This
web site is an online diary maintained by azzurri.Friday 17 June
Juve talk interests Miguel
Football Italia
Portuguese full-back Miguel has announced that Juventus are keen to sign him. The Benfica stopper, who played an integral part in their march to the Portuguese title under Giovanni Trapattoni, is thought to be seen by the Old Lady as a natural successor to Lilian Thuram.
“I know that Juventus has tried for me,” he stated. "I know that they've had scouts come here to follow me. But, for now, there is nothing concrete. However, I do wish to play in Italy.”
The news will come as a blow to Champions’ League holders Liverpool, who were also keen on the international. Another factor in the Bianconeri’s favour is that, in a curious coincidence, Miguel’s agent is former Juve player Manuel Dimas.
Juve’s Approach For Miguel Rejected – Report
Goal.com
Benfica refused a 7 million offer from the Bianconeri for their full-back. According to Portuguese newspaper reports, Benfica have refused a 7 million offer by Juventus for the services of Miguel. The Portuguese champions consider the offer as inadequate and insufficient, and they are therefore expecting a higher bid. Milan are also rumoured to be after the young defender.
Juventus chief Moggi: Roma's Cassano interests us
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi admits they're interested in AS Roma striker Antonio Cassano. But Moggi insists they are hamstrung in negotiations while Roma are still to appoint a head coach for next season.
"I will see (Roma executive director) Rosella Sensi next week. For now it is useless, they still do not have a trainer, they cannot make their choices in the market," complained Moggi. "But Juventus and Roma will do business, you will see. Cassano? He can be of interest to us."
Kapo explains Juve split
Football Italia
Olivier Kapo has admitted that he quit Juventus to resurrect his hopes of playing for France in the World Cup. The former Auxerre playmaker completed the signing of a one-year loan deal to Monaco on Wednesday and hopes his return to Ligue 1 football will help him rediscover a place in Raymond Domenech’s national squad.
“If I made the choice to return to France it’s because my career is at stake and my biggest desire is to return to Les Bleus,” explained the 24-year-old. “I know there’s a friendly match [against Senegal] in August and some huge rendezvous in September, but everything will depend on my performances with Monaco. It’s a challenge I’m looking forward to.”
Kapo, who made just one League start for the Bianconeri last season, hailed Monaco Coach – and former Juve midfielder – Didier Deschamps, but also revealed he had no problem with former boss Fabio Capello.
“Everyone knows Deschamps” he said. “He was a great player, a leader, and I don’t have any worries there – I’m sure under his direction I’ll improve. I’ve had a terrible year, ruined by constant niggling injuries, but every time the Coach called on me I was ready and proved I have what it takes in Serie A. The Coach never once criticised my ability.”
Kapo has played nine times for France, scoring three goals. His last appearance was against Brazil in May 2004.
Thursday 16 June
Nedved offered Juve extension
Football Italia
Italian champions Juventus have offered Pavel Nedved a new two-year contract at the Stadio Delle Alpi. Nedved had previously claimed that he would retire when his current deal expires in the summer of 2006. But the 32-year-old has admitted that he may decide to play on with the Bianconeri if he feels fit enough.
"Juventus have offered me a two-year contract extension but I have to consider it carefully as it is a long time," he told Pravo. "However, I will think about it because I have no injuries and I'm able to play for some years to come.
"But anything can happen in one month. I really don't want to hurry this decision."
The former European Footballer of the Year is also remaining cautious about a possible return to international football. Nedved retired from the Czech national side after the 2004 European Championship Finals. "I still haven't talked with Coach Karel Bruckner about it," continued the midfielder. "There is no change."
Juve close in on Cassano
Football Italia
Juventus will complete the signing of Roma’s Antonio Cassano once they raise the funds to finance the move. Reports are gathering pace that the starlet will be heading to Turin, after a deal is understood to have been agreed with both the club and the player.
The Giallorossi have allegedly accepted an £11m cash only offer, with Cassano set to be handed a five-year contract. The Stadio Delle Alpi outfit are hoping to get a large chunk of that fee with the sales of Fabrizio Miccoli and Marcelo Zalayeta.
Fiorentina are set to hand over £5m to Juve in order to complete his full signing from the Bianconeri. While the Italian champions are confident they can net around £5m from the sale of forward Marcelo Zalayeta.
Cassano is also a transfer target for Inter but it does seem as if the Old Lady of Italian football are in pole position to sign him.
In other Juventus transfer news, the club are today being linked with the Arsenal pair of Sol Campbell and Patrick Vieira. Players heading out of Turin include Igor Tudor, Stephen Appiah, Nicola Legrottaglie and Manuele Blasi. The last two men are being strongly associated with loan moves to Lazio, while Tudor may opt for Sampdoria.
Benfica's Miguel happy with Juventus talk
Tribal Football
Benfica fullback Miguel has revealed he's aware that Juventus are tracking him. Juve director general Luciano Moggi is considering Miguel as an eventual successor to Lilian Thuram at the back and has made a personal check on the Portugal international in recent months.
"I know that Juve has tried for me," said Miguel. "I know that they've had scouts come here to follow me. But for now, there is nothing concrete. I do wish, however, to play in Italy." Interestingly, Miguel's agent is former Juventus player Manuel Dimas.
Kapo joins Monaco on loan
Football Italia
Juventus midfielder Olivier Kapo will spend next season back in Ligue 1 after a loan deal was agreed with Monaco. The French international has accepted the switch after enduring an unhappy debut campaign in Italy.
Kapo arrived on a free transfer from Auxerre last summer but he’s struggled to break into Coach Fabio Capello’s plans. The 24-year-old, who has also had his injury problems this term, made just 14 League appearances – 12 as substitute.
Monaco boss Didier Deschamps, a former Juventus player, has been tracking Kapo for some time.
In other transfer news, Fiorentina have today signed Marco Donadel from Italian giants Milan. The Under-21 international arrived in a co-ownership deal in January but he now totally belongs to the Viola. Donadel, who spent the first part of this season on loan at Sampdoria, is tied to the Artemio Franchi side until 2008.
Palermo president: Juventus can send us Behrami
Tribal Football
Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has revealed he expects to know by Monday if they will be able to sign Valon Behrami this summer. Behrami's registration is co-owned by Genoa and Verona and he is in the sights of Juventus director general Luciano Moggi.
Moggi plans to buy Behrami outright and loan him for a season to Palermo as Zamparini confirmed: "On Monday I will meet with Moggi to find out if Behrami will be playing for us next season."
Fiorentina's Ujfalusi welcomes Real Madrid talk
Tribal Football
Fiorentina defender Tomas Ujfalusi admits he'd love the chance to sign for Real Madrid. The Czech Republic international has been linked with Real as a replacement for Inter Milan-bound defender Walter Samuel.
"I am happy at Fiorentina," said Ujfalusi, "but any player would be crazy of they were to turn down Real Madrid. But I don't know anything official and will have to talk with my agents about all this."
One of Ujfalusi's agents, Pavel Paska, said: "We know about the talk. I will ask Real Madrid vice-president Emilio Butragueno directly about this. We are good friends and when I know something concrete I will make it public."
Wednesday 15 June
Del Piero weds in secret
Football Italia
Juventus captain Alessandro Del Piero is now a married man after he wed Sonia Amoruso on Sunday. The two tied the knot in a small ceremony at the San Crato church in Turin, in front of just 12 guests. The couple, who have been partners for some time, are now believed to be enjoying their honeymoon in Polynesia.
Juventus must sell to buy
Football Italia
Juventus President Franzo Grande Stevens says the club will have to sell this summer before they can buy any new players. The outfit have been linked with a multi-million pound bid for Roma’s Antonio Cassano, but they seemingly don’t have the cash available to finance the swoop.
"We will make a few more signings this summer but it is our priority to sell," stated the Bianconeri chief.
The Stadio Delle Alpi outfit do have a reputation for sacrificing big name players after the departures of Roberto Baggio, Christian Vieri and Zinedine Zidane over the last decade. "However, it is difficult to find a club ready to hand over £50m for one player anymore," added Stevens, making reference to Zidane’s Real Madrid switch in 2001.
The likes of David Trezeguet, Emerson and Gianluca Zambrotta have all been linked with moves. And Stevens seemed to admit that every player at the club had their price. "There are some players of the squad who are untransferable, at least in theory," he concluded.
One player who looks certain to leave is Marcelo Zalayeta after the striker put in a transfer request. The club are also set to sell their 50 per cent share in Fabrizio Miccoli to Fiorentina in the near future. "We’ll look to meet Juventus as soon as possible," stated Miccoli’s agent Francesco Caliandro.
The forward joined the Viola last summer when they paid £5m for a half-share of his contract. The other half may be a little but more expensive after Miccoli netted 12 goals at the Franchi this term.
Moggi stunner: Inter Milan in talks for Roma's Cassano, Mancini
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi has dropped a transfer bombshell, revealing that Inter Milan are in talks for AS Roma pair Antonio Cassano and Mancini. Juve have also expressed interest in the Roma duo, but Moggi revealed yesterday: "We'll wait until Roma finds a new trainer, but in any case, Cassano is someone we will not sign.
"For Mancini there is still some possibility, but we want to hold onto (Giorgio) Chiellini. Cassano is close to Inter, Mancini could also follow him. Some transfers between Juve and Roma are, however, possible."
Giannichedda: Juventus move is dream come true
Tribal Football
New Juventus signing Giuliano Giannichedda is delighted with his move from Lazio. The midfielder completed his Bosman switch this week and told Corriere dello Sport: "It is with great satisfaction that I arrive at Juve. It means that my job and my behavior in these last years has been appreciated. I have qualities that Juve can appreciate."
He added: "I have not still spoken with Capello, but to return to play in the Champions League will be exceptional. To sign for Juve has been a dream come true. Del Piero will be able to teach many things to me."
Lazio president in talks for Juventus pair Legrottaglie, Blasi
Tribal Football
Lazio president Claudio Lotito has approached Juventus for Nicola Legrottaglie and Manuele Blasi. Lotito wants to take both players on-loan for the new season and Juve are open to the offer. However, while defender Legrottaglie has welcomed the proposal, midfielder Blasi is reluctant to move to Lazio as part of the deal.
Tuesday 14 June
Oddo prefers Milan switch
Football Italia
Lazio full-back Massimo Oddo says he would rather join Milan than title rivals Inter or Juventus. The defender is expected to be sold this summer and he’s happy that the Rossoneri seem to be in pole position for his signature.
"I would pick Milan given the option," said the Italian international. "I grew up there as a youngster and everyone knows it. I’ve read about their interest in me and that is reward for all of the good work that I have done in these years."
However, Oddo is by no means certain that a San Siro switch beckons for him in the near future.
"I still don’t know what will happen," stated the former Verona ace. "I have a contract with Lazio and it depends on the club’s plans. I would firstly like to be told of Lazio’s ambitions before I make a decision on whether to stay or go."
Meanwhile, Giuliano Giannichedda has waved goodbye to Lazio after he joined Juventus on a free transfer.
"I would like to say goodbye to everyone," said the midfielder. "I have spent four marvellous years in Rome. They were tough but very satisfying at the same time and they’ll always remain in my heart. I want to say thank you to my teammates in particular, with whom I shared the honour and privilege of wearing the Biancoceleste shirt."
Bolton, Birmingham alerted as Juventus confirm Zalayeta sale
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi has confirmed striker Marcelo Zalayeta is being put up for sale. Moggi revealed: "Zalayeta has asked to leave us and therefore there is a possibility for him to go. He cost £20 million, therefore we will try to sell him, more so than to give him away on-loan."
Juve are seeking at least £7 million for the Uruguay international, who has been tracked by Bolton Wanderers and Birmingham City in the last season.
Monday 13 June
Kapo ready for Monaco move
Football Italia
Olivier Kapo’s short-lived Juventus career looks set to be over after he enthused about negotiations with Monaco.
“I would be very happy to join Monaco and try to fight for a first team place,” he told L’Equipe newspaper. “There is nothing set in stone yet, but I have spoken to the club directors and Coach Didier Deschamps. We seem to agree on everything, so it’s only a matter of time.”
Kapo arrived on a free transfer from Auxerre in the summer, but has managed just 19 appearances between Serie A, the Champions’ League and Coppa Italia.
It is no surprise that the 24-year-old French midfielder is a target for Monaco, as when he arrived it was reportedly on a request by Deschamps – who was at that time in the frame for the Juventus job. Fabio Capello was less impressed with his credentials and Kapo has struggled to find space within the Turin giants.
Bonera to begin Viola revolution
Football Italia
Fiorentina Coach Cesare Prandelli hopes to reunite with Daniele Bonera, Marco Marchionni and Morgan De Sanctis, while Tomas Ujfalusi considers Madrid.
Prandelli had great success at Parma before taking a year out to nurse his wife through a serious illness and the players all admit they’d appreciate the opportunity to work with him again. Italian international Bonera has been a target for Juventus, Inter, Milan and Roma, but Fiorentina have suddenly leapt in to pole position.
It’s believed the Viola are staging a double bid for Bonera and teammate Marchionni, offering cash, Sebastian Cejas and William Viali in return. Any decision on Parma’s players must wait until after the relegation play-off with Bologna decides the club’s future.
A new defender would be required as Fiorentina are in negotiations with Real Madrid to sell Tomas Ujfalusi. The Czech international is said to be the subject of a £7m bid from the Bernabeu outfit, an offer Prandelli is unlikely to reject.
Another issue that Fiorentina must work on is that of their goalkeeper. Both Cejas and Cristiano Lupatelli disappointed this season with some costly errors and Morgan De Sanctis reveals he has been approached.
“It is a delicate situation,” commented the Udinese shot-stopper. “President Giampaolo Pozzo has suggested he wouldn’t be happy at one of his players moving to a club that finished below Udinese this season. I must nonetheless admit that Fiorentina is an enticing prospect, though I see no reason to leave the Stadio Friuli.”
Sunday 12 June
Lippi stands by Azzurri new boys
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi insists the experimental Italy team that’ll face Ecuador this evening will not be a B-side, though there could be three debuts.“What you’ll see will be a squad made up of lads who are proud to wear the Azzurri jersey,” assured the Coach ahead of this friendly in New York. “They are not a washed-out version of the real thing – they are bright and aim to entertain the fans.”
Lippi’s summer tour began with a 1-1 draw against Serbia & Montenegro, where the ten-man side fought back to equalise late on through debutant Cristiano Lucarelli. Manuele Blasi was sent off after just 31 minutes of that game and will therefore be suspended for the concluding tie with Ecuador.
It is reported that Fiorentina defender Dario Dainelli, Palermo goalkeeper Matteo Guardalben and Chievo midfielder Roberto Baronio will be given their senior international debuts, though Monaco shot-stopper Flavio Roma is expected to start in goal.
Lecce man Marco Cassetti is set for the right-back position with Andrea Barzagli and either Fabio Grosso or Giorgio Chiellini. The Coach could experiment with a 4-3-3 system that has Antonio Langella and Mauro Esposito supporting Luca Toni.
“I don’t think it is right for the newspapers back home to talk of this as a B-Side,” added Lippi. “These players are the Azzurri.” The squad was given some free time to explore New York and they all attended Ground Zero to pay their respects.
The match will kick off at 3pm local time (7.30pm in the UK) at Giants Stadium. This is the fifth encounter Italy have played in this arena, collecting two wins, a draw and a defeat – all but one in the 1994 World Cup.
Italy 1 - 1 Ecuador
Football Italia
Luca Toni was on target, but Cristiano Lucarelli had a penalty saved as Italy end their US tour with a draw against Ecuador. Italy's US tour concluded at Giants Stadium with a friendly match against Ecuador.
Marcello Lippi gave Fiorentina defender Dario Dainelli his international debut, while Palermo pairing Luca Toni and Franco Brienza were joined by Udinese's David Di Michele. It was over 30 degrees Celsius in New York and very humid, as kick-off local time was 3pm.
The Azzurri's first chance came after just 90 seconds, as Di Michele charged down the left flank and only a desperate intervention at full stretch from Espinosa prevented Toni tapping in from six yards. Soon after, goalkeeper Mora flew to palm a splendid Di Michele free kick out of the top corner and on to the roof of the net.
It was only a matter of time, as from the resulting corner kick Luca Toni flicked in Palermo teammate Franco Brienza's cross from the left with a looping header. Moments later there was almost a second, as the Ecuador goalkeeper and a teammate slid in together to stop Toni sweeping home another Grosso centre.
The Palermo hitman then just failed to finalise a great team move by Di Michele and Brienza as the new-look Italy was playing some entertaining and fast-paced football in the early stages.
Ecuador got back into the game after 18 minutes, as Dainelli did not have a good start to his international career. The Fiorentina man nudged Carlos Tenorio over inside the area and Ayovi stepped up to convert the penalty, firing a fierce finish into the top corner.
Cristian Zaccardo put the ball in the net two minutes later, but it was correctly disallowed for Toni's push on the goalkeeper. Baldeon drilled wide and Toni's first touch let him down as Ecuador began to pour forward, leaving space for Italy's counter-attacks.
Walter Ayovi showed his prowess from set-pieces with a rocket of a free kick that skimmed the crossbar on 38 minutes.
Carlos Tenorio then skipped round a defender and unleashed another fierce drive that was just over the bar. There was an extraordinary chance moments later when Ayovi's low cross found Tenorio at the back post, but he slid on to the ball and it dribbled inches wide of the upright.
Yet Italy could've taken the lead on the stroke of half-time when Toni's header was off target with the goalkeeper left stranded. Cristiano Lucarelli, Antonio Langella and debutant Roberto Baronio came on for the second half, but kick-off was met with a heavy rainstorm over Giants Stadium.
Within moments of stepping on to the field, Langella set up Di Michele for a magnificent curling effort that was just wide of the far post. However, at the other end Flavio Roma flew to palm away substitute Valencia's effort from 10 yards and Gomez drilled inches past the upright.
Ecuador were taking control now and Roma was beaten by a De La Cruz angled drive, but Zaccardo was ready for a goalline clearance that kept the Azzurri on level terms. Reggina fullback Giandomenico Mesto also came on in place of Messina's Carmine Coppola.
There was a great chance for the Azzurri on the hour mark, as Di Michele rolled across for Lucarelli and his scuffed finish shaved the woodwork. 20-year-old Giorgio Chiellini stepped on in place of Di Michele, pushing Grosso into a more advanced position in the 4-4-2 system.
Despite being under constant pressure, Italy nearly snatched a winner on 77 minutes. Substitute Mesto sprung the offside trap and charged into the area, his shot beat the goalkeeper, but Ayovi dived in for a desperate goalline clearance.
Soon after, the Ecuadorian defence made a similar mistake and Langella ran into the box. The goalkeeper seemed to snatch the ball off his foot, but the American referee awarded a highly debatable penalty to the Azzurri. Lucarelli stepped up, but Mora got his revenge by saving the spot-kick.
There was chaos on the resulting corner kick, as goalline clearances and ricochets prevented Lucarelli and Mesto from netting. Udinese's Vincenzo Iaquinta replaced Marco Cassetti, who was suffering from cramp, in the final minutes.
There was one last chance for Langella, but he allowed a defender to take the ball off him when he was clear on goal.
Italy: Roma; Zaccardo, Barzagli, Dainelli (Baronio 46); Cassetti (Iaquinta 88), Coppola (Mesto 55), Barone, Grosso; Brienza (Langella 46), Toni (Lucarelli 46), Di Michele (Chiellini 67)
Ecuador: Mora; De La Cruz (Ambrosi 78), Hurtado, Espinoza (Guagua 82), Reasco; Lara (Gomez 51), E Tenorio, M Ayovi (Quiroz 78), W Ayovi; Baldeon (Delgado 46), C Tenorio (Valencia 46)
Ref: Vaughn (USA)
Missed penalty: Lucarelli 82 (I)
Lippi: We've all learned something
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi maintains the US tour was a useful experience for his new-look squad, despite their two draws against Serbia and Ecuador. “This was an important tour for the players to get some experience under their belts and take away some of that tension that comes after your debut,” explained the Coach.
Ecuador dominated possession for long periods in New York, but the Azzurri missed a penalty and were only kept out by a goalline clearance. “It’s a shame we didn’t win it, as we had those great chances at the end,” noted Lippi at the final whistle in Giants Stadium.
Some of these players could yet earn a spot in the squad travelling to Germany next summer, but the tactician is remaining tight-lipped. “We are not yet qualified for the 2006 World Cup and until we are I will not comment on the squad for that tournament. I also refuse to single anyone out for praise after this tour – everybody impressed me.”
Luca Toni was on target in the first half, rising to nod in Palermo teammate Franco Brienza’s centre. “It went well, as it was a great cross and I was thankfully able to twist it into the top corner of the net. It’s always pleasing to score with the Azzurri jersey,” said the hitman.
“I had made a few more appearances than my teammates on this tour, but everyone came here with the right attitude and tried to make the most of this opportunity. They were two entertaining games and our fitness levels weren’t great because of all the travelling.”
Toni also commented on the tactical system used by Lippi in this encounter, as Franco Brienza and David Di Michele fanned out behind the centre-forward. “It certainly helps me to play with support from two Trequartisti, so I was happy to see this system used with the Azzurri.”
Toni should be in the squad for Germany 2006, but he concedes there is a lot of competition for places at the moment. “It’s a good period for Italian football, as the Capocannoniere chart was dominated by home-grown strikers like Cristiano Lucarelli, Alberto Gilardino, Vincenzo Montella and myself. Lippi has a lot of names to choose from.”
Palermo midfielder Franco Brienza also confirmed that the US tour had been a useful test for the new Azzurri faces. “This was certainly a very positive experience and we played well, though it’s a shame we were unable to win on this tour,” said Brienza. “We gave it our all, but couldn’t quite manage it as Ecuador took control and moved the ball well in midfield to put us under pressure.”
Caracciolo calls Fiorentina
Football Italia
The new-look Viola are taking shape and Brescia hitman Andrea Caracciolo has made an appeal to join them at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
“Caracciolo has received offers from inside Italy and overseas clubs as well,” revealed his agent Tiziano Gonaga on Lady Radio. “However, if a proposal were to come from Fiorentina then he would gladly accept. Director of Sport Pantaleo Corvino is one of the best around and we await his call.”
It is clear that Under-21 international Caracciolo will not stay at Brescia following their relegation to Serie B and he has also been linked to Juventus and Roma, though he wouldn’t be guaranteed first team football at those clubs.
It’s believed that Christian Riganò will move to Napoli, so new Viola boss Cesare Prandelli needs a tall centre-forward to support Valeri Bojinov and Fabrizio Miccoli.
Saturday 11 June
Buffon reveals transfer surprise
Football Italia
Gianluigi Buffon has revealed that he expects Juventus to surprise everyone in the transfer market this summer. Despite claims from various club officials at the Stadio Delle Alpi that there will not be any major changes before next season, Buffon expects transfer guru Luciano Moggi to make at least one shock signing.
“To make the quality jump we just need a couple of additions. I expect a big transfer, but I wouldn’t know who. Luciano Moggi can surprise us at any moment” claimed the Bianconeri goalkeeper, who was recently linked with a big money move to Manchester United.
Last summer, with the transfer deadline fast approaching, the Old Lady shocked everyone by bringing in Inter flop Fabio Cannavaro and Ajax hitman Zlatan Ibrahimovic. It proved to be another Moggi masterstroke, as the pair played an integral part in Juve’s success last season.
Buffon also backed Inter to provide a sterner test after the Nerazzurri’s persistent failure to turns draws into victories left them lagging behind in third place last term. “Next season Inter will be a tougher opponent,” he stated.
Juventus make fresh move for Seville fullback Alves
Tribal Football
Juventus have made fresh contact with Seville for long-term target Daniel Alves. The Brazilian right-back has been tracked by Juve ever since his move to Seville almost two years ago. Its understood Juve have already made Seville aware of their interest and are ready to offer £3.5 million for the defender.
Juve director general Luciano Moggi sees Alves as the ideal successor for veteran Lilian Thurman in the club's defence and has kept tabs on the right-back for some time.
Juventus insist Mutu stays
Tribal Football
Juventus insist striker Adrian Mutu will start the new season in Turin. The fallen Chelsea star has been linked with several Serie A clubs as a makeweight in potential swap deals. But a Juve spokesman said yesterday: "Mutu has arrived at Juventus in order to remain even if, inserted in an operation very favorable for the Bianconeri, he could leave."
Nonda completes Roma move
Football Italia
Monaco star Shabani Nonda has signed a three-year contract with Roma, but they lose the Philippe Mexes appeal. The 28-year-old Congolese striker had long been linked with Juventus, but he flew in to Rome this morning and underwent a medical before penning the deal which expires in 2008. He'll earn just over £1m per season.
It is quite a coup for the Giallorossi, especially as the hitman is out of contract and is therefore a free agent. It is Roma’s third free signing over the last few days, as Siena’s Rodrigo Taddei and Bayern Munich defender Samuel Kuffour both penned deals with the club.
That financial boost is a precious one for the Capital club, as FIFA have ruled that they must pay £5.3m to Auxerre as part of the disputed Philippe Mexes move. The French defender maintained he was out of contract, but the authorities thought otherwise and he has already sat out a seven-week ban because of it. Roma will appeal to the TAS tribunal of arbitration in sport.
Meanwhile, there are rumours that there is a precise strategy by Juventus to ‘step aside’ in the race for players so that they can secure Antonio Cassano’s signature. The ex-Bari starlet’s contract is set to expire next summer and renegotiations are not going well as it’s claimed he demands a massive pay rise to stay in Rome.
As both Vincenzo Montella and Francesco Totti have recently penned new deals, it’s believed that Nonda’s arrival will push Cassano towards Turin, where he’ll reunite with Coach Fabio Capello. Juve face competition from Inter and Real Madrid for the fiery Italian international, but the ‘handing over’ of Taddei, Nonda and Kuffour suggests director general Luciano Moggi has given them the advantage.
No Palermo clear-out
Football Italia
Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini has insisted that no first-team players will be leaving the club this summer. His comments come in the wake of constant rumours surrounding the future of several players, following the introduction of new Coach Gigi Del Neri.
With Del Neri preferring an attacking 4-4-2 formation, a stark contrast to last season’s defensive line-up, many predicted that Palermo would cash in on some of this year’s squad to make way for the new striker Del Neri hopes to sign.
The strongest rumours have linked Andrea Barzagli with a move to Juventus. “It’s not true that I’m negotiating with Juventus for Barzagli. Our defender will not move away from Palermo, he’s not for sale – just like the rest.”
However, he did confirm that twin brothers Antonio and Emanuele Filippini will remain with Lazio, where they have spent the last year on loan. “We just need to formalize the agreement,” he stated. “I have already spoken with Del Neri and, with his plans here at Palermo, they would not find any space.”
Collina’s farewell date set
Football Italia
Pierluigi Collina’s prestigious career as a referee will come to an end on June 18 when the Italian official takes charge of the relegation play-off second leg between Bologna and Parma.
The rules in Italian football state that a referee must retire once he reaches the age of 45, which Collina did in February. It was speculated that he would be given exemption by the Italian FA due to his reputation as the world’s best referee. However, he is likely to continue in another role – choosing who will referee each game on a week-by-week basis.
Collina’s career started in 1977, but it wasn’t until 14 years later that he would referee his first Serie A match. In 1995 he got his FIFA badge and he was the referee when Manchester United stunned Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions’ League Final. He also took charge of the 2002 World Cup Final between Germany and Brazil.
