This
web site is an online diary maintained by azzurri.Friday 01 July
Trezeguet out - Vieri in?
Football Italia
Juventus are ready to sell David Trezeguet to Chelsea and replace him with Inter’s Christian Vieri. The latter is reportedly set to be available, as stories suggesting that he will end his five-year Nerazzurri stint this summer gather pace.
Vieri has just 12 months left on his San Siro contract and the club are poised to release him in order to get him off their wage bill. The Italian international striker is no longer guaranteed a starting shirt, as owner Massimo Moratti confirmed yesterday, and is not part of the club’s future plans as no contract extension has been offered.
Juventus are ready to take advantage of the situation after they initially failed in an attempt to re-sign him 12 months ago, following his season at the Delle Alpi in 1996-97. Boss Fabio Capello is a massive fan of the 32-year-old and the Turin club would be keen again, especially as no transfer fee would be involved.
His proposed capture would also fit in nicely with the Old Lady’s transfer strategy this summer. It is no secret that Roma starlet Antonio Cassano is their primary objective but they insist they lack the cash necessary to finance the swoop.
Yet Vieri’s arrival would allow them to cash in on Trezeguet, a reported £30m target for Chelsea who are still looking for a top class forward. Vieri has also been linked with moves to Milan and Atletico Madrid recently.
Juventus plan sensational offer for Parma's Gilardino
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi is planning a sensational move for Parma striker Alberto Gilardino. Chelsea are offering £35 million for Gilardino, but Moggi knows the 22 year-old wants to stay in the Serie A and is ready to match his big spending Premiership rivals to land the striker.
AC Milan were favourites for Gilardino, but are struggling to raise the necessary funds to convince new Parma owner, Gaetano Valenza, to sell him to them.
Many questioned Moggi's decision to recall Enzo Maresca and Fabrizio Miccoli from their spell at Fiorentina on Monday, but he hinted at the time: "They're both excellent players and two who could prove very useful in the market."
Now its emerged that Moggi intends to offer Parma Maresca and Miccoli, plus £7 million cash, for Gilardino. Interestingly, Gilardino's family are all Juve supporters and his Dad expressed disappointment earlier this year when it came to light that an agreement had been struck over personal terms with Milan.
Juventus ready to sell Appiah to Middlesbrough
Tribal Football
Juventus are ready to sell Stephen Appiah to Middlesbrough. Despite rival interest from Everton, Middlesbrough are on the verge of closing a deal for the Ghana international. Boro chief Keith Lamb was in Turin earlier this week for talks with Juve, which have accepted a preliminary bid of £3 million for the midfielder.
Stuttgart approach Juventus for Zalayeta
Tribal Football
Stuttgart have approached Juventus for talks over striker Marcelo Zalayeta. The Uruguay international has had a transfer request accepted by Juve and was favouring a move to Spain. But having sold Aleksander Hleb and Kevin Kuranyi, new Stuttgart coach Giovanni Trapattoni has the cash to spend on bringing Zalayeta to Germany this summer.
Chiellini Against Juve Stay
Goal.com
The player is not interested in playing for the Bianconeri next season. Giorgio Chiellini is hoping that his permanence with Juventus is a short one after a very successful season with Fiorentina. The player’s full ownership now belongs to the Turin-based club, but the player would have rather stayed with the Viola.
The Italian international preferred not to say much, so as not to create any problems, but it was quite obvious that re-joining Juventus was not his wish. “I’m calm,” said the young defender, “But I won’t talk so as not to start any controversy.”
Now Chiellini will most likely be used in the Cassano affair as the Bianconeri prepare to launch their attack for the Roma forward.
Roma reject new Juventus bid for Cassano
Tribal Football
AS Roma have rejected an offer from Juventus for striker Antonio Cassano. Juve director general Luciano Moggi offered £8 million cash plus fullback Giorgio Chiellini for Cassano, but the offer fell short of what Roma are seeking.
Meanwhile, a further sign that Cassano will be sold this summer has emerged with the sacking of his personal physio, Silio Musa. Cassano had demanded Musa be added to Roma's backroom staff ahead of any talks over a new contract. But Roma showed the physio the door yesterday.
Thursday 30 June
Juventus on Robinho trail
Football Italia
Juventus are on the verge of hijacking Real Madrid’s proposed swoop for Brazilian starlet Robinho. The latest ‘New Pele’ was believed to be close to a Spanish switch, but reports in his homeland suggest that the Italian club have entered the race for his signature.
The Estado de S. Paulo newspaper claims that the Bianconeri have offered $10m for a 40 per cent stake in the player. The offer has reportedly been made to the player’s father, Gilvan de Souza, and agent Wagner Ribeiro.
Juventus’ proposed plan is to buy a stake in the attacking sensation but allow him to remain with Santos until his contract ends in 2008. Robinho would then move to Turin in the same year when Alessandro Del Piero’s contract expires.
The youngster is one of the hottest players in South American football and Santos are believed to have already rejected an offer of £14m from Real. Premiership giants Arsenal have also reportedly made a bid even if a switch to Highbury looks unlikely.
Real will reportedly keep trying to sign Robinho until July 8 before pulling out of negotiations. Should they not sign the Brazilian, they could decide to take an interest in Roma’s Antonio Cassano. The 23-year-old is expected to leave the Stadio Olimpico this summer with Juventus really keen on his arrival.
Juventus ‘ideal’ for Emerson
Football Italia
Emerson has again committed his future to Juventus despite Real Madrid’s reported interest in him. The Brazilian international is a long-term transfer target for the Spanish outfit but he has no desire to leave Turin.
"Everybody wants me but nobody is making a real offer," he smiled. "Joking aside, I have found an ideal environment for my needs which is to achieve important results." Emerson has enjoyed a splendid first season at the Delle Alpi after he followed boss Fabio Capello out of Roma last summer.
"I owe Capello a lot, especially for giving me a winning mentality," he added. "I’m unhappy when I lose which should underline that I am very happy in Turin. Rome? Nobody can leave that city without any problems. It happened to me, Marcos Cafu, Alessandro Nesta and it will also happen to Antonio Cassano."
Meanwhile, Emerson will be in action tonight for his country as they take on Argentina in the Confederations’ Cup Final.
"I’m asked to protect the defence for the national team and I do it even if it is very tough," he noted. "However, I do believe that I have the quality to play a little further forward, as Capello allows me to. I miss playing like that."
Juventus star Emerson admits Cassano faces "problems" over Roma exit
Tribal Football
Juventus star Emerson admits good pal and former AS Roma teammate Antonio Cassano will experience "problems" should he join him in Turin. Emerson followed coach Fabio Capello from Roma to Juve last summer and Cassano is expected to the same this close-season.
"I owe Capello a lot, especially for giving me a winning mentality," he said. "I'm unhappy when I lose which should underline that I am very happy in Turin. Rome? Nobody can leave that city without any problems. It happened to me, Marcos Cafu, Alessandro Nesta and it will also happen to Antonio Cassano."
Juventus move for Inter Milan's Zanetti
Tribal Football
Juventus have asked Inter Milan about the availability of midfielder Cristiano Zanetti this week. In the final hours of the co-ownership deadline, Juve made an approach for Zanetti, with Enzo Maresca mentioned as a possible makeweight in a deal for the midfielder.
Fiorentina and Juve failed to agree terms on Maresca, forcing the player to return to Turin on Tuesday. Juve coach Fabio Capello is keen to add Zanetti to his squad next season and negotiations will resume today over a potential switch for the ex-AS Roma star, who has a year left on his present contract.
Fiore's agent in Juventus, Inter Milan talks
Tribal Football
The agent of Valencia midfielder Stefano Fiore is in Italy this week for talks with Inter Milan and Juventus. Valencia are ready to sell the former Lazio playmaker after a disappointing first season in Spain and Fiore's agent, Federico Pastorello, has been speaking with Juve and Inter about a return to Serie A.
Pastorello has made it clear to both Serie A clubs that Fiore is prepared to take a pay-cut to smooth his return. The agent is also ready to go back to Valencia to negotiate a season-long loan deal for either Juve or Inter, with the option of an outright deal next summer.
Siena confirm Legrottaglie bid
Football Italia
Siena are hoping to convince Nicola Legrottaglie to join them after they finalised a deal with Juventus.
"An agreement has been reached with Juve and we now hope to do the same with the player," Siena sporting director Giorgio Perinetti told GRT radio. "We need to be patient though as Legrottaglie was involved in the play-off against Parma and therefore needs a little time to define his future."
Legrottaglie has spent the last six months on loan at Bologna after failing to convince boss Fabio Capello of his ability in Turin. He joined Juventus two years ago, after also breaking into the Italian national set-up, but has struggled to reproduce the good form he showed at Chievo.
It is unclear at this stage whether the stopper, a £5.3m buy, will join Siena on loan or on a permanent basis.
The Tuscan outfit are also close to signing former Lazio captain Paolo Negro as his contract in the capital expired this summer. "We have talked to the defender and there is a basic agreement," added Perinetti. "There are a few things to sort out but hopefully it will all be resolved soon."
Lazio sign Juventus defender Masiello
Tribal Football
Lazio were in advanced talks with Juventus yesterday for defender Andrea Masiello. Masiello is set to sign for Lazio on a season-long loan, with the two clubs on the verge of agreeing a co-ownership tie-up. The deal could also lead to further talks between the two clubs over the future of Lazio wing-back Cesar, who is now entering the final year of his present contract.
Everton rival Middlesbrough for Juventus midfielder Appiah
Tribal Football
Everton have joined Middlesbrough in the race for Juventus midfielder Stephen Appiah. Blues boss Dave Moyes has turned to Ghana captain Appiah after being frustrated in negotiations for Inter Milan midfielder Emre. Boro chief Keith Lamb was in Turin earlier this week for talks with Juve. The Teessiders want to take Appiah on an initial loan, but Juve would prefer a straight sale and price the midfielder at £3 million.
West Brom consider return for Juventus' Maresca
Tribal Football
West Bromwich Albion boss Bryan Robson is weighing up a move for Juventus midfielder Enzo Maresca. Maresca is fuming with Fiorentina after they failed to meet Juve's asking price to take total control of his registration before Monday's deadline.
"I can't believe what happened," said Maresca from his holiday in the United States. "It appears Fiorentina didn't think I was worth paying for. I just don't understand it."
A former Baggies favourite, Maresca was actually offered to West Brom at the end of last season, but the approach was declined at the time as it was assumed Fiorentina would be signing the midfielder. Robson is sure to reconsider a move for Maresca, who is valued at £5 million by Juve.
Saint-Etienne keen on Meghni
Football Italia
Saint-Etienne boss Elie Baup has confirmed that he is "seriously interested" in signing Bologna’s French playmaker Mourad Meghni. After guiding the French side to sixth place in Ligue 1 last season, Baup is hoping to raise the bar again next year and believes Meghni could be the spark his team require to push on into the Champions’ League places.
The France Under-21 star, whose talents have been compared to those of Zinedine Zidane, is keen to leave Bologna after they were relegated from Serie A. When asked whether he would like to play for Saint-Etienne, the 21-year-old gave an encouraging response, saying: "Saint-Etienne are not just any old club".
A world champion with France at Under-17 level, Meghni struggled with injuries last season but nonetheless managed to register three goals in 17 matches.
Baup, whose side begin their Intertoto Cup campaign this weekend against Swiss side Neuchâtel Xamax, is also hoping to sign an experienced player to guide his young troops. Marcelo Gallardo, currently on loan from Monaco at River Plate, Milan’s Vikash Dhorasoo and Villarreal’s former Lazio flop Juan Pablo Sorin are all potential targets.
Wednesday 29 June
Nedved invites Cassano capture
Football Italia
Juventus midfielder Pavel Nedved has welcomed the proposed arrival of Roma starlet Antonio Cassano.
"We already have a lot of great attackers but Cassano would be a good addition as it would make us even more competitive," he told the Gazzetta dello Sport. "After all, I’m sure that boss Fabio Capello would know how to field Alex Del Piero, Antonio and myself."
Cassano is believed to have been specifically requested by Capello, a man that Nedved has great respect for.
"We can win again next season and this time in Europe because Capello is the best there is," added the midfielder. "From the outside you can only judge him on the trophies he’s won but by working with him you see his great strength – he knows how to handle the squad."
Nedved was set to retire at the end of next season but he put pen to paper on a new contract until 2008 last week.
"I decided to play on because I still want to win in Turin," he explained. "My family is happy here and that influenced my decision. I’m also thinking about coming out of international retirement at the request of my Czech teammates. We’ll see what happens."
Juventus won't panic over Real Madrid £12M Cassano bid
Tribal Football
Juventus are refusing to panic after Real Madrid made a £12 million bid for AS Roma striker Antonio Cassano on Monday. Real tabled the offer via fax and AS Roma chiefs are currently studying the proposal, knowing they must cash in on Cassano this summer or risk losing him for nothing next year as he comes out of contract.
Juve directors have shrugged off the offer, confident it is bluff from Real to kick Santos into action over the sale of Robinho. Real have handed Santos a July 8 deadline to accept their £12 million offer for the Brazilian or they will turn their attentions elsewhere. Juve are convinced the Cassano bid is simply a ploy to force Santos' hand.
Juventus interested in Robinho
People's Daily Online
Juventus, from Italy, seems to be interested in Robinho, the Brazilian striker also sought by Spain's Real Madrid, yet with an advantage over the latter, said Tuesday daily O Estado de Sao Paulo.
Juventus, unlike Real which would pay 21 million dollars out of the 50 million sought by the Brazilian team, proposes to pay just 10 million dollars, but for 40 percent of the transfer of the player, and admits to receive him in its ranks until 2008, when Robinhos contract with the Brazilian champion of last year expires, said the daily.
Juventus' offer was put forth to Gilva de Souza, father of Robinho and to his representtive Wagner Ribeiro, who also is the representative of Real Madrid in negotiations with Santos. Ribeiro Monday announced that Real will not pay over 25 million dollars for Robinho and that it expects to close negotiations with Santos by July 8.
These conditions are contained in the new offer to the Santos executives, sent by Real Madrid through Ribeiro. Another club interested in having Robinho's services is England's Arsenal, as mentioned Sunday by its coach Arsene Wenger. This club would have also offered 25 million dollars.
Fiorentina lose star trio
Football Italia
Fiorentina have been dealt a heavy blow after they failed to keep Fabrizio Miccoli, Enzo Maresca and Christian Obodo on Tuesday.
All three spent the last campaign at the Stadio Franchi in co-ownership deals, the first two with Juventus and the latter with Perugia. Fiorentina were forced to enter a blind auction for the trio and lost out on all three, even if financial details of the moves have yet to be revealed.
Miccoli and Maresca, much to their discontent, are now totally owned by the Turin giants yet again. However, it is unlikely that either player will remain at the Stadio Delle Alpi, with Miccoli being tipped to join Roma as part of the deal to sign Antonio Cassano.
"Fabrizio has loved all of the clubs he has played for," stated his agent Francesco Caliandro, who opened the door to a capital switch. "He will also love his next team if there are the right conditions in place to do that. I think that Roma are a great club and my client has respect for them."
Moggi delights in Miccoli 'bargain'
Football Italia
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi is all smiles as he takes Fabrizio Miccoli and Enzo Maresca back to Turin for a bargain, but Fiorentina are fuming.
“Last summer we gave Miccoli and Maresca to the Viola for £6.3m,” explained the transfer guru. “A year later we’re taking them back for £1.6m. It seems like a bargain to me.”
Talks over the future of the players at the end of the co-ownership deal failed to find a breakthrough last night, so the matter went to a blind auction – both clubs submit one secret bid to the Italian Football League, with the team who offers more money taking control of the player.
It seems the Bianconeri did not need to bust the bank in order to complete the signings, as both players arrived for under £2m – giving Juve a £4m profit on the overall transaction.
“We had taken on a large financial commitment to other clubs and nobody took that into account,” fumed Fiorentina director Pantaleo Corvino. “We tried to keep all our players, but could not accept the figures we were being asked for.”
Maresca has been one of the Viola’s most impressive players this season, but both clubs offered just a few thousand Euros in the blind auction. “The main problem with Maresca was his wage deal and the fact we’d already spent £1.6m for him. It was a financial bloodbath.”
Meanwhile, their future at Juve is far from certain, as there are already strong reports that Miccoli and Maresca will be offered to Roma in part-exchange for Antonio Cassano.
“Cassano will absolutely not join us this year,” insisted the master media manipulator Moggi. “We’ll see if the two ex-Fiorentina men will stay or not. When you have good players in your hands, you have a lot more options at your disposal.”
Miccoli snubs ‘tragic’ Juventus
Football Italia
Fiorentina’s Fabrizio Miccoli has used the word ‘tragedy’ to describe his possible return to Juventus. The attacker may become a Juve player by the end of the week after the two clubs failed to resolve his future last night.
"I don’t want to go back to Juventus," he said. "I was hoping that Fiorentina would buy me but I don’t know what will happen now. Going back to Turin would be like a tragedy. I don’t think Juventus asked too much for me. I was prepared for everything but not this situation."
Miccoli is currently owned by both clubs, following his co-ownership switch from the Bianconeri at the start of this season. The Viola wanted to renew that agreement but Juventus rejected that proposal as they wanted to sell him outright.
That means that the two clubs will now have to submit bids in Tuesday’s blind auction in an effort to buy out the other club’s 50 per cent share in Miccoli. So how does the blind auction work?
Both clubs will write down the amount they want to pay for the remainder of the player’s contract and whoever tables the highest amount will net him. For example, if Juventus bid £2m and Fiorentina £1m, then the Old Lady will have to pay the Viola £2m to take full ownership of the 26-year-old again.
If Juventus do grab Miccoli, they are likely to try to sell him to another club as he would be blocked in Turin by Alex Del Piero, Adrian Mutu and possibly Antonio Cassano.
Livorno finalise deal for Juventus kid Palladino
Tribal Football
Livorno were negotiating final details of Raffaelle Palladino's move from Juventus late yesterday. The young inside-forward, who starred on-loan at Serie B Salernitana last season, is joining Livorno in a similar season-long deal.
Middlesbrough chief in new Juventus talks for Appiah
Tribal Football
Middlesbrough have opened fresh talks with Juventus for midfielder Stephen Appiah. The Sun says Boro chief executive Keith Lamb flew to Turin yesterday in a bid to persuade the Ghana international to switch to the Riverside. Juve are believed to want £5million for Appiah, 24, but Boro may try to arrange a year-long loan deal first.
Tuesday 28 June
Juve take back Chiellini
Football Italia
Juventus have completed the signing of Giorgio Chiellini from Fiorentina, but a blind auction will be needed to resolve the futures of Fabrizio Miccoli and Enzo Maresca. All three players spent last term in Florence as a result of co-ownership deals that were struck in the summer.
Juventus took up their option to re-sign Chiellini after his impressive form this term led to a full international call-up for the Under-21 starlet. The Turin giants have paid £3m for the left-back, despite initially trying to offer Stephen Appiah and Ruben Olivera, and they now own 100 per cent of his contract.
However, no deal was agreed regarding Miccoli and Maresca despite Juventus’ desire to sell, as they look to raise the cash necessary to fund their summer transfer campaign. Fiorentina refused to meet Juve’s asking price as they instead wanted to extend their co-ownership deals for another season.
That means that the two clubs will now each submit one secret bid to the Italian Football League, with the team who offers more money taking control of the player.
Juve switch delights Giannichedda
Football Italia
Giuliano Giannichedda has admitted that his summer move to Juventus still hasn’t sunk in properly. "I still find it hard to believe that I am at Juventus and will be wearing that shirt next season," he stated.
The former Udinese ace signed for the Turin giants earlier this month after his contract at Lazio expired. "Joining a club like this is the objective of all players," added the Italian international. "I may have had to wait until I turned 30 but it shows that my career has been appreciated."
The central midfielder, who can also play centre-back, is already eyeing some significant silverware after just avoiding relegation in the capital. "Juventus will give me the chance to fulfil some of my dreams, like playing in the Champions’ League," he concluded.
Moggi rejects Abramovich: "It refuses 45 mln to you for Trezeguet"
Yahoo! Italia Sport
"Chelsea made a formal offer for Trezeguet but I have explained to them that none of our players are for sale." as Luciano Moggi confirms the rumors published in the British tabloid "The Sun", which revealed the negotiations to bring the French striker to Mourinho's team.
The Blue's manager wants to bring in a striker and Abramovich is trying to please his coach by offering €45 million (£30 million), though his primary objective remains Shevchenko.
Moggi does not leave London, but instead moves from Stamford Bridge to Arsenal Stadium where another Capello target plays. "We are looking for a parner in midfield for Emerson" Moggi admits "and our desire would be to buy Patrick Viera, if Arsenal is willing to sell"
Moggi tells Chelsea: Juventus will not sell its aces
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi insists none of their stars are for sale. Confirming reports that Juve had turned down a bid from Chelsea for striker David Trezeguet, Moggi said: "For Trezeguet, there was an offer from Chelsea, this is true.
"But we have said that our aces are not for sale. Emerson, Trezeguet and Buffon will remain."
Gerrard is real Juve target
Football Italia
Despite being linked with Arsenal star Patrick Vieira, reports today suggest that Steven Gerrard of Liverpool is actually Juventus’ real transfer objective. The Italian champions are looking for a new central midfielder, as the club confirmed yesterday when they expressed their admiration for Vieira.
"I think that Juventus are more willing to make a play for a midfielder rather than (Roma’s Antonio) Cassano, as this is the area we most need to strengthen," said director general Luciano Moggi. "If Vieira was on the market then we’d already have made a bid. He’s undoubtedly a champion, but Arsenal don’t want to release him."
Reports are now gathering pace in England that the Frenchman could be on the move, but whispers in Turin claim that Juve are actually more interested in Gerrard. Boss Fabio Capello is believed to have asked his club to make a bid for the Liverpool captain, as the Coach desperately wants a new partner for Emerson in the heart of the team.
The England international is undoubtedly one of Europe’s best which has also seen him linked with a move to Real Madrid and Chelsea in the past. However, tempting Gerrard to quit his hometown club for Turin, especially after winning the Champions’ League last term, will be some task.
Other possible midfield targets for the Bianconeri include Inter’s Cristiano Zanetti and Santos Mozart of Reggina.
No Italian move for Evra
Football Italia
Patrice Evra looks set to stay at Monaco after Juventus, Milan, Inter and Barcelona were all put off by a £10m asking price. The principality club have confirmed that they are prepared to sell their dynamic left-back, while the player has made no secret of his desire to leave.
But Monaco are determined to cash in on the France international if they have to lose him. "Coach Didier Deschamps wants to keep Patrice and, as Monaco are not considering bids of less than £9m or £10m, the situation is not moving forward," said the club's Vice-president Gérard Brianti.
Though the 24-year-old has attracted the interest of some of Europe’s biggest teams, none have so far made a concrete bid. "Not one offer has landed on my desk," Brianti said. "Nobody has approached us for Patrice."
Evra was one of Monaco’s few consistent performers last season, but has failed to hold down a place in the France side, with Eric Abidal and William Gallas being preferred on the left.
Celta Vigo move for released Juventus defender Montero
Tribal Football
Celta Vigo have tabled a contract offer to Juventus defender Paolo Montero. Uruguay international Montero is off contract at Juve and has declared he will either move to Spain or home to Montevideo after turning down an offer from Siena last week.
Mancini Wants Out Of Roma-Agent
Goal.com
Amantino Mancini’s new agent Gilmar Veloz has confirmed the Brazilian player’s desire to leave AS Roma. “It’s true, Amantino has asked to leave Roma. But currently we aren’t in talks with any club,” said Veloz, who also assists Juventus midfielder Emerson, considered by most Roma fans as a traitor.
Roma are asking around 10 million Euros for the Brazilian wing’s services, that newspaper reports indicate both Juventus and Inter are after. Reports from the Italian capital are also prophesising that Mancini could move to a new club by the end of this week.
Juventus Edge Past Inter In Mancini Race
Goal.com
The Bianconeri also overtook Milan for Oddo. Whilst all the attention is revolving around the Cassano case, Luciano Moggi has almost finished completing another important transfer from Roma: Mancini.
The winger is expected to leave Roma by the 30th of June due to financial reasons for the Capital city club, and Juventus now look the favourites to secure the deal. Inter were thought to be Mancini’s most likely destination, but recent days have shown otherwise.
Meanwhile, Moggi is also close to bring Massimo Oddo from Lazio, as the transfer guru will offer Andrea Gasbarroni and Andrea Masiello to the Biancocelesti, in exchange for the Italian international defender.
Monday 27 June
Moggi: We want Vieira
Football Italia
Juve director general Luciano Moggi has confirmed they’re ready to push for Patrick Vieira and are playing the waiting game with Antonio Cassano.
“I think that Juventus are more willing to make a play for a midfielder rather than Cassano, as this is the area we most need to strengthen,” he told Turin-based newspaper ‘Tuttosport’. “If Vieira was on the market then we’d already have made a bid. He’s undoubtedly a champion, but Arsenal don’t want to release him.”
This might not be entirely true, as the Frenchman is said to be increasingly unhappy with the lack of European success at Highbury. He will be out of contract in 2007 and, as he approaches 30, is eager to test himself in Serie A again following a brief spell at Milan under Fabio Capello.
The money to bring Vieira in could come from another Premiership club, as Chelsea have made an offer for David Trezeguet. “We have spoken to the Stamford Bridge side, certainly,” confirmed Moggi. “It was the same kind of conversation we had with Real Madrid for Gianluigi Buffon. We answered that our stars are not for sale.”
The transfer guru is notorious for manipulating the media and it is widely believed Trezeguet will leave Turin this summer. If Chelsea are willing to pay £20m for the oft-injured Frenchman, then that cash could be re-routed to sign Vieira and perhaps even Cassano.
“At the moment I have to say that Cassano will stay at Roma. If by August 31 he was still available and the Giallorossi didn’t expect £13m, then we might reconsider the situation.” There are new reports that Real Madrid are reviving their interest in the fiery youngster and would appease Roma by offering to keep him at the Olimpico on loan until 2006.
With this in mind, Juve are trying to resolve the status of Fabrizio Miccoli, Enzo Maresca and Giorgio Chiellini – all part-owned by Fiorentina – to use them as part of their transfer deals. Marcelo Zalayeta is another valuable option on the market to cut down some of these superstar prices.
“Zalayeta has asked us for a meeting and would gladly stay at Juve for life, but he is frustrated at spending so much time on the bench,” concluded Moggi. “I understand his position, although it isn’t easy for us to part with such a good player.”
Bolton move for Juventus defender Tudor
Tribal Football
Bolton Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce is moving for Juventus stopper Igor Tudor. The People says Juve will allow Tudor to leave this summer as they plan a defensive shake-up - and Allardyce is confident of tempting him to The Reebok. Tudor has been at Juventus for seven years, but last season was farmed out on loan to Serie A rivals Siena.
Juventus reveal Chelsea move for Trezeguet
Tribal Football
Juventus say they have turned down an approach from Chelsea for striker David Trezeguet. General manager Luciano Moggi has revealed that big-spending Chelsea have been in contact trying to broker a deal for French forward Trezeguet, but their advances were rebuffed.
"Effectively for Trezeguet there has been a discussion with Chelsea, this is true," Moggi is quoted as saying in the Italian press. "But we told them our champions are not on sale. Emerson, Trezeguet and Buffon remain here."
Reggina's Mozart waiting for Juventus offer
Tribal Football
Reggina midfielder Mozart says he's waiting to open talks with Juventus. The Brazilian's agent revealed over the weekend he had been speaking with Juve about a move to Turin for his client.
"Juve? I am waiting for them," revealed Mozart. "For me it would be the greatest. Juve would be a prize in my career that could also give me a chance to get into my national team."
Giannichedda can't believe Juventus dream move
Tribal Football
New Juventus signing Giuliano Giannichedda admits he still can't believe he will be playing for the Serie A champs next season. A Bosman signing from Lazio, midfielder Giannichedda said yesterday: "Joining Juve, with that badge, is incredible for me.
"I still can't believe it. Juve is the objective of all players. I have arrived here at 30 years of age because my career has been appreciated. I can now realise my dream to play in the Champions League."
Sunday 26 June
Reggina's Mozart reveals Juventus contact
Tribal Football
Reggina midfielder Mozart has confirmed he's received contact from Juventus. The Brazilian has attracted interest from a number of clubs around the peninsula this season after impressing at Stadio Orneste Granillo.
"Juventus' interest in Mozart can now be considered official," his agent Dario Canovi told the Goal website. "The clubs have spoken already, but they still need to agree on terms. At the moment there is a stalemate in the negotiations, but we're confident Mozart will end up joining the Bianconeri."
Agent says Roma duo Cassano, Mancini on way to Juventus
Tribal Football
Agent Ernesto Bronzetti has backed the claims last week of the likes of Franco Baldini and Zdenek Zeman that AS Roma pair Antonio Cassano and Mancini are on their way to Juventus. Real Madrid and Fiorentina have also been linked with a bid for Cassano, but Bronzetti believes otherwise.
"The only Coach who can control Cassano is Fabio Capello, so he'll go to Juventus. I expect Roma's Amantino Mancini to do the same," he revealed.
Mancini turns his back on Roma
Football Italia
Amantino Mancini’s new agent has confirmed that the Brazilian has no intention of staying at the Stadio Olimpico, alerting Juve, Inter and Real Madrid.
“Amantino wants to leave Roma,” announced new representative Gilmar Veloz. “At this moment in time he is not at the centre of any negotiations, but the club knows full well what his intentions are and he has already put in a transfer request.”
Mancini was a gamble when he was signed two seasons ago as a replacement for Marcos Cafu, as he had spent most of the previous campaign on the bench at Serie B minnows Venezia. However, he turned into one of their most impressive players and scored some spectacular goals, including a backheel flick in the Rome derby.
It has become clear for several weeks that he wishes to move on and even changed representative – taking on Emerson’s agent Veloz – to facilitate the next step in his career. Inter, Real Madrid and Juventus have all expressed an interest in the winger, although reports suggest Mancini wishes to join Fabio Capello and Emerson in Turin.
The situation could yet turn ugly, as he only renewed his contract with the Giallorossi a few months ago. “I wasn’t his manager at the time,” explained Veloz. “At this stage, it’s all up to Roma.”
Should Juventus fail to capture Mancini, then they are looking overseas for viable alternatives. These include Arsenal man Robert Pires and Real Madrid starlet Guti.
Saturday 25 June
Thuram to keep hitting the heights
Football Italia
Juventus defender Lilian Thuram says he wants to keep playing at the highest level for as long as possible after extending his deal with the Italian champions. The World Cup ’98 and Euro 2000 winner who counts 103 international caps to his name, signed a two-year extension with the Bianconeri on Thursday, tying him to the club until 2008.
“I hope to play at the highest level for as long as possible and I think at 33 years of age, it’s a great show of confidence on Juve’s part.”
However, the former Monaco and Parma player admitted he had considered leaving the Turin giants before signing his new deal.
“I originally thought I’d just see out my contract until 2006 and see from there whether I would stop altogether or look for one final challenge,” said the Guyane-born Thuram. “But when you play for a team like Juventus, where the objectives are to win everything every year, it’s very hard to take a step down and play for a less competitive side.”
Thuram is preparing to embark on his fifth season with Juventus after signing from Parma in 2001. He has been crowned Italian champion in 2002, 2003 and 2005.
Mozart confirms Juve interest
Football Italia
Reggina starlet Mozart has confirmed that he could be on his way to Juventus. The Brazilian has attracted interest from a number of clubs around the peninsula this season after impressing at Stadio Orneste Granillo.
“Juventus’ interest in Mozart can now be considered official,” his agent Dario Canovi told the Goal website. “The clubs have spoken already, but they still need to agree on terms. At the moment there is a stalemate in the negotiations, but we’re confident Mozart will end up joining the Bianconeri.”
If the deal goes through, it is believed that he will compete with recent signing Giuliano Giannichedda, to partner the impressive Emerson in midfield. The news also places more uncertainty over the future of midfielders Manuele Blasi and Stephen Appiah, who have both been linked with moves away from Turin recently.
Roma's Mancini closer to Juventus deal
Tribal Football
AS Roma midfielder Mancini has moved a step closer to a switch to Juventus. The Brazilian is expected to be sold by Roma this summer - with speculation increasing after he dumped agent Alemao last month. It emerged yesterday that Mancini has signed on with Brazilian super agent Gilmar Veloz, who also has Juventus star Emerson on his books and has a good relationship with the Serie A champs.
Goal.com Exclusive: Mozart On Verge Of Juve Move
Goal.com
Brazilian midfielder Mozart’s agent Dario Canovi has revealed to Goal.com that Serie A giants Juventus are in talks to sign ‘his’ player.
“Juve’s interest for Mozart can be considered official now,” said Canovi. “The clubs have spoken already, but they still need to agree on terms. At the moment there is a stalemate in the negoatiations, but we’re confident Mozart will end up joining the Bianconeri,” he added.
Juventus boss Fabio Capello already wanted Mozart when he was sitting on the Giallorosso bench. His intention is to now form an all Brazlian midfield duo composed by Mozart and ‘the Puma’ Emerson.
