This
web site is an online diary maintained by azzurri.Friday 24 June
Nedved and Thuram extend
Football Italia
Italian champions Juventus have today extended the contracts of both Pavel Nedved and Lilian Thuram until 2008. The pair were previously tied to the outfit until 2006, but they will now remain at the Stadio Delle Alpi for an extra two seasons. The pair both arrived in 2001 and have won three Italian championships and two Italian Super Cups since.
Nedved, a former European Footballer of the Year, had previously stated his desire to retire next summer. But the Bianconeri have convinced the Czech Republic star to continue his career with the European giants.
Former French international Thuram had also hinted that he could hang up his boots at the end of the 2005-06 campaign. However, he has been rewarded for an exceptional season with a new deal despite his 33-years-of-age.
Italian duo monitor Pires
Football Italia
Juventus and Inter are today being linked with Robert Pires should he quit Arsenal this summer. The silky Frenchman could leave Highbury given that talks over a new contract are proving problematic. Pires’ current deal expires in 2006 and the London outfit seem unwilling to offer him a two-year extension.
Valencia have been heavily associated with the midfielder, 32, but the Italian giants are also monitoring the situation. Both clubs are keen seeing as Pires is undoubtedly a good player, but also one who may be available for a nominal fee as a result of his current contract situation.
Inter are in need of new wingers even if they are on the verge of signing Santiago Solari from Real Madrid. Juventus transfer chief Luciano Moggi is interested as the club currently have no valid alternatives for Pavel Nedved or Mauro Camoranesi on the flanks.
Middlesbrough push Juventus for Appiah agreement
Tribal Football
Middlesbrough aren't giving up on talks with Juventus over midfielder Stephen Appiah. In the last 24 hours, Juve have reportedly dropped their asking price for the Ghana captain to £3 million.
The Evening Gazette says Boro initially wanted to take Appiah on loan, though discussions have taken place over the possibility of the Ghanaian captain making a permanent move to Teesside. Boro need to complete an agreement with Juventus before they can approach the player, who is currently on holiday.
Bolton prepare move for want-away Juventus striker Zalayeta
Tribal Football
Bolton Wanderers are launching an ambition bid for Juventus striker Marcelo Zalayeta. The Uruguay international has declared he is leaving Juve this summer, comments which were supported by the club's director general Luciano Moggi last week.
Bolton boss Sam Allardyce, who would face competition from Birmingham if Juventus agree to part with Zalayeta, is desperate to increase his fire power for next season's Premiership campaign and first venture into the UEFA Cup.
Zalayeta, who has top-level Champions League experience, scored eight goals last season, despite limited appearances. Bolton failed to get a player into double figures and Allardyce admits that the lack of a regular goalscorer probably cost his side a place in the Champions League.
It could take all of Allardyce's persuasive talk to get the player to the Reebok as Zalayeta has said in the past that he would like to go to Spain if he left Italy.
Lazio president in Juventus talks for Piccolo, Boudianski
Tribal Football
Lazio president Claudio Lotito has approached Juventus for two of their young players. Juve and Lazio had already held talks earlier this week over Brazilian wing-back Cesar, who is a target for the Serie A champs. Lotito, in a separate approach, asked for defender Felice Piccolo and attacker Viktor Boudianski. Juve are ready to do business, but would like Cesar included in negotiations.
Sampdoria move for Juventus midfielder Konko
Tribal Football
Sampdoria director general Beppe Marotta is in talks with Juventus for midfielder Abdoulay Konko. Juve are prepared to allow Konko to play again away on-loan next season, after he spent last term at Crotone. Samp tried for Konko last summer before the Crotone deal was brokered and Marotta is wasting no time to secure the youngster for the coming season.
Roma split beckons for Cassano
Football Italia
Antonio Cassano has moved closer to a Roma exit after his agent held talks with the club on Thursday. Giuseppe Bozzo spent three hours with officials at Villa Pacelli but the outfit tellingly didn’t offer him a new contract.
Cassano’s current deal expires in 2006 which now suggests that the player will definitely be sold this summer, rather than possibly leave on a free next year. "Nothing has been decided and we didn’t offer him an extension," Roma sporting director Daniele Pradè said. "It was a serene meeting and was simply just important to meet again. Another meeting will take place soon."
Bozzo refused to comment on his way out of the Giallorossi’s offices amid rumours that his client will be signed by Juventus. However, the Bianconeri yesterday suggested they couldn’t afford the former Bari player who is believed to have an asking price of around £20m.
Cassano would be willing to stay at the Stadio Olimpico but his wage demands have scared off the club. He reportedly wants a deal similar to the one that Francesco Totti has just signed, which will net the captain £7.5m a season before tax.
Real Madrid may also look to sign Cassano if they sell Michael Owen, while Inter have been linked too.
No Cassano Solution From Roma Meeting
Goal.com
The club and agent met this afternoon but no new contract was agreed. Antonio Cassano will leave Roma this summer. This was what emerged from the meeting held in Rome between Daniele Pradè and Cassano’s agent. Giuseppe Bozzo.
Apparently the Giallorossi offered a 5 year deal to the highly rated forward at 2.8 million Euros per year. However the player’s agent refused categorically as Cassano will receive 3.2 million Euros next year if he does not change his current contract which expires in June of 2006.
This latest news means that Cassano and Roma are further apart and that a move away from the Capital city club is now inevitable. However the negotiation with Juventus looks like it will take quite some time to define as Roma are not interested in seaingl the deal any time soon.
Chelsea ponder Trezeguet option
Football Italia
Juventus’ David Trezeguet could become Chelsea’s latest transfer target as their hunt for a new striker continues. The Premiership champions are openly looking for a new forward but have so far been unable to capture any of their targets.
Inter and Milan have already rejected Chelsea bids for Adriano and Andriy Shevchenko respectively. Barcelona ace Samuel Eto’o was also associated with a Stamford Bridge switch but he has since extended his contract at the Nou Camp. Chelsea’s proposed move for Alberto Gilardino is also a complicated one, as the Parma ace prefers a Milan switch.
The English club may now turn their attention to Trezeguet, given that Juventus have a history of sacrificing big name players as the sales of Roberto Baggio, Christian Vieri and Zinedine Zidane illustrate. The Turin giants have also admitted that they will need to sell this summer before they can buy.
That fact was again underlined yesterday by transfer guru Luciano Moggi. "We like Antonio Cassano (of Roma) but we don’t have the money to buy him," he said.
However, the Stadio Delle Alpi outfit could raise the funds to finance that bid should Chelsea come forward for Trezeguet. The latter has been linked with an exit, especially as Juventus coped admirably without the international during his numerous injury problems this term.
Trezeguet, given his outstanding scoring record, would be welcomed by Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho. He wants a new attacker to work alongside Didier Drogba, especially as Mateja Kezman is set to leave the club this summer.
Thursday 23 June
Cassano ‘too expensive’ for Juve
Football Italia
Italian champions Juventus claim they don’t have the funds necessary to buy Antonio Cassano from Roma. Transfer guru Luciano Moggi has finally confirmed that the Giallorossi ace is a target, but the capital club’s asking price is just too expensive.
"We don’t have the economical possibility to buy Cassano," Moggi told Tele Lombardia on Wednesday. "The newspaper stories that we are interested in him are true but there is a small problem – money."
Cassano, whose contract expires in 2006, will leave the Stadio Olimpico this summer and Roma reportedly want around £15m. "We need to get used to buying players on free transfers, as we have up to now," continued Moggi. "A club can admire a player at another club without having the necessary means of buying him."
It now remains to be seen whether Moggi is being realistic, or simply ‘bluffing’ as he has done on so many occasions in the past. However, if Juve do pull out of the Cassano chase, then Inter and Real Madrid could join the queue for the Italian.
Juventus have signed two players so far this summer in the form of Robert Kovac from Bayern Munich and Lazio’s Giuliano Giannichedda. Both arrived on free transfers, as did Adrian Mutu who was brought in during the January transfer window.
Meanwhile, Moggi will meet with Fiorentina on Friday in an effort to resolve the futures of Fabrizio Miccoli, Enzo Maresca and Giorgio Chiellini. All three are currently co-owned by both clubs.
Zeman bombshell: Roma will sell Cassano, Mancini
Tribal Football
Zdenek Zeman has let slip AS Roma are ready to sell stars Antonio Cassano and Mancini. Zeman revealed he was interviewed for the coaching job at Roma before this week's appointment of Luciano Spalletti and discussed transfer plans with executive director Rosella Sensi.
Former Lecce coach Zeman said: "They contacted me and I spoke with Rosella Sensi and Pradè about the future of Roma. We spoke also about purchases and sales - they want to sell Mancini and Cassano."
Ex-Roma chief Baldini: Cassano will join Juventus
Tribal Football
The former director general of AS Roma, Franco Baldini, has declared he expects Antonio Cassano to sign for Juventus. Cassano is entering the final year of his contract with Roma and the capital club are expected to sell him this summer with no signs of a new deal being discussed.
Baldini, who left Roma a month before the end of last season, said: "I have not ever discussed Cassano with Juve, or have talked about a new contract with him. I have the impression that if the player is to leave, probably, it will be to Juve - but we cannot underrate Real Madrid.
"Nothing's been said officially, but it appears it's over between Cassano and Roma."
Juve prepare to hail Cesar
Football Italia
Juventus have renewed their transfer interest in Lazio’s Aparecido Cesar, according to reports. The Brazilian was initially targeted last summer but he remained at the Stadio Olimpico after Lazio rejected offers from both Juve and Inter.
But the Turin giants are assessing the option of making a new bid, as they look for alternatives to both left-back Gianluca Zambrotta and left-sided midfielder Pavel Nedved.
It was initially thought that Giorgio Chiellini would be recalled from Fiorentina this summer as cover for the pair. But the Italian international may now end up at Roma as he could possibly be included Juve’s attempt to sign Antonio Cassano from the Giallorossi.
Juventus have again turned their attention to Cesar after having doubts about Alessandro Parisi. The Messina full-back was part of the Turin outfit’s end of season tour of Japan but he seemingly hasn’t done enough to convince the Bianconeri technical staff.
Lazio are likely to sell the South American as his contract expires in 2006 and they can’t afford to lose him for nothing next summer. The 30-year-old is believed to be available for around £3m but Juve could offer a player as part of the deal.
Lazio are interested in a number of Juve youngsters even if Nicola Legrottaglie may be offered. The central defender is unlikely to remain in Turin after spending the last six months on loan at Bologna. The capital outfit have also been linked with midfielder Manuele Blasi and the versatile Igor Tudor.
Juventus, duel with the Arsenal for Guti of the Real Madrid
Yahoo! Italia Sport
Fabio Capello wants Guti. The Juventus coach considers the Spanish midfielder to be the ideal midfield partner for Emerson, and has asked for the player. Real Madrid are willing to let the player leave if an appropriate offer comes along. The player is open to the move but he is also being tracked by Arsenal and Moggi does not intend to compromise on their optimal relationship with the Premiership club.
Meghni demands summer move
Football Italia
Mourad Meghni is looking for a new club following Bologna’s relegation from Serie A on Saturday. The Rossoblu are expected to lose a host of their best players this summer and Meghni insists he wants to be one of them.
"One thing is for sure, Serie B is not a good thing, both for me and the club," he told But! magazine. "I don't know Bologna's intentions yet but I don't want to play at that level. For the moment I can't see what my future will be but I would prefer to avoid a team that is playing for survival."
The attacking midfielder is one of Europe’s top youngsters, with some even comparing him to Zinedine Zidane. That claim saw him linked with moves to Juventus and Palermo recently but the young Frenchman admits he could even return to his homeland.
"I don't know anything about Juventus," Meghni added. "It is too early to talk about Juve because I have had no direct contact. I was on Palermo's list but it was when Francesco Guidolin was still in charge as he managed me at Bologna in the past.
"Since he has been sacked, the Palermo trail is not topical anymore. But the fact that the club will play in next season's UEFA Cup could be an exciting challenge. A comeback to France is possible. If I have to go to France, Spain or anywhere else I will do."
Boro Close In On Appiah
Goal.com
Middlesbrough’s long courtship aimed at Juve’s Stephan Appiah might finally bear its fruits in the upcoming days. The red outfit tabled an offer of 4 million Euros to the Serie A champs, claim reports in the Italian media. However the Bianconeri would like at least 5 before letting the Ghana midfielder move to the Premiership.
Juve are expected to give Boro their final answer before the end of the week. AS Roma and Fiorentina are also tracking the former Brescia and Udinese starlet.
Middlesbrough stunned by Juventus demands for Appiah
Tribal Football
Middlesbrough have been stunned by Juventus' asking price for midfielder Stephen Appiah. Negotiations for the Ghana captain have stalled after Juve insisted the player would not be sold for anything less than £8 million.
Montero snubs Siena for Spain
Tribal Football
Off contract Juventus defender Paolo Montero has turned down an offer from Siena. Montero is leaving Serie A and hopes to play in Spain's Primera Liga next season - or return home to Uruguay.
Miccoli wouldn’t reject Roma
Football Italia
Fabrizio Miccoli wants to stay at Fiorentina but his agent has opened the door for a switch to Roma. The Italian international is currently part-owned by both Fiorentina and Juventus following his Tuscan move in August.
It had looked as if the Viola would buy him outright this summer after a splendid first season at the Stadio Franchi. But reports recently have suggested that Miccoli could be re-signed by Juve and then offered to Roma in their attempts to net Antonio Cassano.
"It is the player’s desire to stay in Florence," his agent Francesco Caliandro told Nuova Spazio Radio. "However, any decision which is made will be accepted without any problems by my client. That includes Roma. Fabrizio is a model professional and he has the maximum respect for any job offers which he receives."
Wednesday 22 June
Juve: No room for Cassano
Football Italia
Juventus have moved to dismiss growing speculation that they are on the verge of signing Antonio Cassano from Roma. Stories in the peninsula insist that the transfer could be completed this week, but the Italian giants have rubbished that claim.
"Cassano is undoubtedly a little champion, a player with great potential," said chief operating officer Antonio Giraudo. "However, I have to admit that we have five international forwards in our squad right now. We are well covered in that department."
Although the official claimed that the Italian wouldn’t be arriving, he failed to close the door on a big name swoop.
"Up until now we have made three important signings in the shape of Robert Kovac, Giuliano Giannichedda and Adrian Mutu," he added. "If we get the opportunity to strike big in the market then we won’t hold back if it means strengthening Juventus."
The Italian champions have also been linked with Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira and Real Madrid stopper Walter Samuel.
Cassano-Roma Meeting Moved Back
Goal.com
This could be the decisive week for the transfer of the young forward to Juventus. Antonio Cassano and Roma’s meeting to clarify the transfer situation was scheduled to occur on Tuesday afternoon, but due to other commitments it will now take place on Thursday.
Along with Cassano, there will also be his agent, Giuseppe Bozzo, and the two of them are expected to meet with Rossella Sensi to discuss what will happen in the coming days. The Giallorossi and Bianconeri are in fact likely to close the deal by the end of this week as Roma will receive 15 million Euros plus either Mutu or Miccoli and the co-ownership of the young defender Masiello.
Juventus sending Olivera to Siena
Tribal Football
Juventus are sending midfielder Ruben Olivera on-loan to Siena next season. The two clubs have already agreed the deal, despite the reported protests of Olivera's agent, Paco Casal.
Real Madrid: Milan, Juventus and Arsenal on Guti
Yahoo! Italia Sport
Real Madrid has declared a €20 million transfer fee for much wanted midfielder Guti. Milan and Juventus are leading the negotiations, though Arsenal are trying to negotiate the price to €12 million, as they are confident that Guti would prefer to play in the Premiership.
Two seasons age Guti's agent Zoran Vekic had already stated that if he were to leave Real Madrid, it would only be to England's Arsenal.
Meghni seeks Bologna exit
SkySports
Mourad Meghni is aiming to leave Bologna after the club's relegation from Serie A. Bologna lost their top-flight status over the weekend after being beaten by Parma in a relegation play-off. Their demise has prompted French schemer Meghni to declare his desire to move on during the summer.
Juventus and Palermo have been linked with the Under-21 international in the past but that interest could be on the wane. Meghni is unsure who he will join before the start of next season but concedes a return to France is one option under consideration.
"I don't know anything about Juventus," Meghni told But!. "It is too early to talk about a Juve interest because I had no direct contact. Indeed, I was on Palermo's list but it was when former coach [Francesco Guidolin] was at the helm as he managed me at Bologna.
"Since he has been sacked, the Palermo trail is not topical anymore. But the fact that the club will play in next season's Uefa Cup could be an exciting challenge. A comeback to France is possible. If I have to go to France, Spain or anywhere else I will do.
"Whatever the country will be I want to play among the elite. For the moment I can't see what my future will be. One thing is for sure. Serie B is not a good thing, both for me and the club. I don't know Bologna's intention yet but I don't want to play at that level. In the future, I prefer to avoid a team that is playing for survival."
Tuesday 21 June
Juve close in on Cassano
Football Italia
Roma starlet Antonio Cassano could complete his move to Juventus by the end of this week. The attacking talent has been heavily tipped to make the switch and there could be some significant developments over the next few days.
Giallorossi officials will reportedly meet with Giuseppe Bozzo, Cassano’s agent, on Tuesday where they will confirm their readiness to sell the player. Juventus transfer chief Luciano Moggi will then meet with Roma’s Rosella Sensi later in the week to make a formal offer. The Bianconeri are expected to bid £10m and Adrian Mutu for Cassano, whose contract in the capital expires in 2006.
Cassano is thought to be keen to team up again with former Roma boss Fabio Capello at the Stadio Delle Alpi. That has made him unpopular with some sections of the Roma faithful who openly despise the Turin giants. Cassano was even heckled by a small group of supporters as he attended the wedding of Francesco Totti on Sunday.
Other whispers suggest that the former Bari player will definitely complete his transfer to the Old Lady by June 30.
AS Roma ready to sell Cassano to Juventus
Tribal Football
AS Roma are ready to open serious talks with Juventus over the sale of striker Antonio Cassano. Roma's board have agreed to sell the Italy international, who is in the final year of his contract and could leave the club for nothing next summer.
Roma sports chief Daniele Prade will meet with Cassano's agent Beppe Bozzo to discuss their options. Juve director general Luciano Moggi has a flight to Rome on stand-by and is waiting for Prade to invite him from Turin for serious negotiations.
Roma want the deal closed before June 30, so they can include Cassano's transfer fee in the new year's budget. Prade will press Moggi to make a serious offer for Cassano before the end of the week. Juve have already had a bid of £10 million cash, plus Adrian Mutu, turned down.
But could convince Roma chiefs by substituting Mutu for Fabrizio Miccoli, who is co-owned with Fiorentina. New Roma coach Luciano Spalletti rates Miccoli very highly and if he is to lose Cassano would like the Fiorentina star as a readymade replacement.
Middlesbrough return to Juventus talks for Appiah
Tribal Football
Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren has made a fresh approach to Juventus for midfielder Stephen Appiah. The Italians want £5million for the 24-year-old midfielder but that is way above Middlesbrough's valuation.
Montero Confirms Juve Exit
Goal.com
The Uruguayan defender is set to play in La Liga next season. Paolo Montero’s holidays have already ended as the player is training on his own to be ready for his national side’s next World Cup qualification matches.
The player is currently also looking for a new team as he is not going to renew his current Juve deal which expires at the end of June. His wish is that of playing for two more years in Europe, possibly Spain, then end his career with Penarol, the club which launched him onto the international scene.
Monday 20 June
Juve revive Vieira interest
Football Italia
The Turin giants have once again been linked with a swoop for Arsenal star Patrick Vieira and this could be the right time for a £10m move. Juventus have long been interested in the 29-year-old French midfielder and made several offers in the past, but were put off by the price-tag and his refusal to leave Highbury.
However, it has been reported that Vieira believes the time is right to seek new challenges and he is evaluating his options, which also include Real Madrid. Newspapers in Italy suggest that agent Jamie Jarvis met with Alessandro Moggi – the son of Bianconeri director general Luciano – to work out the basis of a deal.
Fabio Capello is looking for a strong midfielder to partner Emerson and this season Manuele Blasi, Stephen Appiah and Alessio Tacchinardi failed to fit the bill. Fresh from their Scudetto success, Juventus would be prepared to pay Arsenal’s £10m asking price, though his £3.7m per season wages could turn into a stumbling block.
It would not be Vieira’s first Serie A experience, as he made two League appearances for Capello’s Milan in 1995-96. He moved to Arsenal the following year and his club career began in earnest.
Juventus starlet Palladino close to Livorno
Tribal Football
Juventus are close to agreeing a deal which will see starlet Raffaelle Palladino play next season on-loan with Livorno. The deal was originally mooted after Livorno assisted Juve in the signing of Adrian Mutu last season thanks to Roberto Donadoni's squad having a free non-EU spot available.
At the time, Livorno president Aldo Spinelli was told by Juve chiefs that they could have Palladino if they asked for him - which has led to negotiations in recent days for the young striker.
No Juventus move for Roma's Panucci - agent
Tribal Football
The agent of AS Roma fullback Christian Panucci has played down talk of an imminent move to Juventus. Oscar Damiani said: "There is a great feeling between Panucci and (Juventus boss Fabio) Capello. However, there is a long way to go before a move could happen.
"There has been no contact between the clubs at the moment and Panucci wants to stay in the capital."
Sunday 19 June
Rome: the Juventus tightens for Cassano
Yahoo! Italia Sport
The future of Antonio Cassano and Roma's transfer dealings will be decided in the coming days. After officially announcing their new manage Luciano Spalletti, the Giallorossi have decided to accelerate their negotiations with Juventus over the young Bari talent.
Juventus general manager Luciano Moggi will fly to Rome on Monday to meet Roma's Rosella Senses. The Bianconeri are offering €9million and Adrian Mutu, bout the technical director of Roma would prefer to have Fabrizio Miccoli. On Tuesday the giallorossi leaders will meet up with Cassano's agent Giuseppe Bozzo.
Roma want to complete negotiations soon or by June 30th so as to be able to insert the transfer into their budget report.
Saturday 18 June
Juve ponder Panucci swoop
Football Italia
Christian Panucci is the latest Roma player to be associated with a switch to arch rivals Juventus. The Italian champions are already very keen on Antonio Cassano, but teammate Panucci is also a possible acquisition. Juve transfer chief Luciano Moggi will meet with Roma officials next week after declaring that: "Juventus and Roma will do business this summer, you’ll see."
Panucci has been linked with the Bianconeri over the last year after boss Fabio Capello made his Turin switch last summer. The defender is a disciple of Capello after working under him at Milan, Real Madrid and Roma. The Turin giants are looking for at least one more new defender after the recent capture of Robert Kovac from Bayern Munich.
Panucci is liked by Capello as he would be a valid alternative to Jonathan Zebina, another former Roma player, at right-back. The former Genoa, Chelsea and Monaco man can also play at left-back and as a central defender if required.
However, the player himself may well need convincing of such a switch according to his agent. "Christian is very happy in Rome and he intends to stay," stated Oscar Damiani. "He is convinced that the side will be competitive again. However, if Capello made a specific request then the situation could change."
Juventus are also reportedly interested in Giallorossi winger Mancini and Romanian international stopper Cristian Chivu.
Juventus striker Zalayeta prefers Spain over Bolton, Birmingham
Tribal Football
Want-away Juventus striker Marcelo Zalayeta has declared he wants a move to Spain. Bolton Wanderers and Birmingham City are among clubs keen on the Uruguay international, but Zalayeta favours a move to the Primera Liga.
Juve chief Luciano Moggi confirmed this week they were inviting offers for Zalayeta and his agent, Paco Casal, said: "He wants to leave Juventus and return to Spain."
Livorno favourites for Juventus striker Palladino
Tribal Football
Livorno are in advanced talks with Juventus for whizkid Raffaelle Palladino. The youngster had an outstanding season at Serie B Salernitana last term and will be loaned out again by Juve for the new campaign. While several clubs have asked for Palladino, Livorno are favourites thanks to president Aldo Spinelli's relationship with Juve director general Luciano Moggi.
Messina agree deals for Juventus pair Zanchi, Aronica
Tribal Football
Messina have agreed terms with Juventus for Marco Zanchi and Salvatore Aronica. Both players spent last season with Messina and will continue at the Serie A surprise packet next term. Zanchi's loan will be renewed another 12 months, while Juve and Messina have agreed a co-ownership deal for Aronica.
Juventus chief warns Fiorentina over Chiellini
Tribal Football
Juventus chief Antonio Giraudo has warned Fiorentina they want to recall fullback Giorgis Chiellini from his loan in Florence.
New Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli wants to hold onto his three Juve players, Chiellini, Enzo Maresca and Fabrizio Miccoli next season, but Giraudo says: "On Chiellini we have a right to recall him and that's something we intend to do. Miccoli and Maresca are different cases as they are co-owned by the two clubs."
Barca and Chelsea await duo
Football Italia
Milan will face Chelsea in two friendly games this summer, while Juventus take on Barcelona in the Nou Camp. The Rossoneri have confirmed their presence in the World Series of Football 2005 tournament, which will be staged in America.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men will play against Chelsea on two occasions and local side Chicago Fire. The tournament kicks off on July 24 with games taking place in Boston, New York and Chicago.
Italian champions Juventus have revealed that they will face Spanish champions Barcelona on the eve of the new season. The Old Lady will travel to the Nou Camp on August 24, just four days before the start of Serie A, to play for the Joan Gamper-Estrella Damm Cup.
Nonda lured by mysterious Roma
Football Italia
Shabani Nonda has admitted his transfer to Roma was a little mysterious after long being touted with Italian champions Juventus. The now former Monaco striker, who finished Ligue 1 top scorer in 2003, revealed Roma swooped when it became apparent that the Bianconeri couldn’t guarantee him first team football.
"There was an episode a little mysterious in all this, but I can’t go into it because I don’t want to compromise any ongoing deals," he said. "Juve are a huge club but they have star players coming off a great season. There were several options including being loaned out or playing from the bench."
Unconfirmed whispers in Italy suggest that Juventus ‘allowed’ Nonda to join Roma, to help facilitate their move for capital star Antonio Cassano.
"I had no guarantees but Roma offered me the opportunity to express myself, it’s perfect," added the Congo man. "It all happened very quickly because I’d already spoken with Roma two years ago, we just reactivated the contact and I passed my medical last week. Voila!"
Unable to force his way back into Didier Deschamps’ Monaco side after a serious knee injury in late 2003, Nonda is confident he has what it takes to succeed in Italy.
"I’ll have to work hard and prove that I deserve my place," he said. "When I quit Switzerland people said that France wouldn’t work out and that I should have gone to Germany. I still finished as France’s top scorer one year."
