This
web site is an online diary maintained by azzurri.Friday 18 March
Nedved back to boost Juve
Football Italia
Pavel Nedved is keen to make a contribution to Juventus’ run-in after he returned to full fitness. The Czech ace has been sidelined for a month with a head injury but is now back at the disposal of boss Fabio Capello.
"I’m finally feeling better and I’m happy to be training with my teammates again," said the player who was knocked unconscious in the 1-0 loss at Real Madrid last month. "I clearly need to keep working hard to find some form but I hope to make a contribution as soon as possible."
Despite his absence, the Old Lady are still top of the League and managed to dump Real out of Europe.
"I’m very happy that my colleagues were able to defeat Real and reach the last eight," he continued. "That has allowed us and me to continue our adventure in the Champions’ League. I now just hope that I have finished paying for my bad luck as I’ve had numerous problems already this year.
"I firstly picked up a knee injury and then the blow at Madrid. From now on, I want to have a say in our season."
Nedved will be in the squad to face Reggina on Saturday even if it is unclear whether he will start on the bench or in the first XI. Capello seems to be debating whether to field a 4-3-3 or return to a 4-4-2 now that Nedved is back.
However, the tactician also has an offensive problem to resolve after David Trezeguet missed training for a second consecutive day today. The Frenchman, who scored in the 2-0 second leg win over Real Madrid, is now a major doubt for the Stadio Delle Alpi fixture.
Tacchi handed two-match ban
Football Italia
Alessio Tacchinardi has been ruled out for both legs of Juventus’ Champions’ League quarter-final because of suspension. The Italian was dismissed in the 2-0 win over Real Madrid which has resulted in a two-game ban.
Tacchinardi was sent-off by German referee Markus Merk during an off-the-ball clash with Ronaldo, who was also red-carded, in the last 16 tie.
"In the 114th minute, Tacchinardi held Ronaldo back about 25 metres from the Juventus goal, preventing him taking his position close to the penalty area of Juventus," UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body said. "As a result, Ronaldo kicked Tacchinardi in the legs."
The Control and Disciplinary Body have decided to hand Tacchinardi a two-match stop, rather than one, because he was guilty of "gross unsporting conduct".
Juventus will have until March 19 to appeal against the decision. Real Madrid can also do the same as the Brazilian was given an identical suspension. The draw for the last eight of the Champions’ League will take place on Friday.
Juve dismiss Capello claims
Football Italia
Juventus insist that boss Fabio Capello will not join Real Madrid, but the club have confirmed their interest in Antonio Cassano and Cristian Chivu. Capello has this week been heavily linked with a return to Spain but Luciano Moggi has slammed those reports.
"It’s a joke that doesn’t make me laugh," stated the director general. "But we can leave those in Spain to believe what they want.
"The truth is that Capello signed a three-year deal with us in the summer," maintained the official. "He’s here to win the Scudetto and the Champions’ League. His plans fit in perfectly with ours."
Capello joined Juventus from Roma and transfer whispers suggest that the giants could go shopping in the capital again this summer. Rumours circulating in Italy claim that Juve are keen on netting both attacking sensation Cassano and versatile defender Chivu.
"I would be a liar if I said they were not good players who we like," admitted the transfer wizard. "But Roma would have to sell them and you would need a massive bag of money to buy them."
However, the Bianconeri wouldn’t have to spend a penny on the Bayern Munich pair of Robert Kovac and Samuel Kuffour. The central defenders, who are available on a free transfer, have been associated with the Delle Alpi outfit.
"Kovac isn’t a bad player but he hasn’t got EU status," Moggi stated. "Kuffour? You’re on the wrong path."
Juventus chief Moggi: We're working in transfer market
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi has confirmed they intend to be active in the summer market.
"We are first in the championship and in the quarterfinals of the Champions League," he said. "The squad cannot do much better. But that does not remove the fact that some new recruiting will be completed before the start of next season."
Juventus chief Moggi can't rule out 2006 exit
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi has left the door open to a possible shock exit from the club at the end of next season. Moggi has been linked with Inter Milan this season and said only yesterday: "Me, a Juventino for life? My contract with Juventus expires in 2006.
"As for the future after that, well that's not dependent on me. You will have to ask the shareholders."
Juventus confident of beating Roma, AC Milan for Mozart
Tribal Football
Juventus will rival AS Roma and AC Milan for Reggina midfielder Mozart in the summer. The Brazil international is being considered by Juve chiefs as an understudy to compatriot Emerson, while Milan have him earmarked as Andrea Pirlo's backup.
"Emerson is someone I greatly admire," declared Mozart recently. "He is a true champion and No1 in his position."
Juve enjoy an excellent relationship with Reggina and are confident they can see off rival competition for Mozart should they decide to make their interest concrete. Reggina already have signed Juve pair Viktor Boudianski and Ilyas Zeytulaev to co-ownership deals this season.
Real Madrid ask Juventus about £25M Buffon deal
Tribal Football
Real Madrid have made an informal approach to Juventus for goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. The Italy No1 is regarded as the best goalkeeper in the world and has been a long time target for Real president Florentino Perez.
With current Real keeper Iker Casillas' contract expiring in 2006, Perez is considering a possible replacement for the Spaniard and has asked Juve about a possible £25 million deal for Buffon.
But Juve, through intermediaries, have informed Perez that they regard the offer as falling well short of the true value of Buffon. And are understood to have also insisted that their No1 is not for sale at any price.
Arsenal tell Real Madrid: £10M for Reyes
Tribal Football
Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein is ready to sell striker Jose Reyes for a knockdown £10 million. The Mirror says Dein took the decision after strong interest from Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. Dein and manager Arsene Wenger are resigned to losing Reyes, who joined from Seville 14 months ago for a club record £17m.
Reyes' agent Jaime Rodriguez De Moya met Dein to try to broker a deal and was told Madrid would have to find £10m.
Thursday 17 March
Juventus - Reggina
Football Italia
Juventus have returned to Scudetto winning form in recent weeks and will be keen for it to continue at the Delle Alpi against mid-table Reggina.
The Bianconeri also have a score to settle after their 2-1 defeat to the Amaranto earlier in the season. On that occasion Juve had goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Olivier Kapo ruled out and were denied what appeared to be a penalty when Jacopo Balestri handled in the area.
Fabio Capello is likely to start with the same eleven who began against Chievo last week. However, he will be unable to call upon match winner Ruben Olivera from the bench though as he is suspended after his late red card at the Marc’Antonio Bentegodi.
Kapo is also unavailable due to a muscular injury and long-term casualty Paolo Montero is still out. But Pavel Nedved should take his place on the bench after recovering from concussion.
Reggina, who have lost their last two, will be without Emiliano Bonnazzoli and Jacopo Balestri who are both suspended but Brazilian midfielder Mozart should return to the side. The southern side haven’t had much luck in their Serie A visits to Turin, losing 1-0, 5-0 and 1-0 in their last three visits, although a 2-1 Coppa Italia win in 2002 will give Walter Mazzarri’s troops some hope of causing an upset.
Juventus (probable): Buffon; Zebina, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Emerson, Blasi; Zalayeta, Trezeguet, Del Piero
Reggina (probable): Pavarini; Cannarsa, De Rosa, Franceschini; Mesto, Tedesco, Paredes, Mozart; Nakamura, Colucci; Borriello
Ref: To follow...
Moggi Wants PSV Clash
Goal.com
The Juventus General Director would welcome a tie against the Dutch champions in the quarter finals of the Champions League. Luciano Moggi has commented this Friday’s Champions League draw where he expressed his opinion on the teams he would like to meet and avoid.
“If I had to choose, it would be PSV Eindhoven,” declared Moggi. However the team he would most like to avoid most is Inter. “The Nerazzurri are always dangerous and difficult to face,” concluded the transfer guru.
Del Piero eyes English test
Football Italia
Alessandro Del Piero believes Juventus will draw a Premiership team in the Champions’ League quarter-finals on Friday. There are no limits on the draw, so two of the three Serie A outfits could in theory be paired with each other.
“I have the feeling that our opponents in Europe will be speaking English,” said the Bianconeri captain on his personal website today. “On Friday we’ll see whether or not I was right.”
The Turin giants go into the draw with Chelsea, Liverpool, Inter, Milan, PSV Eindhoven, Lyon and Bayern Munich. Del Piero also commented on the controversial 1-0 win at Chievo, as Sergio Pellissier’s goal was disallowed despite having crossed the line.
“There isn’t much we can say about that incident as the ball had gone over,” he confessed. “But we only knew that from the replays, as from my position and with the pace of the shot, I couldn’t see what had happened.”
Fabio Capello responded to the criticism of favouritism by noting that he and his Coaching colleagues had already voted in favour of introducing microchip technology to confirm when the ball had crossed the line.
“Perhaps the only way to resolve these situations is to introduce a technological system,” added Del Piero, “but it isn’t my place to advise those who run the game.”
Emo snubs Scudetto showdown
Football Italia
Juventus ace Emerson doesn’t believe that the May 8 clash against Milan will decide the destiny of the title.
Both clubs are currently joint top of Serie A, with the Week 35 clash already being billed as the Scudetto showdown. But the former Roma midfielder believes nothing will be decided until the last kick of the season.
"It’s tough to make a prediction of who will win the championship," he said. "Ourselves and Milan are very similar. I fear the game between us won’t be decisive either. The Scudetto could easily be decided on the last day of the season."
Most neutrals see Milan as slight favourites given that they seemingly have a bigger and better squad than the Bianconeri. "I don’t think that is true," responded the Brazilian. "After all, you’ve seen what both Marcelo Zalayeta and Ruben Olivera have done recently."
The latter netted the only goal of the game at Chievo on Sunday, while Zalayeta scored the winner in the Champions’ League against Real Madrid. "That victory helped us with our morale," added Emerson. "It was an important win against one of the best teams in the world."
Juventus are next in action on Saturday against Reggina and the South American doesn’t want any surprises. "It will be a difficult tie," he insisted. "Reggina have some good players. If we want to finish the season in first then there is only one result which will do."
Emerson urges Cassano to choose Juventus over Real Madrid
Tribal Football
Juventus star Emerson has been urging former AS Roma teammate Antonio Cassano to join him in Turin next season. The Brazilian has reportedly been discussing Cassano's options with the young striker as Juve battle Real Madrid for his services.
With so much doubt over the future of Roma following this week's sacking of coach Gigi del Neri, it appears Cassano is closer to the exit door. No progress has been made over the player's new contract and with his current deal expiring in 2006, this summer's transfer market will be the last opportunity Roma have to cash in.
Tuttosport yesterday detailed a telephone conversation Emerson had with Cassano recently, in which the Juve star said: "Antonio, you must think very hard about the decision you're going to make. If you go to Madrid, you will be the sixth striker they have. There can be no guarantees that you will be played often.
"But if you came to Juve, you will have respect and recognition."
Juventus scout Seville pair Daniel, Baptista tonight
Tribal Football
Juventus will have scouts in the stands for Parma's UEFA Cup clash with Seville tonight. Juve director general Luciano Moggi may be in attendance himself to run his eye over top targets, Julio Baptista and Daniel Alves of Seville.
Right-back Daniel is a Bosman target for Moggi ahead of the summer market, while fellow Brazilian, Baptista, is also being tracked by Juve for next season.
Fiore chasing Italy return
Sky Sports
The agent of Valencia misfit Stefano Fiore has confirmed that his client would welcome a move back to Italy with either Internazionale or Juventus.
Fiore was taken to Valencia by Claudio Ranieri at the start of the season in a double deal with Lazio team-mate Bernardo Corradi that was worth around £12 million. However, he struggled to nail down a first-team berth at the Mestalla and, after failing to settle, was even linked with a rapid return to Italy in January's transfer window.
A switch then failed to materialise, but a spat with Ranieri after the player refused to go on as a substitute in a UEFA Champions League game with Inter saw him relegated to the club's reserves. Although Fiore made his peace with Ranieri, the Italian's recent sacking has left the midfielder in limbo at Valencia as both he and Corradi are being completely overlooked by caretaker boss Antonio Lopez.
The 29-year-old is widely expected to return to Italy in the summer, and his agent Federico Pastorello admits he would relish the chance to join either Inter or Juve - who have both been linked with him - but insists he is yet to hear from either club.
"I've not had talks or contact with Juventus and Inter," Pastorello of P&P Sportmanagement told skysports.com. "What I can say is that Stefano didn't go to Valencia to sit on the bench, but to play. I don't want to cause problems, but that is the situation.
"We hoped things would go in a different way. He has lost his place in the Italian national team, and I - who has to take care of my players - I can't allow it.
"In the next few weeks I'll go to Valencia to check better the situation. I know that Juve and Inter are two big teams who have been linked to him, but I repeat and I want this to be clear, I have never had talks or contact with them.
"However, Juve and Inter are really big clubs, they would be two possible destinations welcomed by Stefano."
Real Madrid ahead of Juventus, AC Milan for Pizarro
Tribal Football
Real Madrid are leading Juventus and AC Milan in the race for Udinese midfielder David Pizarro.
The Chile international is a prime target for Juve coach Fabio Capello, who has discussed his signing with director general Luciano Moggi. Capello is convinced Pizarro is the midfield schemer he needs to play alongside Emerson.
Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has already held preliminary talks with Udinese about Pizarro, who they see as a quality backup for playmaker Andrea Pirlo. However, like Juve, Milan have expressed concern over Udinese's £7 million asking price.
Waiting on the sidelines is Real Madrid, with their general manager Arrigo Sacchi having already held talks with Pizarro's agent, former Real star Ivan Zamorano, over personal terms.
Under pressure after a disastrous season, Real president Florentino Perez won't flinch if Sacchi and his technical team ask for £7 million to be made available to land Pizarro in the summer.
Real Madrid to beat Chelsea for Joaquin
Tribal Football
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is ready to table a cash-plus-player bid for Real Betis winger Joaquin. Spanish international Joaquin is also a target for Chelsea, but has his heart set on Real Madrid if he is to move from Seville.
Chelsea offered £20 million for Joaquin in January, which again was confirmed by Betis president Manuel Ruiz de Lopera yesterday. However, its understood Betis are happy to accept a lower offer from Madrid to maintain their good relationship.
Perez is ready to table an offer of £16 million plus attacker Valdo, who is currently on-loan with Osasuna, for Joaquin. Lopera revealed yesterday: "In December an offer arrived for us from Chelsea for Joaquin, which was not a joke. They have called from Italy, England... and Madrid also."
Wednesday 16 March
Two-game stop for Olivera
Football Italia
Ruben Olivera has been handed a two-match ban after the Juventus starlet was dismissed on Sunday. The Uruguayan scored the winner at Chievo Verona but was sent-off just 12 minutes after coming on as a substitute.
The young attacking midfielder was expected to receive a 180 minute stop after he grabbed Alessandro Potenza – who was also shown the red card – around the throat.
Real chase Capello - reports
Football Italia
Real Madrid are reportedly looking to re-sign Juventus boss Fabio Capello in the summer. The Spanish newspaper Marca today claims that the European giants have Capello’s name at the top of their wish-list.
Real chief Florentino Perez is under pressure to make significant changes after another disastrous campaign. The Madrid outfit are pretty much out of the Liga race, are no longer in the Coppa del Re and were defeated by Capello’s Bianconeri in the Champions’ League last week.
Current boss Wanderley Luxemburgo may now be shown the door and Perez has his eyes on ‘Don Fabio’. Capello, who only moved to Turin from Roma in the summer, has already proved his worth in Spanish football. He spent one year in the country with Real in the 1996-97 season and instantly delivered the League title.
However, his proposed appointment may not be accepted by the fans after a poll in the AS newspaper suggested that 65 per cent were against his re-appointment.
Other possible targets for Real include Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, who won the Liga and UEFA Cup with Valencia last term. Milan’s Carlo Ancelotti is another possibility given the presence of technical director Arrigo Sacchi, his former Milan Coach, in Madrid.
Real Madrid have deal for Santos star Robinho
Tribal Football
Real Madrid have completed the signing of Santos winger Robinho. Despite pleas from Pele and Carlos Parreira to remain in Brazil, Robinho will join Real ahead of next season.
The deal has been agreed for some time, but Real have not announced it out of courtesy to Santos, which do not want the expected publicity to influence their Copa Liberatores campaign. Real Madrid will pay Santos a £12 million fee for the Brazil international, who will pen a four-year contract in the summer with the Spanish giants. Robinho's deal will be worth a cool £1.4 million-a-season.
Parreira commented only last Friday that he did not want to see Robinho move to Europe: "For Robinho, a transfer to Europe is good. But for Brazil it is not."
Villarreal president confirms Barcelona talks for Riquelme
Tribal Football
Villarreal president Fernando Roig has confirmed they're in talks with Barcelona over a permanent deal for on-loan midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme.
"It's still too soon to talk about Riquelme being here next season, because there is still a lot to negotiate," said Roig. "He is happy here. Barcelona do not love him, but we do. If these conditions remain, then anything is possible."
Tuesday 15 March
Juve ponder Fiore move
Football Italia
Juventus could be about to rescue the career of Valencia’s unwanted midfielder Stefano Fiore. The Italian hasn’t had the happiest of times in Spain and the Turin giants are ready to end his Liga nightmare.
Fiore joined the UEFA Cup holders in the summer but has failed to settle despite the presence of fellow Italians Marco Di Vaio, Bernardo Corradi and Emiliano Moretti. And now that Italian boss Claudio Ranieri is no longer with the club, Fiore will leave the Mestalla.
Juventus have been linked with moves for Fiore in the past but may now finally land the former Udinese, Parma and Lazio ace. The international is a versatile player and would be welcomed by boss Fabio Capello given Juve’s lack of midfield options. In theory, Fiore’s quality could be used on either flank, as well as in centre midfield alongside Emerson.
The Old Lady of Italian football have good links with Valencia, following the sale of Di Vaio, and Fiore could be netted for just £3m. Fiore would be open to the move, with Juventus allegedly ready to offer him a two-year deal worth £800,000 a season.
Should Juve net Fiore, then the Delle Alpi club are unlikely to pursue their interest in Lecce’s Cristian Ledesma.
Juventus to offer £25M for Roma pair Cassano, Chivu
Tribal Football
Juventus are preparing a mega £25 million bid for AS Roma pair Antonio Cassano and Cristian Chivu. Juve chief Luciano Moggi is also prepared to include Adrian Mutu and Shabani Nonda in their offer to secure the duo, who are on the wanted lists of Europe's biggest spenders, including AC Milan, Real Madrid and Arsenal.
Nonda will arrive in Turin on a Bosman from Monaco in June, but isn't expected to wear a Juve shirt and instead will be immediately loaned out to a rival Serie A club.
Roma's cash problems mean they must consider selling Cassano over the summer, with him free to sign a pre-contract next January ahead of leaving the club on a Bosman at the end of next season.
Juventus striker Mutu laughs off Roma rumours
Tribal Football
Juventus striker Adrian Mutu has laughed off persistent speculation that he will move to AS Roma in the summer.
Its mooted Juve will offer Mutu to Roma in part-exchange for striker Antonio Cassano, but the Romania international said: "I have spoken with Cristian Chivu about Rome, but only because I am interested in taking my summer vacations there.
"My future is with Juventus and all the rumours do not interest me."
Man Utd, Spurs on alert as Van Der Vaart confirms Ajax exit
Tribal Football
Manchester United and Tottenham are on red alert after Rafael van der Vaart declared yesterday his intentions to quit Ajax. The Holland international midfielder, who missed Sunday's game against NEC Nijmegen because of a bruised wrist that he picked up in training, told Het Parool newspaper it was time to move on.
"My contract runs for another season after this one, but I want a new challenge. "And it's best for the club too if I leave Ajax next summer, they will get a nice price for me then," he said.
Monday 14 March
Capello finds winning formula
Football Italia
Fabio Capello believes he has found the tactical system that works best for Juve and aims to continue with the trident attack against Chievo this evening.
“We have played five games now with the three upfront and won all five of them,” noted the tactician. “I’d say that’s a good sign.”
The most recent victory with that 4-3-3 system eliminated Real Madrid from the Champions’ League with a 2-0 result after extra time in Turin on Wednesday night.
“In the last minute the Spaniards had a free kick and everyone pushed forward, so I feared they’d ‘do a Milan’ and score at the death to knock us out,” revealed Capello. “At the final whistle I just exploded and don’t mind my celebration being compared to Jose Mourinho’s. After all, his consistency is admirable and that conviction is what drove Juve on to beat Real and Roma.”
David Trezeguet claimed after that match that Milan play the more attractive football, while others maintain the Rossoneri are leaders through sheer luck.
“Both teams play well and if we are level on points then it means the luck has been shared out fairly. The reason Milan always score last-gasp goals to win games is because they believe in the result until the final whistle.”
Pavel Nedved should resume full training on Tuesday, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be rested for today’s trip to Chievo.
“They are a dangerous squad and on fine form physically,” warned the Coach. “We have to keep the same focus that allowed us to get the better of Roma and Real Madrid. I’m sure Zlatan will become a great hitman soon enough, but meanwhile if he continues setting up his teammates then we certainly won’t complain.”
Chievo 0 - 1 Juventus
Football Italia
Juve stay top with a last-gasp Ruben Olivera goal, but this match is shrouded in controversy after Chievo were disallowed a perfectly good strike.
Juventus needed a victory at the Stadio Bentegodi to maintain Milan's pace at the top of the table and were fresh from their midweek Champions' League win against Real Madrid.
Fabio Capello brought David Trezeguet back from the start after a recent virus, giving Zlatan Ibrahimovic a rest and testing out a new version of the 4-3-3 system. Chievo were without the suspended John Mensah, while Simone Tiribocchi was injured.
The Bianconeri took control from the start as Alessandro Del Piero had a couple of early efforts, including a free kick that was just cleared at the back post by Davide Mandelli.
Trezeguet's acrobatic attempt on a Mauro Camoranesi cross was off target, but Chievo slowly got themselves on level terms and there were no more chances in the first half.
The Flying Donkeys made a change for the second half, introducing centre-forward Federico Cossato for Andrea Zanchetta. The striker has been struggling with injuries for several months now and cannot yet play 90 minutes.
Del Piero's shot was accidentally charged down by teammate Trezeguet, who was also standing in an offside position.
There was controversy five minutes into the second half, as Sergio Pellissier unleashed a rocket of a shot that thumped the underside of the crossbar and bounced back out off the ground before striking the woodwork again on its way into Buffon's arms. Replays confirmed that the ball had crossed over the line, but the linesman waved play on and Chievo were rightly livid.
Ibrahimovic replaced Trezeguet to give Juve more verve and movement upfront as Chievo were beginning to take control. Potenza turned over the bar from close range as a free kick was whipped in.
Potenza was crucial at the other end of the pitch moments later, as Luca Marchegiani was left stranded by a Del Piero header and the Chievo man cleared Ibrahimovic's follow-up practically off the line.
The Bentegodi crowd was further infuriated when Jonathan Zebina challenged Pellissier in the box, but the referee waved away penalty appeals and it seemed to be the correct decision.
Camoranesi sprinted into the box on a fine Del Piero through ball, but Marchegiani stood his ground to beat away the shot at the near post. The veteran goalkeeper also punched out a dangerous Del Piero free kick. Pellissier's low drive whistled wide of the far post.
A section of the Juventus crowd was again upset when Del Piero was substituted for the 18th time in all competitions this season. The captain was also replaced against Real Madrid.
Gianluca Zambrotta was having a great game and his snapshot from distance really tested Marchegiani. On the counter-attack substitute Franceschini found space on the edge of the box and fired straight at Buffon.
It was a very open game now and ten minutes from time Emerson's low drive skimmed the upright. A scuffle broke out between Lilian Thuram and Franceschini, but calm was quickly restored.
Capello proved that he is a master of the substitution, as Del Piero's replacement broke the deadlock with three minutes left on the clock. An Ibrahimovic mis-kick was cleared out by D'Anna, but only into the path of Ruben Olivera for a half-volley.
However, the Uruguayan was sent off less than a minute later for a reaction foul that also saw Alessandro Potenza dismissed. The Chievo player kicked out and Olivera reacted by grabbing him by the throat.
Chievo: Marchegiani; Potenza, D’Anna, Mandelli, Lanna; Luciano, Sanmarco, Baronio (Brighi 86), Semioli (Franceschini 76); Zanchetta (Cossato 46), Pellissier
Juventus: Buffon; Zebina, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Emerson, Blasi; Zalayeta, Trezeguet (Ibrahimovic 59), Del Piero (Olivera 76)
Ref: Paparesta
Sent off: Potenza 88 (J), Olivera 88 (C)
Chievo Verona 0-1 Juventus: FT Report
ESPN Soccernet
Juventus substitute Ruben Olivera succeeded where his more illustrious team-mates had failed to give his side a last-gasp victory over battling Chievo on Sunday.
Alessandro Del Piero, David Trezeguet and Zlatan Ibrahimovic had all been thwarted in their bid to break the deadlock and Olivera's introduction looked like a last throw of the dice when Juve coach Fabio Capello introduced him in the 77th minute.
But within 10 minutes of his arrival, the Uruguayan forward had netted the only goal of the game and what had looked like being two precious points dropped became a 19th win of the season for Juve. Olivera's goal proved to be the final positive contribution of the match for him as 60 seconds later he was sent off following a confrontation with Alessandro Potenza, who was also shown a red card.
By that stage though, the former Atletico Madrid youngster had achieved what he had been sent on to do and his strike meant Juve re-joined AC Milan at the summit.
The Bianconeri came into the match boosted by their Champions League victory over Real Madrid in midweek, however they found it tough going to create many clear-cut chances against a Chievo side battling to keep out of the bottom three in Serie A.
In the first half, Juve had only two sorties of any note - both of which revolved around captain Del Piero.
In the 17th minute the Italian international saw his deflected free-kick scrambled away to safety by Salvatore Lanna and six minutes later Chievo goalkeeper Luca Marchegiani was forced into action to gather a dangerous-looking cross from Mauro Camoranesi, who was released by Del Piero.
Chievo's best chance of a first half bereft of real entertainment saw Siqueira Luciano's 38th-minute shot deflected behind for a corner off Fabio Cannavaro.
The second half produced far more talking points, one of which came in the 50th minute when Chievo felt the ball had crossed the line following a shot from Sergio Pellissier that thumped against the crossbar and rebounded back down.
However, referee Gianluca Paparesta waved played on and the game remained goalless.
Capello's first change of the match saw Ibrahimovic replace fellow striker Trezeguet in the 59th minute. And although the Swedish striker was not involved, Juve created one of their best chances soon after his arrival on the pitch. The opportunity fell to Camoranesi and he was only denied a goal by a brilliant save from Marchegiani at his front post.
Capello then made his second and final substitution 13 minutes from time, and that one would prove to be the key that would unlock the Chievo backline.
In truth, Olivera's winning goal had more to do with poor Chievo defending but the South American proved to be in the right place at the right time to slot home after the visitors' rearguard had failed to cut out Camoranesi's cross.
Olivera could have gone from hero to villain when he was dismissed along with Potenza because of a flare-up following a tackle by the Juve man, but the visitors managed to hold on without him to collect the spoils.
Capello: “Beautiful Juventus!”
Juventus.com
This is how Fabio Capello commented on the win over Chievo. “It was a beautiful match, we played it with great determination. We had a very good first half and played good football. We finally found the goal with Olivera, a player who’s in a good condition at present.
"Del Piero played a good match, I substituted him because I needed a player to defend and cross dangerously, that’s why I replaced him with the Uruguayan. We’re in a good physical condition, the playground did not advantage us but we still maintained good concentration.”
Zambrotta's Comments
Juventus.com
Between the protagonists of the evening, with two beautiful conclusions that deserved better fortune, there is Gianluca Zambrotta that comments therefore the Victoria of the Juventus in house of the Chievo: "difficult game Was one, the Chievo is a good square, that it runs so much.
"Fortunately we are resolutions to make goal in the end and to conquer the three most important points for classifies it and also because they allow us to continue the begun to Rome and continued positive strip in Champions League against the Real."
Juventus coach Capello laughs off Mourinho comparison
Tribal Football
Juventus coach Fabio Capello has laughed off comparisons between himself and Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho. Capello is being compared favourably with Mourinho after both men masterminded their teams' progress to the Champions League quarterfinals last week.
"I admire Mourinho greatly," said Capello. "But I am certain I do not see myself in him, as he wouldn't see himself in me. There is a big age difference, after all!"
Sunday 13 March
Trez: Milan are the best
Football Italia
Juve hero David Trezeguet admits that Milan play the better football and reveals the nature of the rare virus that ruled him out for several weeks.
“The Rossoneri are on stunning form,” he told French newspaper L’Equipe. “They play great football, better than we do at the moment.”
Both sides are currently topping the Serie A standings and qualified for the Champions’ League quarter-finals by eliminating giants Real Madrid and Manchester United.
“Milan seem more confident and relaxed in their own system,” continued the Bleus hitman. “If the two starting line-ups are on a par, their bench is of decidedly higher quality.”
Having said that, it was Juve benchwarmer Marcelo Zalayeta who proved crucial on Wednesday with the late winner against Madrid, while Gianluca Pessotto filled in for the injured Pavel Nedved. Trezeguet also gave an intriguing insight into Fabio Capello’s coaching technique in spurring his players on to such a determined performance.
“When I came off the bench on Wednesday night, Capello did not give me any precise pointers or tactical rules. He just told me that I had to make sure Juve qualified.”
He followed that indication to the letter, scoring the goal that took the tie to extra time, but he had missed out the first leg altogether after being struck down with flu-type symptoms.
“During the week I was just exhausted,” explained Trez. “I would train and then be sick, going home with a high temperature. I had a blood test every two days, but nobody could figure out what was wrong with me. Eventually a virologist identified a rare virus I had contracted and gave me the right treatment.”
Lippi hails Italian renaissance
Football Italia
Italy Coach Marcello Lippi hopes the recent success in the Champions’ League will boost the Azzurri’s World Cup qualifying campaign.
“I must compliment everyone for this week’s performances,” said the tactician. “We had a sabbatical year in this competition, like several other nations, but we are back with a bang. These results will benefit everybody and the enthusiasm and confidence will seep through to the Azzurri squad.”
Last season Porto lifted the trophy after beating Monaco in the Final, but the big sides seem to be favourites again.
Juventus eliminated Real Madrid, Milan knocked out Manchester United and Inter could see off reigning trophy holders Porto in their second leg tie next week to make it a hat-trick of Serie A representatives in the quarters – more than any other nation.
“I never thought that Italian football was in crisis, as I don’t run after the ebb and flow of fashion. Our players and teams were strong last year and they remain more than competitive. These Champions’ League results merely confirm that.”
Now the pressure is on Lippi to carry on the fine work at international level, as Italy face Scotland later this month in a crunch 2006 World Cup qualifier.
“I am not a man who runs away from responsibility,” insisted the former Juve boss. “Italian football is strong at both club level and internationally.”
There is the concern than this week the only goalscorers for Juve and Milan were foreign – David Trezeguet, Marcelo Zalayeta and Hernan Crespo.
“Nobody can deny that there are many overseas stars in our clubs, but the essential structure of the teams are purely Italian and we’ll confirm that in the qualifiers. I have total faith that the players will come to the Azzurri camp tired but enthusiastic.”
Saturday 12 March
Chievo Verona v Juventus: Preview
ESPN Soccernet
Juventus take on strugglers Chievo Verona with their confidence levels at an all-time high following their recent triumph against Real Madrid in the Champions League. Things could not be going any better for coach Fabio Capello, who in the space of two weeks has got the better of two of his former teams with important victories.
Last weekend's 2-1 triumph against Roma allowed the Bianconeri to join AC Milan at the top of the Serie A standings with both teams now level on 60 points after 27 encounters.
But it was their midweek victory against European giants Real Madrid that allowed Capello to jump up and down with joy. Juve bounced back from a 1-0 deficit to win 2-1 on aggregate after extra-time and qualify for the Champions League quarter finals.
What made the victory even sweeter was that Juve had managed for the first time to knock out the Spanish outfit, who had never been eliminated before the quarter finals in Europe's elite competition.
"It was a very important game for us against a very difficult rival," said Capello. "It's one of the most beautiful victories of my career, I don't think I can compare this game to any other."
But Capello now faces a dilemma with Uruguay forward Marcelo Zalayeta, who scored the winner against Madrid, in contention for a starting place. With French striker David Trezeguet having recently returned to action and in-form Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alessandro Del Piero also available, Capello will have to make some tough decisions.
"Zalayeta has technical and good physical qualities," admitted Capello. "Players like him are a blessing to coaches."
What would complete Juve's fantastic week would be to fly solo at the top of the table by Sunday - a very real possibility considering that Scudetto contenders Milan face third-placed Sampdoria.
The game in Verona is likely to be an easier challenge for the Bianconeri considering Chievo's current form. Mario Beretta's men have failed to score in the past 435 minutes and their hopes of ending their goalscoring drought are even more limited as they face the best defence in the competition at the Bentegodi stadium.
"Juve are an ugly client," said Chievo defender Fabio Moro. "They are synonymous with strength and power and we cannot compete against them technically so we will have to find an alternative weapon and hope for a positive result."
Chievo were unlucky to concede a late defeat against third-placed Sampdoria last weekend which relegated them to 17th spot in Serie A, just two points clear of the relegation zone. Four consecutive defeats have placed the Verona outfit in a dangerous position and for such reason they are determined to end their negative run against Juve.
"In football nothing is certain," admitted Moro. "The league standings do not give us an alternative, we need to get points against Juve."
The good news for the hosts is that striker Federico Cossato is set to return to play having fully recovered from injury. However, they will be without defender John Mensah, who serves a one-match suspension.
Del Piero: How we beat Real
Football Italia
Alessandro Del Piero has revealed the secret behind Juventus’ defeat of Real Madrid in the Champions’ League. The Bianconeri dumped the Spaniards out of Europe on Wednesday, after transforming a 1-0 first leg defeat into a 2-1 aggregate victory.
"We overturned the result of the first match despite the scepticism of some," he said via his personal website. "It wasn’t an easy task. I think that our great determination and humility made the difference on the night. We were able to transform our tension into concentration, plus we had the belief in ourselves until the very end.
"It was a fantastic night in a packed and hot stadium, the joy of having achieved what we did was just incredible."
The Bianconeri captain didn’t play a major role in the game though, being replaced in the 57th minute by David Trezeguet. That substitution made the difference as the Frenchman netted to take the game into extra-time, before Marcelo Zalayeta blasted home the winner.
Man Utd, Juventus told to wait for Bologna's Meghni
Tribal Football
Bologna supremo Giuseppe Gazzoni has ruled out a summer sale for midfield starlet Mourad Meghni. The exciting French youngster is being chased by Manchester United and Juventus, while he is also a personal favourite of Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.
However, Gazzoni said yesterday: "We know that one day Meghni will leave us. But our intention is to sell him when he is at his peak. He will produce a great end to this championship and show his best qualities.
"I have already made public my valuation of Meghni. We will not accept anything less than £7 million for him."
Meghni, himself, is keen to remain another season with Bologna as playing regularly has pushed him into Raymond Domenech's France squad.
Juventus are favourites to land the youngster once he becomes available. The Turin giants are believed to have negotiated an option on Meghni in January following the loan move to Bologna of defender Nicola Legrottaglie. Should Legrottaglie's deal be made permanent, it could lead to Juve also taking up co-ownership of Meghni.
Bayern Munich's Kovac's denies Juventus agreement
Tribal Football
Bayern Munich defender Robert Kovac has denied reports he has signed a pre-contract with Juventus. The Croatia international is a free agent in June and it emerged earlier this week that he had agreed terms with Juve over a deal for next season.
Sources close to Juve director general Luciano Moggi insisted the story was rubbish and a ploy by the defender's agent to force Bayern into increasing their new contract offer.
Kovac told Bild yesterday: "I have not signed for Juve. My agent has not spoken about a formal offer. With Juve, there has been perhaps telephone contact, but beyond that we have not gone further."
Pessotto wins new Juventus contract
Tribal Football
Juventus have rewarded veteran defender Gianluca Pessotto with a new contract extension. The 34 year-old's current deal was due to expire in June, but after a superb display against Real Madrid on Wednesday night, has been handed a new, 12-month contract extension.
Juventus signing Mutu won't rule out Roma deal
Tribal Football
Juventus signing Adrian Mutu has refused to rule out a move to AS Roma at the end of this season. The Romania international has been linked with a loan move to Roma in the summer, despite signing for Juve only in January.
"I know of the talk about me and Roma," said Mutu, responding to questions about a possible swap deal involving him and Roma ace Antonio Cassano. "At Juve I am happy and I would like to stay here. But in life, you can never predict what is around the corner."
Mutu will be available for Juve towards the end of this season as he serves a ban for drugs use.
Juventus aim to trump Corinthians for Mascherano using Salas
Tribal Football
Juventus are aiming to take advantage of Javier Mascherano's stalled move to Corinthians to pinch the midfielder from under the Brazilian giants' noses. The River Plate star's move to Corinthians has reportedly been held up due to an enquiry into the financial support the Brazilian club is receiving.
River are still keen to push through a deal for Mascherano and Juve are willing to offer striker Marcelo Salas in a permanent transfer to the Argentines in part-exchange for the 22 year-old. Juve director general Luciano Moggi sees the combative Mascherano as the ideal foil for Emerson in the centre of midfield next season.
Parisi welcomes Udinese interest, but prefers Palermo, Juventus
Tribal Football
Messina wing-back Alessandro Parisi says he'd be interested in a move to Udinese next season. The exciting midfielder is the subject of an enquiry from Udinese and declared: "A transfer to Friuli would be another chance for me to improve as a player.
"They are one of the top seven clubs in Serie A and have the chance of playing in Europe next season. But my dream remains to play for a great club. Milan, Juventus, Roma, Inter or also Palermo."
