This
web site is an online diary maintained by azzurri.Friday 03 June
I’m staying at Juve, says Buffon
Football Italia
Gigi Buffon has again reiterated his desire to stay at Juventus, despite interest from Real Madrid and Manchester United. The goalkeeper has been linked with both European giants but insists he’s already committed his future to his Turin teammates.
"I’m not going to either Real Madrid or Manchester United," he stated. "The conditions are not in place for a move. There is a great desire in the Juve changing room to win the Champions’ League and that is what we intend to do next season."
The Bianconeri won the Scudetto this term but didn’t have enough quality in Europe, losing to Liverpool in the quarter-finals.
"In order for a player to be labelled as a champion he must win the Champions’ League, the European Championship and the World Cup," he added. "It’s not that I don’t have faith in the national side but I think it is easier to win the European Cup.
"What do we need to win it? Not a lot, one or two players," he added. "Antonio Cassano? It’s better if I remain quiet."
The Roma ace has been linked with the Old Lady, with a reported player plus cash bid already being tabled. But Juve transfer chief Luciano Moggi last night insisted that Juve will continue to win with or without the youngster.
"It won’t be a drama if Cassano doesn’t arrive," he stated. "It is our aim in the next few years to win always. Buffon? He wants to stay and we won’t sell him. Case closed."
Meanwhile, Juve won their first game of the Japan tour by beating Yokohama Marinos 1-0 thanks to an Alex Del Piero goal.
Azzurri: Cassano set to start
Football Italia
Antonio Cassano looks likely to be fielded alongside Christian Vieri in Italy’s World Cup qualifier against Norway on Saturday. There were suggestions that Marcello Lippi would start the Roma youngster on the bench, but he’s now set to get the nod in attack.
Lippi had tried an attacking duo of Vieri and Luca Toni on Wednesday but opted for a change in today’s training session. It now looks almost certain that Cassano will begin, given that Francesco Totti is not in the squad and Alberto Gilardino is injured.
Thursday’s practice session at the Azzurri’s Coverciano training base also revealed more clues regarding Saturday’s probable starting line-up in Oslo. Juventus ‘keeper Gigi Buffon will start in goal, guarded by a back four of Daniele Bonera, Marco Materazzi, Fabio Cannavaro and Giorgio Chiellini.
Materazzi will definitely be included after Alessandro Nesta returned home for family reasons, while Chiellini looks to have just edged out Palermo’s Fabio Grosso. Mauro Camoranesi and Gianluca Zambrotta will marshal the midfield flanks, with Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi handed central responsibilities.
The latter, despite a problematic campaign with Roma, has been handed the opportunity to play as Milan’s Gennaro Gattuso is suspended.
Italy probable: Buffon; Bonera, Materazzi, Cannavaro, Chiellini; Camoranesi, De Rossi, Pirlo, Zambrotta; Cassano, Vieri
Azzurri ‘reserves’ convince Cannavaro
Football Italia
Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro is confident that his side can beat Norway on Saturday - despite being without numerous star players. The Azzurri will start the Oslo World Cup qualifier without the likes of Francesco Totti, Alberto Gilardino, Alex Del Piero, Alessandro Nesta and Gennaro Gattuso.
But the Juventus stopper believes Italy have enough strength in depth to deal with the present situation. "Whoever has arrived in this national side has always done well," he stated on Thursday evening. "This team has a glorious past and it would be great to reach a World Cup Final and that is our objective.
"We are ready to face Norway and I’m certain that Christian Vieri and Antonio Cassano can make the difference for us. They are two individuals who get on very well with each other."
Those two men are set to start in attack as Gilardino is injured, while Totti has been dropped. "Totti? Francesco spoke to Lippi so they sorted everything out," continued the former Parma man. "He is certainly a player who will be of use to this team in the future, as is Del Piero."
Cannavaro concluded by insisting that he was sure that he wouldn’t lose the captaincy after his infamous ‘doping’ video. "I never thought about letting go of the armband," he stated. "I walk with my head held high because I have nothing to hide and it wasn’t doping."
Cannavaro was plunged into the centre of another drug story when a home video, showing the then Parma player taking a legal substance through a drip six years ago, was broadcast on state television earlier this term.
Real Madrid invite offers for Liverpool, Juventus target Guti
Tribal Football
Real Madrid have told midfielder Guti he can leave if an offer of £15 million arrives for him over the summer. Guti admits he wants to move away from Madrid in search of regular first team football and has been told by Real chiefs that they're prepared to meet his demands.
The Spain international is contracted until 2008 at Real and has attracted past enquiries from AC Milan and Arsenal. Juventus, where his former Real coach Fabio Capello is now in charge, and the Spanish influence at Liverpool are expected to lead the new chase for Guti, regarded as one of the brightest midfield talents on the continent.
Moggi Not Bothered If Cassano Fails To Arrive
Goal.com
The Juventus General Director believes that it would not be a big blow if the Roma starlet fails to join the Bianconeri. Luciano Moggi spoke about the Juventus transfer market as the Old Lady continues its promotional tour in Japan.
“If Cassano does not arrive to Turin, it’s not dramatic. Buffon wants to stay and we don’t want to sell him: case closed.” The transfer guru has already set his sights for next year’s targets. “In the next years we want to always win so to achieve the third star and the Champions League.”
Roma chief Rosella refuses to confirm Juventus talks over Cassano
Tribal Football
AS Roma executive director Rosella Sensi has refused to discuss publicly what was on the agenda during a lunch meeting earlier this week with Juventus director general Luciano Moggi.
Its been suggested talks centred on the future of Roma striker Cassano, but Rosella insisted: "Roma are working on many things, I cannot say more. We are working and speaking with everyone. I do not want to say that yesterday we had a meeting.
"We are working with our head, we are a public club and with clear ideas, I will not answer these questions. But do not underestimate us. When something happens we will announce it officially. We cannot comment on what is being discussed out of respect to the transfer market."
Inter enter Cassano chase
Football Italia
Inter are ready to renew their rivalry with Juventus by taking them on in the chase to sign Antonio Cassano. Reports yesterday suggested that the Bianconeri had made an initial bid for the Roma sensation. But the Milan giants are ready to complicate matters by tabling a more enticing offer to the capital outfit.
Juve are understood to have offered around £9m, plus Adrian Mutu, for the striker who is only contracted to Roma until 2006. The Stadio Olimpico side are believed to have turned that down by requesting two players, Mutu and Alessio Tacchinardi, plus £10.5m.
That may allow Inter to hijack Juve’s move on the player who is so desperately wanted by Bianconeri boss Fabio Capello. Owner Massimo Moratti is allegedly ready to hand over £10m plus two players such as Emre or Giorgios Karagounis.
However, there is also the possibility that Inter may offer Roma the services of Alvaro Recoba. The Uruguayan, who has also been linked with Sampdoria, is set to leave the San Siro after failing to break into the first team. The proposed arrival of Recoba would apparently be welcomed by Francesco Totti, who signed a new deal with Roma this week after receiving ‘guarantees’ about summer signings.
Cassano has also been linked with Real Madrid but the Italian international is likely to remain in Serie A.
Chelsea in £65m Adriano bid
Football Italia
Chelsea are today being linked with a record breaking £65m transfer for Inter sensation Adriano. Reports in Rio de Janeiro this morning suggest that the Premiership champions are ready to dig deep in order to net the 23-year-old. And the player himself has fuelled speculation that he could be set for a summer move to England.
"I am happy at Inter and I still have a lot of years left on my contract," he is quoted as saying. "But Chelsea have come in with an exceptionally strong proposal."
Inter have insisted on many occasions this season that they intend to keep Adriano, who is tied to them until the summer of 2008. However, they may be tempted to sell if the London club really do table such a bid for the former Parma and Fiorentina ace.
It’s believed that Juan Sebastian Veron, currently on loan at Inter from Chelsea, would be involved in the deal. The Nerazzurri could also look to replace Adriano with Parma ace Alberto Gilardino, who will be sold by the Tardini outfit in the summer.
Miccoli close to Viola agreement
Football Italia
Fiorentina are expected to complete the signing of Fabrizio Miccoli from Juventus next week. The striker spent this term at the Viola after he was netted in a co-ownership deal with the Bianconeri last summer. Now Miccoli, the Viola and the Turin giants are ready to reach an agreement which will satisfy all parties.
"Everything will be decided next week," stated Francesco Caliandro, the former Perugia star’s agent. "The club must first decide on their new Coach and sporting director before thinking about the squad. But everyone knows that Fabrizio wants to stay at this club.
"We already took steps last year so that he would remain at Fiorentina for next season."
Enzo Maresca is also being tipped to complete a similar move from Juventus, but left-back Giorgio Chiellini will be recalled to the Delle Alpi. Meanwhile, Martin Jorgensen is hoping that Fiorentina will strike a deal with Udinese so that he can continue his Tuscan adventure.
"I don’t know what will happen," his representative told Fiorentina.it. "It is a decision which the two clubs will have to decide. All I can say is that Martin is happy in Florence and he still has a desire to prove his worth to the fans."
Oddo Staying Put
Goal.com
The defender denied he will be leaving Lazio. Massimo Oddo angrily reacted to the latest transfer speculations linking him to a move away from the Biancoceleste club. Juventus are keen on signing the international full-back and with Lazio’s financial difficulties Oddo might still end up leaving Roma.
“It’s been two or three season that at the end of the league it seems that I have to leave. There’s nothing true, I intend on respecting the contract with Lazio up till 2008.”
Golden Boy Montolivo’s Future Still Unknown
Goal.com
The young Atalanta midfielder is sought by many important clubs. Dubbed as the new Zinedine Zidane, even though he takes inspiration from Francesco Totti, Riccardo Montolivo still does not know where he will be playing next season.
“It all depends from Atalanta, I still know nothing.” Fiorentina have an option on him which can be used up till the 15th of June. “Surely Fiorentina is an important club and for me it would be a great chance. However I think it would scare me a bit.”
Thursday 02 June
Yokohama F-Marinos – Juventus 0-1
Juventus.com
In front of a 35.000 attendance, Juventus plays the first friendly match in Tokyo against Yokohama F-Marinos, J League’s defending champion. Capello’s squad wins 1-0 thanks to a goal scored by del Piero on 42’ in the first half.
Early in the match Trezeguet nearly misses the target in two occasions, served by Nedved first, then by Del Piero. The captain gets an early interception over a Kapo’s assist, afterward Nedved leads an action giving ball to Trezeguet whose shot is saved.
The opponents alarm Chimenti first with Kaway, later with Kubo.
The winning goal comes on 42’: cross by Pessotto right in the middle with Kapo and Kawai contending, ball towards Del Piero that with a great left legged shot reaches goal (1-0).
After restart Capello sends in Parisi for Zanchi, then Aronica replacing Zebina. The Bianconeri create danger with Nedved and Trezeguet, while Chimenti saves properly on Nasu, who in a subsequent chance misses target from favourable position.
Three minutes from full time space for brazilian Garbini Pereira who takes over Del Piero, celebrated by Japanese fans as their idol with great applause.
The captain, awarded as best match’s player, comments as follows: ‘I’m happy for the goal, but most of all for the hearty reception. Today’s it was a real game, including hard fight now and then. This is how football’s supposed to be, since no one wants to loose, but then in the end it all comes to a hug.
YOKOHAMA F-MARINOS - JUVENTUS 0-1
Goals: 42'fh Del Piero
Yokohama F-Marinos: 1 Enomoto, 3 Matsuda, 4 Nasu, 5 Dutra, 35 Kawai, 6
Ueno, 7 Tanaka, 10 Yamase, 14 Oku (25'sh Ohashi), 9 Kubo (12'sh Oshima),
11 Sakata (35'sh Yamazaki).
Manager : Okada.
Substitutes: 21 Enomoto Tetsuya, 2 Nakanishi, 30 Kurihara, 13 Kumabayashi,
23 Ohashi, 25 Goto, 32 Yamase, 15 Oshima, 27 Yamazaki.
Juventus: 1 Chimenti, 15 Birindelli, 5 Zebina (7'sh Aronica), 21Thuram,
7 Pessotto, 23 Kapo, 8 Zanchi (1'sh Parisi), 3 Tacchinardi, 11 Nedved, 10
Del Piero, 17 Trezeguet (29'sh Sculli).
Manager: Capello.
Substitutes: 12 Bonnefoi, 2 Ferrara, 6 Aronica, 20 Garbini Pereira, 19 Parisi,
14 Sculli, 9 Tchite
Referee: Masaaki Iemoto
Yellow Cards: Pessotto
Juventus make Cassano bid
Football Italia
Juventus have reportedly made Roma an initial player plus cash offer in their bid to sign Antonio Cassano.
Director general Luciano Moggi is understood to have met with Giallorossi chief operating officer Rosella Sensi on Tuesday to start talks. The Bianconeri are ready to hand over Adrian Mutu and £9m for the Italian international forward.
Moggi made contact at the request of Fabio Capello, who bossed the youngster during his time in the Italian capital. Juve are also keen to wrap up the deal as soon as possible given that Inter and Real Madrid are also interested in the former Bari starlet.
The Stadio Olimpico side will now have to decide what to do with Cassano as his contract expires in 2006. The club have already extended the contracts of Vincenzo Montella and Francesco Totti but an agreement with Cassano may be difficult.
The cost of keeping the 23-year-old would be high and it may make more sense to cash in on him, especially as they will now be paying Totti £7.5m-a-season.
It was believed that Juve would offer cash and Shabani Nonda to the Giallorossi but that now looks unlikely. Reports in Italy today suggest that Nonda has failed a medical and therefore will not complete a summer move to Juve from Monaco.
Bayern Munich stopper Robert Kovac has passed his medical and he is set to be confirmed as a Juve player very soon. Meanwhile, Olivier Kapo could be heading back to France. The winger has failed to settle in Turin since his move from Auxerre and Monaco are keen on his services.
Juve could sell Emo for Real
Football Italia
Juventus and Real Madrid could decide to swap Emerson and Walter Samuel this summer, according to an Italian football agent. Reports have suggested that the Bianconeri may release the Brazilian in return for the central defender – who worked with boss Fabio Capello at Roma last season.
And now Dario Canovi, a respected football representative, has added more fuel to the fire. "It’s not a story without foundation," he told Spq Radio. "I really think that it could happen. It would also explain why Juve are looking at certain types of players, like Mozart."
The Reggina player has been associated with the Turin giants for some months and Canovi wouldn’t be surprised if the move occurred.
"His switch to Juventus is probable and very plausible," he added. "As far as I know, their interest in him is very real. It is also true that other clubs like Milan like him but I think the Old Lady are on the verge of netting him."
Canovi also suggested that Real Madrid were keen on Shunsuke Nakamura, Mozart’s Reggina teammate. "There is an interest," he insisted. "It’s an old story as the Spaniards fell in love with him before he moved to the Amaranti."
Capello Sides With Liverpool
Goal.com
Fabio Capello believes Liverpool deserve to defend their Champions League title, won in Istanbul last week.
“Liverpool won the Champions League and should have the possibility to defend it. However they should qualify for the competition, as Brazil are doing for the 2006 World Cup,” the Juventus boss told reporters in Tokio, the first stop of Juve’s Japan summer tour.
Czech star Pavel Nedved agrees with his coach. “Everyone wants to see Liverpool in next season’s Champions League, and obviously everyone wants to beat the title holders,” he said. The Serie A champs were ousted from this year’s Champions League by Liverpool in quarter-final round.
Agent confirms Juventus talks over Mozart
Tribal Football
The agent of Reggina midfielder Mozart has confirmed an approach from Juventus. Juve coach Fabio Capello fancies Mozart as understudy to his No1 defensive midfielder Emerson and is keen to bring the young Brazilian to Turin.
Mozart's agent, Dario Canovi, said: "It's difficult to focus with so many stories flying about at market time. But I can say that Juventus are very serious about the player."
Giannachedda snubs Lazio for Juventus contract offer
Tribal Football
Lazio midfielder Giuliano Giannichedda is expected to be confirmed a Juventus player before the weekend. Giannichedda is moving to the Serie A champions in a Bosman transfer after rejecting a new contract offer from Lazio president Claudio Lotito in a tense meeting on Tuesday.
Lazio had offered a two-year deal worth £600,000-a-season, but Giannichedda has turned it down in favour of Juve. The Italian champs have tabled a two-year deal, with an option of another year, worth £800,000-a-season to the midfielder.
Nonda Close To Marseille After Juve Say Goodbye
Goal.com
Marseille seem the club closet to signing Nonda after the striker apparently failed his medical with Serie A side Juventus.
A four year contract was ready for the Monaco striker, who is now available on a free, however Juventus decided to bring things to a halt, it seems for some medical tests that failed to satisy the Bianconero medical staff.
Now Nonda is free to look for another club, with Rangers still in the hunt. However a stay in France is what Nonda seems to prefer at the moment. Marseille, thanks to their spending power are currently leading the chase, however also Lille and Lens can be considered possible destinations for the 27 year old Congolese star.
Monaco favourites for Juventus' Kapo
Tribal Football
AS Monaco are favourites to land Juventus midfielder Olivier Kapo. Birmingham City and Middlesbrough have also been in talks with Juve about the French international, who has been told he is surplus to requirements in Turin. But Monaco coach Didier Deschamps is close to sealing an agreement with Kapo and is confident a deal will be struck inside a week.
Wednesday 01 June
Chiellini will return, say Juve
Football Italia
Juventus have confirmed that Giorgio Chiellini will be recalled from his loan spell at Fiorentina in the summer. The youngster is one of the country’s most promising left-backs and he will be rewarded for a stunning season by a return to the Italian giants.
"Chiellini will come back here," stated Bianconeri director Antonio Giraudo following his club’s latest Scudetto success. Juve bought Chiellini last summer from Livorno, but almost instantly sent him to Fiorentina given that he was blocked by Gianluca Zambrotta in Turin.
Yet boss Fabio Capello is eager for a more competitive squad next term and Chiellini will be a part of it. The 20-year-old was a key member of the Under-21 side at the start of this term but has ended it with promotion to Marcello Lippi’s full Italy set-up.
Chiellini was joined at the Stadio Artemio Franchi by Juve colleagues Enzo Maresca and Fabrizio Miccoli over the last nine months. Yet the pair will not be recalled as the Viola are expected to complete their capture after last summer’s co-ownership deals were agreed.
The Tuscan club will pay around £2.5m to keep Maresca, while Miccoli will cost them around £5m.
Meanwhile, whispers today suggest that Igor Tudor will return to Juventus too after he spent the last six months at Siena. But the Croatian may not remain though, with Sampdoria apparently interested in the central defender.
Real Madrid invite Juventus to bid for Samuel
Tribal Football
Real Madrid are ready to listen to offers for defender Walter Samuel. The Argentina international has failed to live up to his £18 million price-tag in his first season in Spain and Real intermediaries have been put on notice they're willing to do business over the former AS Roma defender.
Juventus coach Fabio Capello is a big fan of Samuel and is keen to be reunited with the stopper. Agents have already been notified of Real's willingness to discuss a deal - with a mooted swap involving Brazilian midfielder Emerson on the agenda for the Spanish giants.
Real GM Arrigo Sacchi is ready to cut his losses over Samuel, particularly as his Spanish passport won't arrive until Christmas, complicating the arrival of Brazilian winger Robinho from Santos.
Agent: Juventus keeper Buffon won't consider Man Utd
Tribal Football
The agent of Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon says the Italian would reject a move to Manchester United if they came in for him. United have been linked with a staggering £35 million bid for Buffon, but there is only one club he will leave Juve for - Real Madrid.
Buffon's agent, Silvano Martina, said: "It's true that Juventus has the habit of selling their own players when the right offer arrives, but I know that the leadership is not thinking of selling Buffon, not now for less than they paid.
"In any case, in situations like these, a fundamental role is the will of the player: Gigi wants to remain with the Bianconero, in as much as Juventus is, with Milan and Real Madrid, one of the three best clubs in the world.
"If Gigi one day wanted to leave Juve, I know that he would do so only in order to go to Real. The talk of a move to Manchester United is therefore lacking in foundation."
Lippi explains Totti snub
Football Italia
Azzurri boss Marcello Lippi has dismissed claims that Francesco Totti has been dropped at the request of the Italian Football Federation. The tactician surprisingly omitted the Roma star from his squad for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Norway, leading to rumours that the FIGC wanted to make a point following his recent five-match ban.
But Lippi has today defended his decision to leave him out, even if he is still not revealing exact details behind his exclusion.
"Totti has stayed at home for just this game," said the Coach. "I called him on Thursday and we spoke about his non call-up. Therefore there is no Totti controversy. He’s been left out for reasons that myself and Francesco are aware of. We can describe them as technical reasons.
"A lot has been written about Totti’s absence but the Federation didn’t oblige me to make certain decisions. I’ve read that Francesco is upset but I don’t believe it because I have a good relationship with him and I’ve always had.
"I know that he is one of the best players in Italy and Europe but there is no need to make a drama out of this. He’ll return in September but even though Totti is a great, he isn’t the only player who exists in Italy."
That remark then led to Lippi being questioned about his reasons for excluding Juventus’ Alessandro Del Piero too. "It’s just a momentary exclusion," added the former Bianconeri tactician. "We’ve talked recently but not about the national team."
Lippi was then forced to comment on Vincenzo Montella’s omission and the withdrawal of Alberto Gilardino because of injury. "There are many good strikers in Italy," he noted. "Gilardino? He is a good player but his absence won’t complicate matters."
Moving on to Saturday’s game in Oslo, Lippi hinted that he will play with a 4-4-2 consisting of Antonio Cassano in attack and the use of left-back Gianluca Zambrotta in midfield.
"Cassano is available, while Zambrotta has been inserted in the midfielders section of the squad list for a reason," continued Lippi. "We have a four point advantage in the table which is good. Norway are strong and have some good individuals in midfield and attack.
"I need my side to be alert and we’ll be in a good position to qualify if we win at the weekend."
Lippi concluded by hailing the ability of Roma and Under-21 ‘keeper Gianluca Curci, who will join up with the full squad on Saturday. "I’ll take a closer look at him," explained Lippi. "He is a very interesting youngster who has shown things that I saw in a young Gigi Buffon."
Italy lose Nesta for Norway
Football Italia
Alessandro Nesta has pulled out of Italy’s World Cup qualifier with Norway for unknown family reasons. The Milan defender left the Azzurri’s Coverciano training base today, with the Italian Football Federation claiming his departure was due to "unforeseen and serious family reasons".
Boss Marcello Lippi has decided to not name any replacement for the stopper at this stage. Nesta’s unavailability suggests that Lippi will field Inter centre-back Marco Materazzi alongside captain Fabio Cannavaro.
The former Lazio symbol becomes the second player in two days to leave the squad after Alberto Gilardino was ruled out with injury. He was replaced by Udinese’s Vincenzo Iaquinta but he is unlikely to start the match in Oslo. Whispers claims that Lippi will field Antonio Cassano of Roma and Inter ace Christian Vieri in attack.
Edu snubs Juve
Football Italia
Edu has turned down a move to Juventus. The Brazilian international had been targeted by the Bianconeri, as a potential partner for Emerson, as he is available on a Bosman free transfer. However, Valencia have announced that they have agreed terms with the Arsenal midfielder.
"President Juan Bautista Soler has confirmed the signing of Edu, the Arsenal and Brazil player," read a statement on the Spanish giants’ website. "He will join on July 1 and will play for the team for the next five seasons."
Sampdoria rival Middlesbrough for Juventus defender Tudor
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi is set to offer defender Igor Tudor to Sampdoria. The Croatia international has completed his six-month loan deal at Siena, but won't be considered by Juve coach Fabio Capello as a member of his squad next season.
Moggi is ready to offer Tudor to Sampdoria, though Middlesbrough have also made an approach for the experienced centre-half.
Inter Milan supremo Moratti to offer trio for Roma's Cassano
Tribal Football
Inter Milan supremo Massimo Moratti is pressing Udinese for an agreement over midfielder David Pizarro. The Chile international has been publicly declared an Inter target by coach Roberto Mancini, however Moratti has different plans for the midfielder.
Moratti is planning a triple player swap with AS Roma for star striker Antonio Cassano and knows Pizarro will be a key in the deal being successful. Roma's cash problems prevent them from competing for the Udinese playmaker, but Moratti is ready to do them a favour by signing the Chilean and immediately selling him onto the capital club.
For the Cassano deal, Moratti is ready to offer Pizarro, Ze Maria and Julio Cruz in exchange. Despite Cassano's claims to supporters that he is committed to Roma for next season, the Italian firebrand is still to open serious talks over a new contract, with his current deal having little over a year to run.
Milan confirm Marek deal
Football Italia
Italian giants Milan have officially confirmed the capture of Udinese midfielder Marek Jankulovski. The Bianconeri outfit yesterday claimed that the deal was done and the Italian giants have revealed details behind the move. The Czech international, who can play in defence and midfield, has signed until 30 June 2009.
Football Italia reported on numerous occasions last January that a deal had been agreed between the two clubs. Jankulovski has been eyed by a number of big sides for the last few years, with Inter and Juventus making bids in the past.
Mancini targets ‘other’ Mancini
Football Italia
Roma winger Amantino Mancini could be at the disposal of boss Roberto Mancini with Inter next season. The Brazilian is said to be on the verge of a capital exit and sources close to the Nerazzurri insist he is a transfer target. Although Valencia are also keen on the player, Internazionale would be able to meet the Giallorossi’s £7m asking price.
The San Siro giants were believed to be keen on Rodrigo Taddei but they are ready to snub the Siena ace. Inter are hoping that Taddei will instead join Roma – a move that looks almost certain to happen seeing as he is available on a free transfer.
Taddei could be unveiled as a Roma player as soon as this week, as he has reportedly agreed a three-year deal worth around £700,000 a season. The Stadio Olimpico outfit’s capture of Taddei would then allow them to release Mancini to their northern rivals.
Mancini could actually make his last Roma appearance against his possible future employers. The Giallorossi face Inter in the Coppa Italia Final next month, which will be played on June 12 and June 15.
Barcelona's Riquelme closer to Atletico Madrid move
Tribal Football
Barcelona midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme is firming as Atletico Madrid's first big summer signing. Riquelme has dazzled on-loan with Villarreal for the past two seasons, but still has a year left on his Barca contract and knows the Yellow Submarines will struggle to match his asking price to sign him permanently.
Atletico are a different matter and Riquelme is excited at the prospect of his former Boca Juniors coach Carlos Bianchi taking over at the Vicente Calderon. "Next season I am going to play wherever Bianchi is coaching," Riquelme declared this week, fueling speculation that Bianchi is on the verge of agreeing terms with Atletico.
Tuesday 31 May
Trezeguet makes Juventus pledge
Football Italia
David Trezeguet is the latest Juventus player to insist that a summer move is not on the cards. The Frenchman has been linked with an exit but maintains that his immediate future is in Turin.
"I can guarantee you that I won’t be moving from here," he said following his two goals in the 4-2 win over Cagliari. "I play for one of the most prestigious clubs in the world and I do feel as if I owe them something. I’ve not been able to contribute in the way I had hoped this season and I’ll make up for that in the new campaign."
Trezeguet has had an injury plagued term but has still managed to net nine League goals in 18 appearances. The former Monaco man’s pledge to the Old Lady comes just days after Gigi Buffon and Zlatan Ibrahimovic rubbished talk of moves to Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Trezeguet has also passed opinion on the Alessandro Del Piero – Fabio Capello debate.
"I understand what Del Piero wants, he has the same desire as myself, Ibrahimovic and Marcelo Zalayeta," he continued. "We are all at the disposal of the Coach and it is up to him to make the decisions he feels are correct."
Del Piero stated on Friday that he wanted to remain at Juve but only if he was allowed to be a protagonist. Trezeguet added: "Alex is a great and also the captain but I agree with the Coach. Capello can’t guarantee a first team shirt to anybody."
Nedved unsure of future
Football Italia
Pavel Nedved says he doesn’t yet know whether he will retire or not when his Juventus contract expires in 2006. The Czech ace has always insisted that he intended to hang up his boots once his present agreement ends. But the former European Footballer of the Year is now ready to continue if his body allows him to.
"I’ll still be playing next season but it is far too early to be talking about an extension to my contract," he stated. "We’ll have to see how I am doing physically, even if it is my intention to do everything I can to give my best."
Nedved, who will be 33 in August, has just finished the campaign with his fourth Scudetto but the midfielder is hungry for a different title. "I’m happy with this term because we were able to end the season with a smile on our face," he said. "Not too many people believed we would win it but we did.
"However, I really want the Champions’ League and I’ll look to win that trophy next year. The European Cup is a dream but also an obsession for me because it has always eluded me. We have a great amount of desire to triumph in Europe but so too do other clubs. Hopefully luck will be on our side next time."
Parisi eager to impress Juve
Football Italia
Alessandro Parisi is hoping to sufficiently impress on Juventus’ tour of Japan in order to net himself a move to Turin. The defender is one of four Messina players who have been drafted in for the Italian champions’ end of season trip.
Parisi has been linked with the Delle Alpi outfit for over a year and boss Fabio Capello will now get the opportunity to see the full-back in action.
"This is an occasion to live through an extraordinary experience alongside so many great players," he stated. "I’ll look to shine and impress but I must admit that nobody has contacted me about playing for Juventus next season."
The Palermo-born ace has enjoyed a good debut season in the top-flight following Messina’s promotion last year. "This has been a great campaign for me," added the 28-year-old. "Messina have done well, I made my debut for Italy and now this tournament with Juventus."
Parisi will be joined on the Juventus tour by Sicilian teammates Salvatore Aronica, Marco Zanchi and striker Atsushi Yanagisawa.
Milan net Jankulovski, confirm Udinese
Football Italia
Udinese have revealed that star midfielder Marek Jankulovksi has joined Italian giants Milan. A deal was reportedly agreed in January and the Bianconeri have today insisted that the Czech ace will play for the Rossoneri next term.
"I can confirm that the player has gone to Milan," Udinese chief Giampaolo Pozzo said on Monday afternoon. The San Siro giants have yet to comment on the story but it does seem that Jankulovski has finally moved on. Jankulovski was close to leaving the Stadio Friuli last summer but moves to Juventus and Inter collapsed.
The former Napoli player, 28, is one of numerous Udinese stars who have caught the eye this term. The club have qualified for the Champions’ League after a stunning season which has inevitably seen other players linked with an exit.
"If Parma’s Alberto Gilardino is worth £35m then our Vicenzo Iaquinta is valued at £15m," added Pozzo. "David Pizarro? There have been a lot of rumours regarding him but we will only discuss his proposed sale when a club is really interested."
Striker Iaquinta has also been linked with Milan, while Pizarro is a target for Milan, Inter, Juventus and Roma. Jankulovski is Milan’s second signing after the club swooped for Swiss international midfielder Johann Vogel from PSV last week.
Liverpool ponder bid for Monaco left-back Evra
Tribal Football
Liverpool have expressed interest in AS Monaco left-back Patrice Evra. The young defender has only just penned a new, long-term deal with Monaco, but admits he is prepared to leave France if the right offer arrives. A long-term target for Juventus and Inter Milan, Evra is also in Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez's sights, despite a disappointing campaign last season.
Once rated at £10 million-plus, Evra can now be snapped up for less than half that figure. Monaco have already signed a replacement for the French international with indications suggesting they're ready to cash in on the left-back.
Wolfsburg tell Spurs: £6M for D'Alessandro
Tribal Football
Wolfsburg have slapped a £6 million price-tag on Argentina international midfielder Andres D'Alessandro. The Daily Star says Tottenham are locked in talks with the Bundesliga club over D'Alessandro, who has told close friends he wants a move to the Premiership next season.
Benfica offer Miguel for Newcastle's Viana
Tribal Football
Benfica are willing to offer star fullback Miguel to Newcastle United in a swap for midfielder Hugo Viana. The Sunday Sun says Benfica want to sign Viana after he starred on-loan at Sporting Lisbon last season. Miguel has been linked with Real Madrid and Juventus this month and almost signed for Newcastle last season.
Any agreement between the two clubs is likely to be for a straight swap with Viana and Miguel rated in the £4 million range.
Azzurri: Italy lose injured Gila
Football Italia
Alberto Gilardino has dropped out of the World Cup qualifier in Norway with an injury, so Udinese’s Vincenzo Iaquinta has taken his place in the squad. The Parma hitman was set to start alongside Antonio Cassano in Oslo on Saturday evening, but he has been forced to leave the Coverciano training ground due to a recurring tendon problem.
Gilardino has not been lucky of late despite netting 23 goals in Serie A, as he was booked and will therefore be suspended for the first leg of the relegation play-off with Bologna on June 14. This is the second call-up for Iaquinta, who made his international debut in the recent friendly test against Iceland on March 30.
Gilardino’s absence and Iaquinta’s relative lack of experience at this level pushes Inter’s Christian Vieri or Palermo giant Luca Toni to the forefront of Coach Marcello Lippi’s plans against Norway. Surprisingly, the injury did not prompt Lippi to recall Francesco Totti, Alessandro Del Piero or Vincenzo Montella - all controversially left at home.
Monday 30 May
Juventus 4 - 2 Cagliari
Football Italia
Juventus celebrate their Scudetto and Adrian Mutu's debut, while Gianfranco Zola considers retirement with two splendid goals. It was party time at the Stadio Delle Alpi, as Juventus were presented with the new Scudetto trophy before driving through Turin in an open-topped bus.
Adrian Mutu made his comeback after a seven-month ban expired this week, though he started the match from the bench. Cagliari also had reason to celebrate their Serie A safety and it could well be Gianfranco Zola's final game as he is considering retirement at the age of 39.
However, this date also represented the 20th anniversary of the Heysel tragedy in which 39 Juventus fans died. There was a special prayer service in Turin before the match.
Juve's best early chance was gifted to them, as Sabato nearly nodded a free kick into his own net. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Pavel Nedved had weak shots from distance, then on 33 minutes the Swede ran on to Nedved's pass only to toe-poke inches wide from a tight angle.
Juventus finally took the lead on the stroke of half-time. Alessandro Del Piero replied to the cheers of the home fans by dribbling past his marker and placing a precise angled drive into the far corner of the net with his right foot.
Alex Brunner did well to block Stephen Appiah's deflected effort at full stretch. The Bianconeri doubled their tally in the second half. Ibrahimovic deserved much of the credit, as his solo effort was only parried into the path of David Trezeguet from six yards.
Adrian Mutu was given a warm welcome on his comeback from a seven-month drugs ban and made his debut with a Juventus jersey. Stephen Appiah made it 3-0 with a wonderful solo effort, as he skipped past two defenders and then curled his finish in at the far post.
Gianfranco Zola came on as a substitute and made an immediate difference with a consolation goal for Cagliari. Rolando Bianchi's shot was only cleared as far as the veteran for a simple tap-in, though Antonio Chimenti was partly to blame.
Trezeguet completed his brace by nodding Gianluca Pessotto's cross in off the inside of the post. Zola took his career Serie A tally to 90 goals with a splendid right-foot volley in the closing stages on Massimo Gobbi's centre.
Mutu nearly marked his debut with a goal, but couldn't quite keep his right-foot shot on target.
Juventus: Chimenti; Pessotto, Thuram, Cannavaro (Camoranesi 52), Zambrotta; Appiah, Emerson (Birindelli 68), Nedved; Trezeguet, Del Piero, Ibrahimovic (Mutu 57)
Cagliari: Brunner; Pisano, Loria, Bega, Sabato (Vignati 88); Agostini, Albino, Brambilla (Zola 56); Gobbi, Pani (Budel 62), Bianchi
Ref: Banti
The protagonists’ joy
Juventus.com
Fabio Capello: “We’ve come to the end with character, attention and dedication, we’ve never given up even when we were caught up with on top of the table and in the end we’ve won. Victories do not give you certainties, they’re the basis, with something to be added, to reach more targets.”
Gigi Buffon: “This Scudetto tastes special. It’s been a long journey, during which we’ve had more than a chance to wrap it up but it did not happen. Then, in the most difficult moment, we won at San Siro with a fantastic performance. What I want to highlight is that this year we’ve been celebrating long this Scudetto and I like that a great deal!”
Gianluca Zambrotta: “It’s been a great satisfaction and a beautiful party, I’d like it to be this way every year. The turning point of the season? The great win at San Siro. This is a great start for our new cycle with Capello.”
David Trezeguet: “It’s been a hard season for me, luckily I gave my contribution at the right time!”
Adrian Mutu: “I’m happy I have come back on the pitch and that my team mates gave me the chance to celebrate this Scudetto. I’m now going to play for my National team and get ready for next season.”
Ibrahimovic: “We’re strong!”
Juventus.com
Sixteen goals in the championship on his debut year in Italy. Few other players are equal, among whom Michel Platini. A reason to be proud for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who’s left his mark on his first season in black & white to conquer their 28th Scudetto.
“I’m very happy, the title gave everyone great joy and particularly to those who like me, Cannavaro and others, had never won one. I’m personally satisfied and I want to thank the team who helped me achieve such a result and I hope I’ll be able to do better”. He thanks Capello, too: “ It’s his merit, too, if this year I scored more than the past (13 goals in the championship was his record with Ajax).
He trained me teaching me how to focus on goal and results have come.” In a joyful atmosphere due to the 28th Scudetto, Zlatan is already aiming at next season’s targets: “Just consider that this year there were new-comers like me, in their first season together. Next year we’ll get on even better on the pitch and I can yet say in Europe too. I was very disappointed to get out of Champions League, we want to win it”.
Nedved rules out retirement
Football Italia
Pavel Nedved has assured fans that he won’t be hanging up his boots despite earlier hints at a retirement and praised Liverpool.
The 2003 Ballon D’Or winner has been struggling with a succession of injuries this season, including concussion, head trauma and a recurring ankle problem, and had suggested several times that if the pain continued he would bow out this summer.
“I am still enjoying my football and training,” he assured in a television interview with ‘Stadio Sprint.’ “I want to continue my career with Juventus and have no intention of giving up now.”
Nedved joined the Bianconeri for £25m in July 2001 and the former Lazio star has just added another Scudetto to his CV. Fabio Capello made an instant impact on the Turin giants, though his disagreements with Alessandro Del Piero are growing.
“I know exactly why Capello is a winning Coach,” smiled Nedved. “I understood it almost immediately, but I don’t want to reveal his secret and will keep that one to myself.”
The Italian football world is still reeling from Milan’s Champions’ League capitulation to Liverpool, losing a 3-0 lead in the space of six minutes and going on to a penalty shoot-out defeat.
“It’s a shame for the Rossoneri, but at the same time I am happy for Liverpool as two of my fellow Czechs Milan Baros and Vladimir Smicer are in the squad. They deserved this triumph.”
Buffon: “My best scudetto”
Juventus.com
“This is the scudetto that satisfied me most because it was assigned by the match at San Siro which, four days before the end of the championship, looked like a real final. Winning that match, away, was incredibly exciting and it was the best possible ending.”
Certainly, it was not Gigi Buffon’s first important win in his career but this Scudetto tastes special and not only because of the result of the match against Milan: “For the season as a whole – he continues – I think that probably the most important win was at the Olimpico against Lazio as it gave us a boost in the most critical moment.
“It has been a great championship: we’ve had more than an occasion to wrap it up but we’ve always been caught up with. Nevertheless we’ve never given up and winning this way has given us even more satisfaction.”
It’s been the group’s win, but should Gigi Buffon reward anyone with a medal for this triumph he wouldn’t have any doubt: “Should I name someone I’d say Ibrahimovic, for the positive impact he’s had on the team and how he fitted well to our championship, Del Piero for the class he’s shown also off the pitch, let alone how he’s played, Trezeguet, because in spite of his injuries he’s always been there and then Cannavaro, who has played an outstanding season.
“Actually, everyone has been fundamental because all of us, from the coach to myself, aimed at the same target, going all the same direction”.
Capello launches trident
Football Italia
Fabio Capello has commented on Juve’s transfer strategy and will today introduce Adrian Mutu in a trident attack against Cagliari.
“Mutu has had some difficult months, but he has recovered from that and some of the credit goes to the players who welcomed him into their squad,” commented the Coach. “He’s been training hard for months and acting in a very professional manner.”
Former Chelsea star Mutu is available for selection after his ban for failing a drugs test expired this week, but is clearly short on match fitness after being sidelined for seven months.
“Mutu will start from the bench, but he’ll definitely come on during the match,” explained Capello. “In any case, we’ll field a trident attack and my only doubts are in defence and midfield.”
Juventus have already won the title and will be presented with the Scudetto trophy – a novelty for Serie A – before driving through Turin in an open-topped bus. It will also be a time for reflection, as today is the 20th anniversary of the Heysel tragedy.
The time is right to look to the future, as reports continue to link them with Antonio Cassano and Alberto Gilardino.
“We have already worked out some of our transfer strategy, though we need another two signings who can make the difference. I’d say that we’re already covered in attack, so we won’t be looking for any more forwards.”
Capello’s men were lambasted for their Champions’ League elimination to Liverpool, but that defeat has now been put into perspective by the Reds’ victory over Milan in the Final.
“Liverpool won because they never gave in and had that extra pinch of good luck, which never hurts,” noted the 1994 winner. “Milan already had the trophy in their hand, but unfortunately they let it slip.”
£35m Man U bid for Buffon
Football Italia
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to launch a £35m bid for Juventus 'keeper Gianluigi Buffon. The Italian is Fergy's number one target after ditching Roy Carroll. United's new owner Malcolm Glazier has promised Sir Alex a £100m transfer kitty, but he will only be allowed to spend £20m a year.
The United manager hopes to persuade the Serie A Champions to accept a down-payment followed by instalments for the world's number one net-minder. However, whether Juve will sell their prize asset is very much open to debate.
Arsenal to offer £15M for Real Madrid target Robinho
Tribal Football
Arsenal are threatening to wreck Real Madrid's plans to land Santos wing wizard Robinho. The Sunday Mirror says Madrid are hot favourites to land the striker, but Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is said to be weighing up a £15million bid for the 21-year-old.
Wenger's scouts sat with the player's agent Wagner Ribeiro to watch Robinho in action for Santos in the 3-0 win against Atletico Mineiro last week. But Robinho has dismissed the attention from the Gunners, and says he is happy to stay at the Sao Paulo club - for now.
"The Arsenal scouts were there to look at the soccer in general," said Robinho. "Not only Santos and not only me." Robinho is also a target for Chelsea and Barcelona, and despite insisting he is content at Santos, a £15m bid will prise him away from South America.
Arsenal to offer Pires in deal for Atletico Madrid's Torres
Tribal Football
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is launching a mega bid for Atletico Madrid star striker Fernando Torres. The People says Torres will move to Highbury if the Gunners can reach an agreement with cash-strapped Atletico Madrid.
Torres is valued at around £20million, but Arsenal want to use players as part of a deal to bring the young striker, known to his adoring fans as El Nino, to London. Midfielders Edu and Robert Pires could enter the equation. Both are surplus to requirements at Highbury and want to play in La Liga.
Highbury chief Arsene Wenger sees Torres, capped 12 times by Spain, as the perfect foil for Thierry Henry, who has demanded reinforcements up front. He would also help Arsenal's homesick Spaniard Jose Antonio Reyes, his international team-mate, to settle in London.
Torres, 21, broke into the Atletico first team as a raw 17-year-old and has been the club's top scorer ever since.
Chelsea showed an interest during the January transfer window, using Adrian Mutu as bait, and Sir Alex Ferguson has long been an admirer. But Arsenal are at the front of the queue and the prospect of playing with Henry and his Spanish pal Reyes is hugely tempting for Torres.
Chelsea ready to go as high as £20M for Essien
Tribal Football
Chelsea are prepared to go as high as £20 million to land Olympique Lyon midfielder Mickael Essien. Essien is on the wanted lists of Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United, but it is the Blues that have the inside running after chief executive Peter Kenyon held talks with Lyon directors in France earlier this month.
His agent, Fabien Piveteau, said: "We have spoken with Madrid after they showed an interest in the player, but they stated that, at this time, they don't have a place for a non- European. Right now he [Essien] is closer to joining Chelsea but both clubs have to keep on talking."
Manchester United are also interested in Essien as a long-term replacement for Roy Keane.
Sunday 29 May
Capello silences angry Alex
Football Italia
The tension is rising in Turin as Fabio Capello responded to Alessandro Del Piero’s insistence he had nothing to thank the Coach for, while rumours link the player to Arsenal.
“The results prove me right,” smiled the Juventus boss as he prepared for Sunday’s Scudetto celebrations. “One less ‘thank you’ I receive won’t make much difference considering the many people who have shown me gratitude for this year.”
The relationship between Capello and the captain has been poor throughout the campaign, particularly with Del Piero substituted a remarkable 26 times and usually the first to be pushed aside for tactical requirements.
Yesterday afternoon Del Piero hit out at his Coach and assured during his Press Conference that he did not need to thank Capello for the title success. The Italian international also warned that he would reconsider his future if he was not given guarantees of more first team football.
“A club like Juventus cannot give guarantees to a player, as those who go on to the field do so because they have earned it,” snapped Capello in response. “If Del Piero asks for guarantees, then what are the others supposed to say?”
Their relationship is now hanging by a thread and it’s increasingly likely that Alex will move on in the summer. He is not short on offers and could bring in precious resources to the club coffers.
The Japanese J-League has been following the situation for several seasons now, in particular Yokohama Marinos, but there is a new rumour of interest from Arsenal. The main problem is represented by his £7m per season wages, but he would be willing to take a pay-cut at this stage of his career.
Meanwhile, Juventus will be presented with the Scudetto trophy during Sunday’s match with Cagliari and then travel through the streets of Turin in an open-top bus.
Mutu ready for Juve debut
Football Italia
Adrian Mutu’s ban has expired and he is raring to make his Juve debut this Sunday – insisting it’ll be the first of many appearances for the club.
“I am very nervous and excited about returning to the playing field and I’ll do it on a day where Juventus celebrate their Scudetto,” said the Romanian. “It’s great to see my teammates mark this achievement, though obviously I don’t feel it is my trophy.”
Mutu joined on a free transfer in January, though his position was put in doubt following Chelsea’s legal action. His ban for failing a drugs test expired on May 24 and he’ll be available for selection in tomorrow’s match with Cagliari at the Stadio Delle Alpi.
“I have emerged from the tunnel of drug use and can see the light now,” continued the former Parma and Verona man. “I must thank everyone for giving me such a warm welcome since my first day.”
“I want to score lots of goals now and become an important part of this team. I am not concerned by the competition for places, as I am convinced that I can make a difference and wish to repay Juve for their faith in me.”
There have been reports ever since his arrival that this was only a temporary position, as Mutu could be used as bait to prise Antonio Cassano away from Roma. “I don’t want to be a pawn in another transfer deal. I am ready to earn my place and achieve important objectives right here in Turin.”
Meanwhile, Shabani Nonda has confirmed Press speculation in both Italy and France that his future is at the Delle Alpi.
“It is time to try a new experience and test myself against the very best,” said the 28-year-old whose contract with Monaco is up. “I have offers from Spain as well, but if I should end up at Juventus then it would be fantastic.”
Monaco's Nonda confirms Juventus move
Tribal Football
AS Monaco striker Shabani Nonda has confirmed he is joining Juventus on a Bosman transfer in the summer. "It is time to try a new experience and test myself against the very best," he said. "I have offers from Spain as well, but if I should end up at Juventus then it would be fantastic."
Saturday 28 May
Capello unveils new Juventus
Football Italia
Juventus boss Fabio Capello has revealed his club’s summer transfer plans and objectives for the new season. The tactician confirmed that the outfit would be looking to buy quality players in the hope of mounting a serious Champions’ League challenge next term.
"We already have some clear ideas," he told the Tuttosport newspaper. "Bringing back the European Cup to Turin is our principal objective for next season.
"We are looking for players who can make a 10 percent difference to the side rather than just two percent. Seeing as we are not starting from the bottom, this will be very difficult to do. I’ve asked the club for a rich squad even if we know that the money box is closed and we can’t violate the books. We’ll do our very best."
Juventus have been linked with Roma’s Antonio Cassano and Alberto Gilardino of Parma, but their arrival would seemingly only occur if the club sold first. One man who has been linked with a ‘sacrifice’ is Real Madrid target Emerson, even if Capello has rubbished that claim.
"He is not going to leave," added the former Roma boss. "He is one of the best midfield players in the world in my opinion, if not the best."
Capello led Juve to the title at his first attempt but he has been criticised this term over his continual substitution of Alessandro Del Piero.
"Alex’s conduct was extraordinary, as a captain and a professional," noted the Coach. "I said that he would one day thank me and he returned to the champion he is in the closing stages of the season. He is an important player and I don’t enjoy substituting anyone. I just do my job, the one which I am paid for."
Juventus have undoubtedly been solid this season, rather than entertaining, and Capello expects that not to change in the 2005-06 campaign. "Winning gets people talking and remains in the record books. Entertaining play is forgotten and only relative," he defended.
The master tactician concluded by commenting on Milan’s extraordinary collapse to Liverpool in the Champions’ League Final. "I thought it would be all downhill for the Rossoneri after Paolo Maldini’s goal," he said. "The blackout in the second half was incredible, even if luck wasn’t on Milan’s side either."
Del Piero: Why thank Capello?
Football Italia
Juventus have won Lo Scudetto but tension remains between Alex Del Piero and boss Fabio Capello. The two men have had a difficult relationship this term given that the tactician has often substituted the No 10. Capello defended his actions during the campaign by claiming that Alex "would thank him" at the end of the season.
But Del Piero, who had remained relatively silent until today, has hit back at the former Milan and Roma boss.
"Why should I thank him? I thank Capello as I have thanked everyone at the club for the Scudetto," he stated on Friday afternoon. "He has his merits but so do all of the other members of the club. I don’t think I have to single out the Coach for special praise.
"I have nothing to sort out with him though. We are both great professionals and winners, people who are intelligent."
The captain’s ‘problems’ with Capello did lead to reports that Alex could leave the outfit at the end of the season. Del Piero today insisted that he wants to remain but only if he is given a star role to play.
"I’ve never thought about leaving and I still feel like a symbol," he added. "I want to stay but I want to be a protagonist. If that doesn’t happen then I’ll look around me."
Del Piero is desperate to feature regularly as he is still thinking about winning honours with the national side.
"I don’t feel excluded from the Azzurri squad," he added. "I’ve spoken with Marcello Lippi, we’ll just have to look at my form. Would being dropped upset me? I wouldn’t be offended but if I was left out while I was playing well then I would be saddened."
Buffon: I want Euro glory
Football Italia
Gigi Buffon has committed his future to Juventus with the intention of winning the Champions’ League next term. The goalkeeper has been associated with Real Madrid but the Italian says he has no intention of quitting Turin.
"I’ll remain with the Bianconeri and I want the Champions’ League next year," stated the Azzurri No 1.
Buffon was desperately disappointed to lose in the European Cup to eventual winners Liverpool earlier this season, but made up for it by netting his third Scudetto at Juve. "This League title is the best of the lot," he insists. "We managed to win the mini-final against Milan which gave us a great amount of joy."
The former Parma shot-stopper was a key factor in the victory but he was keen to honour a number of his colleagues.
"I would give a medal to Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the way he has settled in his first year," explained Buffon. "Alex Del Piero would get one for his great class and the way he has acted during the difficult times. David Trezeguet has played very little but he was always there when really needed and Fabio Cannavaro had a great season."
Juventus move for Atletico Madrid defender Perea
Tribal Football
Atletico Madrid defender Luis Perea is a target for Juventus coach Fabio Capello. The Colombia international has caught the eye of Capello this season and he has recommended his signing to Juve director general Luciano Moggi.
Perea only signed a new contract - through to 2009 - this season after joining Atletico last summer. While the 26 year-old's buyout clause is £20 million, Atletico are prepared to listen to offers starting at £15 million for the talented stopper.
