This
web site is an online diary maintained by azzurri.Friday 22 July
Mutu: “It’s the year of my comeback”
Juventus.com
“I’m happy I’ve come back to Italy; this Serie A atmosphere excites me a great deal!” Adrian Mutu is psyched up more than ever and willing to get back to play. The Romanian already played with the black&white outfit last year, on the last matchday, on the occasion of the Scudetto celebrations: a taste of the playground that could not but increase his wish to start playing seriously: “I’m working very hard to be able to play a great season. This one must be the year of my comeback. I’m looking forward to get back and play… this is my first aim.”
It couldn’t have been otherwise, after such a long break. It was a hard time, now luckily forgotten: “The road to solve my problems has been tough but I finally made it thanks to my committment and thanks to Juventus, they helped me a lot, having faith in me and supporting me. It’s now time for me to repay the club for their faith in me”.
Oddo-Blasi swap discussed
Football Italia
Juventus midfielder Manuele Blasi could join Lazio in a deal that sees Massimo Oddo make the opposite switch. Reports in Italy suggest that Juve transfer guru Luciano Moggi spoke to Lazio chief Claudio Lotito on Monday to discuss the move.
The Bianconeri are looking for another right-back seeing as the only alternative they have for Jonathan Zebina is Alessandro Birindelli at the moment. While Blasi, also a Fiorentina target, is being linked with an exit following the arrival of Patrick Vieira from Arsenal.
Whispers suggest that both players would move on loan for one season, but with an option to buy outright next summer. Oddo would welcome the switch after being heavily linked with Milan over the last few months. They are keen on him but have been put off by Lazio’s £3.6m valuation of the Italian international stopper.
The Rossoneri are now reportedly tracking Sao Paulo ace Cicinho, who is Milan’s Marcos Cafu’s reserve on the international stage. Meanwhile, Juventus midfielder Igor Tudor has reportedly asked to join Udinese, seeing as the club is on the border of his home country Croatia.
Inter net the Trofeo TIM
Football Italia
Inter have lifted the Trofeo TIM after defeating Milan and Juventus in last night’s triangular tournament. Despite not looking as good as the two other Scudetto contenders, the Nerazzurri topped the table by finishing a point ahead of Milan, while the champions lost both of their 45-minute games.
The evening at the Stadio Nereo Rocco in Trieste kicked-off with the Milan derby, as Christian Vieri made his debut for the Rossoneri following this summer’s city switch. It was his former club who triumphed though, as they won 5-4 on penalties as a result of Massimo Ambrosini’s miss. The match ended 0-0 after ‘normal time’.
Having lost the match, Milan stayed on the pitch to face Juventus in what proved to be a more lively game. Milan won 2-1 thanks to a dubious Christian Vieri penalty, taken twice, and Manuel Rui Costa. David Trezeguet got Juve’s consolation goal.
The final tie of the evening saw the Bianconeri again impress with their solidity, especially in midfield where Patrick Vieira settled down quickly. However, Inter grabbed the only goal of the game in the 43rd minute with their first real effort of the match. Dejan Stankovic crossed for Obafemi Martins to slot home from close range.
Inter won their fourth Trofeo TIM out of five by finishing with five points, Milan netted four, while Juve went home pointless.
"It’s always better to win," stated Inter boss Roberto Mancini. "There is still much work to do though. The new players need to be integrated even if I am happy with what they did this evening. Some did more than I expected."
Milan Coach Carlo Ancelotti stated: "We did suffer a little against Inter but we did better against Juventus, especially on the flanks. I didn’t have many players at my disposal but I am satisfied with our first outing of the season."
Juve tactician Fabio Capello remained upbeat despite the results. "We have taken a step forward," he stated. "The work we have done over the last few days has been tough on the players but we will be in peak condition for the start of the season. These results tonight don’t worry me."
Mutu completes first aim
Football Italia
Adrian Mutu says he has already won his first ‘Scudetto’ at Juventus by remaining with the outfit. The Romanian featured in the champions’ last League game last season following his arrival in January.
But there were rumours suggesting he was netted on a free to then be used as a pawn in this summer’s market, but he has so far remained in Turin.
"My real Scudetto is that of staying at Juventus," said the player who was sacked by Chelsea following his failed drugs test. "However, the time has now arrived for me to win myself a place in the first team for the new campaign."
That is on paper a tough task for Mutu seeing as the Old Lady have Alex Del Piero, David Trezeguet, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcelo Zalayeta on their books.
"I’m not scared by the competition of being up against so many champions here," he continued. "I am now looking to do my best and I am returning to the physical shape which I was already in at Parma."
The attacker did impress in Juve’s 5-1 win over Pavia on Sunday, but did struggle at times in last night’s Trofeo TIM tournament.
Juventus' Tacchinardi rejects Villarreal
Tribal Football
Juventus midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi has rejected an approach from Villarreal. The Italy international was the subject of a loan proposal from Villarreal, which have qualified for the Champions League this season. But while Juve were willing to allow Tacchinardi to move on, the midfielder turned down the switch.
Roma fail in transfer appeal
Football Italia
Roma have failed in their appeal to get the FIFA transfer embargo imposed on them scrapped or suspended. The capital outfit did appeal against the decision, but the Court of Arbitration for Sport have today found against the Italian club.
The Giallorossi were handed a one-year ban as a result of their controversial move for Philippe Mexes last summer. As a result, Roma are still unable to buy on the market which is a massive handicap with the season set to start on August 28.
Mexes joined the capital club before his Auxerre contract expired and although the move was ratified, the peninsula outfit have been severely punished for their conduct. Roma were already informed last month that they will have to pay Auxerre £5.3m for the defender, who was also given a six-week ban for his role in the transfer.
This latest decision will also complicate their sales strategy regarding both Antonio Cassano and Amantino Mancini. Although the pair can still legally be sold, they must be released for cash only rather than be involved in any player plus cash deal.
That will be a major blow to Juventus who were hoping to offer money and the likes of Giorgio Chiellini and Fabrizio Miccoli for the Italian starlet. It is also unclear at this stage whether today’s judgement affects the status of any transfers that have taken place so far, such as the arrivals of Shabani Nonda, Samuel Kuffour and Rodrigo Taddei.
Juventus to loan out Blasi
Tribal Football
Juventus midfielder Manuele Blasi is on the verge of being loaned out to a Serie A rival. Juve coach Fabio Capello has given the green light for Blasi to be shipped out, with three clubs having tabled season-long loan offers. Genoa, Fiorentina and Lazio are all keen to take Blasi for this season.
Juventus defender Tudor wants Udinese move
Tribal Football
Igor Tudor has asked Juventus director general Luciano Moggi to allow him to move to Udinese. Croatia international defender Tudor wants to play under Serse Cosmi at Udinese and help their Champions League campaign this season. Several clubs have asked for Tudor, including West Brom, Middlesbrough and Standard Liege, but all have been put off by Juve's asking price.
Thursday 21 July
Capello Does Not Fear Inter
Goal.com
The Juve coach does not believe that the Nerazzurri can be serious contenders for next season. Fabio Capello spoke during a press conference from the Salice Terme summer camp where the Bianconeri are preparing themselves for the upcoming season and also for next Wednesday’s yearly mini-tournament against Milan and Inter.
“With regards to the Pavia match, we have recovered everyone, we are in form. Wednesday’s triangular tournament against Milan and Inter will only be an athletic test, to evaluate our stamina.”
Capello will not be worried if the Bianconeri fail to achieve positive results from these early season friendlies.
“We shall greet any verdict with a smile, maybe these matches arrive a bit too early for the preparation, but we are ready to face it. They are both good teams. Milan were already dangerous before, then with the arrival Gilardino they are even more.”
However, the former Roma coach does not fear Inter. “They are still an open construction site. They have strengthened themselves and I believe that they will continue to do so.”
Emerson scoffs at Juventus exit rumours
Tribal Football
Juventus midfielder Emerson has scoffed at talks of a move to Real Madrid. The Brazil international has been linked with a move away from Juve since Patrick Vieira's arrival last week, but he said: "Last season, I had some problems because I did not have a fixed partner in midfield and Fabio Capello explained to me that acquiring a central midfielder to line up next to me was a fundamental priority.
"For sure, he could not have chosen better than Vieira. Before Vieira's signing, my friends told me of the speculation about me going away. But how could I leave such a prestigious club? I still have three years on my contract and I want to win the Champions League with Juventus."
Juventus in Lazio swap talks over Oddo, Blasi
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi held talks with Lazio president Claudio Lotito on Tuesday. Moggi asked about the availability of Lazio fullback Massimo Oddo and is prepared to send midfielder Manuele Blasi to Rome in a straight swap. Lotito is considering the offer, which would see both players signed on-loan with a purchase option at the end of the season.
AC Milan, Juventus circle as Miguel pushes for Benfica release
Tribal Football
AC Milan and Juventus are battling for Benfica fullback Miguel. The Portugal international is set to gain a release from Benfica due to a contract dispute and has declared he wants to play in Italy this season. Milan want Miguel as cover for Cafu, while Juve director general Luciano Moggi declared last month he was also keen on the right-sided defender.
Miguel is seeking to cancel an extension to his contract which would keep him at the Portuguese champions until 2008. "We received on Monday an 11-page letter in which Miguel asked for the cancellation of the contract. Our lawyers are going to analyse it and we'll make a statement afterwards," club spokesman Antonio Cunha Vaz told Reuters on Tuesday.
Appiah departs Turin
Football Italia
Juventus midfielder Stephen Appiah has agreed to join Turkish giants Fenerbahce. The arrival of Patrick Vieira from Arsenal last week left Appiah knowing that his time in Turin was up.
The writing had been on the wall for most of the summer though, as several English sides eyed up the 24-year-old. He was the subject of a loan enquiry from Middlesbrough and Juventus even tried to offer him to Arsenal as bait in the Vieira deal.
However, Fenerbahce came to the Bianconeri with an offer of around £5.5m, which met their valuation of the player. The fee will be paid in eight instalments spread over four years, which is thought to be the length of Appiah’s deal in Turkey.
Azzurri drop three places
Football Italia
Italy have fallen to 14th place in the latest FIFA World Rankings. The Azzurri have failed to win a game since March as Marcello Lippi has opted to experiment in their recent friendly matches. Both games on last month’s tour of North America finished 1-1 (against Serbia and Montenegro and Ecuador), but the Azzurri’s drop mainly comes about due to the good form of others.
The biggest movers at the top end of the FIFA chart are next year’s World Cup hosts, Germany. Jurgen Klinsmann’s side took part in the Confederations Cup, reaching the semi-final. This helped them to 11th place in the rankings, a rise of 10 places.
Brazil remain top, with Argentina and Holland leaping ahead of the Czech Republic to trail the Samba boys.
- Brazil 846 points
- Argentina 787
- Netherlands 781
- Czech Republic 778
- Mexico 768
- USA 765
- France 749
- England 744
- Spain 744
- Portugal 739
- Germany 723
- Turkey 716
- Japan 715
- Italy 713
- Iran 711
- Republic of Ireland 711
- Sweden 710
- Uruguay 703
- Denmark 698
- Greece 698
Wednesday 20 July
Moggi in Moratti talks
Football Italia
Juventus and Inter could be on the verge of completing more transfer business after a meeting took place in Milan. Juve transfer guru Luciano Moggi spent an hour in the office of Inter owner Massimo Moratti before avoiding journalists on his way out.
Moratti confirmed that he did speak with the director general but ruled out that any player moves had been discussed. "He just came for a friendly chat," explained the Nerazzurri patron. "It had nothing to do with any transfers at all."
However, whispers suggest that is not necessarily true, as the Bianconeri are allegedly keen on Cristiano Zanetti. The midfielder is being linked with an exit but Juventus have denied further speculation that they are ready to offer Gianluca Zambrotta in return for the player.
"Zambrotta for Zanetti? That is pure journalistic fantasy," responded Juve Vice-president Roberto Bettega.
Meanwhile, Moggi has stated that Juventus have agreed to sell Stephen Appiah to Fenerbache for £5.7m. The midfielder, who has also been linked with the Premiership, will now have to decide whether to accept the move to Turkey.
In other transfer news, Palermo are expected to sign Fabrizio Miccoli from Juventus following his return to Turin via Fiorentina.
Juventus chief Moggi: Miccoli on way to Palermo
Tribal Football
Juventus chief Luciano Moggi has revealed attacking midfielder Fabrizio Miccoli is set to sign for Palermo. Miccoli's agent had revealed the player's ambition to join AS Roma, but when quizzed about talks with Inter Milan yesterday, Moggi said: "They asked us about Miccoli. But we're already well down the road with Palermo and he is likely to go there."
Free Miguel Heading To Valencia
Goal.com
Valencia are set to meet with Portuguese international Miguel’s agent Paulo Barbosa today to seal the former Benfica star’s signature. After the deals for Kromkamp and Sagnol feel through, los Ches jumped on their seats when they heard that Miguel was free after he annulled his contract with the Portughuese champs yesterday.
The right wing, who is also being tracked by Fiorentina and Juventus, will probably join Valencia by the end of the week. There is only one slight worry for the Spanish outfit, and that is the legal problems they might incur in by signing him, as Benfica want to bring the player to court.
Juventus, Man Utd move for Benfica's Miguel after release
Tribal Football
Juventus are expected to move quickly for Benfica fullback Miguel. The Portugal international has gained a release from his contract and is a confirmed target for Juve director general Luciano Moggi. Miguel can be signed for nothing and has also been linked with Manchester United and Barcelona this summer.
Juventus chief reveals Inter Milan talks for Zanetti-Tacchinardi swap
Tribal Football
Juventus chief Luciano Moggi has revealed Inter Milan are interested in midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi. Moggi held talks with Inter patron Massimo Moratti on Monday about several transfer targets, including Tacchinardi. Juve director general Moggi said: "We have spoken about a Tacchinardi-Zanetti exchange. But there is no rush, we will consider the offer thoughtfully."
Juventus accept Fenerbahce offer for Appiah
Tribal Football
Juventus have agreed terms with Fenerbahce over the sale of midfielder Stephen Appiah. The Turkish giants outbid Premiership rivals Middlesbrough and Tottenham for the Ghana international with a £6 million offer. Appiah is due in Istanbul today for a medical and to agree personal terms.
Blasi Juve exit unlikely
Football Italia
Manuele Blasi’s agent has dismissed whispers that the Juventus player could be heading for Fiorentina. The central midfielder has been linked, especially after working with boss Cesare Prandelli in the past at Parma. But the Italian international’s representative insists that the youngster will still be wearing the Bianconeri shirt next term.
"There is nothing new to report on Blasi," Davide Lippi told the fiorentinanews.com website. "I think he will stay at Juventus. The Turin club have never demonstrated a desire to sell him."
Fiorentina are in search of a new midfielder after also being linked with Reggina’s Santos Mozart and Cristiano Zanetti of Inter. But Lecce captain Cristian Ledesma is another who is of interest to the big spending Tuscan club.
"I can confirm that Fiorentina are interested in my client," agent Vincenzo D'Ippolito told the same website. "There are others who are keen on him too such as Inter and Juventus. Obviously Lecce will have the last say in the matter as the player is an indispensable figure for them.
"But I’m sure they would listen if somebody knocked on their door. The Giallorossi would want money, not a cash plus player deal."
Tuesday 19 July
Alex eyes year to remember
Football Italia
Juventus captain Alessandro Del Piero hopes that the new season will bring him Champions’ League glory and a World Cup place. "I want to win the European Cup," he told the Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper. "I also want to convince (Italy boss Marcello) Lippi to take me to the 2006 World Cup Finals."
Alex has lost his way on the international stage, especially after experiencing a difficult first season in Turin under Fabio Capello. The No 10 was constantly replaced by the tactician and was even dropped from the starting line-up at times.
"Capello and myself are now starting to get to know each other a lot better and I don’t think we’ll have the same problems as last season," he explained. "Are there too many options in attack? We could make sacrifices and even play with a trident."
Whatever system the Coach opts for, Del Piero is confident that the Old Lady can enjoy another splendid campaign.
"We have strengthened the side again and the arrival of Patrick Vieira is the icing on the cake," he continued. "We can really win everything over the next 12 months given the conviction we have in our ability. Knowing that we have so many options at our disposal will help us to become even stronger."
Vieira impresses boss Capello
Football Italia
Patrick Vieira made his debut for Italian champions Juventus in a 5-1 friendly win over Serie C1 outfit Pavia. The big money signing from Arsenal played 45 minutes in the Bianconeri’s second friendly of the summer.
"We are working hard on a daily basis but these matches are important for us," said boss Fabio Capello. "We still haven’t got the right vitality at the minute but it is just key that nobody is getting hurt in these games. Things are going well.
"Vieira? He is very quick in midfield, he always plays first touch football," added Capello. "There is no doubt he is a great player."
Things didn’t start too well for the Old Lady though as Pavia actually took the lead thanks to Fasano after 20 minutes. Juventus levelled things up 16 minutes later with a Gorini own goal before Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Adrian Mutu and Marcelo Zalayeta rippled the net.
There was also glory for Lorenzo Spagnoli, who is training with the side after winning an Italian TV reality show. The midfielder earned a penalty in the closing stages and had the temperament to pick himself up and net the spot-kick himself.
Meanwhile, Juventus transfer target Antonio Cassano wasn’t welcomed with open arms by the Roma fans on his return to training last night. The Italian international was greeted with calls of "go to Capello" by some disillusioned supporters. Cassano, who has just one year left on his contract, has been strongly associated with the Turin giants.
Vieira Relishing Juve Experience
Goal.com
Patrick Vieira is thoroughly enjoying the Juventus experience and has no regrets about leaving Arsenal. Three days after being presented as a Juve player, the 29-year-old made his debut, playing 45 minutes in Sunday’s 5-1 friendly win over Serie C club Pavia and hitting the post with a shot.
"Everyday I am more convinced that I have made the right choice," Vieira told the club’s official website, www.juventus.it. "I am in a great environment, a fantastic team and a great club."
Vieira, who is captain of the French national team, signed a five-year contract with the Italian champions last Thursday after spending nine seasons at Highbury. His former manager, Arsene Wenger, insists his decision to sell Vieira was right after years of fighting to keep him in the face of overtures from Europe’s big hitters.
Wenger said: "There is never a right time to sell Patrick because he is a great player, but I would have had to sell him at some time and when he has a five-year offer from Juventus you cannot stand in his way any more."
Buffon: We Have No Weak Points
Goal.com
The number one shot-stopper is confident about this Juve team. Gianluigi Buffon feels that the Bianconeri can achieve a lot, even more than last season which ended triumphantly with the conquest of the 28th Scudetto.
“We are more aware of our strength. In the first week of summer camp, the warmth of the Juventus public was exceptional. We won back the people with the last Scudetto win and now the atmosphere is different; we feel them closer to us than last season. I was impressed by the incredible enthusiasm of our fans in the last two home matches; I would like that it was always that way."
Buffon also gave his opinion about the latest Juve arrival: Patrick Vieira.
“We saw with how much confidence he arrived. He showed the tranquillity of the strong. Speaking in general, apart from Vieira, who is a great player, we have strengthened all our lines. I cannot find a single weakness in this Juve side.”
Miguel paves way for move
SkySports
Portuguese defender Miguel is reported to have cancelled his contract with Benfica to enable him to move on for free. The highly-rated full back is regarded as one of the best defenders in Europe and has attracted the interest of a host of clubs.
Miguel has been locked in a dispute with Benfica over his future with the player keen to move on. Despite Benfica claiming Miguel has a contract with the club until 2008 it is believed that the contract is invalid because the player's agents claim the deal is missing a signature.
This has now allowed the defender to leave on a free transfer and Benfica have let him go for nothing as long he does not join another club in Portugal. The news is sure to alert a number of clubs to Miguel's availability and a massive transfer scramble is sure to ensue.
Juventus are believed to be leading the chase for Miguel and have made moves to sign the player. With Miguel now available on a free transfer he is sure to be an attractive proposition for many clubs and the news could see the likes of Valencia, Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle rekindle their interest in the 25-year-old.
Fener-Appiah: Just A Couple More Days
Goal.com
Italian daily 'Il Corriere dello Sport' is reporting that Turkish champs Fenerbahce are very close to the signature of Juventus midfielder Appiah, even though two Premiership clubs are also after his services. It appears the Bianconeri accepted Fener’s ‘final offer’ of 8 million Euros, but its is now up to the Ghana international to decide whether to agree to a move to Turkey's Super-League.
Appiah is expected to make his decision later this week, as he is also scanning two other offers coming from Premiership sides Middlesbrough and Birmingham.
Middlesbrough closer to deal for Juventus' Appiah
Tribal Football
Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren is close to snapping up Juventus midfielder Stephen Appiah. Juventus' Ghanaian midfielder, 24, yesterday begged Premiership clubs to make an offer - and Middlesbrough boss McClaren aims to beat Spurs to his signature.
Appiah wants to leave, especially after the £13.7million arrival of Patrick Vieira from Arsenal. Appiah said: "The Premiership is the league to be in and I'm in the best shape of my career."
Maresca: I'm In Seville To Stay
Goal.com
Italian midfielder Enzo Maresca is sure he will do great things in Spain, after he completed his 3 million Euro move from Juventus to Sevilla on Monday.
”I am here to remain many years,” said Maresca, who signed a four year deal with the Liga outfit. “We need to at least repeat the great things the team did last season (5th place finish). Now I must get to know the team well, and then give it all I have,” he added.
Maresca’s more covert goal for next season is to able to impress at the highest levels in order to convince Lippi he deserves a spot on Italy’s 2006 World Cup team.
Milan net Gilardino at last!
Football Italia
Alberto Gilardino is now officially a Milan player after he finally completed his transfer from Parma. The Rossoneri have been linked with the striker for months and talks were only concluded late on Monday night. "I’m finally a Milan player," Gilardino, 23, told the club’s website. "It’s taken some time to sort out but now I just have to pass a medical. I can’t wait to start training."
The two clubs had been in negotiations at Milan’s Via Turati headquarters all day, but a deal was expected to be reached after Gilardino himself arrived just before 9pm local time.
"Why did I choose Milan? They fascinate me and they are clearly the strongest club in European football," added the Azzurri star. "There are some great players at this club. This is a fantastic stage for me where I will be given a chance to impress."
There is yet to be an official announcement over the figures involved but Parma are believed to have accepted a fee of around £18m. Gilardino, who has put pen to paper on a five-year contract, is considered as one of Italy hottest strikers after netting 23 goals in each of his last two League campaigns.
Milan now have one of the most feared attacking line-ups in world football as Gila joins Andriy Shevchenko, Christian Vieri and Pippo Inzaghi.
Monday 18 July
Emerson thankful for Vieira
Football Italia
Juventus midfielder Emerson has thanked the club for providing him with the ideal central midfield partner in Patrick Vieira. The Brazilian was accompanied by various players last term such as Manuele Blasi, Alessio Tacchinardi and Stephen Appiah. But the former Roma ace will now be aided by the French international following his £14m move from Arsenal.
"I did suffer last year because I had no constant partner in midfield, but now I’ve got one hell of a teammate," he stated. "Fabio Capello promised me last term that bringing in a world-class midfielder to play by my side was a priority.
"And I honestly don't think I could have asked for anyone better than Patrick Vieira. He is a wonderful footballer and I believe most of our European opponents will be scratching their heads now that he is a Juventus player."
Emerson has revealed that he has again received offers from various clubs this summer, but has no intention of quitting the Bianconeri. He stated: "I feel flattered by the interest in me but why would I want to leave Juventus right now? I would really love to win the Champions’ League with this club and I think we have a great chance now that we've signed Vieira."
Juventus boss Capello yesterday insisted that the pairing of Emerson and Vieira was the best in the world.
Juventus' Appiah reveals Tottenham interest
Tribal Football
Juventus midfielder Stephen Appiah admits he fancies a move to the Premiership. The 24-year-old midfielder says English sides Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Birmingham City and Middlesbrough have all shown interest in him. He added that Turkey's Fenerbache are also in the hunt for his signature.
But Appiah said: "The Premiership is the league to be in right now and I think it will be good for my career. I'm in the best shape of my career and I want to win more trophies. I want to play week in week out and be in top shape if we qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
"I hear Tottenham are the latest side to be interested in me and playing in London would be great but let's wait and see."
Sunday 17 July
Capello hails Vieira-Emo union
Football Italia
Boss Fabio Capello believes he now has the best central midfield pair in world football after Patrick Vieira joined Emerson at Juventus. The Frenchman signed for the Turin giants from Arsenal on Thursday, in a £13.75m move, to significantly strengthen the Italian champions.
"The Emerson-Vieira partnership is the best in circulation and not just in Italy," raved Capello on Saturday. "Vieira is an important signing, a natural born leader. He will also settle in fairly easily thanks to the other Frenchmen at this club.
"He has great quality, both technically and also as a person. He has matured over these years but he still has a great desire to keep on improving."
Capello, who bossed Vieira for a brief spell at Milan, is more than happy with what his club have achieved on the transfer market so far.
"This is what today’s Juventus is," added the tactician. "We have signed (Robert) Kovac in defence, Vieira and (Giuliano) Giannichedda in midfield and (Adrian) Mutu in attack. We are fine as we are, we have got the players we wanted and we are competitive for the new campaign."
Juventus ended the last campaign as champions of Italy but the pressure is now on for them to conquer Europe after such illustrious arrivals. "I’m not scared by the responsibility," Capello responded. "After all, I prefer to have ‘real champions’ in my squad."
Moggi Confirms Emerson Staying As Capello Hails ‘World’s Best Midfield Duo’
Goal.com
Many journalists in Italy are still scratching their heads to understand where the financially ‘careful’ Juventini will even the costs incurred in the Vieira signing. Some of these journalists went as far as saying that Juventus signed Vieira as they had already agreed to sell Emerson to Real Madrid for about 35 million Euros.
However Juventus general manager Luciano Moggi dismissed these reports on Saturday as he stated: “Emerson and Vieira will play together in order to help us reach the most important objectives.” More reassurances for the Biancoeri fans arrived from Don Fabio Capello as he boldly claimed “Emerson and Vieira form the best midfield duo in the world.”
Fenerbache close to Appiah
Football Italia
Juventus midfielder Stephen Appiah is on the verge of joining Fenerbache following the arrival of Patrick Vieira. The Bianconeri have admitted that the player is for sale and a move to the Turkish giants is a strong possibility. "A few players will be leaving," said Juventus director general Luciano Moggi. "Although Appiah is a champion, he still might leave us."
The Italian outfit already tried to dispose of Appiah by offering him to Arsenal as part of the Vieira transfer. The Ghana international has also been linked with Middlesbrough, Birmingham and Everton but Fenerbache are now at the front of the queue. They are ready to offer £5m for the former Brescia player and a deal could be finalised over the next 48 hours.
Juventus also sold Enzo Maresca to Seville yesterday and are now considering an offer from Genoa for Fabrizio Miccoli. The forward, who spent last term at Fiorentina with Maresca, is reportedly happy with the port city as his next destination.
Saturday 16 July
Vieira present delights Capello
Football Italia
Juventus boss Fabio Capello has thanked the club for re-uniting him with French midfielder Patrick Vieira. The former Milan tactician had the 29-year-old at his disposal 10 years ago, following Vieira’s move to the San Siro in November 1995 from Cannes. The two men will now link up for the 2005-06 campaign following the international’s £14m move from Arsenal.
"Once again, like last summer, we have got the primary objective who we wanted on the transfer market," Capello stated. "I must compliment the club officials, (Roberto) Bettega, (Antonio) Giraudo and (Luciano) Moggi who have done very well.
"Vieira is an important player, one with great personality, and his worth will be felt in our midfield both technically and physically." He added: "Vieira will bring with him that little bit extra that new arrivals should come with."
The Senegalese-born Vieira has enjoyed great success in the Premiership, and his last act for Arsenal was scoring the final spot-kick in the penalty shoot-out FA Cup Final win in May.
"Patrick was a great player for us, one of the greatest in the club's history," Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said. "I feel I had a special relationship with him because I made him come here. I think his impact, not only at Arsenal but in English football overall was just tremendous."
Vieira, who has agreed a five-year contract worth almost £3m-a-season, will be unveiled to the media as a Bianconeri player later today.
Vieira picked Juve over Real
Football Italia
Patrick Vieira has spoken for the first time as a Juventus player after the Italian club beat Real Madrid for his signature. The French international joined the Bianconeri last night in a £13.7m move from Arsenal and is delighted with his choice of destination.
"I'm really proud and happy today, because it's a really special day," he said at the club’s headquarters in Corso Galileo Ferraris. "For me, in the last few years, Juventus has always been at the top, not only in European football but also national as well.
"So for me to join Juventus is a fantastic achievement in my career. I'm really proud and really happy. It's going to be a really big challenge but I'm going to be ready for that. Juventus has been a really stable club in the past few years and when I look at myself as a human being and as a player, and I look at Juventus, it's the perfect club for me.
"I took this decision without being influenced by either (Juventus defender Lilian) Thuram or (Real Madrid’s Zinedine) Zidane. This is my decision because it is my life."
Juventus were first linked to Vieira a few weeks ago and the club admit it was tough landing the 29-year-old.
"The player is not aware of what a battle we had with Real for him," stated director general Luciano Moggi. "But we insisted and in the end Vieira chose us. I can assure everyone though that Arsenal didn’t sell him voluntarily because he is a champion. We’ve dug deep to get him but that is only because we are certain that Vieira will know how to pay us back."
The former Highbury captain added that it was a tough decision to turn his back on his wonderful years in London. "When you spend nine years somewhere it's always going to be difficult, but when you make a decision you think about what you want to achieve," he added. "It was quite difficult, but that's life. I achieved a lot with Arsenal, in the nine years I spent there we won a lot of trophies.
"What I want is just to keep going and keep winning trophies for my new team. I’ve not come here to just win the Champions’ League but for everything."
The combative midfielder will now link up again with his former Milan boss Fabio Capello, who once likened him to Frank Rijkaard. "I was just 19 back then," explained Vieira. "Rijkaard is one of my idols and I’m delighted with the compliment. Capello was a great motivator and he still is now."
The player was also questioned about the possibility that he could be targeted by racist chants in Italy. "I did evaluate that aspect when I signed but I will deal with that if it ever arises," he concluded.
Meanwhile, Moggi seemed to put away the club’s chequebook following this latest capture. "We will now look to sell," he stated. "There is an agreement with Sevilla for Enzo Maresca even if he needs to give his OK. We will then place Stephen Appiah and Fabrizio Miccoli."
Maresca gets Sevilla call
Football Italia
Juventus are on the verge of selling Enzo Maresca to Spanish La Liga side Sevilla, according to reports. The Italian midfielder is allegedly set to sign for the outfit after a £2.2m fee was agreed with the Stadio Delle Alpi side. Maresca only returned to Turin a few weeks ago after scoring four goals in 25 games for Fiorentina last term.
The 25-year-old was signed by Juventus in January 2000 when he left West Bromwich Albion. However, he never managed to break into the first team with any sort of consistency and was loaned out to Bologna and Piacenza before his Viola switch last term. Maresca, born in Pontecagnano, started his career at Cagliari and was an established Under-21 international.
Birmingham, West Ham approach Juventus for Miccoli
Tribal Football
Birmingham City and West Ham have made enquiries after Juventus midfielder Fabrizio Miccoli. The Italy international will be offloaded by Juve this summer after previous club Fiorentina failed to secure him in last month's blind auction.
Miccoli was booed by Juve fans at the season launch this week and was scathing in his criticism of the club while on-loan at Fiorentina last season. Birmingham and West Ham have indicated they're willing to offer £2.5 million for Miccoli, although that falls short of Juve's valuation.
