £10m Bojinov
Football Italia
The transfer window has closed with a bang after Fiorentina signed Lecce starlet Valeri Bojinov. The Viola netted the teenager after their bid of £9.3m, plus Chilean midfielder Jaime Andres Valdes, was accepted by the Via Del Mare outfit.
The switch comes as a major surprise as Lecce had recently insisted that the Bulgarian would remain with them until the end of the season. Bojinov's destination is also a shock given that Chelsea and Palermo were understood to be leading the chase for his signature.
The 18-year-old, who was also being watched by Barcelona, Milan and Juventus, is one of the most exciting prospects in Italian football after a splendid season so far. The international striker, who made his Serie A debut at the age of 15, has netted 11 League goals this term.
Fiorentina had been looking for a new forward since the window opened, having shown an interest in Lazio's Roberto Muzzi, Julio Cruz of Inter, Liverpool's Milan Baros and Bernardo Corradi of Valencia.
Bojinov becomes the club's third signing of the day after the arrivals of midfielder Marco Donadel from Milan, via Sampdoria, and Atalanta attacker Gianpaolo Pazzini.
Viola complete double swoop
Football Italia
Struggling Fiorentina have signed the Under-21 international pair of Giampaolo Pazzini and Marco Donadel. Pazzini has been linked with the Viola for the last week and a deal was finally reached last night. Atalanta will receive £4.2m and Uruguayan midfielder Gianni Guigou for the highly-rated striker.
"I'm very happy to have joined a club with great ambitions for the future," said Pazzini, who was also wanted by Palermo.
Meanwhile, Donadel has joined the club on loan after failing to regularly feature at Sampdoria this term. The central midfielder, who impressed last season with Parma, is still owned by Italian champions Milan.
Monday 31 January
Atalanta 1 - 2 Juventus
Football Italia
Substitute Alessandro Del Piero came off the bench to score the winning goal as Juventus further extend their lead at the top of the table.
Atalanta may be propping up the Serie A table, but they had already eliminated Juventus from the Coppa Italia earlier this month in a shock 5-3 aggregate result. Young striker Andrea Lazzari netted all five of the Orobici goals and tried to continue that trend in the League, replacing the suspended Riccardo Montolivo.
The Bianconeri were forced to reshuffle their midfield as Pavel Nedved was out for three weeks with a sprained knee, while Manuele Blasi was suspended and Alessio Tacchinardi and Emerson not 100 per cent fit. Alessandro Del Piero was dropped from the starting eleven for the third week running.
Igor Budan had a good scoring opportunity after a couple of minutes, but the Atalanta striker was halted for a debatable offside position when he had only Gianluigi Buffon to beat. Alex Calderoni was surprisingly given the nod in goal and flew to fingertip David Trezeguet's long-range effort over the bar.
The Orobici had a good start, but were forced to do without Budan when he limped off after 20 minutes, giving former Modena and Genoa striker Makinwa his Atalanta debut.
However, the Bianconeri took the lead on 23 minutes with a classic counter-attack. Emerson threaded through for Ruben Olivera and the Uruguayan saw Calderoni rushing off his line, placing a delicate lob into the empty net.
Atalanta aimed long-range efforts at Buffon's net and he did well to smother a Motta cross-shot. Fabio Cannavaro nodded a Mauro German Camoranesi cross over the bar, then Alessandro Del Piero stepped on to the field for the final half-hour in place of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Emerson drilled just wide from the edge of the box, then Luigi Sala fired over for Atalanta. The referee pointed to the spot when Motta was judged to have pulled back Camoranesi and Del Piero got himself back on the scoresheet by converting the penalty.
However, Juve conceded a very strange goal in the final minute that was perhaps down to the frozen pitch. Lilian Thuram's backpass rolled over Buffon's foot and into the empty net in a comical error.
Atalanta: Calderoni, Motta, Sala, Natali, Bellini, Zenoni (Sinigaglia 78), Migliaccio, Bernardini (Mingazzini 46), Marcolini, Lazzari, Budan (Makinwa 20)
Juventus: Buffon, Zebina, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta (Kapo 87), Camoranesi, Tacchinardi, Emerson, Olivera (Birindelli 73), Ibrahimovic (Del Piero 60), Trezeguet
Ref: Collina
Post-Match Comments
Fabio Capello: "Now the path is clearer for us and we'll see if we can maintain this gap. Physically we are on fine form and played well against a tough opponent. The state of the pitch didn't help either side. I am happy that Alessandro Del Piero was on the scoresheet."
Capello: "Let's imitate Moser!"
Fabio Capello is much satisfied with the victory over Atalanta, which pushes the Bianconeri 8 points clear of Milan. The Bianconeri's manager praises his team: "We're physically well, today the problem was the condition of the playground, like shown by the own-goal caused by a bad bounce of the ball. We played a great match against a determined opponent. I'm much satisfied." When asked about single players, Capello answered: "I'm very happy about Del Piero's goal; Olivera is a player who's constantly improving and is able to play in different areas of the pitch, just like Thuram, whose support was precious in the box area." And then about the table: "I said that the slope had started, now we'll see if we're capable of going on until the end like Moser [i.e. popular Italian cycling champion], who used to be particularly good in biking downhill. I hope we can imitate him!"
Emerson's comment on the match
It's Emerson's turn to comment on the win in Bergamo, after being awarded as best player of the match: "It was not an easy match, on the contrary it was a hard match to play. We must compliment ourselves for our determination and the strong will we showed. We suffered a bit in the end but it's part of the game and our strenght is just being capable of winning after suffering."
Capello delighted as Juventus go 8 points clear
Tribal Football
Juventus took full advantage of the unexpected gift from AC Milan by beating bottom club Atalanta 2-1 in Bergamo. Ruben Olivera scored the opener for Juve before Alessandro Del Piero, once again relegated to the bench, scored a penalty with 10 minutes remaining.
There was still time for Atalanta to get on the scoresheet, albeit with an own goal from Lilian Thuram who was making his 100th appearance for Juve. With Milan losing against Bologna, Juve are now eight points clear at the top of the Serie A table.
A satisfied Juve coach Fabio Capello said afterwards: "Now the path is clearer for us and we'll see if we can maintain this gap. Physically we are on fine form and played well against a tough opponent. The state of the pitch didn't help either side. I am happy that Alessandro Del Piero was on the scoresheet."
Atalanta coach Delio Rossi admitted: "We made some terrible mistakes and it's a shame because Juve pounced when we were playing well. You cannot afford to do that against the Turin giants. Nonetheless, the determination and effort put in bodes well for the future."
Del Piero Will Thank Me One Day-Capello
Goal.com
Fabio Capello returned on his supposed row with Alessandro Del Piero ahead of the game won by the Bianconeri at Atalanta, on Sunday. Against Atalanta, Del Piero came off the bench to score Juve's second of the afternoon off the spot.
"One day Alex will thank me as with time things become clearer. It is not a question of roles, but of choices. A national debate was created last week when I kept him on the bench, and personally I think there was absolutely no ground for this to occur," said the Juventus boss.
Juventus coach Capello can't see any last-minute signings
Tribal Football
Juventus coach Fabio Capello has played down any last-minute signings for the winter market today. After offloading Igor Tudor (Siena), Nicola Legrottaglie (Bologna) and Mark Iuliano (Mallorca), Capello admits he can't see any more business for Juve before tonight's transfer deadline.
"The sales are over and I do not know anything of eventual arrivals," said the Juve trainer. "I have a sufficient squad in order to play until the finish of the season. We only buy players who we believe can make a difference."
Bojinov wants Chelsea guarantee ahead of CSKA deal
Tribal Football
Lecce striker Valeri Bojinov says he is prepared to join CSKA Moscow in the summer if he is guaranteed a future move to Chelsea. Chelsea and CSKA enjoy a close relationship thanks to Blues owner Roman Abramovich, whose company sponsors the Russian club.
CSKA Moscow are preparing an £8.3million bid for 18-year-old Bojinov, who declared: "I don't want to be tied to CSKA and not have the possibility of joining an important Italian club or, maybe Chelsea. I would accept a solution that would see my transfer to them then the loan to CSKA.
"But I would be tied to Chelsea for five years knowing one day could try an adventure with the Londoners."
Crisis-torn Viola Announce Pazzini Capture
Goal.com
Shortly after losing their Sunday tie at Cagliari, Fiorentina announced the signing of hot Atalanta prospect Giampaolo Pazzini. Atalanta will receive 6 million Euros and Uruguay midfielder Gianni Guigou in exchange for the 19 year old forward.
Fiorentina, who stand right next to the relegation zone after today's loss, are also expected to announce the signing of Milan midfielder Donadel in the upcoming hours.
Sunday 30 January
Atalanta v Juventus: Preview
ESPN Soccernet
A match between leaders Juventus and bottom club Atalanta would appear to be the biggest mismatch in the Serie A season so far but there are a couple of factors that could still give hope to the long-suffering supporters of the Bergamo club.
The statistics indeed look dire for Atalanta. Juventus have lost only one Serie A match this season while Atalanta have only won one.
Atalanta have two trump cards, however. They have already beaten Juve this season, knocking them out of the Coppa Italia, while their coach Delio Rossi beat the Turin side in his last league meeting with them when he was in charge of Lecce last season.
The match is a notable one for Juve defender Lilian Thuram who makes his 100th appearance in the black-and-white jersey since his move from Parma in the summer of 2001 for what was then a world record fee for a defender.
Thuram, a veteran of France's 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 winning sides, told club website www.juventus.it: "I am pleased but those milestones are not the most important things. The most important thing is that we pick up three points."
Last week there was an unexpected twist in the title race. As expected Juve beat Brescia but Livorno's wholly unpredicted victory at the expense of AC Milan allowed the Turin side to stretch their lead to five points. With third-placed Udinese 13 points off the pace it means that Juve now have a cushion over the only team that looks capable of challenging them this term.
Thuram said: "The last match was a very important one and we improved on our recent form. Against Brescia we won with ease and most important of all we conceded no goals - let's hope that continues at Atalanta."
Atalanta are already alarmingly adrift at the foot of the table and Rossi needs a minor miracle if he is keep them in the top division although he worked something of a miracle with Lecce. Since succeeding the sacked Andrea Mandorlini, Rossi has managed to produce some improvement but not enough yet to give the club a serious chance of staying up.
The club has been busy in the transfer market this week and has made two signings. Nigerian forward Stephen Ayodele Makinwa has been signed from Serie B side Genoa while the club has also acquired Mariano Stendardo from Perugia.
Rossi will have to do without his talented playmaker Riccardo Montolivo who was sent off at Lecce last weekend in the closing minutes as Rossi made a losing return to the club he left last summer.
Pierluigi Collina, respected all over the world but not the favourite official of the Juventus fans, has been appointed to handle the game at the Stadio Atleti d'Azzurri in what is likely to be his last appearance at Bergamo in what - barring a special dispensation from Italian football chiefs - will be his last season in the top-flight.
Capello keeps Alex guessing
Football Italia
Fabio Capello has again hinted that Alessandro Del Piero will be dropped for the Atalanta game despite Juve's injury crisis.
"Alex is fine, just like everyone else," noted the Coach when asked about the subject in today's press conference. "Over the last few weeks it has become a national talking point. We discussed the situation for a long time and he has trained well recently, but I have to make choices.
"One day he'll understand as certain things become clear over time."
It is almost certain that we'll see David Trezeguet partner Zlatan Ibrahimovic upfront again, though perhaps Del Piero could take a deeper role in Pavel Nedved's absence.
"It won't be easy in Bergamo, as our opponents have a strong defence and pacey strikers like Andrea Lazzari. We mustn't let ourselves be fooled by the fact they're propping up the table."
The Bianconeri know the dangers of facing Atalanta all too well, as Lazzari bagged a hat-trick when they eliminated the Turin giants from the Coppa Italia earlier this month. Juve must also deal with an injury crisis that has ruled out Nedved, Gianluca Pessotto and the suspended Manuele Blasi, while Emerson has only just resumed training today after a week on the sidelines.
"Emerson is ready and Alessio Tacchinardi's sprained wrist is no longer a problem," insisted Capello. "Tacchinardi will be in midfield on Sunday."
These injuries have highlighted the lack of strength in depth at Juve this season, especially after Nicola Legrottaglie, Igor Tudor and Mark Iuliano were shipped out during the January transfer window.
"There will be room for everyone and we are confident we can go all the way in every competition with this squad. Right now we aren't looking for any new buys and Juve are only interested in world class players."
One new signing is Adrian Mutu and he could finally be set for his presentation press conference on Tuesday. The Romanian has dropped his law suit against Chelsea for unfair dismissal, effectively taking away the last obstacle towards completing his Juventus move.
The striker technically arrives from Livorno, who signed Mutu in order to get around the limits on non-EC players. In any case, he won't be able to make his Serie A debut until the drugs ban expires on May 18.
Agent: Mutu ready to sign Juventus contract
Tribal Football
The agent of former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu says the Romanian can now sign his contract with Juventus. Mutu is expected to be presented to the media next week by his new club - possibly on Tuesday - after finally severing his ties with the English game.
In order to meet Italian transfer rules he will actually first sign for Livorno before immediately switching to the Turin giants to help Juventus meet Serie A criteria. Juventus have already reached the limit of non-European players this season but a loophole allows them to complete the deal if they sign the Romanian forward from another Italian club.
Alessandro Moggi, the son of Juventus transfer supremo Luciano Moggi, said: 'The player is very satisfied with this outcome and he is set to be presented next week by Juventus.'
Tudor holds no Juve grudge
Football Italia
Igor Tudor has barely played for five months, but insists he doesn't hold a grudge against Juve as he prepares for a new career at Siena.
"I prefer to play for a less prestigious club than to sit in the stands with a Juventus tie round my neck," stated the Croatian defender who is on loan at the Stadio Franchi until the end of the season.
"Towards the end I felt more like a Bianconeri fan or an everyday spectator than a player. I chose to stay in Italy despite offers from Spain and England because I know the style here and feel happy in it."
Tudor's six and a half year spell in Turin has been blighted by injuries, but Fabio Capello pushed him on to the sidelines this season with just four appearances in all competitions.
"I had no problems with Capello," insisted the former Hajduk Split man. "He chose to pick from a select squad and I didn't have much room. Obviously when you don't play then you're unhappy, but right now I want to concentrate on Siena."
The Euro 2004 star considers this step down into the relegation battle to be a stimulating experience and he'll make his debut against Sampdoria this Sunday.
"The opponents you face are always the same and I think it'll be an important learning curve to make me a better professional. Siena have many quality players and can certainly avoid the drop."
Saturday 29 January
Capello faces midfield dilemma
Football Italia
Juventus boss Fabio Capello is set to field an experimental midfield quartet at Atalanta on Sunday. The tactician is expected to be without three first team regulars after Emerson missed training on Friday through injury.
Capello is hoping that the South American may train tomorrow but it seems unlikely that the former Roma ace will be risked. The Bianconeri are already without the injured Pavel Nedved and the suspended Manuele Blasi for the trip to Bergamo. That leaves Capello with relatively few options even if Mauro Camoranesi will start on the right.
The central midfield pair should consist of Stephen Appiah and, former Atalanta youth team product, Alessio Tacchinardi. Both Ruben Olivera and Olivier Kapo are in contention to replace Nedved on the left. The Uruguayan is favourite to get the nod.
Capello must also decide whether to select Alessandro Del Piero in attack after he started the last two games on the bench. Whispers in Turin this afternoon claim that the tactician will again opt for the David Trezeguet and Zlatan Ibrahimovic partnership.
Juventus offer Salas for River Plate's Mascherano
Tribal Football
Juventus are prepared to offer striker Marcelo Salas as a sweetener to clinch the signing of River Plate midfielder Javier Mascherano next season. Chile international Salas is on-loan at River and keen to stay with the Argentine giants.
Juve hope to see off competition from Chelsea and Real Madrid to sign Mascherano by including the permanent transfer of Salas in their offer. River officials will be in Turin today for talks after closing the Maxi Lopez deal with Barcelona in Spain on Friday.
Juventus Lead Chase For 'Free' Nonda
Goal.com
French daily l'Equipe is reporting Nonda is on the verge of reaching a deal with Serie A giants Juventus for a June move. The Monaco striker's contract expires in June 2005, and therefore the Bianconeri would seal his services on a free.
"Juventus have contacted us, but aren't the only ones. Nonda wants to win international titles, and Juve can give him this opportunity," said Nonda's agent John Dario. According to the report Juve have offered the Congo star a four year contract worth two million Euros a season.
With Ibrahimovic, Mutu, and Trezeguet already part of the Bianconeri's squad, the signing of Nonda might mean Juve just want another bargaining chip in their hands to use with AS Roma for the services of Peter Pan Antonio Cassano.
Juventus reject Inter Milan offer for Tacchinardi
Tribal Football
Juventus have rejected an offer from Inter Milan for midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi. Inter supremo Massimo Moratti offered a choice of Edgar Davids or Cristiano Zanetti in exchange for Tacchinardi, but was given short shrift by Juve officials.
Inter are keen to offload Davids, who is a huge drain on their wage bill and has hardly figured for the club this season.
Siena signing Tudor still wants Premiership move
Tribal Football
Juventus defender Igor Tudor intends to move to the Premiership at the end of this season. The Croatia international turned down several English offers this week to join Siena on-loan for the rest of the season, but will quit Italy in June for the Premiership.
Tudor has already informed Juve officials of his plans and can count on Middlesbrough, West Brom and Everton to be among clubs keeping tabs on him through to the summer.
