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web site is an online diary maintained by azzurri.Friday 13 May
Juventus tighten their belts
Football Italia
Juventus President Franzo Grande Stevens claims they must sell players before they can splash out on the transfer market this summer.
"We do not have enough money at our disposal," he said after a meeting of the Board of Directors. "Before buying any new players, we must first sell. Failing that, we'll build a fire with the wood we have now."
The statement also came after Parma revealed that Juventus, Inter and Milan were all in the running for Alberto Gilardino's signature with a £34m price-tag. The Turin giants have been tightening their belts for a couple of years now and also took the same steps in the close season.
In order to bring in Zlatan Ibrahimovic, they sold off half of Fabrizio Miccoli, Giorgio Chiellini and Enzo Maresca to Fiorentina, while Marco Di Vaio went to Valencia. This suggests that Grande Stevens was by no means ruling out a move for Gilardino, as they could raise the money by selling David Trezeguet.
The Frenchman has long been linked with both Barcelona and Arsenal, with strong reports that this will be his last season in a Juventus jersey. There are other options, as Coach Fabio Capello would rather bring in reinforcements in midfield and defence, where there are few real alternatives to Fabio Cannavaro, Pavel Nedved and Mauro Camoranesi.
Juve's financial situation is already an improvement on last year, as the Board of Directors announced that revenue for the first nine months of the 2004-05 financial year was £113.79m, an increase of 9.8% on last year.
The club's expenditure was £91.76m, an increase of 6.6% in the corresponding period, so the net result is a negative of £3.89m – an improvement on the £11.76m from last season.
Genoa's Milito: Juventus, Inter Milan want me
Tribal Football
Genoa striker Diego Milito has revealed Inter Milan and Juventus are chasing him. The Argentine has been outstanding for Genoa in this season's Serie B and declared: "It's true, the most prestigious clubs are following me.
"Inter and Juventus have been to see me, the Nerazzurri have been the most interested. There was also talk about Real Madrid, but president (Enrico) Preziosi does not want to sell me. I am proud of this interest. My dream? To play with my brother, Gabriel (of Real Zaragoza)."
Parma await Bonera offers
Football Italia
Parma have admitted that Daniele Bonera could follow Alberto Gilardino out of the club this summer. The Tardini outfit will sell the star striker at the end of the season but are also willing to listen to offers for Bonera.
"He would happily remain with us but he is an international regular and that means he will join a great club sooner or later," administrator Luca Baraldi told the Tuttosport newspaper. "As with Gilardino, we are ready to talk about Bonera’s future. Where could he go? Juventus have been following him."
Bonera has been linked with the likes of Milan, Inter and the Bianconeri for some years now. He’s widely regarded as one of the most promising defenders in Italian football and is currently Marcello Lippi’s first choice right-back.
Yet Bonera, a former Under-21 international, is also valued for his versatility given that he can play at centre-half. Juventus could be a realistic option as they are looking for some new central defenders and cover for current full-back Jonathan Zebina.
Viola chase Under-21 duo
Football Italia
Fiorentina could add the Atalanta pair of Andrea Lazzari and Riccardo Montolivo to their squad at the end of this season. The Viola grabbed an option on the duo in January when they also netted Giampaolo Pazzini from the Bergamo outfit.
But Nerazzurri chief Ivan Ruggeri has warned them to make their move or risk losing out on the Under-21 internationals.
"The option which we signed with Fiorentina expires at the end of this month," stated Ruggeri. "They are two very important players. If I was the Fiorentina President then I would have already made some sort of move by now."
Lazzari is a 20-year-old attacker who hit the headlines when he scored all five in the 5-3 aggregate victory over Juventus in the Coppa Italia this term. While Montolivo is an attacking midfielder who many have tipped to become a future star of Italian football.
Thursday 12 May
Juventus - Parma
Football Italia
Juventus will be looking to consolidate their position at the top of the table, after their crucial win against Milan last week, against a Parma team still in need of points to stave off the danger of relegation.
Goal-machine Alberto Gilardino, tipped by many to join Juventus at the end of the season, will have to find a way past legendary ex-Parma trio Gianluigi Buffon, Lilian Thuram and Fabio Cannavaro. Stephen Appiah and Manuele Blasi could also make appearances against their former club. Parma will be looking to get anything out this match, which was marred by ugly scenes at the end of the game earlier this season.
After serving his suspension, Fabio Capello will be able to call upon the services of Zlatan Ibrahimovic who will probably take the place of last week’s goal hero David Trezeguet upfront.
Parma tactician Pietro Carmignani will have to draft in Renato Olive and promising youngster Filippo Savi to cover for suspended duo Fabio Simplicio and Matteo Contini. Much will depend for Parma on whether the prolific Gilardino will get any chances out of a Juventus defence which has been at its miserly best this season.
Juventus: Buffon; Pessotto, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Appiah, Emerson, Nedved; Del Piero, Ibrahimovic
Parma: Frey; Bonera, Cardone, Bovo; Pisanu, Olive, Savi, Grella, Bresciano; Morfeo; Gilardino
Ref: To folllow
Juventus: There Is No Money
Goal.com
President Grande Stevens declared that in order to bring in new players, there will have to be some important sales. The Bianconeri will have another quiet summer on the transfer market scene as according to Grande Stevens there is no money available to purchase players.
The only way would be to sell current squad players, which would be in line with the Juventus philosophy. “First we sell and then we buy; there is no money. We shall make a fire with the wood we have,” declared the Juventus President, thus excluding any major incoming transfers this summer.
Gilardino too pricey for Milan
Football Italia
Milan have told Parma that they will not meet their £35m asking price for star striker Alberto Gilardino. The Rossoneri were believed to be in pole position for the Italian international but his valuation now seems to be a major stumbling block.
"All transfer negotiations are on hold until the end of the season," said chief Adriano Galliani. "However, the figures I’ve been reading about are out of the question."
Milan’s reluctance to dig so deep into their pockets will allow other clubs to join the chase as Parma have admitted. "I would say that Milan, Juventus and Inter all have an equal chance of netting Gilardino," administrator Luca Baraldi stated on Italian television last night.
The reigning Italian champions may now look elsewhere for a new attacker, with two men freshly linked on Wednesday. The first is Udinese striker Vincenzo Iaquinta who has enjoyed a wonderful season at the Stadio Friuli. Yet boss Carlo Ancelotti is also a fan of Palermo target man and Italian international Luca Toni.
Meanwhile, Milan are set to meet with their Chelsea counterparts on Monday to discuss two transfers. The Italian outfit want to keep Hernan Crespo on a permanent basis, while the Stamford Bridge side are keen on left-back Kakha Kaladze.
Parma star Gilardino: Clubs must make big sacrifice for me
Tribal Football
Parma ace Alberto Gilardino admits it will take "a big sacrifice" for another club to sign him at his £35 million asking price. That's the figure that was put on him by Parma chief Luca Baraldi this week and Gilardino said: "If Baraldi has said he'll sell me for £35 million, I do not know who can buy me.
"Milan? That's a possibility. Juventus? Also the same. It would appeal to all to play with Del Piero. Juventus and Milan are first in Italy and among the strongest in the world. I say that if someone truly is interested me, they will make the sacrifice."
Liverpool in Monaco talks over left-back Evra
Tribal Football
Liverpool are in talks with AS Monaco over young left-back Patrice Evra. French press reports suggest Liverpool are willing to offer several of their French players in part-exchange for Evra, who is rated at around £4 million after an indifferent season.
Djimi Traore, Bruno Cheyrou and Alou Diarra, currently on loan at Lens, have all reportedly been mentioned in talks as Liverpool press Monaco for an answer over the fullback.
Chelsea ready to go to £18M for Lyon star Essien
Tribal Football
Chelsea will offer £18 million for Lyon midfielder Mickael Essien in the coming days. The Mirror says Blues chief Peter Kenyon has been to France to speak to the new champions about a deal for the Ghanaian midfielder who is Jose Mourinho's latest big-money target, as revealed last Friday.
The Stamford Bridge supremo has started the auction at £15m, but Lyon - wealthy from their own Champions League campaigns - rejected it. However Chelsea will return and Essien is also keen on the move. But there is also late interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid, meaning the signing battle could be massive.
Lyon will not be bullied and Kenyon has to find more funds as he bids to land Essien ahead of interest from Manchester United and Arsenal.
Real Madrid press Santos to publicly confirm Robinho signing
Tribal Football
Real Madrid are pressing Santos to allow them to announce the signing of Robinho immediately at the end of the season.
Santos have insisted that nothing be confirmed publicly until their Copa Liberatores campaign has run its course, but Real are eager to announce Robinho's signing to satisfy fans who will be keen to see an early blow in the summer market as Barcelona celebrate their Liga triumph.
While Chelsea have also been linked with the Brazil international, Real have a verbal agreement with Robinho over a five-year contract and also a preliminary deal with Santos worth between £8 million and £12 million.
Real want to unveil Robinho as their latest galactico, in the same way they presented Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and David Beckham. The timing of Michael Owen's switch last summer from Liverpool prevented Real from celebrating his capture in the galacticos manner.
Despite his lower profile in Europe, Robinho is the biggest name in South America and ever since his signing with Real Madrid was mooted last November a campaign - led by Pele - has been raging urging him to stay in Brazil.
Betis ace Joaquin confirms "negotiations" with Chelsea, Man Utd
Tribal Football
Real Betis winger Joaquin has confirmed the interest of Chelsea and Manchester United. Betis president Mauel Ruiz de Lopera is in talks with both Premiership clubs and Joaquin admits a move to England is likely. He said: "There have been negotiations with Chelsea and Manchester United."
Meanwhile, Joaquin has revealed he would rather be a bullfighter than a Premiership player. But he says he would have been a fearless toreador - had he not been afraid of his mum! Joaquin, 23, said: "My mum used to lock me in my room because I'd always be down the bullring trying out moves.
"I fought a couple of times but my mum didn't like it."
Agent of Ajax's Van der Vaart reveals Roma, Arsenal, Liverpool talks
Tribal Football
The agent of Ajax midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has revealed talks with AS Roma about a summer move.
The Holland international's agent told Il Romanista that he had spoken with Daniele Prade, who will be appointed Roma sports director next month, about a switch to Italy. He also mentioned contact with "Arsenal, Liverpool, Juventus and Hamburg".
Roma are ready to offer £3.5 million for Van der Vaart, who has just over a year to run on his current Ajax deal.
Azzurri announce US tour
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi’s Italy squad will go on a brief tour of the US and Canada during the summer, announced the FIGC. The Azzurri get together for a crucial World Cup qualifier in Norway on June 4 and will then travel across the Atlantic for two friendly encounters.
On Wednesday June 8 they will meet with Serbia-Montenegro at Toronto’s Skydome, kicking off at 8pm local time – 1am in the UK. Italy then travel to New York and the Giants Stadium will host a match with Ecuador on Saturday June 11. It is an afternoon kick-off at 3pm, which will be 8pm in Britain.
The squad for this friendly tour will be announced following the Norwegian World Cup qualifier and is expected to contain many experimental choices.
Wednesday 11 May
Edu confirms Juve interest
Football Italia
Arsenal midfielder Edu has admitted that Juventus are one of the clubs interested in signing him. Football Italia initially reported the story last month and the player has now publicly revealed that Turin could be his next destination.
"A lot of clubs have asked about me and since January my agent has spoken to Real Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia in Spain and Juventus in Italy," he told BBC Sport. "I've decided to leave Arsenal after the FA Cup Final but I haven't decided which club I'm going to join."
The Brazilian international is a much-wanted figure on the transfer market given that the 26-year-old is available on a free transfer. And he admits he’s keen to join a club who would be able to guarantee him regular first team football.
"I don't want to go to a club and just be part of the squad, that's not my plan," he underlined. "Apart from how much I would be playing, it's also about the country and whether my family will be happy that I have to think about.
"But I'm sure of one thing - I want to play always."
Edu could get a regular game at Juventus as the club are looking for a suitable partner for Emerson in central midfield. And seeing as the two men play together for their country, Edu may opt to join the Delle Alpi outfit in the summer.
Juventus target players for Capello's reign
Yahoo! Italia Sport
Juventus, with one hand on the championship, are already planning for next season and are following Capello's instructions in order to obtain the right players to start a great winning cycle.
Corriello Della Sport reports that the Bianconeri are currently negotiating with Argentine club River Plate for their skillful winger Dogo and midfield general Macherano. The deal can be completed with the part-transfer of Marcelo Salas and some cash.
In Italy Moggi is expected to buy the other half contract of Fiorentina's Chiellini, while Maresca and Miccoli would remain with Fiorentina. Another transfer being considered is a player-exchange with Monaco where little used player Olivier Kapo would be used to obtain Monaco's left-back Patrice Evra.
Zokora rumours persist
Sky Sports
Rumours persist about the future of St Etienne star Didier Zokora.
The Ivory Coast international has enjoyed a marvellous season with Les Verts and has attracted attention from across Europe. Manchester United, Chelsea, Lyon, Monaco and Juventus have all monitored the midfielder's form during the course of the campaign.
However, ASSE chairman Bernard Caiazzo has always insisted he wants to keep one of the rising stars of Ligue 1. Only a major bid would tempt St Etienne to cash in on Zokora's talents but there is a meeting scheduled between club officials and the versatile African on May 17.
"I still have three years remaining on my contract and I am convinced we can achieve great things here," Zokora said recently. "But if I have an opportunity to leave for a great club, we will see."
Lyon move for Juventus striker Trezeguet
Tribal Football
Olympique Lyon have approached the representatives of Juventus striker David Trezeguet. Tuttosport says Lyon informed the French international's agents they are ready to offer £16 million to bring him back to France in the summer.
But Juve director general Luciano Moggi regards Trezeguet as untouchable, particularly after securing him, after lengthy talks, to a new deal this season.
Indeed, Moggi has made agents representing Juve aware that any inquiry for Trezeguet must be rejected out of hand. Juve won't consider offers less than £20 million for the striker, who struck the winner against AC Milan on Sunday.
Juventus stall Middlesbrough over Tudor offer
Tribal Football
Juventus are drawing out negotiations with Middlesbrough for defender Igor Tudor.
The Croatia international has attracted an official inquiry from Boro, which are prepared to offer £4 million for the defender. But Juve want to hold out to see if other Premiership clubs will come knocking. While playing on-loan with Siena, Tudor has been scouted by Everton, Tottenham and Birmingham City, among several English clubs.
Juve have circulated Tudor's name around the Premiership since his loan move to Siena in January and are ready to cash in on the stopper when the summer market opens.
Lippi hails ‘champion’ Del Piero
Football Italia
Juventus captain Alex Del Piero is back in the mind of Italy boss Marcello Lippi following his display against Milan. The No 10 has been omitted from the Azzurri squad recently but Lippi has praised his former pupil after his performance in the 1-0 win over the Rossoneri.
"Del Piero is a great champion," said the tactician. "He isn’t protesting too much when he gets replaced and has now led his team to the verge of the Scudetto. Del Piero has always been like that. He always manages to bring out the best when it really matters."
The Old Lady are now three points clear of their San Siro rivals and, with only three games left, Lippi believes the title is heading for Turin. "They deserved to beat Milan," added the former Juve Coach. "It will be extremely difficult for them to let the championship slip now."
Meanwhile, Juventus will resume training on Tuesday after they were given yesterday off by boss Fabio Capello. The medical team will be busy as they will assess the injury sustained by Mauro Camoranesi. If the winger doesn’t recover in time for the Parma game on Sunday, Ruben Olivera is expected to start at the Delle Alpi.
Jonathan Zebina should resume full training this week and will at least begin on the bench against the Tardini boys.
Inter on the defensive
Football Italia
Roma defender Cristian Chivu is today being named as Inter’s primary summer transfer objective. The Nerazzurri are set to refresh their central defensive options as Sinisa Mihajlovic and Carlos Gamarra will leave once their contracts expire in June.
Argentine international Nicolas Burdisso is also expected to return to Boca Juniors on loan after struggling to settle in Serie A. That leaves the San Siro giants with just Ivan Cordoba and Marco Materazzi, a player who boss Roberto Mancini seems to still have doubts over.
Chivu has been linked with the Nerazzurri for some time and a bid of £8m is believed to have already been rejected by the Giallorossi. But whispers suggest that Inter will make a new offer once this season comes to an end.
Chivu had previously stated that he would remain with the Stadio Olimpico outfit but may reconsider his options given their nightmare campaign. Yet if he was made available for transfer, Inter would face some stiff opposition from Juventus for his signature.
Other possible arrivals include Bayern Munich’s Samuel Kuffour and Uruguayan stopper Diego Lugano, who plays for Sao Paulo. Kuffour, 28, is available on a free transfer, while Lugano could be netted for as little as £2.5m.
Tuesday 10 May
May the force be with Juve
ESPN Soccernet
Roberto Gotta
The metaphor is so trivial I feel a little ashamed to use it, but when twenty characters wearing the costumes of the latest George Lucas movie took the pitch at ten to three, it was easy to believe that it was, indeed, Star Wars time at the San Siro.
And it would have been easier still to compare some of the characters standing in the middle of the field to those who were wearing a Milan or Juve blazer, or would actually play a part in Italy's biggest match of the season a few minutes later. But when I started to think about the black-clad, deep-voiced, evil commander too many faces came to my mind that I had to abandon this spur of the moment game and concentrate on the real thing.
As many readers would know by now, Juventus and Milan have combined to win 11 of the last 13 Scudettos, but this is the first time the two have gone head-to-head; Lazio, Inter, Parma and Roma being either club's competitors on those previous occasions. This new situation had brought up countless theories and pre-match controversies, and the situation had been exacerbated by the apparent break-up of the unwritten alliance the two clubs had enjoyed for the best part of the last decade, as Soccernet readers will have read in previous columns.
That meant a variety of things, not all of them nice for the general welfare of Italian football, as one sensed that under the chairmanship of Milan's Adriano Galliani the Italian League would hardly do anything unpleasant to Milan or Juve. Although the gross disparity in the amount of the TV rights paid out to the two top clubs is simply a result of their greater appeal to potential TV viewers, and the state law that dismantled the collective sale of TV rights was passed by a left-wing Government in 1999, two years before Milan owner Berlusconi won the elections.
Milan had limped into this match on the back of their 3-1 defeat at PSV that had been enough to send them to the Champions League final but had done little to have Rafa Benitez - or Fabio Capello, for that matter - shake in their boots. Milan had looked a step slower than the Dutch, and their defence had again caused concern when attacked at speed - not that many defences would ever look good under those circumstances, of course.
There was the suspicion that Milan were tired and their performances in the last month had indeed raised questions: they lost at Siena, were held at home by Brescia, barely beat Chievo and had to thank Andryi Shevchenko for two face-saving goals that lifted the Rossoneri from 1-0 down in Florence ten days ago. Juve, on the other hand, did not have the problem of proving they were brilliant, since they've rarely looked so, this season. But this should not detract from their achievements; in fact, that they're now in sight of their 28th Scudetto is a tribute to their qualities and resilience.
With a smaller squad than Milan, and possibly less talent, they experienced a few hiccups and played some desperately dull matches but seemed to win games with more ease than their rivals, without having to resort to a plethora of injury time goals like Milan, for all their possession football and ball-playing skills, did.
Their win in Milan on Sunday was again a result of less than spectacular, but extremely efficient and organised football. Always a difficult side to break down, their 27th minute lead from a well-taken goal by David Trezeguet, who pounced to head in a Del Piero overhead kick of a cross from the left, meant they could play out the rest of the game in their favourite fashion: closing down spaces, putting at times nine men behind the ball and defending in depth.
Some of the less savoury aspects of their game had emerged early on, with those nasty little fouls in midfield that have been breaking down opponents' counter-attacking all season - statistics, who mean less in soccer than in other sports anyway, show Juve have committed more fouls than anybody else this season, although conspiracy theorists would be happy to know they have received fewer bookings than all but one team.
This tactic is especially effective against Milan and their Brazilian midfielder Kaka, who's at his best when running with the ball and forcing defenders to commit - as opposed to Andrea Pirlo, whose strength is in passing and positioning. Milan players hardly got a clear look at the Juve penalty area all afternoon, unless you count the final, frantic stages in the six minutes of added time ref Pierluigi Collina awarded when the Rossoneri threw everybody forward. Not even Filippo Inzaghi's arrival on the scene in place of John Dahl Tomasson could change the course of the game, although his shot from a Shevchenko pass midway through the second-half, was the closest Milan came on a rare occasion when they counter-attacked with speed.
Juve successfully crowded Pirlo out, with Capello taking a leaf out of his predecessor Marcello Lippi's playbook, circa autumn 2002, and you could not blame Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti - who may be feeling a little anxious now and even more so in case the Champions League final doesn't go his way - for introducing Serginho after the interval and going from the customary 4-3-1-2 to a 4-4-2, intended to spread Juve's defence and attack its flanks.
With hindsight, Rui Costa's introduction later on was a more meaningful move as the Portuguese is able to beat his man one on one. But Juve held on tight, with Thuram and Cannavaro - who should have been booked for a foul on Cafu, which would have meant a second yellow - ready to plug any holes, and vindicated Capello's decision to employ Appiah in central midfield alongside Emerson, while Del Piero for once lasted the course and Trezeguet provided what is required of a striker, a goal out of nothing.
Juve, who on the eve of the match would apparently have been happy with a draw, now have two remaining home games (Parma and Cagliari) sandwiched around a trip to Livorno. And you do not even have to remember that the Tuscan side agreed to sign Adrian Mutu from Chelsea with the agreement of transferring him to the Turin club next summer to believe the Bianconeri can do it against Livorno, who have now conceded six goals in each of their last two matches.
Milan, on the other hand, travel to another defensively-challenged team, Lecce, next week, then close out their home campaign against Palermo ('plenty of empty seats then, we'll be able to stretch out and get a suntan' was a comment I heard on the way out of the San Siro, along with another one who also conceded the title to Juventus by saying 'Ancelotti will play the training ground gardener next week in order to save players for Istanbul') before travelling to Udinese, who may still be in the hunt for a Champions League place.
You can draw your own conclusions from this fixture list, although strange results customarily mark the last month of each Serie A season. On another subject, there was apparently no trouble between the opposing sets of fans, who have never digested their clubs' pact in the corridors of power. Juve, who oddly enough have their strongest fan base in Lombardia, the region whose capital is the city of Milan, brought about 10,000 fans to the San Siro, the majority of them positioned in the lower tier in the South End, and a cordon of policemen on the lowest row of the upper tier discreetly made sure no one tried to hurl something from above at the Juve contingent.
There had been the usual disorderly scenes at the outside gates: most of the fans stand in something resembling a line - or a few lines merging into each other with no order - but from time to time a group of ticketless youths try to jump over the railings and force their way in on the sheer force of their numbers before the stewards can react. This brings things to a halt and annoys the law-abiding fans - there ARE many of them, despite what you may have gathered from this column in the past - who can only shout their displeasure at the gatecrashers.
'Same old story - someone said - for each one who pays, ten get in for free. When you reach your seat, watch out: every time we play Juventus there's someone who's already sitting in it without a valid ticket.'
The 10-1 ratio may have been exaggerated by that particular fan's frustration, but those scenes still occur for big time matches. And for those who wonder where the gatecrashers end up watching the game, just take a look at the lines of fans standing behind the last row of seats in each section of the upper tiers, propped up against the railings or the wall: it does not mean ALL or even MOST of them belong to the category, just that there is more room inside that stadium than the number of seats sold, which is one of the reasons optimism about crowd control in Italy should not be high.
Security controls left something to be desired, too: as kick-off time was less than fifteen minutes away and the lines were still stretching some 50 yards out, the urgency of letting as many people as possible in before the game started meant that, for example, my offer to a policemen to inspect my wrap-around pouch was waived away as if he had better things to do, and anyway I hardly look the menacing type - which of course means nothing, as facial profiling will lead nowhere in the fight against football hooliganism.
This is only an afterthought today, though: the verdict of Serie A's most meaningful afternoon so far is that Juve came away from the San Siro with a win, and no one can question that.
Trezeguet beats Platini tally
Football Italia
David Trezeguet has now scored more League goals for Juventus than Michel Platini – but we’ll have to wait for his reaction on such an achievement.
Trezeguet netted the only goal of the game in the crucial 1-0 win at Scudetto rivals Milan on Sunday. It not only allowed his side to move three points clear at the top of the table but also saw him reach 69 Serie A goals, one more than the legendary Platini.
But Trezeguet, who has scored 93 goals in all competitions for Juve, has been silenced with the rest of his teammates by the club. The Old Lady opted for a media blackout on the eve of the game against Bologna and that looks set to continue for a few more weeks yet.
Chief executive Antonio Giraudo has revealed that nobody on the club’s books will be allowed to speak to the Press until the end of the season. The outfit, who didn’t even release their squad list for the Milan game, took the step after fears of a ‘conspiracy’ against them.
That after the club felt they were being harshly treated by the authorities after the controversial three-game ban handed to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the furore caused by the Fabio Cannavaro drugs video.
Player of the Week: Del Piero (Juventus)
Football Italia
It hasn’t been the easiest of seasons for Alex Del Piero but he didn’t let Juventus down during the Scudetto clash at Milan. The captain led by example and was priceless in the 1-0 win at the San Siro which has given his side one hand on the Italian championship.
The Azzurri international went into the match after another disappointing display in the victory over Bologna. He again suffered the embarrassment of being substituted by boss Fabio Capello during that win, but there was no way the No 10 wasn’t finishing the showdown against the Rossoneri.
Although Juve’s offensive threat was limited throughout the 90 minutes, Del Piero again illustrated that his critics are all too quick in writing him off. He may not be the player who was arguably the world’s best at one stage in 1998, but he can still make a contribution for a club who are undoubtedly in his heart.
Del Piero moved well throughout the game on Sunday. He made David Trezeguet’s goal by delivering a sublime over-head kick cross that the Frenchman nodded in past the usually reliable Dida. Alex then tested the Brazilian with a curling shot before rattling the crossbar in the second-half with a header.
His performance will now give Capello a headache ahead of next week’s clash with Parma. With Zlatan Ibrahimovic available again after suspension, the tactician will either have to drop Del Piero or goalscorer Trezeguet as the Old Lady look for another win which would edge them closer to the Scudetto.
Yet Del Piero wasn’t the only Juve ace to shine. Their win against the Rossoneri was based on a collective team effort right throughout the line-up. Gigi Buffon made some crucial saves behind a defence that did well, especially Fabio Cannavaro and Gianluca Zambrotta – the latter denying Pippo Inzaghi with a desperate goal-line challenge.
Mauro Camoranesi was also a useful target in midfield, while Trezeguet underlined how good a goal poacher he is. The Frenchman did little in the game but made all the difference with his goal - a strike that may just have won his club the title.
Words: Antonio Labbate
Juventus ask for Evra in Kapo's Monaco move
Tribal Football
Juventus are set to offer midfielder Olivier Kapo to AS Monaco for left-back Patrice Evra. Kapo is being made available in the summer by Juve and have already fielded inquiries from Monaco and Liverpool about the French international.
Juve were originally ready to send Kapo away on a 12-month loan, but Monaco have made the Serie A leaders aware that they're ready to consider selling Evra at the end of the season. The French international fullback has struggled for form this season and Monaco have already agreed a deal for his replacement in Boavista's Nelson.
Juve are ready to offer Kapo, plus £1.5 million, to Monaco for Evra. The youngster recently declared: "If clubs are interested in me and make a good offer, then I will take it seriously into consideration the possibility of leaving.
"My agent has spoken with several prestigious clubs and is working hard to find a solution for me for next season."
Parma set Gilardino fee
Football Italia
Parma have told admirers of Alberto Gilardino that he will cost a massive £35m on the transfer market. The Italian international is expected to leave the Gialloblu in the summer but his suitors will have to dig deep into their pockets.
"We sold Adriano to Inter for 50m Euros and Gilardino, who has more impressive numbers than the Brazilian, can’t be worth any less," said director Luca Baraldi. "No other Italian player has scored with the same consistency as Gilardino has over the past two seasons."
The former Piacenza youngster netted 23 League goals last term and has 22 to his name so far this season. Milan, Inter, Real Madrid and Chelsea have been associated with the new star of Italian football.
Lyon star Essien aware of Chelsea, Man Utd interest
Tribal Football
Lyon midfielder Mickael Essien is considering staying in France another season. A big money target for Chelsea and Manchester United, Essien's agent Fabian Piveteau, revealed: "We know Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United have an interest in Michael, but we are not in talks.
"We have never discussed anything with them and at the moment we are in talks with Lyon. Lyon want Michael to sign a new contract. We're talking about it now." He told Sky Sports: "There is no hurry as I have a gentlemen's agreement with the Lyon chairman that will allow Michael to leave in one year no matter what."
Monday 09 May
Milan 0 - 1 Juventus
Football Italia
David Trezeguet's header from a spectacular Alessandro Del Piero cross has given Juve all three points in the Scudetto showdown at the San Siro.
This was the Day of Reckoning - Milan and Juventus had been locked together at the top of the standings for two months and came head to head at the San Siro. The odds were slightly in favour of the Rossoneri, whose Coach Carlo Ancelotti was unbeaten in home games against Fabio Capello and who had no injury worries going into the tie, while Juve were without Jonathan Zebina, Alessio Tacchinardi and suspended top-scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Milan were hammered 3-1 at PSV Eindhoven midweek, though that result still enabled them to reach the Champions' League Final on away goals. Massimo Ambrosini scored the late header, but was still relegated to the bench in favour of Clarence Seedorf. David Trezeguet had his first start since suffering an ankle injury over a month ago and partnered Alessandro Del Piero.
The Rossoneri had a strong start and Andriy Shevchenko was unable to make the most of Stephen Appiah's error. There was danger for Juve on 19 minutes, as Sheva managed to get round the goalkeeper, but Gigi Buffon did enough to narrow the angle so that he couldn't get in a cross or a shot.
However, it was the Bianconeri who took the lead after 28 minutes with a well-worked goal. Alessandro Del Piero ran forward on the counter-attack and saw his first cross charged down, so he bicycle-kicked it for David Trezeguet's precise header.
Dida saved a promising Del Piero strike as Milan struggled to get back into the game after this heavy blow.
Carlo Ancelotti made some brave half-time changes, introducing Serginho for Andrea Pirlo and switching to a three-man defence. It made an immediate difference, as Milan were far more sprightly and Marcos Cafu's angled drive was just wide of the far post.
There was another change after 11 minutes, as former Juve star Pippo Inzaghi made his comeback from long-term injury worries by replacing Tomasson.
Within seconds he almost grabbed an equaliser. Shevchenko sprinted forward on the counter-attack and cut it across for Inzaghi. Buffon blocked his first effort with the underside of his thigh, then Gianluca Zambrotta stayed glued to him in order to push the second attempt round the post.
Shevchenko then volleyed Serginho's cross over the bar, then Emerson was only able to turn Trezeguet's cross on to the side-netting. Juventus had the chance to put the game beyond doubt soon after, as a free kick was turned on to the crossbar by Del Piero's header and Trezeguet was unable to turn in the loose ball.
Ancelotti went for broke with Manuel Rui Costa taking over from Seedorf in a very creative midfield. Moments later, Lilian Thuram missed Rui Costa's cross and Shevchenko's header was just over the bar.
Dida was attentive on Fabio Cannavaro's header from a Del Piero free kick, but there was controversy on 75 minutes. Cafu snatched the ball off Zambrotta inside the area and was held back by his jersey, but the referee waved away penalty appeals.
Soon after, Pavel Nedved's strike skimmed the target with Dida following its path. There were further penalty appeals when Cannavaro flung himself at Cafu's shot and blocked it with his arm, but he was too close for it to be considered a voluntary foul.
Moments later, Inzaghi was closed down in the six-yard box by a combination of Thuram and Buffon, as Juve were hanging on for dear life in these closing stages. The final minutes were a siege and Inzaghi's header from a corner kick was deflected into the grateful arms of Buffon.
Milan: Dida; Cafu, Nesta, Stam, Maldini; Gattuso, Pirlo (Serginho 46), Seedorf (Rui Costa 66); Kakà; Shevchenko, Tomasson (Inzaghi 56)
Juventus: Buffon; Pessotto, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi (Birindelli 60), Emerson, Appiah (Blasi 80), Nedved; Del Piero, Trezeguet (Zalayeta 75)
Ref: Collina
Juventus, Real Madrid battle for AZ Alkmaar fullback Kromkamp
Tribal Football
Juventus and Real Madrid are battling for AZ Alkmaar fullback Jan Kromkamp. The Holland international has been likened to Juve star Gianluca Zambrotta and both European giants have already begun talks with his representatives about summer switch.
Kromkamp has confirmed this is likely to be his last season at AZ and admits he would like to play in "either Spain or Italy" next term. Thus far, the right-back insists he has only been approached officially by Valencia about a summer switch.
Juventus keep tabs on Inter Milan's Recoba talks
Tribal Football
Juventus are keeping tabs on Inter Milan's contract talks with striker Alvaro Recoba. The Uruguay international's agent will hold negotiations with Inter supremo Massimo Moratti this week about a new contract extension on reduced terms.
Juve director general Luciano Moggi knows he must provide more attacking options to coach Fabio Capello next season and fancies adding Recoba to his squad over the summer.
Everything will hinge on Recoba's contract talks with Inter. At his current £3.5 million salary, no club in Europe will touch the inside-forward. But if he can be convinced to take a pay-cut, Inter chiefs are confident they will be able to find a buyer for the South American, who isn't part of coach Roberto Mancini's long-term plans.
Palermo set to confirm deal for Verona attacker Behrami
Tribal Football
Palermo are expected to confirm the signing of Verona attacker Valon Behrami before the end of the month. Juventus are understood to have secured a deal for the Swiss kid, whose registration is co-owned between Verona and fellow Serie B club Genoa.
Behrami is set to sign a five-year deal with Juve, which will immediately loan the youngster to Palermo for next season.
Sunday 08 May
AC Milan v Juventus: Preview
ESPN Soccernet
AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini is ready for the most important game this season in Italy, when Scudetto contenders Juventus travel to a sold-out Giuseppe Meazza stadium for the clash of the season.
With four games left to play in Serie A and both teams level at the top of the table with 76 points, this weekend's encounter is likely to decide the destination of the title. To add pressure on both camps, the game will be transmitted in 180 countries across the world, with more than 300 million spectators expected to watch what is set to be a thriller.
Maldini admits he is still suffering the effects of being accidentally kicked in the head in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final with PSV Eindhoven. "It still hurts," admitted Maldini. "It was a very nice kick in the head."
Before Carlo Ancelotti's men can think about meeting Liverpool in the final in three weeks' time, the Rossoneri must brace themselves for the clash with Capello's Juve. Having been knocked out of Europe by Liverpool, Juve only have the Scudetto to aim for this season.
"They are playing to salvage their season," said Maldini. "And maybe that is an advantage for them but I certainly prefer to be in my position, with the Champions League final awaiting us."
But the slip in Europe has by no means diminished the confidence of the Bianconeri. "We respect Milan but we are stronger than them," said Brazilian midfielder Emerson, who returns to action on Sunday having recovered from injury.
With Lecce and Palermo still to play, Milan are perhaps more in need of the three points than Juve, who must take on Parma, Livorno and Cagliari.
"For us it's crucial to get an advantage on Sunday," said Maldini. "Maybe they will be satisfied with a draw but not for Milan. We still have to play the Champions League final and we also have difficult games ahead."
The absence of Juve's top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be a blessing for the Rossoneri defence. Ibrahimovic serves his second game of a three-match ban on Sunday, much to the disappointment of the Bianconeri supporters.
"Ibrahimovic is one of their best players," said Maldini. "He is a key figure for the Bianconeri attack."
Instead, Capello will have David Trezeguet available. The Juve manager's only dilemma is who will partner the French forward, with Alessandro del Piero and Marcelo Zalayeta in contention for one place. Milan are set to play with Kaka in support of attacking duo Jon Dahl Tomasson and Andriy Shevchenko, with Hernan Crespo relegated to the bench.
The 45-year-old Pierluigi Collina will referee what could be his last top encounter, as under current regulations he has to retire at the end of the season due to his age.
Juve lock out the Press
Football Italia
Juventus have taken their Press Silence to a new level by locking everyone out of their final training session and refusing to name the squad. The Bianconeri have banned their players and staff from speaking to the Press since last Sunday in protest at what they deemed to be a conspiracy to damage the club.
On the eve of the Scudetto showdown with Milan, they have refused to name the squad travelling to the San Siro and any new injury concerns. Journalists and fans were also kept away from the final training session, with staff going so far as to lock bathrooms that had windows which gave a view of the pitch.
This morning’s session split the squad up for a game between ranks. On one side there was Birindelli, Ferrara, Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Appiah, Emerson, Nedved, Del Piero, Mutu, Ibrahimovic and the other had Pessotto, Thuram, Montero, Camoranesi, Blasi, Olivera, Kapo and Zalayeta.
David Trezeguet, Alessio Tacchinardi and Jonathan Zebina only performed light fitness training, but the striker should be fit for the Milan match. Goalkeeper Antonio Chimenti is said to be dealing with injury worries, so Landry Bonnefoi could be on the bench.
Betis president reveals Liverpool interest for Joaquin
Tribal Football
Liverpool have been linked with Real Betis winger Joaquin. The Spanish international has been a long-term big money target for Chelsea and Real Madrid, while Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez was linked with the youngster last week.
"There is an English club, with a great Spanish coach. He has just taken his team to the final of the Champions League and knows our market very well and he wants to ensure that Joaquin does not go to Chelsea or Madrid," Betis president Manuel Ruiz de Lopera revealed.
"It is not always possible to turn down offers and here at Betis we are not going to say that he is not for sale and then go and sell him."
Saturday 07 May
Edu in fresh Juve link
Football Italia
There are more stories in Italy on Friday which suggest that Juventus are keen on signing Arsenal midfielder Edu. The South American is a free agent in the summer and that has interested transfer guru Luciano Moggi. The director general is always on the lookout for Bosman players and Edu’s quality makes him especially attractive.
Inter and Valencia have also been associated but the Brazilian, 28, seems to be in favour of a Turin switch. "Juventus are a great side and I’m happy to be of interest to them," the central midfielder is quoted as saying. "I have already spoken to (international teammate) Emerson about it but I’d prefer to keep that conversation private.
"I am certain that I won’t be playing in England next season and I want to continue my career in Europe."
Whispers suggest that Edu would like a contract worth just under £2m a season but Juve are not ready to offer more than £1.4m. The Bianconeri are also expected to sign Bayern Munich stopper Robert Kovac on a free at the end of the season.
Lippi offers Milan-Juve verdict
Football Italia
Italy boss Marcello Lippi believes the Milan-Juventus Scudetto showdown will be won in midfield. The joint Serie A leaders meet at the San Siro on Sunday and the tactician is expecting a tight affair.
"The key to the game will be how the two teams perform in midfield," he told the Gazzetta dello Sport. "There is Milan’s Andrea Pirlo on one side and Emerson of Juventus on the other. They will decide the destiny of the match."
The reigning champions seem to be struggling going into the game, after a narrow win at Fiorentina and the 3-1 loss to PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday. "If I was Fabio Capello I wouldn’t count too much on facing a tired Milan side," added the former Juventus Coach. "The fact that they have reached the Champions’ League Final will gift them extra energy for the game."
Yet Lippi also gave some advice to Carlo Ancelotti, the man he replaced on the Turin bench three years ago. "I would advise Ancelotti to not underestimate the honour with which Juventus turn up with in these occasions," he noted. "That is a real positive of this club."
Lippi also surprisingly added that he would be unconcerned if there was the need for a Scudetto play-off at the end of the season. "It wouldn’t be a tragedy for the national side," he said. "In fact, I would expect the players to be even more motivated ahead of the World Cup qualifier in Norway."
