This
web site is an online diary maintained by azzurri.Friday 20 May
Juventus in cheeky move for Real Madrid's Helguera
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi has made a cheeky approach for Real Madrid defender Ivan Helguera. Fed up with Real's interest in star midfielder Emerson, Moggi decided to fire back by contacting Helguera's representatives this week.
Helguera is set to sit down with Real chiefs next week to discuss terms over a new contract, with his current deal having just over a year to run. Moggi reportedly hopes his interference in Real's negotiations with Helguera will drive up the player's asking price and cost the Spanish giants more than they had previously bargained for.
Luxemburgo would love Juventus' Emerson at Real Madrid
Tribal Football
Real Madrid coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo has admitted he'd love to be able to call on Juventus midfield ace Emerson next season. Brazil international Emerson is a target for Real general manager Arrigo Sacchi, with reports that he is unsettled in Turin after his family home was targeted by vandals earlier this season.
Luxemburgo sees Emerson as the man to fill the void left by Claude Makelele two years ago and admitted: "Emerson is a great player and a great person."
Inter Milan rival Juventus for Benfica's Miguel
Tribal Football
Inter Milan have joined Juventus in the race for Benfica wing-back Miguel. The Portugal international is wanted by Juve coach Fabio Capello as Lilian Thuram's long-term successor and has had the youngster scouted regularly since Christmas.
Juve chief Luciano Moggi has already registered their interest with Benfica, but now faces competition from Inter. Inter coach Roberto Mancini has put Miguel's name forward on a shortlist of transfer targets submitted to majority shareholder Massimo Moratti in the past week.
Benfica won't listen to offers of less than £7 million for Miguel, who also has admirers in England's Premiership.
Juventus concern as Inter Milan move for Lazio's Giannichedda
Tribal Football
Juventus have been kicked into action by Inter Milan over their pursuit of Lazio midfielder Giuliano Giannichedda. Giannichedda was expected to move to Juve at the end of the season on a Bosman, but the Turin giants are yet to agree personal terms with the player.
Inter coach Roberto Mancini last week asked club supremo Massimo Moratti to move for Giannichedda. Moratti made his play on Tuesday, making contact with Giannichedda's representatives to register their interest.
An alarmed Moggi was made aware of Inter's late move on Wednesday evening and spent much of yesterday discussing a revised offer to make to Giannichedda with fellow Juve directors. Giannichedda is insisting on a three-year contract, worth £1 million-a-season.
Inter to poach Giannichedda?
Football Italia
Inter are attempting to hijack Juventus’ proposed summer swoop for Lazio’s Giuliano Giannichedda. The midfielder was expected to sign for the Bianconeri once his capital contract expired in June. But reports now suggest that rivals Inter may be about to snatch the Italian from under their noses.
Nerazzurri boss Roberto Mancini knows the player well, after their time together in Rome, and has asked his club to make a late bid. Inter chief Massimo Moratti is ready to meet his tactician’s demands, especially as the player is available on a free transfer.
Giannichedda, who will be 31 in September, is believed to be wanting a three-year deal worth £1m a season. Both clubs are after new central midfielders given that Juve are likely to release Alessio Tacchinardi and Stephen Appiah, while Inter may sell Emre and Edgar Davids.
Meanwhile, Juve are also being associated with Real Madrid defensive midfielder Ivan Helguera.
Barzagli snubs Juventus interest
Football Italia
Andrea Barzagli has committed his future to Palermo despite transfer interest from Italian giants Juventus. The youngster has been heavily associated with the Bianconeri but he’s ready to see out the five-year contract that he signed at the Stadio Barbera last summer.
"I’m not thinking about leaving here," he said. "The only thing that can change that is if the club decide to sell me. I’m very happy in this city and at this club. I’ve had a great year and all I can see in my future now is a great holiday and Palermo."
Barzagli has enjoyed a fine campaign since his move from Chievo Verona at the start of this season. His form has been so impressive that the central defender is now a regular Azzurri squad member too.
Juve are looking for some new defensive options as they do lack cover for Lilian Thuram and Fabio Cannavaro. They will also lose Ciro Ferrara, due to retirement, and Paolo Montero in the summer after the latter admitted he’s looking for a Spanish move.
Thursday 19 May
Livorno - Juventus
Football Italia
Juventus will officially be crowned champions if they can beat Livorno at the Stadio Armando Picchi. However, should Milan fail to beat Palermo on Friday then Juve will be crowned champions without even kicking a ball.
The form of both sides heading into the clash could not be more contrasting, with the home boys having lost three on the bounce compared to the visitors’ four consecutive wins.
There are close ties between the outfits after Livorno ‘signed’ Adrian Mutu in January for Juventus, due to legal technicalities. The Bianconeri also signed Giorgio Chiellini from them in the summer before he went to Fiorentina on loan.
Livorno Coach Roberto Donadoni, who played under Juve boss Fabio Capello at Milan, has several changes to make from the side which lost 1-0 at Inter. In defence, Fabio Galante makes a welcome return in place of Alessandro Lucarelli, Marco Amelia returns in goal to replace Gianmatteo Mareggini and David Balleri replaces Marc Pfertzel.
But it is the recalled Igor Protti, 38, who will steal the headlines for Livorno . The former Capocannoniere has announced that he will retire at the end of the season, with this being his last game in Livorno.
Meanwhile, Capello is likely to make just one change for what he hopes will be a Scudetto celebration. He welcomes Jonathan Zebina back into the side following a lengthy spell on sidelines, with Gianluca Pessotto missing out.
Livorno: Amelia; Grandoni, Vargas, Galante; Balleri, Doga, Passoni, Grauso, Giallombardo; Protti, C Lucarelli
Juventus: Buffon; Zebina, Thuram, F Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Appiah, Emerson, Nedved; Del Piero, Ibrahimovic
Ref: To folllow
Milan will swoop for Oddo
Football Italia
Lazio defender Massimo Oddo will be added to the Milan squad at the end of the current campaign. The Rossoneri have been looking for a new right-back and the Italian international will reportedly make the move north.
The San Siro outfit are looking for a quality alternative to Marcos Cafu and they’ve opted for Oddo - despite also tracking Reggina’s Giandomenico Mesto, Marco Cassetti of Lecce and Parma’s Daniele Bonera.
The Biancocelesti are ready to sell the former Verona player, who was also being monitored by Inter and Juventus, for as little as £3.5m. Oddo was actually spotted in Milan on May 9, when he was in the ‘Moscova’ area of the city, which is close to the club’s headquarters.
Oddo, who is a penalty expert, is in favour of the switch given that he is a massive fan of the club. The full-back is also familiar with his proposed new surroundings as he started his career as a youngster at Milan, spending two years there before his 1995 switch to Fiorenzuola.
Milan have also seemingly already looked to strengthen their left-back options for the new campaign. They are understood to have agreed to sign Udinese’s Marek Jankulovksi in the summer, even if no official announcement has been made.
Juventus target Barzagli: My only focus is Palermo
Tribal Football
Palermo defender Andrea Barzagli insists he hasn't been in contact with Juventus about next season. The Italy international is expected to join the champions-elect over the summer and Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini admitted as much last month. But Barzagli insists his only focus is on a future with Palermo.
He said: "My objective is to stay here. Only if Palermo wanted to sell me, then that would be another story. In this city and this squad I find myself very happy. I have had an extraordinary year and in my near future I see only a beautiful summer vacation and Palermo!"
Wednesday 18 May
Capello keen on Samuel reunion
Football Italia
Juventus boss Fabio Capello is hoping to have Real Madrid’s Walter Samuel at his disposal next season. The Turin giants are on the verge of winning their 28th title, but the tactician is keen to strengthen his squad in a bid to also win the Champions’ League in the new campaign.
Although Juve have the best defensive record in Serie A, they lack central defensive options seeing as both Fabio Cannavaro and Lilian Thuram have virtually played throughout the whole season without a break.
Capello wants another stopper and Samuel is believed to be high of his wish-list given their success together in the past. The Argentine established himself as one of the best defenders in the world while at Roma under the tactician.
However, reports suggest that Real would only release him if Juventus include one of their players who are of interest to them in any negotiations. The Madrid outfit are believed to be keen on Gigi Buffon, Emerson and Zlatan Ibrahimovic but the Turin club are unlikely to release any of the three.
Meanwhile, Messina’s Alessandro Parisi will take part in Juventus’ end of season tour in Japan. The left-back, contracted to his current club until 2007, will be given the chance to impress Capello. Juve, who have been linked with the player for some time, could then decide to make a summer bid for his permanent services.
Teammate Marco Zanchi, who is on loan at Messina from Juventus, is also expected to be involved in the Far East trip.
Juve invite Messina quartet
SkySports
Juventus will take four Messina players on their end-of-season tour to Japan.
The Bianconeri have a pressing matter to deal with first in the race for the Scudetto, but boss Fabio Capello has requested that the Serie A minnows allow four of their contingent to accompany his side to the Far East once the season has drawn to a close.
Capello wants to take a look at Alessandro Parisi, Marco Zanchi, Salvatore Aronica and Atsushi Yanagisawa, with many of the current Juve squad set to miss the trip due to international commitments.
The Bianconeri will be engaged in Japan from May 30 until June 8, and for two of the Messina quarter it will represent a return to their parent club as Zanchi is still owned by Juve whilst Aronica is part-owned by the Turin giants.
Parisi's involvement may give Capello the edge in any potential deal for the impressive defender, as Manchester United and Valencia have been credited with an interest in the man who became Messina's first ever Italian international earlier this year.
Juventus keen on Inter Milan defender Cordoba
Tribal Football
Juventus are interested in Inter Milan defender Ivan Cordoba. The Uruguay international has emerged as one of the stylish defensive players in Europe and Juve director general Luciano Moggi wants to bring him Turin. Juve have already had an initial approach rebuffed by Inter, but Moggi is expected to try again in the coming weeks.
Kapo set for Juventus exit
Football Italia
Olivier Kapo says he is keen to quit Juventus in the summer, with Monaco, Newcastle and Real Betis all possible destinations. Kapo has made just one Serie A start since moving to Italy from Auxerre last summer and admits he has an important decision to make at the end of the season.
"Should I stay and persevere at Juventus? Has (Juventus Coach) Fabio Capello really got confidence in me? I have my doubts," the attacking midfielder told L'Equipe.
The 24-year-old, who has made 12 substitute appearances but is yet to score for Juventus, explained that Monaco would be his preferred destination. "Could I return to France on loan? I really appreciate the support I have received from (Monaco Coach) Didier Deschamps," Kapo said. "Getting recognition from a man like that is fantastic.
"He even called up my sister recently. I find that touching. He is very interested in me. But he could change his mind. Joining Monaco would be good, but if it doesn’t work out over there, Newcastle and Real Betis also want me. I’m going to have to make a crucial decision. Pavel Nedved tells me to stay and fight for my place at Juve."
Kapo has had his share of injury problems this season, but feels he has not been given the chance to prove himself with the Italian League leaders when fit.
"I sustained an injury on my right thigh against Sampdoria on February 2, the day that I made my first start," Kapo recalled. "It took me two months to come back. That injury has changed everything. It’s been really difficult.
"Without wanting to offend Capello or my teammates, I think I deserved to play more often. I fight at training and I don’t feel inferior to any of the other players."
Vialli hails Gilardino & Pazzini
Football Italia
Gianluca Vialli has tipped Alberto Gilardino and Giampaolo Pazzini to spearhead Italy’s attack in the future. Gilardino is already an international regular after two stunning seasons at Parma, while the Fiorentina striker is currently a key figure in the Under-21 side.
"Gilardino is the ace in the pack, alongside Pazzini," the former striker told the Gazzetta dello Sport website. "I also expect Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi to maintain his promise and potential in the future."
Vialli, winner of 59 caps, believes that the Azzurri can return to winning ways under the guidance of Marcello Lippi – a tactician he worked with at Juventus. "He was fundamental in my career, as a Coach and a friend," added Vialli. "I hope he can achieve the maximum with La Nazionale."
The 40-year-old is currently working as a TV pundit but he’s keen to return to coaching after spells at Chelsea and Watford.
"I’ll return to the game but only if I think it is worth it," explained Vialli. "After all, the life of a Coach is stressful and difficult. If I can have the opportunity of working with good people and to a valid project then that would be perfect. Otherwise I’ll stay in TV and dedicate my time to my family."
Montero Aiming For Spanish Move
Goal.com
Paolo Montero has announced that he wants to play in Spain and is set to push for a move to La Liga in the summer. The 33-year-old Juventus defender believes that his time in Serie A has come to an end and would like to try his hand in the Spanish game before eventually returning to end his career in Uruguay.
"I think my cycle in Italy has finished," he said. "As I haven’t played this year, I don’t feel comfortable. I haven’t had problems with the coach, the players have earned their positions and have won them playing by the rules. Hopefully, I will leave with another championship although, by my way of thinking, I wouldn’t say that I’m a champion because I haven’t played much.
"In Spanish football, I’ve always liked the way they play and hopefully it can come true. I feel good for the moment and I consider that I can play for another couple of years in Europe. My dream, as I’ve always said, is to play for Peñarol, but not yet."
Verona riddle affects Parma plans of big Gilardino sale
Tribal Football
Reports of a past co-ownership agreement between Parma and Verona are complicating the sale of Alberto Gilardino.
Gilardino joined Parma from Verona in 2002 with the deal involving a 50 per cent split of his registration. It emerged yesterday that Serie B Verona still hold a 'private' agreement with Parma that will entitle them to 50 per cent of any sell on fee.
Parma insiders have dismissed the report, however, as they negotiated the total purchase of Gilardino's registration later in 2002. But the claims are sure to further muddy the waters for Parma as they insist on £35 million for the Italy international ahead of the summer market opening.
Tuesday 17 May
Player of the Week: Ibrahimovic (Juventus)
Football Italia
Zlatan Ibrahimovic may have missed the last three Juventus games through suspension, but he quickly reminded everyone of his quality on his return during the 2-0 win against Parma. The super Swede was in fine fettle once more, underlining just how vital he has been in the Bianconeri’s march to yet another title.
Ibrahimovic has made a massive impact since his surprise summer arrival from Ajax. The striker is currently his club’s top scorer in the League, and his 16th goal of the Championship on Sunday meant that he has now netted the same amount of goals that Michel Platini bagged in 1982-83, his first in Serie A.
The fact that Ibra was included in the starting line-up at the Delle Alpi spoke volumes about his ability and importance to boss Fabio Capello’s plans. David Trezeguet may have headed home the Scudetto ‘winner’ in the 1-0 victory at Milan last week, but that wasn’t enough for the Frenchman to avoid starting on the bench against the Tardini boys.
Zlatan repaid the faith of his Coach with another powerful performance and a goal that basically ensured victory less than 25 minutes into the encounter. There are still parts of his game that need to be improved on but he is undoubtedly a youngster who Juventus plan to rely on for sometime to come.
"He lacks nothing," said Capello recently, before the outfit decided to blank the media. "He’s done some great work since coming here. He wants to always improve and he’s now not hitting the goalkeeper when he shoots. Let’s hope he continues on this path."
Luciano Moggi, the man responsible for signing the attacker, added: "He is a complete player who can score from any angle and by any method. Ibrahimovic is an important individual for not only the present but also for the future of Juventus."
Ibrahimovic looks like he’ll end his first campaign in the peninsula with a League title and it will be nothing less than he deserves. While Juve are no one-man team, Zlatan has been their main offensive weapon throughout the campaign even if Alex Del Piero, Trezeguet and Marcelo Zalayeta have all found the back of the net at key points of the campaign too.
Then of course, Ibrahimovic has been given the chance to excel thanks to a solid base of players behind him. The arrival of Fabio Cannavaro from Inter has helped Juve significantly tighten up at the back after last term’s difficulties. While Emerson has been another crucial piece of the Bianconeri jigsaw. They all joined the club with the Scudetto on their minds - they’ll all now wear the Scudetto shields on their chest next season.
Words: Antonio Labbate
Juventus step up bid for Inter Milan's Zanetti
Tribal Football
Juventus coach Fabio Capello is ready to move for Inter Milan midfielder Cristiano Zanetti at the end of the season. Inter coach Roberto Mancini declared yesterday: "I don't like to play with two central midfielders. I only want one and (Juan) Veron is the player I like to have in the centre. If he's there, the team always benefits."
Capello has been tracking Zanetti since the Italy international left AS Roma and wants him, along with Lazio's Giuliano Giannichedda, to support Emerson in Juve's midfield next season.
Juventus prepare bid for Barcelona star Xavi
Tribal Football
Juventus are moving for Barcelona midfielder Xavi. Juve president Franza Grande Stevens is ready to use the cash raised from the sales of Stephen Appiah and Alessio Tacchinardi to fund a bid for the Spanish international.
Xavi is also on the wanted lists of Chelsea and Manchester United, with all three clubs aware that talks are still to seriously open over a new contract with the midfielder's representatives. The Spaniard's current deal expires in 2007 and Juve hope to tempt Xavi to Turin with a mega contract funded by their summer sales.
Ferrara reveals future plans
Football Italia
Ciro Ferrara, who yesterday made his 500th Serie A appearance, will join the Juventus youth sector next season. The 38-year-old will hang up his boots at the end of the current campaign but says he won’t be leaving the Italian giants.
"I’ll still be a part of the environment here," he told the Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper. "I’ll work as a director in the youth system. I want to transmit some of my experience to boys who are just about to enter the football world, a world that can be difficult at the start."
Ferrara, who was given a standing ovation by the Juve faithful at the Delle Alpi during the 2-0 win over Parma on Sunday, will wave goodbye to his playing days in a farewell game in his hometown of Napoli on June 9. The former Italian international won two Serie A titles with Napoli before joining the Turin outfit in 1994. He’s now on the verge of collecting his sixth Scudetto with Juve.
Lippi: Juve deserve title
SkySports
Italy coach Marcello Lippi believes former employers Juventus deserve to take the Serie A title. The Bianconeri look all but certain to capture Italy's top prize after taking a five-point advantage over nearest rivals Milan with just two games left to play.
Juve beat their Milanese counterparts in a recent clash between the top two, whilst at the weekend they beat Parma and Milan could only draw with Lecce. Lippi is confident this season's best side will top the league table at the campaign's close, with Juventus increasingly likely to outpoint the Rossoneri.
"The Scudetto at Juve? Surely they deserve to win it," said Lippi. "They have always been at the top of the standing. Milan joined them but never overtook them. In addition, they won head-to-heads with Rossoneri and I can say this has been the decisive moment."
Meanwhile, Lippi refused to be drawn on whether he would recall Juve's talismanic figure Alessandro Del Piero to the international ranks. He concluded: "I follow him like I do all players from 18 to 38-years-old.
"Should I call him up for the World Cup qualifier with Norway? You will see."
Lippi won’t confirm Alex call
Football Italia
Italy boss Marcello Lippi is remaining tight-lipped over whether he will recall Alessandro Del Piero to the national squad. The Juventus captain has played well in recent weeks, increasing calls for him to be involved in Italy’s World Cup trip to Norway in June after his omission from the last match.
But Lippi, who bossed the No 10 for some years in Turin, is giving nothing away ahead of his next squad selection. "You’ll have to wait and see whether I call him," stated the tactician. "But I do follow all players who are between the ages of 18 and 38."
Lippi mirrored that answer when he was asked about Livorno striker Cristiano Lucarelli after his 22 goals so far this term. "The same applies to him," Lippi noted.
The Azzurri main man was also asked to comment on Juventus’ likely Scudetto victory, which will be their first since he led them to the title two years ago.
"I think they deserve it," explained the Viareggio-born Coach. "They have always been leading the pack this term. "Although Milan have often caught them up at the top of the table they haven’t been able to overtake them. Juventus also won the game at Milan last week which was the decisive moment in the title race."
Corinthians grab Mascherano
SkySports
Corinthians look to have beaten European powerhouses Chelsea and Real Madrid to the signing of Argentine star Javier Mascherano.
Both the English and Spanish colossuses had Mascherano high on their list of summer of transfer targets, but now Corinthians - backed by sports investment company MSI - look to have pulled of another major coup in the transfer market.
Like Chelsea and Real, Corinthians had been chasing Mascherano for a number of months - but it seemed likely the River Plate starlet would head to Europe rather than switch countries in his native South America. However, MSI have now confirmed that they have won the race to land a player regarded by many as the best young midfielder in the world.
"Mascherano is under contract," declared MSI director Paulo Angioni to Gazeta Esportiva. "I do not know when the presentation will be, but Kia [Joorabchian, MSI president] personally confirmed this to me."
Mascherano is understood to have signed a pre-contract with MSI and he will join Corinthians in June or July when his commitments with River Plate have ceased. Angioni confirmed that Joorabchian was in Europe attending the G-14 meeting before travelling to the Uefa Cup final between CSKA Moscow and Sporting Lisbon in Portugal.
MSI have been linked with a swoop for Porto's Luis Fabiano, but Angioni revealed that Joorabchian would again be talking with CSKA about long-term target Vagner Love. "Kia will go to basically deal with Vagner Love," said Angioni.
Tottenham seek Wolfsburg loan for D'Alessandro
Tribal Football
Tottenham are ready to move for Wolfsburg midfielder Andres D'Alessandro. The Argentina international wants a move to the Premiership after turning down a big-money offer from Brazilian club Corinthians, says the Mirror. Spurs are in talks with Wolfsburg about a season-long loan deal for D'Alessandro.
Monday 16 May
Juventus 2 - 0 Parma
Football Italia
Alessandro Del Piero and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were on target as Juve put their hands on the Scudetto. The Bianconeri had gone three points clear with their win at Milan last week and were eager to protect that against relegation strugglers Parma.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic returned from his three-match ban, but the visitors were without suspended trio Matteo Contini, Fabio Simplicio and Fabio Vignaroli as well as injured stars Daniele Bonera, Stefano Bettarini and Marco Marchionni. This meant that Fabio Cannavaro came face to face with his younger brother Paolo.
After three minutes Emerson acrobatically redirected a corner kick and brought a tough save out of Sebastien Frey at the far post. Gianluca Zambrotta's solo effort was cleared with some difficulty, as Juve notched up four corner kicks in the first five minutes.
The pressure eventually paid off when a Mauro Camoranesi free kick was floated into the centre, where Alessandro Del Piero got in front of his marker for a swerving header. Parma are his favourite target, as this is his 12th goal against the Gialloblu.
Del Piero also curled a free kick over the bar, but Parma finally made an impact on the other end of the pitch after 20 minutes when Camara's long-range strike skimmed the far post.
Camoranesi nodded a fine Pavel Nedved cross over the bar, but Ibrahimovic was considerably more accurate when he rose above Paolo Cannavaro to turn in a corner kick soon after. It was a prompt return to goalscoring ways for the Swedish international who had sat out a three-match ban.
There was further bad news for Parma, as Domenico Morfeo requested a substitution. Frey had to use his legs in order to charge down Ibrahimovic's angled drive, but Del Piero went close with a fine solo effort that saw him skip past Cesare Bovo before switching feet and firing just wide.
There was controversy just before the break when Giuseppe Cardone blocked Nedved's cross with his outstretched arm, but the referee waved play on. Knowing that they had a crucial relegation dogfight with Siena to play next Sunday, Parma replaced Gilardino with youth team player Dessena for the second half.
Juventus were comfortably in control of the situation and Frey saved Del Piero's free kick. However, there was danger on 63 minutes when Buffon had to rush off his line and close down Andrea Pisanu after the offside trap failed to snare Parma.
Buffon was again called into action for a great save on Mark Bresciano's set-piece, as the younger Parma side seemed more intent on making their mark than the veterans. Frey flew to palm a Del Piero free kick over the crossbar in the final stages.
There was a standing ovation for Ciro Ferrara's 500th Serie A appearance - the defender will retire at the end of this season.
Juventus: Buffon; Pessotto, Thuram, F Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi (Birindelli 73), Appiah, Emerson, Nedved (Ferrara 87); Del Piero (Trezeguet 83), Ibrahimovic
Parma: Frey; P Cannavaro, Cardone, Bovo, Pisanu; Bolano (Olive 71), Grella, Camara, Bresciano; Morfeo (Sorrentino 28); Gilardino (Dessena 46)
Ref: Paparesta
Post-Match Comments
President Franzo Grande Stevens: “The Scudetto is nearly on our shirts, but it’s not over yet. This was one of the best Juventus performances of the season and everyone played well. I was particularly pleased with Alessandro Del Piero.”
Mutu-Meghni swop mooted
Football Italia
Bologna have made a sensational request to exchange Mourad Meghni and Juve’s Adrian Mutu for next season.
“We know that the Juventus directors are very interested in Meghni,” explained Rossoblu patron Giuseppe Gazzoni Frascara in the ‘Gazzetta dello Sport’. “We’ve received several offers from Italy and overseas, so I really can’t hold the boy back in his career if a club is ready to put £6.5m on the table.
“With this in mind, we could strike a deal with Juventus that includes Mutu. I had already thought about making a move for him in December, but didn’t realise the Bianconeri were also planning the same thing.”
Juve shocked everyone in January when they snapped up the Romanian on a free transfer, as he had just been sacked by Chelsea for failing a routine drugs test. The Stamford Bridge side is taking legal action against the move and the matter will go to the TAS sports tribunal, but Mutu will be free to resume his playing career when his ban expires at the end of this month.
“My dreams of having Mutu in a Bologna jersey are not over yet, as everyone revives their careers at the Stadio Dall’Ara,” added Gazzoni Frascara. “Beppe Signori, Roberto Baggio and Gianluca Pagliuca found a new lease of life here and we can help Mutu find himself again.”
It is not an entirely impractical idea for Juventus, as Mutu would have difficulty finding space in Turin with Alessandro Del Piero, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Trezeguet and a rumoured bid for Parma’s Alberto Gilardino.
Creative midfielder Meghni may be only 19 years old, but he has already earned the nickname ‘Little Zidane’ in his native France and could give Juve some much-needed inspiration in midfield next season. The inclusion of Mutu on loan for a year would reduce the price-tag considerably and put them at an advantage over the other European clubs vying for his signature.
Juventus rival Man Utd, Chelsea for Ivory Coast kid Zokora
Tribal Football
Juventus are among clubs to be keeping tabs on Saint Etienne midfielder Didier Zokora. The Ivory Coast starlet has been watched this season by Juve, Chelsea and Manchester United and Saint Etienne president Bernard Caiazzo is ready to sell.
Zokora said: "I have still three years on my contract and I am happy to play here. But if I had the opportunity to play for a great club, I would consider it seriously. We will see what happens."
Sunday 15 May
Juventus v Parma: Preview
ESPN Soccernet
The seamstresses at the Stadio Delle Alpi are preparing to stitch the Scudetto on to the Juventus shirts but first the Bianconeri must negotiate three more fixtures, starting with a home match with struggling Parma.
Last weekend's heartstopping 1-0 win at the San Siro against AC Milan has put Juve three points ahead of the Rossoneri and the `vecchia signora' (old lady) also seem to have an easier run-in than the men from Milan.
It is looking odds-on now that it is Juventus who will have the right to wear the Scudetto - the shield-shaped patch of cloth in the colours of the Italian national flag which only the champions are entitled to wear on their jerseys.
Juve coach Fabio Capello, who has won the Scudetto as a coach previously with Milan and Roma, is looking set to repeat the feat with whom he won the title as a player. However, first comes a potentially tricky match with a Parma side that needs to win to be sure of another season of top-flight football.
Capello and his players are sticking to the club policy of not talking to the media in the build-up to the game - Juve feel they have been the victims of unfair press coverage in recent weeks.
The match could be a special one for Gianluca Pessotto who is set to make his 350th appearance in the famous black and white jersey. Pessotto is a survivor of the Juve team that won the Champions League under former coach Marcello Lippi back in 1996.
Juve central defenders Lilian Thuram and Fabio Cannavaro plus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon will also be playing against the team where they starred together earlier in their career before finding their ways to Turin - Cannavaro after a detour to Internazionale.
Meanwhile, Parma are one win away from securing their top-flight status. Consecutive victories over Livorno and Roma have hauled Parma away from the bottom three and they have a four-point safety buffer going into Sunday's match at the Stadio Delle Alpi.
A win on Sunday would take the pressure off next weekend's clash with Siena in what would be a relegation six-pointer in the event of neither of those sides winning this weekend.
Juve's task is made a little easier by the suspension of no less than three Parma players after last weekend's stormy encounter with Roma. Matteo Contini, Fabio Vignaroli and Fabio Simplicio are the trio concerned and coach Pietro Carmignani will be forced into an extended reshuffle.
The main positive for Parma this year has been the form of Alberto Gilardino whose 22 goals make him joint leader with Livorno's Cristiano Lucarelli in the race to be `capocannoniere' (top scorer in Serie A). Gilardino will be looking to add to his tally on the ground where many believe he could be playing next season.
It could be down to the Italian international to decide whether he will be wearing a shirt with a Scudetto on it if he does indeed make the switch.
Capello tempted by trident
Football Italia
The Bianconeri could unleash the trident attack on Parma with the return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but the club remains tight-lipped. Juventus took a three-point lead at the top of the table with their win at Milan last week and now face a tricky test against the Gialloblu.
It is rumoured that David Trezeguet will be rested in favour of top scorer Ibrahimovic – back from a three-match ban for an off the ball incident on Inter’s Ivan Cordoba – and on-form Alessandro Del Piero.
However, new reports suggest that Fabio Capello could return to the 4-3-3 system that proved so successful earlier this season. It was scuppered by injuries to the main players and could make a surprise comeback at the Stadio Delle Alpi.
Del Piero is certain to start because of his fine record against Parma – he has scored 11 goals past them, more than any other club in his career. The Tardini side have only ever won here once, a 4-2 result in 1998-99 that prompted Marcello Lippi’s resignation.
The club is continuing to hold on to its Press blackout in protest at a spate of ‘damaging’ stories about Juve, but journalists were able to ask Lapo Elkann if he thought the Scudetto was in the bag.
“Until we are mathematically assured of first place, the title is certainly up for grabs,” said the heir to the Agnelli throne and Vice-President of FIAT. “All we can do is hope and cheer them on.”
There will be more fans that usual at the Delle Alpi this weekend, as a set of tickets have been sold to women and children under the age of 14 for just one Euro (60p).
Milan swoop for Samuel
Football Italia
The Rossoneri are looking to bring younger faces into their defence and the main target is said to be ex-Roma man Walter Samuel. Milan have the strongest defensive record in Serie A, but with Marcos Cafu, Paolo Maldini, Jaap Stam, Giuseppe Pancaro and Billy Costacurta all well over 30, there is need for some fresh blood.
The San Siro outfit has long been linked with Bayern Munich star Samuel Osei Kuffour. The 28-year-old Ghanaian central defender has an EC passport and is also a target for several top European clubs, as he will be out of contract at the end of this season.
However, it is reported that the primary target is a more familiar face to Serie A. Samuel was consistently impressive during his four years at Roma and earned an £18m move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2004. The Argentine has not settled in to La Liga, picking up three red cards, and has already been linked with a move back to Italy for Inter or Juventus.
The only real stumbling block to this switch is represented by the price-tag, though Milan have been saving money over the last few years with just one big move per season.
Saturday 14 May
Mutu wants Chelsea bid blocked
Football Italia
Juventus’ Adrian Mutu has asked the Court of Arbitration for Sport to block Chelsea’s compensation claim against him. The Stamford Bridge outfit are demanding cash after they sacked the player earlier this season following his positive test for cocaine.
Mutu, who cost the Blues a massive £15.8m from Parma, subsequently joined the Italian outfit in January for nothing in a move that angered the English club. Chelsea are hoping to net £8m in compensation after they were given permission by the Premier League Appeals Committee to make a claim.
The Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport today said that it had been asked by Mutu to intervene.
"Mutu requests CAS to reverse the determination of the Appeals Committee and to rule that the facts of this case do not give rise to a 'unilateral breach of the contract without just cause' by the player," CAS said in a statement.
The Romanian is currently serving a seven-month world-wide ban but will be eligible to play from May 18. If Chelsea prove successful in their cash bid, Juventus – rather than the player – would have to pay any fee.
Juventus locked in Empoli talks over Coda
Tribal Football
Juventus are locked in talks with Empoli for defender Andrea Coda. The exciting Italy U21 international is regarded as a future Serie A star and Juve are seeking a deal ahead of the summer market. Juve's plans are to take Coda to Turin and immediately loan him to a Serie A rival for next season in a similar deal to Giorgio Chiellini's agreement with Fiorentina this term.
Parma chief Baraldi confirms Juventus interest for Bonera
Tribal Football
Parma sports chief Luca Baraldi has confirmed Juventus interest in fullback Daniele Bonera.
"Bonera has been followed by Juve, but he is happy at Parma," said Baraldi. "Being in the National team it is certain that sooner or later a player will go to a bigger club. Like the Gilardino situation, if a club comes in for Bonera we will be prepared to talk."
Real Madrid GM Sacchi to try again for Juventus ace Emerson
Tribal Football
Real Madrid have been encouraged by the words of Juventus president Franzo Grande Stevens this week that they must sell before buying in the summer market. Real general manager Arrigo Sacchi wants Juve midfielder Emerson. Indeed, since his arrival over Christmas, Sacchi has regularly spoken with president Florentino Perez about luring the Brazilian to Madrid.
Emerson is considering his future in Italy after his home was targeted by vandals earlier this season. His move from AS Roma last summer remains a controversial topic for Italian fans and the best solution for the midfielder could be a move away from Serie A.
Juve would still look to recoup much of the £12 million they splashed out on the Brazilian, but at 29 years of age, know they probably paid over the odds for the midfielder at the start of the season.
Lyon join Trezeguet chase
Football Italia
French champions Lyon have set their sights on bringing Juventus striker David Trezeguet to the Stade Gerland.
Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport report that Lyon have offered the Serie A leaders around £11m for the France international, and the French club's President Jean-Michel Aulas yesterday added credence to the claims.
"He has got my phone number if he wants to come here," he said. Juve's director general Luciano Moggi responded by saying Trezeguet is not for sale, before adding that any negotiations would have to start at around £13.5m.
The Turin giants are understood to be keen on Alberto Gilardino, who Parma value at £35m, and have admitted that they will need to sell before they can buy this summer. For their part, Lyon are hoping to raise at least £10m for Sidney Govou and are said to have a transfer budget of between £14m and £27m for next season.
Barcelona and Arsenal have also been associated with Trezeguet who has spent the majority of this season sidelined with injury. However, he did return to the starting line-up on Sunday when he netted the crucial goal in the 1-0 win at Milan.
Argie star D'Alessandro wants Premiership move
Tribal Football
Wolfsburg midfielder Andres D'Alessandro wants a move to the Premiership. The player's agent has instructed his English partners to begin touting the Argentina international's name to interested clubs, which will include Newcastle, Liverpool and Everton.
"There is a great deal of interest in D'Alessandro," agent Barry McIntosh confirmed to skysports.com. "We are now assessing what options are available to him."
