This
web site is an online diary maintained by azzurri.Friday 29 July
Mutu on target for Juventus
Football Italia
Adrian Mutu scored a late goal for Juventus as the champions narrowly beat Cesena 1-0 on Wednesday night. The Romanian international netted his first goal for the club since his free transfer in January as the Bianconeri continued their friendly programme.
Mutu rippled the net in the 88th minute of a game which few will remember against the Serie B outfit. Boss Fabio Capello accepted that his side didn’t overly impress but wasn’t exactly surprised by that fact.
"It was a welcome win after working so hard in training over the last few days," commented the Coach. "It was obvious that we wouldn’t have been able to really play at our best as our legs were very heavy. This win is another step towards us finding our best form for the start of the season. These results are not important, the key factor is that everyone gets a chance to play."
Inter and Udinese were also in action last night, collecting wins against Crystal Palace and Cardiff City respectively. The Nerazzurri won 2-0 thanks to goals from Obafemi Martins on 19 minutes and a 66th minute Giorgios Karagounis strike. Udinese came out on top as David Di Michele, Damiano Zenoni and Barreto found the scoresheet for Serse Cosmi’s side.
Meanwhile, Juventus have released their squad numbers for the new campaign even if they are still subject to change.
1 Buffon; 2 Birindelli; 3 Chiellini; 4 Vieira; 5 Tudor; 6 Kovac; 7 Pessotto; 8 Emerson; 9 Ibrahimovic; 10 Del Piero; 11 Nedved; 12 Chimenti; 13 Miccoli; 14 Tacchinardi; 16 Camoranesi; 17 Trezeguet; 18 Mutu; 19 Zambrotta; 20 Blasi; 21 Thuram; 22 Bonnefoi; 23 Giannichedda; 24 Olivera; 25 Zalayeta; 27 Zebina; 28 Cannavaro.
Villarreal admit Tacchi interest
Football Italia
Spanish outfit Villarreal have confirmed their interest in signing Juventus midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi. The former Italian international has been linked with the club on numerous occasions this summer and a move could be close. "I want a player with experience and Tacchinardi has this characteristic," Villarreal Coach Manuel Pellegrini said.
The latter is keen to strengthen his squad seeing as they will be taking part in the Champions’ League this term. Club President Fernando Roig has stated that he is ready to deliver the 30-year-old central midfielder. "He is a transfer objective and we could close the operation at some point this week," Roig commented.
Tacchinardi joins Villarreal
Football Italia
Juventus midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi will play for Villarreal next season, the Spanish outfit have confirmed. Reports this morning suggested that a deal was close and the La Liga club have confirmed his capture on their website this evening.
"Villarreal, Juventus and Alessio Tacchinardi have reached an agreement so that the player will appear in La Liga next term," read a note. The 30-year-old has spent 11 years at the Stadio Delle Alpi following his switch from Atalanta as a teenager.
Economical details regarding the move have yet to be revealed. The international becomes the second Juve midfielder to head for Spain after Enzo Maresca was sold to Sevilla earlier this summer.
Roma ‘fail’ in Cassano talks
Football Italia
Antonio Cassano’s future at Roma is still in doubt after contract talks are believed to have stalled yet again. The Italian starlet has just one-year left on his current contract and the club are keen to tie him down to a new deal, rather than lose him on a free transfer next summer. Giallorossi chief Rosella Sensi had a two hour meeting with the player and his agent but no agreement was struck.
Cassano, a £20m signing from Bari in 2001, wants a five-year deal worth almost £18m in total wages. Roma, who had initially hinted that they were ready to meet those demands in February, are now only said to be willing to offer him £11m over the same duration.
The two parties are set to meet again over the next few days but an agreement is unlikely to be reached given the economical difference. Roma would ideally like to sell Cassano but their transfer embargo is currently blocking that alternative.
The Stadio Olimpico club can’t register any new players right now which means that Juve’s proposed player plus cash deal for the 23-year-old can’t take place. Real Madrid, Milan and Inter are also likely to join the Turin giants in his chase should Cassano be available on a free transfer next June.
Inter Milan patron Moratti hails Juventus chief Moggi: King of the market!
Tribal Football
Inter Milan patron Massimo Moratti has hailed Juventus director general Luciano Moggi as the "king of the transfer market". "He talks about a thousand names with you, creates a bag of confusion and then works in secret," declared an impressed Moratti. "His work is fantastic!"
Inter Milan supremo Moratti: I tried for Juventus' Miccoli
Tribal Football
Inter Milan patron Massimo Moratti has revealed he asked Juventus about Fabrizio Miccoli. He said: "There are no exchanges in sight with Juve. When the news circulated of a swap for Cristano Zanetti and Tacchinardi, I asked for an explanation as I had asked only for Miccoli. Juve told me that he is leaving Turin, however I can only say that Zanetti remains with us - as does Cambiasso."
Sampdoria coach admits interest for Juventus skipper Del Piero
Tribal Football
Sampdoria coach Walter Novellino admits he'd love to have Juventus captain Alessandro del Piero at his disposal, but accepts it is unlikely to happen. Novellino said: "If the club was able to sign Del Piero from Juventus, I would always make sure he was the first on my teamsheet.
"But we know that operations of this type are very rare. Only in certain conditions, like the ending of a contract, which happened between Inter and Vieri, could we make such a signing. The same situation is what's happening with Recoba, though we're waiting for next year."
Thursday 28 July
Fab praise for Ibra
Football Italia
Juventus Coach Fabio Capello believes that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has the ability to win the Ballon d’Or. The Swedish striker enjoyed an excellent first term in Serie A, helping the Bianconeri to win Lo Scudetto. After being named Player of the Year by Juve supporters, Ibrahimovic praised the impact that Capello had on him.
Now the former Milan tactician has repaid the favour. “Zlatan improved a lot, thanks to his tenacity and continued diligence during training sessions,” stated Capello. “He can and must aim for the Ballon d'Or – for himself and for the club."
Not stopping with praise for his young hitman, Capello also praised the work of the entire Juve squad this summer. “We've played to a good level in matches and the players' involvement in training has been excellent."
Zlatan scoops fans' award
Football Italia
Zlatan Ibrahimovic was full of praise for Fabio Capello after being named as Juventus fans’ Player of the Year. The 23-year-old was in sublime form in his first Serie A season, helping the Bianconeri to Lo Scudetto.
“I thank the supporters, but a special thanks goes to Fabio Capello,” said the former Ajax striker. “Since the beginning he showed faith in me and allowed me to show what I always had in myself. I adapted myself to the Italian top flight and now I play as I have to – thanks to my Coach.
"We share a big respect and from that fact we are two winners."
The Swedish star also spoke about his hopes for the new season, with the Champions’ League high on the agenda. “Last year I wanted both the Scudetto and the Champions’ League, and we won the Scudetto,” he added. "This year we must also try for the Champions’ League. We were strong last year and now Patrick Vieira has joined. He is a fantastic player and with Emerson will make a perfect midfield partnership."
Mutu Wins It For 'Tired' Juventus
Goal.com
A late goal by former Chelsea misfit Adrian Mutu allowed Juventus to win their traditional preseason friendly against Serie B outfit Cesena, on Wednesday. Juventus failed to impress in-front of the 35,000 spectators as they risked more than once of falling behind on the scoresheet.
But when the game looked headed for a fair scoreless draw, Juve’s Romanian won the game as his shot found the net after an unlucky deflection by Cesena defender Bova. "We weren’t fluid this evening. We have been working a lot of late," said coach Fabio Capello after the match.
Wednesday 27 July
Trez never considered exit
Football Italia
David Trezeguet has revealed that he never wanted to leave Juventus and didn’t even know Chelsea had tried to buy him. The French international had been linked with a £37m switch to the big spending Premiership champions. But he recently expressed his desire to stay and break compatriot Michel Platini’s record of 104 goals for the Bianconeri.
"I was on holiday and did not really follow Chelsea's interest in me,” said the 27-year-old World Cup winner. "I feel very happy with Juventus and I never dreamed of leaving. If Chelsea were really ready to spend that amount of money then this is flattering. Chelsea have been making a lot of efforts to build up a very competitive team.
"But on the other hand I have my Coach's trust, he was at the origin of my contract extension."
Trezeguet has scored 96 goals for Juventus in five seasons. His place is expected to come under threat next season, with Alessandro Del Piero and Adrian Mutu challenging him for the striking role alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Trez surprised by Vieira deal
Football Italia
Juventus striker David Trezeguet has revealed he was surprised by international teammate Patrick Vieira’s decision to quit Arsenal for the Bianconeri. Trezeguet, who is preparing his sixth season with the Italian champions, thought France captain Vieira would remain with the Gunners.
“I was very surprised,” he said. “We spoke on the telephone during the holidays and I thought he was going to stay at Arsenal. Apparently he received another offer from Juventus and was impressed by the club’s ambition.”
Despite his initial surprise at the deal, there are certainly no complaints from the former Monaco hitman.
“I’m delighted by the signing. Everyone knows his qualities and over the past few years he has been the very image of Arsenal,” he added. “He will bring something new to us and I agree with Coach Fabio Capello when he says that Patrick and Emerson form the best central midfield pairing in the world.”
Buffon Wants To Win Everything
Goal.com
The number one shot-stopper does not want Juve to focus just on the Champions League. Gigi Buffon is gearing up for another season which he hopes will be as successful as the previous one. However he warned that the Bianconeri will not target just the Champions League as Juventus is still hungry for success.
“Don’t say that this is the season of the Champions League, for me it’s not just that. It’s a new occasion to show again that the appreciations that were made on the undersigned are still worth it, and also this year I must be up to the situation.”
Milito to make Turin switch?
Football Italia
Reports in Italy suggest that Juventus are closing in on the loan capture of Genoa striker Diego Milito. The prolific Argentine was one of the Rossoblu’s star performers last term, as his goals helped fire the club back into Serie A.
However, his request for an extension to his current two-year deal was rejected and the club’s top flight status remains in doubt. Genoa are awaiting the verdict into their alleged match-fixing trial, something which could take place later today. That added doubt makes a move away even more tempting for Milito, especially to the champions of Italy.
It is expected that Bianconeri transfer guru Luciano Moggi will negotiate a deal to take the 26-year-old on an initial loan deal. If both parties are happy this will then revert to a permanent £3m transfer.
The potential move must also place into doubt the Turin future of Marcelo Zalayeta. The Uruguayan international struggled for first-team action last term and he has already seen Adrian Mutu jump ahead of him in the pecking order.
Juventus, Milan target Mesto happy at Reggina
Tribal Football
Reggina winger Giandomenico Mesto insists he's happy at the club, despite being linked with Italy's big three, AC Milan, Juventus and Inter this summer.
"My great team is Reggina," said Mesto. "I'm proud to be able to play a part in this team of great value. I'm happy to be staying at Reggina. Many thought I would leave this summer, but I was only focused on being committed to Reggina."
Mesto added: "Who would I choose between Juve, Inter and Milan? They are all great teams, I wouldn't have a preference."
Tuesday 26 July
Emerson relishing Vieira link-up
Football Italia
Juventus midfielder Emerson is excited by the prospect of playing alongside Frenchman Patrick Vieira this season. 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 in the heart of the side by the international following his £14m move from Arsenal.
"I have played with some great champions already but I can’t wait to play alongside him," said the South American. "We have really strengthened the side over the summer, as have Milan, and we are better than we were last season."
Although the Italian champions have significantly improved their midfield, Emerson believes that the side’s best department is their attack.
"Our offensive options can make the difference, especially with David Trezeguet and Zlatan Ibrahimovic who has greatly matured," he added. "Can Ibrahimovic win the Golden Ball? He certainly can but not now as he is too young. Perhaps Ronaldinho will win it next."
Winning the Champions’ League is widely seen as the main objective for the Old Lady this term but Emerson insists he wants it all.
"It will be a tough year playing for Lo Scudetto, the Champions’ League and the World Cup," he continued. "But we don’t want to just focus on one thing at this club. We want to win everything, even including the Coppa Italia. It is our aim to play well and win, a bit like Brazil."
The former Bayer Leverkusen player also said he had no problem with any proposed switch from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3. "If the Coach wants to play like that then there is nothing to worry about for me," he said. "I’ve already played in a three-man midfield at Roma. "It does change a few things for the midfield but I’m happy whatever."
Del Piero on the offensive
Football Italia
Alessandro Del Piero has defended his use as a right-sided attacker in Juventus’ pre-season friendlies so far. Boss Fabio Capello is testing two systems, a standard 4-4-2 with a strike-force of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and David Trezeguet, plus a 4-3-3 consisting of Del Piero, Marcelo Zalayeta and Adrian Mutu.
"We are here to try out new things," responded the captain when asked about playing with a trident attack. "The Coach has so far decided to split Juventus into two, giving us a half each. We’ll see what happens when the season starts."
However, the Italian media are already speculating that Del Piero’s role in the side is again in question, seeing his omission from the 4-4-2 system – one that will probably be used in the new campaign.
Capello refused to be drawn into any controversy though. "He asked me to try him out on the right, which then allows him to drift into the centre," said the tactician. "Both Del Piero and Mutu are doing very well. They are working very hard."
The other players in the squad are also happy with the development of the new 4-3-3 formation.
"It can be an extra weapon for us," says Trezeguet. "We want to win everything and it is only right that we try out things now. As far as I’m concerned, I have started the season well by scoring goals which have helped with my morale."
Trezeguet netted in the 1-0 win over Standard Liege at the weekend and during the 2-1 defeat to Milan last week. One player who has embraced the experiment with open arms is Mutu. "I played in the same way at Parma, a role which saw my name recognised across Europe," he stated.
Same Old Story For Del Piero
Goal.com
The Juve captain’s preseason started the same way the previous one ended: on the bench. Despite declaring that he will not accept a secondary role in the season leading to the world cup, it seems that Fabio Capello has not listened to Alessandro Del Piero as the Bianconeri’s coach is consistently using Pinturicchio as a backup for the Trezeguet-Ibrahimovic duo in this early part of the preseason.
Del Piero stated earlier on that last year he did accept, not so happily, the reserve situation, but this year it will be a different story as he will not accept to be substituted every match like in the previous season.
The Italian forward has not started any controversy as of yet since it is still summer camp time, but things look like they will change soon. This was hinted by the same player following Saturday night’s friendly match between Juventus and Standard Liege which the Bianconeri won 1-0, and Del Piero was for the umpteenth time used as a second half substitute.
“We are in summer camp and it’s fair to try new solutions, but later on we shall see,” commented the Juventus captain. At the end of last season Del Piero had threatened the club that he would only “remain at Juve if he plays”.
Moggi: I'm committed to Juventus
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi insists he wants to stay at the Serie A champs. Moggi has been linked with Inter Milan, but said: "I mean to remain at Juve for a long time. Even after 2006 (the year in which his contract expires), I intend to stay. I am happy here while being able to build the future of Juventus."
Juventus chief won't rule out move for AS Roma's Cassano
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi has refused to deny they will sign AS Roma striker Antonio Cassano. Moggi admits Roma's transfer ban is likely to prevent them from signing the Italy international this summer, but hinted at a pre-contract for Cassano in January. Moggi said: "In order to take Cassano we must have the available cash and we do not have this. However we will see."
Juventus chief: Several offers for Miccoli
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi has confirmed several offers have arrived for attacker Fabrizio Miccoli. The Italy international has been made available by Juve after Fiorentina failed to sign him in last month's blind auction.
Birmingham City and West Ham have also asked Juve about Miccoli's price, but Moggi says he's likely remain in Italy. He said: "For Miccoli we have many offers, he is a champion and we will decide which team he is going to play for. I'm sure he will remain in Italy."
Juve eye Milito
Sky Sports
Juventus are closing in on the loan capture of Genoa's Argentine striker Diego Milito, placing fresh doubts over the future of Marcelo Zalayeta.
Milito, who has two years left on his current contract, has had an uncertain future at Genoa ever since his request for a contract extension was rejected by the Rossoblu, prompting the player to seek a move; with a transfer to the Italian champions an attractive option.
Reports in the Italian press suggest that Bianconeri general manager Luciano Moggi has thrashed out a deal with his Genoa counterpart Enrico Preziosi to take the South American on a season's loan with a view to a £3 million transfer next summer.
The addition of the forward to the Juventus attack would appear to signal the end of Zalayeta's stay in Turin with the player becoming increasingly disillusioned by his lack of first team opportunities.
One potential obstacle to Milito's move could be the sanctions imposed by the Italian Federal Court who are hearing allegations of match-fixing concerning the Serie B match between Genoa and Venezia. It is unlikely, therefore, any deal will be completed before the trial verdict is announced.
Juventus close in on Genoa striker Milito
Tribal Football
Juventus are closing in on Genoa striker Diego Milito. The Argentine has rejected a new contract offer from Genoa president Enrico Preziosi worth £300,000-a-year. Juve director general Luciano Moggi has turned to Milito after seeing an early move for AS Roma's Antonio Cassano shutdown by their transfer ban. Preziosi is prepared to listen to offers for Milito starting at £3 million.
Blasi and Birindelli Lazio bound
Football Italia
Lazio are ready to offer Massimo Oddo to Juventus in return for Manuele Blasi and Alessandro Birindelli. The Italian international right-back is a target for the Bianconeri and they are set to make the capital club a tempting offer.
The Bianconeri are looking for another full-back seeing as they have few alternatives for Jonathan Zebina.
Juve are so keen to land the former Verona player that Blasi could be offered as part of the deal. Blasi will reportedly accept the switch seeing as he was born in Rome and space in the Juve team, in World Cup year, is now restricted given the presence of Patrick Vieira and Emerson.
Blasi’s supposed exit may then subsequently see Juventus up their interest in Inter midfielder Cristiano Zanetti. The Turin giants are also prepared to include Birindelli in the package who would in theory become Lazio’s new right-back.
Miccoli has Doria option
Football Italia
Sampdoria are the latest club to show an interest in Juventus’ unwanted forward Fabrizio Miccoli. The Italian international is on the transfer market after he returned to Turin from Fiorentina in the summer. Palermo were believed to be in the chase for the No 10 but they ruled out a bid for the attacker over the weekend.
He has also been associated with a move to Roma, as part of the Antonio Cassano deal, but the Giallorossi’s transfer embargo has blocked that possibility. That has allowed Doria to enter the chase given their difficulties in landing Alvaro Recoba from Inter.
"We have had a lot of offers for Miccoli," confirmed Juve transfer chief Luciano Moggi. "He is a champion and it will be up to him to decide his destination, even if he will stay in Italy."
Villarreal in Juventus talks for Tacchinardi
Tribal Football
Villarreal officials were in Turin over the weekend for talks with Juventus over midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi. Tacchinardi is being made available by Juve after the arrival of Patrick Vieira from Arsenal earlier this month. Villarreal are keen to add Tacchinardi to their squad for the coming season and hope the option of playing in the Champions League will convince the Italy international to try his luck in Spain.
Middlesbrough, West Brom keep tabs on Juventus striker Zalayeta
Tribal Football
Bolton Wanderers and Middlesbrough are among Premiership clubs keeping tabs on Juventus striker Marcelo Zalayeta. The Uruguay international has asked Juve director general Luciano Moggi to be sold this summer, but as yet no concrete offer has arrived.
Interest has come from Spain and Portugal, but Moggi knows only Premiership clubs can afford to meet their demands for the striker. Both Bolton boss Sam Allardyce and Middlesbrough's Steve McClaren have been long-term admirers of Zalayeta, who has also been linked with West Brom this summer.
Monday 25 July
Emerson: “What a great Juventus!”
Juventus.com
El Puma is having his first two days of training with his team mates after extra holidays following his participation to the Confederations Cup, won with Brazil. Emerson talked about his National Team in view of the World Cup, about Juventus and even a comparison between the two: “Brazil are strong, they’re respectful of the opponents, they can do well. Like Juventus? Yes, I’d say they’re both two strong groups, with many aces and a winning attitude, something we’ll have to prove on the playground.”
He was asked to pinpoint the strong peculiarities of Capello’s squad and of the dream midfield completed with the arrival of Vieira. Emerson answered: “It doesn’t matter if the midfield is strong or not, what really matters is that the team must be so. In the end, it’s the group who wins, not the single players or roles.”
He was asked about the market but his mind is set on Juventus only: “I’ve learnt about Real Madrid’s interest because I read it in the papers, I have never had any contact with them. Should it be otherwise, the only thing I can say is that it’s always pleasant to know you’re appreciated by top clubs but my mind is focused on Juventus only and I want to try to win everything with them!”
Juventus target ‘free’ Pires
Football Italia
Juventus are ready to hand Robert Pires a three-year contract if they can tempt Arsenal to release him on a free transfer. Reports in Italy on Sunday suggest that the winger is wanted by the Bianconeri just weeks after his countryman, Patrick Vieira, made the same switch.
Pires has just one-year left on his Highbury contract and talks regarding a renewal have stalled. The winger would like a new two-year deal but the Premiership outfit are only ready to offer him a one-year extension. That has alerted Juventus who would welcome the 31-year-old but only if no transfer fee is involved.
Turkish giants Galatasaray have also been linked recently, but Pires’ agent insists the Turkish giants are not an option even if he has tellingly left the door open for the Old Lady.
Should Pires, who has spent the last five years at Arsenal, arrive then that may spell the end of Mauro Camoranesi in Turin. He’s been linked with a switch to Inter, seeing their difficulties in landing Real’s Luis Figo, in a possible swap deal with Dejan Stankovic.
Juventus to offer Tudor for Arsenal's Pires
Tribal Football
A swap deal has been mooted which could see Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires complete his dream move to Juventus. Juve wanted to take Pires a fortnight ago as part of a double signing for Patrick Vieira, but baulked at Arsenal's £3 million asking price for the 32 year-old.
His agent, Stephane Courbis, maintains that Juve remain keen on Pires: "At this moment, Juventus are the only team interested in the player."
Juve director general Luciano Moggi knows Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is seeking a new central defender and could tempt the Gunners into a straight swap for Pires by offering want-away Croatia international Igor Tudor.
Juventus offer Camoranesi for Inter Milan ace Stankovic
Tribal Football
Juventus are in talks with Inter Milan over a potential swap deal. Juve are eyeing Inter midfielder Dejan Stankovic and are prepared to send Mauro Camoranesi in a straight exchange. Inter chiefs are open to the proposal as talks have stalled with Real Madrid winger Luis Figo. Juve want Stankovic after being frightened off of signing Robert Pires due to Arsenal's £3 million asking price.
Inter Milan offered Vieri, Zanetti for Juventus No1 Buffon
Tribal Football
Before his move to AC Milan a fortnight ago, Christian Vieri was offered to Juventus by Inter Milan patron Massimo Moratti.
It's been revealed Moratti offered Vieri, co-ownership of midfielder Cristian Zanetti and a cash component in exchange for Juve goalkeeper Gigi Buffon. But the proposal was given little consideration by Juve chief Luciano Moggi.
However, Moggi has maintained interest in Zanetti and could offer Inter a straight swap involving Jonathan Zebina for the midfielder.
Zambrotta hails new Juventus signing Vieira
Tribal Football
Gianluca Zambrotta says new teammate Patrick Vieira is one of the best signings Juventus have made in recent times. The Italy international fullback said: "He's an incredible player: powerful and equipped at the same time with great technique and an uncommon tactical intelligence. With him, our team has upgraded and improved considerably. He is the best signing the club could have made."
Cassano loses vice-captaincy
Football Italia
Roma starlet Antonio Cassano has been sensationally stripped of the club’s vice-captaincy. Cassano was only handed the honour last summer, but has been told he will no longer wear the armband should Francesco Totti be unavailable for selection.
Totti remains as captain, with Vincenzo Montella being promoted to vice-captain, ahead of Christian Panucci and then Cassano.
"When deciding who is captain, you have to factor in the number of appearances for the club, the value of the player and his behaviour," said new boss Luciano Spalletti. "I really don’t think this discussion should be widened because I have used a normal criteria in making this decision.
"Cassano asked me for the reasons and I think he has accepted them. This is something normal."
However, this latest development casts further doubt over the future of Cassano in the capital. The Juventus target has less than a year left on his contract and there are no signs to suggest that he will extend.
Cassano played no part in Roma’s first game of the season either, a friendly against a local team from Castelrotto. The Serie A giants won 8-0, with Spalletti opting to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, but Cassano was not available because of a knee problem.
Wins for Juve and Inter
Football Italia
Juventus and Inter have continued their pre-season progress by beating Standard Liege and Bordeaux respectively in summer friendlies. The Italian champions won in Geneva thanks to a David Trezeguet goal after just 11 minutes of the game.
"I’m satisfied with how the side kept the ball and continued to pass it during the match," noted boss Fabio Capello.
Scudetto rivals Inter were also in action, beating Bordeaux 2-1 in the northern Italian town of Bolzano. The Nerazzurri finished the first half with a one goal advantage after Julio Cruz rippled the net. Obafemi Martins made it two on 51 minutes, before Vladimir Smicer netted a consolation strike for the French outfit.
"I saw some good things against a side who will start their championship next week," stated boss Roberto Mancini. Summer signing David Pizarro again impressed, much to the delight of Mancio. "He has extraordinary technical skills," the Coach added.
Champions’ League qualifiers Udinese also faced French opposition last night, drawing 0-0 with Paris Saint-Germain.
Le Mans to strike Juve deal
Football Italia
Newly-promoted Ligue 1 side Le Mans claim they are setting up partnerships with European giants Arsenal and Juventus. Le Mans President Henri Legarda said he wants to give an international dimension to the club. "We have had a meeting with the Arsenal Coach Arsene Wenger and we have entered negotiations with Juventus," Legarda said. "We should not stay only in France."
Le Mans have already signed one player from Juventus and are trying to snap up another before commencing a top-flight campaign for only the second time in their history. Swiss starlet Davide Chiumiento, who was on loan at Siena from the Stadio Delle Alpi last term, has already moved to Le Mans, while Luigi Lavecchia is also being linked.
Sunday 24 July
Juve dismiss Zanetti interest
Football Italia
Juventus transfer wizard Luciano Moggi insists that Inter’s Cristiano Zanetti is not one of their market objectives. The Nerazzurri midfielder has been associated with a switch to Turin, especially after Moggi met with Inter owner Massimo Moratti this week.
"I simply had a coffee with Moratti, why do people always think that clubs talk about transfers?" asked Moggi. "Zanetti is a great player but is of no interest because our midfield is more than complete. In fact, a few players will actually leave."
The Turin giants have already sold Stephen Appiah to Fenerbache and Enzo Maresca to Sevilla, while Manuele Blasi is apparently a target for Fiorentina. "That is not true either," continued Moggi. "Fiorentina have never made a request to us for Blasi."
The Bianconeri are looking to sell in an effort to raise funds to help pay the £14m they must hand over to Arsenal for Patrick Vieira. The Frenchman’s capture now gives Juve one of the best central midfield partnerships in world football, seeing as Emerson is already at the club.
"Emerson will form a great partnership with Vieira," added Moggi. "The Brazilian has also assured me that he won’t have any calf injury problems this term either."
Palermo eye Mondragon not Miccoli
Football Italia
Palermo are close to signing Galatasaray goalkeeper Faryd Ali Mondragon but Juventus ace Fabrizio Miccoli won’t join him. The Colombian shot-stopper, 34, still has one-year left on his contract with the Turkish giants but the Sicilian club are hopeful of his arrival.
"Mondragon will arrive on Monday or Tuesday of next week," said sporting director Rino Foschi. Palermo have also been hotly linked with Juventus’ unwanted attacker Miccoli, but rumours of an agreement with the Italian international have been rubbished.
"Miccoli won’t be a part of our squad because he is not part of Coach Gigi Del Neri’s plans for the future," added Foschi. "We have built a stronger squad than the one we had last year, complete in every department and one capable of competing in Italy and the UEFA Cup.
"I am pinning my hopes on the tactician and the squad, so much so that our transfer campaign is virtually over."
Saturday 23 July
Mutu delighted to win Juventus stay
Tribal Football
Adrian Mutu is delighted to be retained by Juventus this season. The Romania international was mooted to be loaned out for the coming campaign, but is set to stay with the Serie A champs.
"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."
Juventus step up bid for Lazio's Oddo
Tribal Football
Juventus are stepping up their push for Lazio fullback Massimo Oddo. Juve chief Luciano Moggi held talks with Lazio president Claudio Lotito earlier this week about a swap deal involving Oddo and midfielder Manuele Blasi. Oddo favours a move to AC Milan, but those close to the player say he would be happy to play for Juve this season - even if it was only on-loan.
Moggi is now returning for Oddo after seeing a deal for Roma's Mancini go cold after the capital club's appeal against a transfer ban was rejected on Wednesday. Another right-back, Benfica's Miguel, is also struggling to gain a release from his contract.
UEFA confirm Euro 2012 bids
Football Italia
UEFA has today officially confirmed the five bids to host the 2012 European Championships. The closing date for applications was yesterday and, as expected, Italy were among the applicants. Joining them are Croatia and Hungary (joint bid), Greece, Poland and Ukraine (joint bid) and Turkey.
“UEFA is delighted with the interest shown in hosting one of the world biggest sporting events and will now make an extensive evaluation of the dossiers,” read a statement.
The first vital date is November 7, 2005. This is when UEFA will reduce the number of candidates to three. Then in December 2006 a final decision on the host nation will be made by UEFA’s Executive Committee. The last time an international tournament was held in Italy was the 1990 World Cup.
