This
web site is an online diary maintained by azzurri.Friday 15 April
Juve now focused on Scudetto
Football Italia
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi insists the Scudetto is still up for grabs after their Champions’ League exit. The Bianconeri crashed out of Europe to Liverpool last night but the official believes his side can still win the Italian championship.
"Unfortunately this is the situation which we find ourselves in but it isn’t the end of the world," stated Moggi. "It is just a shame that Alex Del Piero had that goal disallowed in the first leg because after a poor first 30 minutes, we deserved a draw."
Juve lost 2-1 at Anfield last week and were frustrated by an organised Liverpool side in last night’s 0-0 Delle Alpi tie. "We’re still in the Scudetto race though," continued Moggi. "We could now actually be considered as favourites. "That’s because Milan, who are still in the Champions’ League, have a few more games that us left this term."
Captain Del Piero is also keen to make up for last night’s exit with another Scudetto victory.
"It is always tough to try to talk about the disappointment of failing to reach an objective which was fundamental for us all," he said on his website. "The impenetrable Liverpool defence was able to not give us any space to score the goal that would have been our passport to the semi-finals.
"We take note of what has happened but we turn the page over. Our season still gives us the chance to make up for this with the League and a first place which we must maintain at all costs."
Capello looks to league
SkySports
Juventus coach Fabio Capello has vowed to concentrate on the league after the UEFA Champions League exit at the hands of Liverpool. Juve could not break down Liverpool's stalwart defence as they bowed out of Europe - but Capello has urged his players to move on as they look to compete with Milan for the league title.
"There is still a crucial game between us and Milan," said Capello. "Will we have problems? It depends on how we react. If we forget about the Liverpool defeat and move on then we will be okay."
The crucial game between the title challengers is on May 6 and is already shaping up to be a wonderful game. Meanwhile, Juventus skipper Alessandro Del Piero has summed up the disappointment amongst the team.
"It's difficult to explain the disappointment and regret at missing out on such a fundamental target as the Champions League," said Del Piero on his official site. "But on Wednesday Liverpool closed us down well and denied us the goal that would have taken us through.
"Credit to Liverpool who managed a perfect tactical game. We take note and we turn the page. The season allows us revenge in the league and with a first place we must keep at all costs."
We were poor, concede Juve
Football Italia
Juventus have admitted that their performance against Liverpool on Wednesday just wasn’t good enough. The Bianconeri crashed out of the Champions’ League last night after they could only draw 0-0, following the 2-1 loss at Anfield.
"We created more chances in the away game," stated a bitter Gianluigi Buffon. "But it wasn’t simple for us. They defended very well and that annoyed us as we then reverted to using long balls, which were too easy for their defenders."
Veteran stopper Gianluca Pessotto was also full of regret after the club’s quarter-final exit.
"The biggest disappointment is that we were eliminated without really doing a lot about it," he stated. "Liverpool were fielded well and we just didn’t play the ball to feet enough, giving them the advantage by playing too many long balls.
"They were very alert throughout but we frankly thought and expected to play much better than we did."
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who ends the season without a single Champions’ League goal, conceded that his side were poor.
"We did well to get this far but it just didn’t happen for us tonight," said the super Swede. "Liverpool did well and gave us very little space, even if we didn’t play as well as we can. I now think that Milan and Chelsea are the favourites even if we were also fancied against Liverpool."
Agent of Lazio's Giannichedda spotted in Turin
Tribal Football
The agent of Lazio midfielder Giuliano Giannichedda was in Turin on Wednesday. Its understood Giannichedda's representative was thrashing out the final details of a contract with Juventus, with the midfielder due to move to the Stadio Delle Alpi in the summer on a Bosman.
Lazio president Claudio Lotito made a final pitch to Giannichedda this week to stay in Rome. The offer included a role with the club for when he retired, but the player has his heart set on a move to Juve, which are prepared to double his existing Lazio wages.
Thursday 14 April
Juventus 0 - 0 Liverpool (1-2 agg)
Football Italia
Juve are out of Europe after another dismal performance against Liverpool that failed to bring the goal they needed.
Juventus had to win this match after losing the first leg 2-1 at Anfield with a dreadful first half performance. David Trezeguet was again out of action, while Jonathan Zebina was also injured, so Fabio Capello switched to a new three-man defence. Liverpool brought Jerzy Dudek back to stand between the posts, but were without injured talisman Steven Gerrard.
The tension was high in Turin in Liverpool's first visit here since the Heysel disaster in 1985. A section of Juve supporters turned their backs on the statements of 'friendship' at Anfield last week and there were slight scuffles before kick-off.
There was a golden opportunity for Juve after 11 minutes when Gianluca Zambrotta went out wide and put in a fine cross for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but despite pulling away from his marker, the Swede somehow managed to blaze over from six yards.
As with the last round against Real Madrid, where they had to win 2-0 in order to qualify, Juventus seemed to be in no rush and tried to patiently break Liverpool down with a very slow tempo. However, Gigi Buffon was alert to rush off his line and close down Luis Garcia when he sprung the offside trap.
The Juve fans were further agitated as the majority of the early decisions from the Russian referee went in favour of the visiting team. He did turn on Liverpool after persistent time-wasting and Xabi Alonso was booked.
Emerson latched on to a corner kick that was held up by Ibrahimovic, but his shot was charged down by Sami Hyypia. There was controversy on 35 minutes when Alessandro Del Piero threaded through for Pavel Nedved, but he was halted for an incorrect offside flag.
Emerson gave the ball away to Milan Baros in a dangerous position, but Lilian Thuram was able to smother the situation. Emerson and Nedved rifled off target from a corner kick as Juve continued to play at a staggeringly slow tempo and the frustration was becoming evident as the clock ticked on towards half-time.
Fabio Capello had to make a change and introduced striker Marcelo Zalayeta for the disappointing Ruben Olivera, moving to a 3-4-3 system with Del Piero pushing out wide on the left. But this left more space for Liverpool at the back and Milan Baros skipped past Paolo Montero so he was one on one with Buffon, but managed to pull his shot inches wide of an open goal.
This scared the Bianconeri and they finally began to raise the tempo. Zalayeta knocked down a corner kick for Ibrahimovic, whose bicycle-kick was charged down from seven yards. Liverpool also made a change, introducing Vladimir Smicer for Antonio Nunez. The first save Dudek actually had to make was from a timid Emerson header from Camoranesi's free kick after all of 64 minutes of play.
Soon afer, Dudek had to time his run well as he plucked Camoranesi's cross off the head of Ibrahimovic. At the other end, Fabio Cannavaro's perfectly weighted intervention prevented a Baros counter-attack. Ibrahimovic, Zambrotta and Emerson went into the book and the Brazilian will miss the next European game. Dudek was tested by a Camoranesi free kick, coming out to punch it away.
Djibril Cisse' was surprisingly brought on for the final 15 minutes - three months earlier than expected after his leg was badly broken in October.
Juve wasted another good chance when Emerson blazed so wide it went out for a throw-in, but on 78 minutes the Delle Alpi held its collective breath. A Del Piero free kick found Cannavaro at the back post, but Traore got the last touch and hit the ball on to his own upright. Juve felt the ball had crossed the line before Dudek's scrambled save, but replays suggest it had not.
Hyypia had scored in the first leg and was allowed a completely free header when Thuram slipped, but it was over the bar. Time was running out and with 8 minutes to go Gianluca Pessotto came on for Montero, while Stephen Appiah replaced Camoranesi.
Del Piero curled a free kick straight into the arms of Dudek and another incorrect offside decision went against Zambrotta, as when Ibrahimovic's pass was deflected off Le Tallec, the fullback was level. There were three minutes of stoppages and a Dudek-Hyypia misunderstanding caused panic in the Liverpool area, but they held on for the victory that books a semi-final date with Chelsea.
Capello praises Liverpool
Football Italia
Fabio Capello insists the Bianconeri gave everything they had to reach the Champions’ League semi-finals, but were outplayed by Liverpool.
“We must admit that Liverpool defended solidly and were unstoppable in the air. They deserved to qualify,” conceded the Coach after two poor displays sealed their exit.
Juventus needed to win 1-0 at the Delle Alpi after losing the first leg 2-1, but played with a low tempo and rarely tested goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek, only hitting the woodwork with Fabio Cannavaro’s late header.
“We gave everything we had and performed well enough, hoping to snatch a goal from somewhere, but unfortunately we were unable to score. Liverpool are a tough team to face. We knew that when they close up and go on the counter-attack they are at their best and we couldn’t find a way through this attentive defence. Sami Hyypia was particularly marvellous.”
Nobody knows that more than Capello, who was already eliminated twice by the Anfield outfit during his time at Roma. He had urged patience, a tactic that worked against Real Madrid in the last round, but the clock ticked away all too quickly.
“Liverpool play with one upfront and are constantly trying to crowd us out. We were able to create more chances at Anfield precisely because they were willing to attack, whereas now it wasn’t in their interests to do so.”
Aside from tactical considerations, it was a psychologically limp performance from the players who barely got out of first gear.
“I don’t feel it right to blame the lads, as it was a very balanced game and our opponents kept us on our toes with the threat of the counter-attack,” continued the Coach. “That’s why they’ve done very well away from home this season.”
The Italian Press has already turned on Capello’s side after a sluggish performance against an opponent they were expected to eliminate comfortably and the lack of alternatives in the squad was clear for all to see.
“David Trezeguet is a goal poacher who makes the difference in the area and would’ve been very valuable in this match, but he wasn’t available and we had to deal with that.”
Milan are now the only remaining Serie A representative in the Champions’ League and will face PSV Eindhoven after they won a penalty shoot-out with favourites Lyon. Liverpool go into an all-Premiership semi-final with Chelsea.
Del Piero: We made mistakes
Football Italia
Alessandro Del Piero has analysed the reasons behind the limp performances that saw Juve slump out of Europe.
“I don’t know what went wrong, but this was a difficult game because Liverpool had no intention of taking risks and then we were perhaps less consistent than usual, pushing forward only in bursts,” said the captain after the 0-0 draw put the Premiership side through 2-1 on aggregate.
Fabio Capello started with a three-man defence to make up for Jonathan Zebina’s absence through injury, then switched to a trident attack, but Liverpool continued to control the midfield.
“It was right to experiment with a few systems, as we couldn’t find space to put crosses in or create chances. It didn’t work, but we had to try. A tie is lost over two legs and the games were very different. If we had scored a goal today then the entire match would’ve changed, both on their part and ours, but we can’t talk about ifs and buts now.”
Juventus had played possibly the worst game of their season during the first half at Anfield Road, but did enough in the second to suggest they could turn the tie around in Turin.
“We weren’t aggressive and couldn’t keep them under sustained pressure, so clearly something was missing tonight,” added a disappointed Del Piero.
Ruben Olivera was particularly poor and was substituted at half-time, while Emerson had clearly not fully recovered from a hip problem.
“It’s easy to look at the game with hindsight, but at the end of the day we are very upset because we took a different approach to Liverpool and I don’t believe we were the worse team after two legs. It’s a real shame to go out against a side that was within our grasp.”
This performance has again brought up the issue of Juve’s thin squad this season, as mass sales have left Capello with few real alternatives to his favoured eleven.
“I think the Juve players who haven’t had as much room this season proved their professionalism and were always ready when called into action,” insisted Del Piero. “The reasoning behind our exit isn’t just a physical, psychological or tactical issue, but we can say this was not our best performance.”
Milan are the only remaining Italian contenders for the trophy and will face PSV Eindhoven in the semi-final on April 26, while Chelsea take on Liverpool.
“As far as prestige goes then I’d say the Final should be Chelsea-Milan, but the Champions’ League has taught us that any team can win. Now we have to bring our anger at the exit to the Serie A campaign and try to pour that into the Scudetto race.”
Juventus - Lecce
Football Italia
While the main objective for Juventus on Sunday is the three points that will keep the pressure on Scudetto rivals Milan, and take them past the 70 point barrier, there will also be some underlying desire for retribution against Lecce boss Zdenek Zeman.
The chain-smoking chief was responsible for a lot of the vociferous comments that preceded the doping case brought against the Bianconeri. A win at the Stadio Delle Alpi at the weekend would be a small victory over their verbal assailant for Juve but it would be a sweet victory nonetheless.
Lecce have little real objectives left to motivate them at this stage in the season. They have surely secured their Serie A status for another year but have no realistic chance of catching the chase for European places. However, the opportunity to throw a spanner into Juve’s bid for their 28th championship will certainly be enough to raise the Giallorossi’s game.
The Bianconeri were shocked last year when Lecce left Turin with a 4-3 victory. The Via Del Mare club actually held a 4-1 lead at one stage in that game. It is that kind of miraculous result that will drive them on and instil some belief in their ranks ahead of their meeting with the joint leaders.
Juventus will take comfort from their 1-0 triumph in Week 12. In horrendous conditions, torrential downpours had almost threatened to see the game postponed, an Alex Del Piero strike gave Juve the win. Another determined performance like that will satisfy the Juve faithful.
From first sharing the lead at the top, Fabio Capello’s men have thus far matched their Milan rivals performances. But with the Rossoneri hitting the road to Siena this weekend it could be the Turin side who have the chance to take a step ahead in the neck-and-neck title race.
Since their back-to-back defeats to Sampdoria and Palermo in early February, and the collapse of their eight-point lead, Juventus have picked up five wins and two draws. A run of three straight home wins should strike fear into a Lecce side who haven’t picked up a point away from home in four attempts.
Lecce midfielder Cristian Ledesma will be keener than most to shine if he makes it into the squad. He has been strongly linked with a move to Juve in the summer and could use the game as a chance to impress his suitors at close quarters.
Juve’s defence will be without veteran Ciro Ferrara and Frenchman Jonathan Zebina. Lecce will miss attacking midfielder Babu, defender Giuseppe Abruzzese and striker Giuseppe Cozzolino who are all out injured.
Lecce are expected to drop Sasa Bjelanovic for Serbian striker Mirko Vucinic and Ledesma will be replaced by Marco Cassetti in midfield, while Brazilian Angelo slots into Cassetti’s place in the back line. For Juventus it will be Gianluca Pessotto dropping into the back four instead of Alessandro Birindelli, while Alessio Tacchinardi also drops out of the side. Emerson and Manuele Blasi fill their gaps in the Old Lady’s midfield.
Juventus (probable): Buffon; Pessotto, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Blasi, Emerson, Nedved; Ibrahimovic, Del Piero
Lecce (probable): Sicignano; Angelo, Paci, Stovini, Rullo; Cassetti, Dalla Bona, Giacomazzi; Valdes, Vucinic, Pinardi
Ref: To follow...
Three week stop for Trez?
Football Italia
David Trezeguet could be facing another three weeks on the treatment table as a result of his ankle injury. The Frenchman picked up the problem while on international duty two weeks ago as his dismal season continues.
The striker, who missed three months of the campaign following shoulder surgery, was thought to have recovered from this latest set-back when he featured in the 2-1 loss at Liverpool last week. But the former Monaco hitman hasn’t appeared since and has also been ruled out of tonight’s Champions’ League second leg tie against the Anfield outfit.
Whispers in Turin suggest that Trezeguet will rest for three weeks in an attempt to finally rid himself of the persistent swelling.
Mozart To Conduct Juve’s Midfield From Next Season
Goal.com
The Reggina midfielder is considered as the ideal alternative for Emerson. Mozart has become one of the main transfer targets for the Bianconeri as Fabio Capello is looking for a central midfielder with the same characteristics as the ‘Puma’ as Juventus have lacked depth in that area during this season.
The Juve coach has requested the Brazilian player directly to Luciano Moggi and the negotiations are at a good point. The Old Lady is expected to sign Mozart on a co-ownership deal worth 4 million Euros.
Juventus fancy rumbling AC Milan for Gilardino
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi is ready to rumble AC Milan's plans of bringing Parma striker Alberto Gilardino to the San Siro next season. Gilardino has agreed personal terms with Milan over a five-year contract, but Parma's £15 million asking price is proving a stumbling block.
Juve were prepared to leave the way clear for Milan, but injury concerns over David Trezeguet has Moggi reconsidering their position. The Gilardino family are passionate Juve fans and the player's Dad confessed a move to Turin was their dream while revealing the deal with Milan earlier this year.
Juve chief Moggi, armed with a new budget backed by the Tamoil deal, would have no problem meeting Parma's demands should he get the go-ahead from coach Fabio Capello.
Wednesday 13 April
Juventus v Liverpool: Preview
ESPN Soccernet
Rafael Benitez will turn to "big names to solve big problems" when he sends out a patched-up Liverpool at the Stadio Delle Alpi in a bid to reach the last four of the Champions League.
Robbed of his influential skipper Steven Gerrard with a groin injury, Benitez has turned to Xabi Alonso and Djibril Cisse as the Reds look to defend their 2-1 lead from the first leg. Alonso has played only 45 minutes of a reserve game since New Year's Day when he broke his ankle and striker Cisse has not even managed that, having badly broken his leg at Blackburn in October.
But as Benitez surveys an injury-ravaged squad without Dietmar Hamann, Harry Kewell, Josemi, Florent Sinama-Pongolle and Neil Mellor, as well as Gerrard, he has little alternative to turn to players who will without doubt be playing from memory.
Benitez said: "The bad news is that Gerrard is not fit but the good news is that Alonso and Cisse are in the squad and we have big players back for a big occasion. Cisse will not start, but he is training with the team now and if we need something different and have big problems then he will come on.
"In Spain we say `big problems with big solutions' and I am confident he will be able to have an impact. It is not a risk taking Alonso, but he lacks the intensity needed for these games but he is a clever player and maybe we could use Xabi in the second half.
"Losing Steven is a massive blow, but we decided to make an immediate decision rather than to take him to Turin and then have to waste that time without him being able to have proper treatment. He was a doubt, maybe he could have travelled, but it was a risk and we do not want to lose the player for the rest of the season."
Without Gerrard, Alonso could even be asked to orchestrate the midfield, but Benitez may still decide just to use the Spanish international in the second half. Alonso is certainly up for the challenge, saying: "Even though the game is very important, I feel physically ready for Turin. I am fully recuperated and I feel very comfortable with both my game and overall fitness."
Benitez, obviously, is not so sure, but has little choice but to take the risk on Alonso in a game that is the biggest Liverpool have faced in Europe for 20 years.
He added: "We have big problems and need big solutions, that is why Cisse and Alonso are with us. They can both have an impact and we want big players back in the squad. We have had some bad blows, Gerrard is the latest, but I believe in the next couple of weeks we will have big players back. Josemi, Harry Kewell, Didi Hamann are all close to a return.
"Steve is a big player for us, we thought about using him, but it was a risk and we wanted him to have treatment and be ready for the next game. We will just have to work on different things with different players.
"Alonso can play, the ankle is no problem, but he does not have the physical condition needed for this level. But he is a good passer and clever player and he can control the game. We must decide whether he starts or plays only the second half.
"Cisse is only an option at the end of the game, after six months he is not fit. But he is quick and was the top scorer in France for several seasons so if we have a problem maybe he can be involved in the later stages."
Capello calls for patient Juve
Football Italia
Juventus boss Fabio Capello believes patience will be key in Wednesday’s Champions’ League tie against Liverpool. The Turin giants need to overturn a 2-1 defeat at Anfield, but the Coach wants his side to pace themselves rather than run the risk of conceding a potentially lethal away goal.
"We need to play with intelligence," warned the tactician. "Obviously we’ll have to be aggressive but also prudent. We shouldn’t be in a rush to score. There will be trouble if we all went forward and allowed them to counter-attack."
The Bianconeri already came from behind in the previous round when they cancelled a 1-0 loss at Real Madrid with a 2-0 victory at the Delle Alpi.
"We are playing at home and we must look to limit their play," continued the former Roma boss. "However, I think we are in the right frame of mind as we were when we took on Real. This time we only need one goal though."
Capello confirmed that he will be without the injured David Trezeguet and suggested he will play with three at the back. "There is nothing we can do about David," he noted. "He tried to train today but was still feeling pain in his ankle. I don’t know when he will be back.
"If we play with three quick players in defence then I think we can stop them from being dangerous. Yet the most crucial thing will be the filter provided by the midfield. Emerson is fine and will play."
While the Brazilian has been cleared to start, Liverpool will be without the injured Steven Gerrard. "The Reds will be compact but will be without a leader and that could weigh them down," continued Capello. "I expect Xabi Alonso to replace Gerrard which will give them less dynamism but perhaps a little more quality."
Given the absence of Trezeguet, captain Alex Del Piero will definitely start in attack alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
"We’ll go through if we play to our strengths by playing the ball to feet and quickly," stated the Italian No 10. "Liverpool are a good side away from home though and they could cause us problems on Wednesday. But we are in the same situation as before the Real game. We need to win to go through even if we only need a goal."
Juventus squad: Buffon; Montero, Pessotto, Emerson, Ibrahimovic, Del Piero, Nedved, Chimenti, Birindelli, Camoranesi, Appiah, Zambrotta, Blasi, Thuram, Bonnefoi, Kapo, Olivera, Zalayeta, Cannavaro
Buffon backs Juve win
SkySports
Gianluigi Buffon is confident Juventus can dump Liverpool out of the UEFA Champions League. Juventus entertain The Reds in Wednesday's second leg, having lost the first meeting 2-1 at Anfield last week.
But Juve goalkeeper Buffon does not feel the Italian giants are at a disadvantage to go into the game with a deficit to make up. Instead, Buffon is expecting to put Liverpool to the sword in the same manner Juve vanquished Real Madrid in the last round of the Champions League.
"We KO'd Real Madrid in the last round," commented Buffon. "We can knock out Liverpool, too. We'll go for many goals to avoid any possible scares."
Meanwhile, Liverpool striker Milan Baros has brushed off accusations from Juve defender Paolo Montero that he is a diver. Montero hit Baros with that claim after last week's first leg but the Czech Republic international refused to be drawn into a war of words.
Baros said: "I really don't take those comments too seriously. It could well be just a psychological war. I will be fully focused on my job."
Juve hit by Trez blow
Football Italia
Juventus striker David Trezeguet has been ruled out of Wednesday’s Champions’ League game against Liverpool. The Frenchman was expected to feature but limped out of training today after failing to recover from an ankle injury.
That leaves boss Fabio Capello with no option but to stick with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alex Del Piero in attack – even if the pair netted three in the draw at Fiorentina on Saturday. Juventus, who lost the first leg 2-1, should start with Emerson in midfield after the Brazilian shrugged off his physical problems.
Meanwhile, Liverpool fans started to arrive in Turin on Tuesday with strict instructions from the club to behave themselves. There are fears that the game could be marred by trouble between rival fans in the aftermath of the Heysel Stadium disaster in Brussels 20 years ago.
"We are asking all our supporters who travel to Italy to behave with the same respect and responsibility they showed in Liverpool," said Anfield chief executive Rick Parry. "We extended the hand of friendship and I hope that those who returned to Turin accepted that the 'amicizia' message was genuine and heartfelt.
"We understand that we could not expect a completely positive response from all the visiting Juventus supporters, but the behaviour of our fans on the night was exemplary.
"Our fans should show restraint and understand that singing and draping the city centre in red may be taken as a lack of respect and an indication that we do not understand the feelings of our hosts."
Tomorrow’s quarter final tie will be preceded by tonight’s Milan derby, but both sides have been hit by last minute injuries. Dejan Stankovic is definitely out for the Nerazzurri after the midfielder picked up a calf strain. There are also doubts over Milan’s Massimo Ambrosini, who was set to replace the suspended Rino Gattuso, after he failed to finish training on Tuesday afternoon.
Trezeguet heading for exit, the heir is Monaco's Nonda
Yahoo! Italia Sport
Trezeguet's future in Turin may be cut short. The French forward is liked by Capello but his recent injuries and incidents such as his mysterious viral infection have led to speculation that a transfer move this summer is likely. Juventus are seriously considering a replacement for Trezeguet and the main candidate is Monaco's Shabani Nonda, though Brescia's Andrea Caracciolo and Udinese's Vicenzo Iaquinta are also heir-apparents.
Benitez plans all out attack for Liverpool at Juventus
Tribal Football
Liverpool will attack Juventus tonight at the Stadio Delle Alpi. Defending a 2-1 lead, Reds boss Rafa Benitez has pledged not to take a safety-first approach - despite Juve's awesome home record. He roared: "We think about winning, nothing else. This is a great opportunity for us and to be in the semis would be fantastic.
"We are not thinking about our problems in the build-up. Our job is to try and win this game, which means we need to go out there and try to score."
Benitez is convinced an attacking assault is the way to glory. The Spaniard has included Djibril Cisse on the bench - even though the hitman has not had a reserve-team outing since breaking his leg seven months ago.
Benitez added: "If you look to win, then maybe you end up with a draw. We have two possible results open to us, while Juventus must triumph. But we are playing a very good team and it's important to have the right mentality and not be afraid.
"We can take heart from our performance at home. If we go there just thinking about keeping a clean sheet, we could concede in the last few minutes and then what happens? We'll look to score a goal and see where that takes us.
"I'd like Capello to be confident for this game as then maybe there is a chance of over-confidence. But I'm sure he will be ready because they know how important this is."
Juventus chief Moggi won't rule out Inter Milan move
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi hasn't ruled out a switch to Inter Milan. Moggi is regarded as the best in the business at building championship challenging squads and could be on his last contract at Juve. Inter supremo Massimo Moratti would love to tempt Moggi to Inter, but knows he is very loyal to Juve.
He said: "I am happy at Juventus. I do not have any reason to change, at least while the board has confidence in me. A move to Inter? I have said it before, you can never say never."
Lazio's Giannichedda expected to confirm Juventus deal
Tribal Football
Lazio midfielder Giuliano Giannichedda is on the verge of announcing an agreement with Juventus for next season. The pre-contract could be confirmed as early as this morning, or at least by the end of the week after Lazio president Claudio Lotito hinted a deal had been struck on Sunday.
"I just hope Giannichedda hasn't signed for Juventus," admitted Lotito to reporters as they asked him about Lazio's negotiations with the midfielder. Giannichedda's deal with Juve is said to be for three years and worth £2 million.
Roma confirm to Palermo Curci buyout option will be taken
Tribal Football
AS Roma have told Palermo they will be taking up the buyout option on goalkeeper Gianluca Curci. Roma have acted quickly after it emerged this week that Juventus were ready to bid for Palermo's 50 per cent of Curci's registration.
Roma can sign the Italy U21 international outright for £500,000 and have informed Palermo of their intentions. The deal is expected to go through at the end of this season.
Roma back in for Siena winger Taddei
Tribal Football
AS Roma have made fresh contact with Siena for midfielder Rodrigo Taddei. The Brazilian is being tracked by Inter Milan and Juventus, but has always had his heart set on a switch to Roma. Taddei still has a year to run on his deal, but Siena won't stand in his way at the end of the season as he prepares for his departure.
Jimenez eyes non-Juve option
Football Italia
Ternana starlet Luis Antonio Garces Jimenez feels that he is too inexperienced to join a club like Juventus. The Chilean ace has been heavily associated with a Turin switch but feels he would benefit by signing for a smaller outfit first.
"Everyone wants to play for the great clubs," he told GRT radio. "However, I think a player with my experience would benefit from playing regularly for a mid-table outfit."
That has opened the door for Fiorentina and Lazio to make a swoop for the South American at the end of the current campaign. "They were already linked with me last summer," he added. "It would be ideal for a 20-year-old like me to mature at such clubs."
Stories over the weekend suggested that Juve had definitely brought the right-sided wizard, even if his Serie B club officially denied the reports. If the Old Lady do indeed sign Jimenez, then he is likely to be loaned out to clubs such as Lecce or Messina.
Even if the Tuttosport newspaper did suggest that he could be offered to Roma as bait to tempt them to release Antonio Cassano.
Dortmund ace Rosicky offered to Atletico Madrid
Tribal Football
Borussia Dortmund midfield ace Tomas Rosicky is ready to follow the path of older brother Jiri and sign for Atletico Madrid at the end of this season. Jiri Rosicky had a short spell with Atletico after joining them in 1996 from Sparta Prague and kid brother Tomas is now ready to be latest family member to play at the Vicente Calderon.
While Tottenham and Arsenal have approached Dortmund about the Czech Republic international's availability, Rosicky has had his agent contact Atletico directly about the prospect of moving to the Primera Liga club. Dortmund's financial woes mean they are willing to accept just £6.5 million for the midfield schemer, well within Atletico's summer budget.
However, any move will depend on Atletico qualifying for Europe next season. Rosicky has made it clear that Atletico must be regular participants in European competition if he is to make the switch to Madrid in the summer.
Atletico Madrid After Rosicky
Goal.com
The Czech Republic player is the Rojiblanco’s main transfer target for next season. Tomas Rosicky’s adventure at Dortmund is coming to an end as Borussia need to sell their most important players in order to heal their terrible financial situation.
The German club is ready to sell the 24-year-old midfielder for 10 million Euros, a sum which the ambitious Spanish club can afford. However, Atletico Madrid will have to beat the competition of Chelsea and Juventus who have been following Rosicky for the past months.
Tuesday 12 April
Nedved ready for ‘Pool
Football Italia
Pavel Nedved has declared himself fit for Juventus’ crucial Champions’ League clash with Liverpool. The former Lazio star collided with fellow Czech Tomas Ujfalusi and landed awkwardly on his back during the Bianconeri’s 3-3 draw with Fiorentina. Despite his recent injury problems, Nedved was able to finish the match.
“It was only a little knock,” he stated. “I hope that the worst period is over because I want to have a great end to the season with Juventus – starting against Liverpool.”
Having only returned from injury last week, the Old Lady will be delighted to hear that Nedved is fine to face Liverpool – but the player himself admits that he must find form quickly.
“Since I have come back I have tried to give the maximum,” he added. “I was happy with how I played at Anfield but I didn’t like the way I played in Florence. Now we will see in the third game. I have learned to take each game as it comes because it is difficult to play when you are not fully fit.”
Juventus go into the Champions’ League quarter-final second leg with a 2-1 deficit to overturn.
Nedved issues Reds warning
SkySports
Juventus star Pavel Nedved has warned Liverpool they will be ready for them in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League meeting. The Reds hold a 2-1 lead from the first leg, but Nedved insists Juve will not be caught cold like they were at Anfield in the first half.
"The first leg match helped us learn an important thing, we have not to sleep in the first part of the match," Nedved told Domenica Sportiva. "We must try to score and at the same time be attentive on defence. I've seem them against Manchester City, they lost, it's true, but they suffered the score only at the end of match."
Nedved is confident he will be fit to face Liverpool despite picking up a back injury during last weekend's draw at Fiorentina. "I really think I'll be on the pitch. I've been absent for a long time and now it must stop," added Nedved.
Juventus defenders angry with Liverpool's Baros
Tribal Football
Juventus are gunning for Liverpool striker Milan Baros tomorrow night in Turin. Juve's defenders are angry with the antics of the Czech Republic ace after losing the first-leg of their Champions League quarterfinal 2-1 at Anfield.
Juve's Uruguayan defender Paolo Montero said: "Some Liverpool players did not play fair and Baros was one of them."
Gerrard injury boosts Juve
Football Italia
Juventus have been given a boost ahead of their Champions’ League quarter-final second leg against Liverpool as Steven Gerrard has failed to shake off a groin injury. The England star aggravated the injury during Liverpool’s defeat at Manchester City on Saturday and is now out of Wednesday’s crucial game after failing to respond to treatment from Liverpool’s medical staff yesterday.
Gerrard did not take part in the warm-down after Saturday’s defeat and had only an outside chance of making a recovery in time.
After playing a vital role in their first leg victory, Liverpool needed their talismanic skipper fit, especially as fellow midfielder Xabi Alonso has only played one reserve game since returning from injury. The Spaniard may now have to be thrown back into the first team.
Juventus’ injury worries seem to have eased with both Emerson and David Trezeguet taking part in training yesterday. The pair sat out Juventus’ draw against Fiorentina but are expected to play on Wednesday.
Capello's free kick worry
SkySports
Juventus coach Fabio Capello is fearful of the threat UEFA Champions League opponents Liverpool pose from set-pieces. Italian giants Juve are aiming to overturn a 2-1 first leg deficit when they entertain Liverpool in the quarter final, second leg on Wednesday.
Liverpool's opening goal at Anfield arrived via a corner which Sami Hyypia volleyed in at the far post. Capello feels this is where The Reds are most dangerous and wants his players to be on their guard when defending set-pieces.
"Liverpool are a really good and strong team and then they are really dangerous on free kicks," said Capello.
The Turin outfit warmed up for Wednesday's tussle with a 3-3 draw against Fiorentina in Serie A on Saturday. Capello's troops trailed on three occasions during the game, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic's double a major help, although the Swedish striker still managed to displease his coach.
"The fact we have recovered the result three times has been really important from a psychological level but the character my team showed in the whole match has also been really important," added Capello. "Ibrahimovic has been good. In the second half I got a little angry with him because he went into the midfield to take the ball whilst I wanted him to always stay in the Viola penalty area because he's really dangerous."
Juventus bring forward contract talks for Ibrahimovic
Tribal Football
Juventus plan to open talks with Zlatan Ibrahimovic over a new contract extension. The Swede is contracted to Juve until 2008, having only signed in the summer from Dutch giants Ajax. His outstanding first campaign in Italy has convinced Juve officials to extend Ibrahimovic's deal another 12 months.
It was agreed in August that contract talks would be considered at the end of this season, but Ibrahimovic's form has convinced the Turin club to bring those plans forward.
Juventus threaten Roma's hold on keeper Curci
Tribal Football
Juventus have approached Palermo about their half of the registration for AS Roma goalkeeper Gianluca Curci. The Italy U21 international regular is co-owned between Palermo and Roma and is being considered by Juve as a long-term understudy for their No1 Gigi Buffon.
Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini is good pals with Juve chief Luciano Moggi and was not dismissive of the latter's approach over the weekend. Roma have a buy-out option set at £500,000 for Curci, but their dicey finances may prevent them from blocking any aggressive move by Juve for the young keeper before the end of this season.
Empoli coach drops Juventus hint for Coda
Tribal Football
Juventus are tracking Empoli's exciting young centre-half Andrea Coda. The Italy U20 international has been outstanding in Serie B this season and has caught the eye of Juventus chiefs. After a five-star performance against Torino on Saturday, Coda had praise heaped on him by Empoli trainer Mario Somma, who accepts his club will struggle to hold onto the youngster.
"I don't like to single out individuals," said Somma. "But I will make an exception in Coda's case. He is a great talent and I feel this stadium (Delle Alpi) will be his home in the future." Coda is currently contracted to Empoli until 2007.
Old coach backs Juve
SkySports
Italy coach Marcello Lippi expects his former club Juventus to vanquish Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League. Though Juve trail Liverpool 2-1 from the first leg at Anfield, Lippi is confident the Old Lady will turn the quarter final around.
Lippi fully expects Juve to join one of the Milan clubs in the semi-finals of the competition, to ensure Serie A has a strong representation in the last four.
"I expect two Italian sides will reach the Champions League semi-finals," affirmed Lippi. "One is certain - Milan or Inter. The other is Juve, although they were a bad joke for 30 minutes in the first leg against Liverpool. But they partially recovered and they gave the sensation to be able to get through this round."
Meanwhile, Lippi reiterated his hope that the race for the Serie A title does not require a play-off to settle the outcome. Milan and Juventus are locked on points with eight games to go and the May 8 clash between the two teams could decide the destination of the scudetto.
But if the pair can not be split, a play-off will be held just days before Italy's World Cup qualifier with Norway and this concerns national boss Lippi. He added: "A play-off for the scudetto would be a problem for the national team."
Lippi Re-opens National Team Doors To Del Piero
Goal.com
The Azzurri’s coach declared during a television program that the Juventus forward still has a place in the Italian national team. Marcello Lippi sent positive sign towards Alessandro Del Piero whom he still considers important for Italy.
The former Juventus coach praised Pinturicchio’s performance against Fiorentina and left the door open for future call-ups. Del Piero was the author of Juve's first goal in Saturday night's spectacular encounter against Fiorentina which ended 3-3.
“I saw a very active Del Piero, and in a good condition. He is part of the national team, which doesn’t mean that he has to be called-up every time, and he knows this. I choose once at a time, in these two years that must take us to the World Cup qualification and not only on the basis of the condition at the current moment. There are also other factors but those, if you don’t mind, I won’t reveal.”
I’m staying at Roma, says Chivu
Football Italia
Roma ace Cristian Chivu has told Inter and Juventus to forget about making a summer swoop for him. Both Italian giants are keen on the versatile stopper but he insists that he has no plans to leave the capital.
"I’m really happy here," said the Romanian. "I have a contract which still has three years left to run on it. I feel that the fans love me."
It was already widely reported last week that the international would snub a big money switch. In fact, his agent Andrea Pretti was spotted at the Trigoria training base on Wednesday where he allegedly started talks with the outfit over a new deal for his client
"It is pleasing to know that a lot of important clubs are interested in Cristian," stated his representative. "Nevertheless, Cristian believes in the club’s project for the future and he wants to stay here."
Chivu joined Roma in the summer of 2003, when he signed a five-year deal, and was a revelation during his first Serie A season under then boss Fabio Capello. The now Juventus Coach is believed to be keen on having him back at his disposal in Turin next season. While Inter would welcome the former Ajax sensation in a bid to resolve some of their defensive difficulties.
Monday 11 April
Juve pair ready for Liverpool
Football Italia
Emerson and David Trezeguet look set to recover in time to play Liverpool on Wednesday, while Adriano edges closer to a derby comeback. Both Juve stars did not feature in yesterday’s thrilling 3-3 draw at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, but the move was by all accounts wholly precautionary.
Both Emerson and Trezeguet trained with the squad this morning and look certain to take part in Wednesday’s Champions’ League encounter with Liverpool after recovering from muscular and ankle problems respectively. The Bianconeri need all the stars available to overturn a 2-1 first leg defeat, especially as Jonathan Zebina is definitely out with a thigh injury that’ll take a month to heal.
The other Italian involvement in that European competition next week is the Milan derby and Inter must win by three clear goals to recover from a 2-0 first leg loss. Although both legs are played at the San Siro, Tuesday’s counts as a Nerazzurri ‘home’ game, so any goals Milan score will be classed as ‘away’.
There is promising news from the Appiano Gentile training ground, as Adriano is taking part in full training and looks increasingly likely to play in the decider. Marco Materazzi is also ready to feature after recovering from a knock suffered in yesterday’s 1-0 win at Bologna, during which he was stretchered off the field.
“It is our duty to believe we can qualify,” stated Inter patron Massimo Moratti. “I am convinced that Adriano will be ready for the match and this team has the potential to achieve the result we need.”
Juve use Jimenez to catch Cassano
Football Italia
Ternana have released an official statement denying the story, but Luis Antonio Jimenez could be used as part of the Antonio Cassano deal. The 20-year-old talent has long been linked with the Turin giants, but with his Serie B side struggling the time is right for him to move on.
The young Chilean is a right-sided midfielder is likely to be loaned out to Lecce or Messina to become better accustomed to the top flight, but newspaper ‘Tuttosport’ has another theory.
Jimenez had also been tracked by Roma last season and could well be used as bait to tempt them into releasing Antonio Cassano. It is well known that Fabio Capello wishes to be reunited with the Italian international, who has also not hidden his desire to play for the Bianconeri.
Cassano’s contract is set to expire in 2006 and renegotiations have not gone well, as he is reportedly demanding the same wages as captain Francesco Totti. But it is his character which has caused the most problems, bickering with all four of Roma’s Coaches this season and only ever really tamed by Bari’s Eugenio Fascetti and Juve boss Capello during his career.
Angry Ternana rejects Juventus rumours over Jimenez
Tribal Football
Ternana have rejected reports they have agreed to sell star midfielder Luis Jimenez to Juventus. In a statement on Saturday, the Serie B club declared: "Ternana Football Club categorically refutes to have reached an agreement with Juventus for the transfer of the player, Luis Jimenez.
"At this time, Ternana are not negotiating with any club about any of their players. No negotiations will be considered while the club is fighting relegation. This news (about Juventus and Jimenez) has been clearly created to unsettle the squad before our game against Perugia."
Juventus to ask Liverpool about Baros
Tribal Football
Juventus will approach Liverpool this week for talks over striker Milan Baros. When Liverpool visit Turin for their Champions League return-leg, Juve intend to open formal negotiations for the Czech Republic international. Juve have decided to step up their interest after Valencia president Juan Soler shocked interested clubs by revealing they had been speaking with Baros about next season.
Genoa's Milito welcomes talk of Juventus, Barcelona move
Tribal Football
Genoa striker Diego Milito insists he is happy at the club, despite interest arriving from bigger teams. The Argentine said: "If it was up to me, I would not move from here.
"The attention of clubs like Juventus, Inter and Barcelona does appeal to me. But at the moment I only want to do great things for Genoa. I am contracted to Genoa and while I am happy to read in the papers of big clubs being interested, I am happy and want to stay here."
Sunday 10 April
Fiorentina 3 - 3 Juventus
Football Italia
Juve fought back three times to earn a draw in a six-goal thriller at Fiorentina's Stadio Artemio Franchi. This fixture had not been played in Serie A for three years following Fiorentina's bankruptcy, but the intense rivalry between them had not dissipated with time and a record 45,000 tickets were sold for this match.
Juve had the opportunity to break away at the top of the table following Milan's earlier 1-1 draw with Brescia and their last defeat at the Stadio Artemio Franchi was in 1998. Valeri Bojinov was injured with Chris Obodo and William Viali suspended, while ex-Juve man Fabrizio Miccoli was only fit for the bench after recovering from an Achilles tendon injury.
The Bianconeri were struggling with an injury crisis, as Jonathan Zebina, David Trezeguet, Ciro Ferrara and the suspended Ruben Olivera were out, while Emerson was a late absentee with a muscular problem. Gianluca Pessotto and Alessandro Birindelli stepped into the breach.
The Viola had a very aggressive start and after five minutes Gigi Buffon only slapped a Martin Jorgensen cross into the path of Giampaolo Pazzini, but his header was off target. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was given a stern talking to by Pierluigi Collina after the Swede sarcastically applauded a decision against him.
Buffon then had to rush outside the area to clear from Pazzini as he had out-sprinted the central defenders. Pavel Nedved has just returned from a series of long-term injuries, but he fell heavily on to the small of his back after an accidental clash with fellow Czech Tomas Ujfalusi.
Juventus could not have gone closer to opening the scoring, as on 14 minutes Fabio Cannavaro's glancing header from a corner kick was slapped out by Sebastian Cejas, though some players argued it had already crossed the line. Replays suggest it was certainly a debatable incident.
But the move continued and Fantini set up Pazzini for a spectacular strike that he slammed into the top corner from the edge of the box. The Under-21 international dummied Birindelli and hit the rasping shot past Buffon.
Juventus drew level soon after, but it was a terrible goalkeeping error from Cejas. Alessandro Del Piero sprung the offside trap and his shot bounced in front of the Argentine at the near post to leave him red-faced.
Luca Ariatti slipped at the crucial moment during another counter-attack, but Fiorentina restored their lead with a player that they still own. A corner kick was touched out for Jorgensen and his fine cross reached Giorgio Chiellini for a precise header from the six-yard box.
Cejas was at full stretch to turn a Del Piero free kick round the post as it remained an open and intense game, but in first half stoppages Pazzini brought a great save out of Buffon by again holding off his marker.
Fabio Capello introduced Marcelo Zalayeta and Paolo Montero for the second half in place of Birindelli and Pessotto for a 3-4-3 system. Del Piero wasted a good opportunity within 30 seconds of the restart, as he wanted an extra touch and was crowded out in the area.
Buffon misjudged a free kick and was able to get back into position in time to block Jorgensen's header. Juve hit back and an Ibrahimovic piledriver skimmed inches wide of the upright.
Ariatti's header failed to trouble Buffon at the near post as his contact was weak, but Cejas again cost his team with an appalling error. The goalkeeper rushed off his line and took the ball off his own defender, passing it straight into the path of Ibrahimovic to roll into an empty net.
Chiellini was again allowed a header from a corner kick and this time it was just wide of the target, then Buffon was quick to react as Pazzini had taken the defence by surprise. Anything could happen in this game and moments later Del Piero's shot-cross was parried into the path of Ibrahimovic, only to see it charged down by Ujfalusi.
The Artemio Franchi crowd cheered the introduction of fan favourite Fabrizio Miccoli for the final 20 minutes. The Italian international is still half-owned by Juventus, though he is not set to return this summer, and was only able to start from the bench due to an Achilles tendon problem.
Fantini threw away a golden opportunity on the counter-attack, as he opted to shoot from an improbably large distance rather than pass it to Miccoli. Fiorentina's celebrations were only postponed by a couple of minutes, as Marco Donadel's free kick found another defender - Dario Dainelli - for a free header to make it 3-2 to the Viola.
Del Piero almost made it 3-3 on Zalayeta's pass, but saw his shot charged down by a defender who happened to be in front of him. The equaliser - and the sixth goal of the season - arrived with 8 minutes left on the clock.
Ibrahimovic ran down the left flank, exchanged backheels with Zalayeta, and lobbed Cejas to complete the latest comeback.
The tempo in this incredible game never slowed for a second and Juventus went for the winner, but Nedved opted to pass rather than shoot and Zalayeta's effort was charged down. Gianluca Zambrotta slipped, but still managed to get his volley on to the crossbar, then Miccoli curled a free kick inches wide of the near post with the aid of a deflection off Stephen Appiah.
Fiorentina: Cejas; Maggio, Dainelli, Ujfalusi, Chiellini; Ariatti, Maresca, Donadel, Jorgensen (Delli Carri 78); Fantini, Pazzini (Miccoli 70)
Juventus: Buffon; Birindelli (Zalayeta 46), Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Tacchinardi (Appiah 80), Pessotto (Montero 46), Nedved; Ibrahimovic, Del Piero
Ref: Collina
Capello has Liverpool concerns
Football Italia
Fabio Capello admits Juve’s defensive worries are a concern for the Liverpool game, while Fiorentina can’t believe they failed to win tonight. Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored two goals in the spectacular 3-3 draw at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, ending a goal drought lasting almost two months.
“Ibrahimovic angered me because he is always dangerous when he receives in the area, so I didn’t understand why he insisted on coming back to get the ball,” revealed Capello. “He proved tonight just what he can do and he’s very difficult to mark.”
The Bianconeri fought back three times to eventually grab a point and Capello switched to a 3-4-3 system for the second half.
“I believed the half-time substitutions were the right choice, as to win you need to take a few risks, and we had an excellent second half. The fact that we came back three times is psychologically important, but so is the fact the team showed passion, determination and character in a difficult situation.”
There is a worrying trend in that two of the goals conceded were headers and Capello admits that could be a problem in the Champions’ League encounter with Liverpool on Wednesday.
“We were lacking something in the air today compared to Fiorentina, but when a cross comes in like that and you’re not in position, there’s precious little you can do. Liverpool are an excellent squad that defends with a great deal of attention, while they are always dangerous on set-pieces.
"Unfortunately, we are a bit short on height at the moment, if you excuse the pun.”
Dino Zoff witnessed the best Viola performance of his reign, but emerged with just one point at the end of a thrilling match. “Mistakes can happen, but it isn’t easy to swallow this result after going ahead three times. Hopefully we will learn from our errors eventually,” said the former Juve man.
Zoff was the best goalkeeper of his generation, so it must have been particularly galling to see Sebastian Cejas give away the first goal with a howler.
“When you’re a goalkeeper, the important thing is to get the ball, so style doesn’t really matter. The psychological status of a shot-stopper has always been crucial, as there is more pressure on him than anyone else.”
There were scuffles outside the Stadio Franchi before the game, but the team managed to pour the intense rivalry into a positive performance.
“These games are always dangerous because there is the risk tensions will spill over, so I tried to keep the team relaxed and not pile more pressure on them. This is football, not a war zone,” said Zoff.
Trez has Reds in his sights
SkySports
Juventus striker David Trezeguet is determined to feature in the UEFA Champions League tie with Liverpool on Wednesday. The prolific French forward appeared in the first leg as The Reds secured a 2-1 win at Anfield, and, after being ruled out of Saturday's trip to Fiorentina, is keen to appear in what he termed 'the match of the year'.
An ankle injury has prevented the former Monaco man from reclaiming his place in the starting line-up at the expense of either Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Alessandro Del Piero, and Trezeguet admitted that any kind of involvement would satisfy him.
The Bianconeri's star hit-man has also missed a large part of the season with a shoulder problem, although made a telling contribution in the previous round as he came on to score an acrobatic effort against Spanish giants Real Madrid.
"I still have pain to my ankle," Trezeguet told L'Equipe. "It is impossible for me to play at Florence but we will do everything for me to be present against Liverpool, it is the match of the year.
"It is impossible I miss that encounter, I think I will be on the pitch on Wednesday. Even if I start on the bench it won't be important, I could always come on as sub against Real Madrid. I will take care of my ankle, I am optimistic, I have to be."
U-17: Azzurri draw England
Football Italia
Italy’s Under-17 squad has been drawn against England in May’s European Championships, while Marcello Lippi explains the importance of young players. Coach Francesco Rocca’s Azzurri side are the hosts and have been placed in Group A alongside Turkey, Belarus and England in the tournament staged in Tuscany.
The top two teams at the end of the opening phase will go through to the semi-finals, while Group B consists of Israel, Switzerland, Croatia and Holland. The best three in the tournament qualify for the Under-17 World Cup, set to be played in Peru from September 16 to October 2.
Senior Italy boss Marcello Lippi was at the draw and commented on his increased use of young players in the Azzurri squad.
“I think the enthusiasm shown by youngsters can really help build team spirit in an international side, and I can use more of them now because the era of blocks of Italians making up a midfield or defence, such as Juventus in the 1980s, is over,” said the Coach.
“This means I can look to clubs like Palermo and Udinese who use many Italians in their first choice eleven and give a chance to youngsters who deserve attention.”
Lippi also answered questions on the continuing Milan-Juve duel at the top of the table and the possibility the Scudetto could be decided by a play-off. “I certainly hope it doesn’t come to that, as the situation would be damaging for the international squad and difficult to work out,” he noted.
A play-off would have to be in early June as the Serie A season concludes on May 29, but Italy face a crucial 2006 World Cup qualifier in Norway on June 4.
Saturday 09 April
Capello ‘ignores’ injury crisis
Football Italia
Juventus boss Fabio Capello is still demanding a win over Fiorentina despite injuries to David Trezeguet and Jonathan Zebina. The Bianconeri face the Viola on Saturday without the French duo, who are struggling with ankle and thigh problems respectively.
"David’s ankle is still not working properly," stated the Coach, after the striker initially picked up the knock while on international duty. "We also have a mini defensive crisis as Zebina and Ciro Ferrara are out too. I may decide to play with three at the back instead of four. I’ve not decided on who will start yet."
Capello also confirmed that Brazilian ace Emerson is a major doubt given his physical problems. "The international break hasn’t been kind to us," he noted. "Emerson’s fitness is an example of that but we will stay quiet and just keep battling."
The Old Lady go into the game against their arch-rivals following a 2-1 defeat at Liverpool on Tuesday. "We can’t afford to make the same mistake as we did at Anfield," warned the former Roma boss. "We were too slow to get into the pace of the game.
"Let us just focus on Fiorentina now because this is a crucial match for us. I’m happy with the condition of the squad and I have a good feeling about the match. But we need to be aware that Fiorentina raise their game against big clubs."
Capello has named a 20-man squad for the Artemio Franchi tie, but will also be without the injured Olivier Kapo and the suspended Ruben Olivera.
Meanwhile, the joint League leaders have sold over 50,000 tickets for the Champions’ League return against Liverpool on Wednesday. The Bianconeri need to overturn the first leg loss in order to reach the European Cup semi-finals.
Squad: Buffon, Tacchinardi, Montero, Pessotto, Emerson, Ibrahimovic, Del Piero, Nedved, Chimenti, Birindelli, Camoranesi, Appiah, Zambrotta, Blasi, Thuram, Bonnefoi, Zalayeta, Cannavaro, Masiello, De Ceglie
Kovac to join Juve, say Bayern
Football Italia
Bayern Munich chief Karl Heinze Rummenigge believes Robert Kovac will join Juventus in the summer. The Croatian stopper is out of contract in June and Bayern have admitted they are unlikely to reach an agreement over an extension.
"Juventus have made him an offer which is too steep for us," the former Inter player told Tuttosport. "If the figure which his agent has told us is true then we can’t really compete with it. We really can’t afford to spend that much on Kovac."
The 31-year-old is rumoured to have already agreed a three-year Turin deal, worth £1m a season. The Old Lady are keen to rejuvenate their central defensive options for the new campaign, due to the lack of cover for Lilian Thuram and Fabio Cannavaro.
Juve presently only have Paolo Montero and Ciro Ferrara at the club as possible alternatives, following the January departures of Nicola Legrottaglie, Mark Iuliano and Igor Tudor. Given that Montero is widely considered as past his best, and that Ferrara will retire in the summer, the club need some new faces.
Bayern will now look to replace Kovac with a move for Chelsea’s young German defender Robert Huth, who has stated he is keen to move in order to play first team football. Meanwhile, Juventus are also today being linked with Benfica defender Luis Miguel, as they look for an alternative to current right-back Jonathan Zebina.
Juventus in Benfica talks for Miguel
Tribal Football
Juventus are chasing Benfica fullback Miguel. The Portugal international was watched last Monday by Juve scouts in action against Porto. Juve tried to sign Miguel immediately after Euro2004, but saw a £6.5 million offer rejected by Benfica before the start of the season.
A new proposal is being drawn up, which will include defender Igor Tudor going to Portugal in part-exchange. Benfica coach Giovanni Trapattoni wants Croatia international Tudor as a replacement for Luisao, who is on his way to Inter Milan at the end of this season.
Juve are confident an offer of £2 million plus Tudor will land them 25 year-old Miguel.
Juventus on verge of deal for Ternana's Jimenez
Tribal Football
Juventus are on the verge of sealing a deal for Ternana midfielder Luis Jimenez. The Chilean youngster has attracted interest from Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid over the past 18 months, but Juve's alliance agreement with Ternana has left them in the box seat to secure the midfielder.
Jimenez's transfer is expected to be rubberstamped before the end of the season and he will immediately be loaned out to a Serie A rival. Messina and Lecce have been mentioned, while Juve could offer Jimenez as part of their bid for AS Roma striker Antonio Cassano.
Juve are also in talks with Ternana about Jimenez's midfield teammate, Frenchman Houssine Kharja.
Roma rival Juventus for Reggina's Mozart
Tribal Football
AS Roma have made contact with Reggina for midfielder Mozart. Roma want to a add a defensive midfielder for next season and are lining up a bid for Brazilian Mozart. Udinese's David Pizarro has also been considered, but his £6 million price-tag has frightened off Roma.
Juventus are also chasing Mozart, who admitted last week he was ready to move to a bigger club as he seeks to break into the Brazil squad for next year's World Cup.
