This
web site is an online diary maintained by azzurri.Friday 05 August
Juve held in Romania
Football Italia
Adrian Mutu scored on his return to his homeland as Juventus drew 2-2 with Politehnica Timisoara on Wednesday. The Romanian partnered Zlatan Ibrahimovic in attack and both rippled the net during the club’s latest friendly. Timisoara took the lead in the 23rd minute with Coman as Juve, without David Trezeguet and Alex Del Piero, took their time to settle.
Whatever boss Fabio Capello told his troops at half-time definitely worked as they took the lead in the space of four minutes. Mutu scored in the 47th minute before Ibrahimovic converted a penalty, won after a foul on Jonathan Zebina. However, the Italian champions failed to collect a win as Paleagu converted an injury-time penalty for the hosts.
"I’m very happy to have returned to playing football in my country," Mutu said after the game. "It was a good match."
Meanwhile, former Juventus stopper Paolo Montero is close to joining a new club after leaving Turin this summer. The Uruguayan, whose contract expired after nine years at the Delle Alpi, is in talks with Argentine side San Lorenzo.
"I think I can play for a further three seasons," he said. "After so many years in Europe, it is time to return to South America."
Capello Insists On C.Zanetti
Goal.com
Juventus coach Fabio Capello is desperate to sign Inter midfielder Cristano Zanetti, according to reports in Italy. The former Roma boss sees the Italian international as the perfect man to step in for either Emerson or Patrick Vieira, the first-choice central midfield pairing.
A meeting with Inter patron Massimo Moratti looks imminent, although it remains to be seen how keen the nerazzurri would be to let Zanetti move to one of their biggest rivals. Zanetti was a regular under Capello at Roma.
Juve Move In For Miguel
Goal.com
The Bianconeri are reportedly close to finalising their squad by landing the right back they so clearly desire. A back up central midfielder (possibly Cristiano Zanetti) and a challenger for Jonathan Zebina down the right side of defence are the focus of the Old Lady’s remaining transfer campaign.
There is notable confusion over the current ‘status’ of Miguel as a Benfica player. The Portuguese giants insist he is theirs, while the player expects to move for free. The situation is expected to be cleared up by FIFA in the coming days, but the Bianconeri are apparently ready for all eventualities.
The player would either join on loan for a fee of around half a million pounds, with a purchase option come next summer (Miguel is unwilling to remain in Lisbon), or he will be snapped up for nothing. Salary terms have reportedly been agreed with the international, leaving the focus firmly on the FIFA ruling.
The Turin giants are also tracking Lazio’s Massimo Oddo as an option for the right back position.
Vieira welcomes back Zizou
Football Italia
Juventus’ Patrick Vieira has led the praise as the entire French nation rejoiced in the news that Zinedine Zidane is returning to international football.
Zidane, formerly of Juventus himself, announced his decision to come out of retirement a year to the day after he stated he would never play for 1998 World Cup winners again. Chelsea’s Claude Makelele has made the same move.
"It’s unbelievable to see players of their calibre return to the fold," said the Old Lady’s French midfielder. "They are incredibly talented and shine at clubs of the highest level. We’re talking about the best players for Real Madrid and Chelsea. They’ll bring us all their experience and hopefully add that little bit that’s been missing recently."
French legend Michel Platini, another to have worn the Juventus colours, was also in jubilant mood. "It’s great because I never had the feeling he really wanted to quit the team," he said. "I think he probably missed this side. If others follow his lead (such as Lillian Thuram of Juventus) France will be able to call up its best players for the World Cup and that can only be a good thing."
Barring injury, Zidane will certainly be called up for France’s friendly match against the Ivory Coast on August 17.
Thuram to follow Zidane's lead
Football Italia
Zinedine Zidane has revealed there is "no doubt" that Juventus defender Lillian Thuram will also return to the French national team. Zidane announced his and Claude Makelele's intention to rejoin Les Bleus on Wednesday, and confirmed on Thursday that fellow veteran Thuram would be following suit.
The former Monaco and Parma right-back memorably catapulted France into the 1998 World Cup Final by scoring both goals in the 2-1 semi-final victory over Croatia - still his only international goals. However, like Zidane and Makelele, Thuram quit the national team in the wake of harsh criticism following a disappointing Euro 2004 campaign.
Thuram is currently France's second-most capped player having made 103 appearances for Les Bleus, level with former skipper Didier Deschamps and 13 behind record-holder Marcel Desailly.
Montero joins San Lorenzo
Football Italia
Paolo Iglesias Montero has left Italian football after the stopper joined Argentine side San Lorenzo. The Uruguayan has spent the last 13 years in the peninsula during spells at Atalanta and then Juventus. Montero has joined the outfit on a free transfer after his contract at Juventus expired, nine years following his arrival.
"I thank Italy for all that it has given me," explained the 33-year-old. "After such a splendid experience, I will return to play in South America. This is something that I have wanted to do for some time and that is why I refused offers from a number of European clubs."
Montero, the most sent-off player in Serie A history, has signed a one-year contract with his new side. In other transfer news, Siena defender Simone Barone, who spent last term on loan at Napoli, has joined Verona. Perugia defender Mauro Milanese has left the club after agreeing a one-year contract with Queens Park Rangers.
Stuttgart eye Tudor swoop
SkySports
Stuttgart are reportedly keen on bringing Juventus defender Igor Tudor to the Bundesliga. The stopper spent the last six months of the season on loan at Siena and Bianconeri boss Fabio Capello is keen to see him leave to free up space in his Serie A winning squad.
The 27-year-old has also drawn admiring glances from Premiership outfit Middlesbrough after failing to win a first team place at Stadio Delle Alpi. It is believed that Stuttgart's new Italian coach, Giovanni Trapattoni, has identified Tudor as a potential recruit as he looks to stamp his own image on the Stuttgart squad.
Juve will look for a fee in the region of €5 million for Tudor, and Stuttgart could be ready to present an offer that could satisfy Juve.
Thursday 04 August
Juventus taking the Miguel
Football Italia
Juventus are reportedly closing in on the capture of Benfica defender Miguel, according to reports. The Portuguese international has been linked with the Bianconeri for some time and a move may be on the horizon. Whispers suggest that the Italian club have already agreed terms with the player, but his contract dispute with his present outfit has blocked the switch for now.
There is some confusion over whether the right-back’s present deal has expired, thus meaning he is available on a free transfer. Benfica insist he is still tied to them and world football’s governing body FIFA are set to soon make a ruling.
However, a Turin switch will apparently definitely happen even if it is unclear at this stage in what form that will take. Juve will allegedly sign him on a free transfer or pay Benfica £500,000 for a loan, with an option to buy next summer, depending on FIFA’s decision. A deal could be wrapped up on Saturday when the two European giants meet in a pre-season friendly.
Miguel would be in competition with Jonathan Zebina for a role on the right side of the defence.
First Team Competition Does Not Scare Mutu
Goal.com
The Romanian forward will do his utmost to put Fabio Capello in difficulty when choosing his first eleven. Adrian Mutu seems to have returned to his best during this pre-season following a difficult year. The former Chelsea player has impressed so far with Juventus, especially in the three-man attack formation.
“Yes, I find myself well in that module as I had already played in that position in Parma. However, it doesn’t really matter if we play with two or three forwards; what matters is that the coach has an available alternative."
In fact the Bianconeri have many alternatives upfront.
“Surely, there are many players upfront, but this is good: there are many games and we shall really need to take a break, therefore there will be space for everyone. And then all Juventus attackers are great champions and for me it is important to confront myself with players of this level. It’s a motivation to improve."
Juventus striker Mutu determined to put Chelsea behind him
Tribal Football
Juventus striker Adrian Mutu says he is confident of putting his Chelsea nightmare behind him. "I am now around 80 per cent of my form and am doing very well physically," revealed the Romanian. "Psychologically I am also doing great because I feel respected and appreciated here."
Mutu was set for greatness when he joined Chelsea from Parma in a £15.8m in the summer of 2003, but after a good start his form dipped and he was eventually sacked when failing a routine drugs test.
"I feel confident now because I think I've convinced Fabio Capello that he has many options at his disposal. I believe I can be of real use to this team, not just as part of a trident attack, but also as a supporting midfielder."
"I am happy because even the Romanian press, who were quite rough on me, are now printing complementary stories. I really have changed and understood that when you are a public figure there are responsibilities that go through every area of your behaviour," he added.
"Capello's advice - that I was great with my feet but had to be smart with my head, too - really helped. My recent marriage also put my life on a more tranquil track and I want people to talk about me only as a footballer. This could be my most important year."
Juventus reject Fiorentina offer for Blasi
Tribal Football
Fiorentina have had an offer for Juventus midfielder Manuele Blasi turned down. La Viola's £3,5 million bid has fallen short of what Juve are seeking for Blasi and the Florence club may now switch their attentions elsewhere. Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli has expressed interest for Inter Milan attacker Domenico Morfeo and also defender Marco Materazzi.
Agent: Inter Milan contact for Juventus attacker Miccoli
Tribal Football
The agent of Juventus attacker Fabrizio Miccoli has confirmed the interest of Inter Milan. "There is talk about Fabrizio and Inter, a possibility which does exist," Francesco Calando told the Guerin Sportivo magazine. Inter rate him highly and Juventus are on the same wavelength as us with regard to the fact that Miccoli needs to go somewhere else to play football. We are now just waiting for a call or something to happen."
Tudor Between Sampdoria And Chievo
Goal.com
The Croatian defender will surely leave Juventus. Igor Tudor is set to leave the Bianconeri this summer after eight seasons with the Turin-based club with his most probable destination being Sampdoria. However Chievo Verona have also come forward to sign the strong defender and the Doriani are trying to accelerate the negotiations to avoid losing the player Walter Novellino has targeted for the central role in his defensive line.
Paolo Montero Intends To Return Home
Goal.com
Former Juventus defender Paolo Montero claims to have ended his European journey and fancies a move to Argentine club San Lorenzo. The Uruguayan hard man has expressed his desire to continue playing soccer for a further few years in South America and his intention is to play a season in Argentina before returning to his former club Penarol where he wishes to retire.
This is a similar move to that of former Sevilla star Dario Silva who signed for Argentine club Colon de Santa Fe today, and like Montero hopes to retire from professional soccer at Penarol. Montero (33) comments on the idea of returning to South America:
“I am thankful for everything I was given in Italy but have not accepted any of the new contracts offered to me after playing in Europe for 13 seasons. I moved to Italy when I was 19 and I think it is time to return. I fancy the idea of moving to Buenos Aires because it is very close to Montevideo, just 25 minutes by plane.
“At the moment I am training by myself, but I am hoping to start training for a club as soon as possible”. Argentine media claim that Montero will travel to Argentina later this week to begin negotiations with San Lorenzo.
Universidad de Chile sign Juventus striker Salas
Tribal Football
Released Juventus striker Marcelo Salas has signed for Chilean giants Universidad de Chile. Salas negotiated a release from his Juve contract last month and has signed a two-year deal with Universidad de Chile this week.
Wednesday 03 August
Capello eyes Euro glory
Football Italia
Juventus boss Fabio Capello has again underlined that his club are focused on winning the Champions’ League this term. The tactician has won numerous honours in recent years at Milan, Real Madrid, Roma and now Juventus.
But Capello, regarded as one of the best on the planet, hasn’t tasted a Champions’ League Final for over 10 years – since Milan’s 4-0 destruction of Barcelona.
"We want to reach the final in Paris," said the Coach. "However, that is a desire shared by the other great European clubs. Winning the European Cup is a target wanted by the likes of Milan, Inter, Real, Barcelona and Chelsea.
"But you can’t just focus on one objective," he added. "Especially when you take into consideration the squad which is available to you."
Meanwhile, the Old Lady of Italian football continued their pre-season with a 6-2 win over Biellese. David Trezeguet grabbed a hat-trick, Alex Del Piero netted a brace with one penalty, while Adrian Mutu got the other.
There are also whispers in Turin this morning that star midfielder Emerson wants to extend his contract at the club. He was again linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer but the Brazilian, signed from Roma last term, sees his future at the Delle Alpi.
Capello Defends Del Piero
Goal.com
The Bianconeri’s coach also commented about the rivals’ latest purchases. Juventus have strengthened themselves a lot with the purchase of Patrick Vieira from Arsenal, however Fabio Capello also believes that both the Rossoneri and Nerazzurri have improved a lot with their latest acquisitions.
“Milan have made an excellent purchase with Gilardino. Well done also to Inter for taking Pizarro, but he will not be able to play with Veron.”
There are rumours that Capello will be offered an extension to his current contract. “I’m happy that the Bianconeri officials are getting along with me; also I’m getting well with them.” Finally one last comment about Del Piero, as the Juventus boss believes that Pinturicchio should be left alone by the media. “There’s always too much talk about him,” concluded Capello.
Juventus coach Capello cool on Man Utd, Chelsea talk
Tribal Football
Juventus coach Fabio Capello has dismissed talk of moving on. With Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson's future beyond this season in doubt and Chelsea's Jose Mourinho admitting an ambition to coach in Italy, Capello has been linked with both Premiership clubs this summer.
But the Juve trainer said last night: "I have still two years on my contract. I find myself happy here and know that with the leaders of Juve there is a mutual respect and admiration. Having said that, time will come round sure enough to consider such options."
Emerson wants new deal
Football Italia
Emerson has underlined his commitment to Juventus by asking for a contract extension at the Stadio Delle Alpi. The Brazilian was again linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer but snubbed the Spaniards in order to remain in Turin.
Now boss Fabio Capello has confirmed that the South American only sees the Bianconeri in his future. "The player has asked for a longer deal," said the Coach. "That is because he wants to put an end to all the stories which again appeared about him in the summer."
Emerson joined the Italian champions last summer after Roma begrudgingly accepted an offer of around £8m. He instantly settled into the side and was a key figure in the club’s Scudetto triumph last term. Juventus are ready to meet Emerson’s request even if his present deal doesn’t end until June 2008. Talks should start in September regarding a new contract which should then expire in the summer of 2010.
Seeing as Emerson will be 34 by then, there is a good chance that he will practically end his career with the Serie A giants. Emerson, widely regarded as one of the best in the world, should form a solid central midfield partnership with Patrick Vieira in the new term.
Mutu: This'll be my year
Football Italia
Adrian Mutu insists this will be his year as he finally puts his troubled past at Chelsea behind him to start again with Juventus. “I am now around 80 per cent of my form and am doing very well physically,” revealed the Romanian. “Psychologically I am also doing great because I feel respected and appreciated here.”
Mutu was set for greatness when he joined Chelsea from Parma in a £15.8m in the summer of 2003, but after a good start his form dipped and he was eventually sacked when failing a routine drugs test.
“I feel confident now because I think I’ve convinced Fabio Capello that he has many options at his disposal. I believe I can be of real use to this team, not just as part of a trident attack, but also as a supporting midfielder.”
The former Verona man returns to his homeland for a friendly game against Timisoara tomorrow evening and is winning over those who thought his career was over.
“I am happy because even the Romanian press, who were quite rough on me, are now printing complementary stories. I really have changed and understood that when you are a public figure there are responsibilities that go through every area of your behaviour,” he added.
“Capello’s advice – that I was great with my feet but had to be smart with my head, too – really helped. My recent marriage also put my life on a more tranquil track and I want people to talk about me only as a footballer. This could be my most important year.”
Nonetheless, the competition for places at the Stadio Delle Alpi is fierce this season and Mutu could find himself on the sidelines.
“If I stayed in Turin, it’s because I believe in my potential. I could’ve accepted loan moves elsewhere, but I have always liked measuring myself up against the best and that’s what Juve represent. My dream for this season is to score 15 goals and with these teammates that’s a definite possibility.”
Miccoli has Inter option
Football Italia
Fabrizio Miccoli’s agent has opened the door for a summer switch from Juventus to title rivals Inter. The striker in unwanted in Turin and has been linked with the Nerazzurri given that they are looking for a forward.
"There is talk about Fabrizio and Inter, a possibility which does exist," Francesco Caliandro told the Guerin Sportivo magazine. "Inter rate him highly and Juventus are on the same wavelength as us with regard to the fact that Miccoli needs to go somewhere else to play football.
"We are now just waiting for a call or something to happen."
Miccoli returned to Turin this summer after Fiorentina failed to keep him following last year’s co-ownership switch. Juventus have since made him available for transfer given that they have David Trezeguet, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marcelo Zalayeta, Alex Del Piero and Adrian Mutu at the club.
Meanwhile, Inter need a fifth striker following the departure of Christian Vieri who joined city rivals Milan. The San Siro outfit have Adriano, Obafemi Martins, Julio Cruz and Alvaro Recoba currently on their books. Inter have also been associated with a swoop for Valencia striker Marco Di Vaio.
Miccoli could join Inter in a deal which sees midfielder Cristiano Zanetti, a favourite of boss Fabio Capello, move in the opposite direction.
Fiorentina chief encouraged as Mavuba wants Italian move
Tribal Football
Fiorentina director general Pantaleo Corvino has been encouraged by remarks made by Bordeaux midfielder Rio Mavuba. The French international is a prime target for Fiorentina and declared this week his ambition was to play in Italy.
"Italian football is in my dreams, even if, obviously, I would not be unhappy to play in a team like Arsenal or Real Madrid," revealed Mavuba. "For sure, I want to play in a foreign league. Although for now I am happy at Bordeaux."
Corvino has been in regular contact with Bordeaux officials over the last fortnight and has received some encouragement about a deal for Mavuba before the transfer window shuts at the end of this month.
Tuesday 02 August
Zambrotta Happy With Juve Squad
Goal.com
The Bianconeri will play a friendly match today at Biella. Gianluca Zambrotta and his team mates just returned back to training after a two-day rest.
“We really needed these two days of rest because it seems to me that this year’s preparation is really tougher. Last year, since I was coming from the European Championships, I worked less than my team mates. Now we need to verify our condition in the friendly match at Biella.
This year Fabio Capello will have an ample squad to choose from. “We shall have many games and the fact that we have a really vast squad is a good thing: it will be an extra weapon. There are however many matches and there will be space for everyone,” concluded Zambrotta.
Juventus want to tie Ibrahimovic to new deal
Tribal Football
Juventus chiefs want to open new contract talks with the club's Player of the Season, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Juve want to avoid the saga of last season's controversy with David Trezeguet and hope to tie Swede Ibrahimovic to a new, improved deal running through to 2010. The contract will increase every year over the five years to finally earning Ibrahimovic £3.5 million in 2010.
Juventus to beat Inter Milan for Genoa star Milito
Tribal Football
Juventus are set to trump Inter Milan for Genoa striker Diego Milito. Juve director general Luciano Moggi has been in talks with Genoa for several months about a swap deal for Milito involving Fabrizio Miccoli. That deal was called off following Genoa's demotion to Serie C1, but negotiations over Argentine Milito have continued.
While the player revealed Inter Milan had made an offer for him last week, Juve sources have told Virgilio Sport that a fee with Genoa has been agreed and also personal terms struck with Milito's agent.
Inter Milan seek loan deal for Juventus' Miccoli
Tribal Football
Inter Milan patron Massimo Moratti intends to close his summer spending with the capture Juventus attacker Fabrizio Miccoli. Inter's bid for Genoa striker Diego Milito is evidence that Moratti wants to add a new attacker to coach Roberto Mancini's squad before the start of the season.
Juventus chief Luciano Moggi has already discussed Miccoli with Moratti and more talks are scheduled this week once the fanfare over the signing of Walter Samuel from Real Madrid is over. Moratti hopes to enter a loan agreement, or co-ownership deal with Juve for Miccoli.
Villarreal move delights Tacchi
Football Italia
Alessio Tacchinardi is convinced he has made the right decision in leaving Juventus for Villarreal. The midfielder quit the Stadio Delle Alpi outfit on Saturday after completing his one-year loan move to the Spanish club. "Juventus are one of the best clubs in Europe but I am now happy to be here," the 30-year-old said on Monday. "I was convinced to come because of the enthusiasm and the environment which is here."
Tacchinardi had spent the last 11 years in Turin, but lost sight of first team football following the arrival of boss Fabio Capello a year ago.
"Villarreal are an ambitious club, a well known one in both Italy and the rest of Europe," added the central midfielder. "They are in the Champions’ League preliminaries (against Everton) and I’ve been told they played the best football, along with Barcelona, last season. This demonstrates that I have joined an important club."
The Italian international will stay in La Liga on loan until June 30, 2006. His contract with the Bianconeri expires in 2009. Tacchinardi is the second Juventus player to make his way out to Spain this summer, as Enzo Maresca has moved to Sevilla.
Barzagli extends at Palermo
Football Italia
Palermo have underlined their faith in the highly-rated Andrea Barzagli by extending his contract until 2010. The young central defender had been linked with a summer move to Juventus, but the Sicilian giants have always insisted he was not available for transfer.
"At this moment in time Palermo and the national team are the only things that exist for me," said the 23-year-old. "The club have extended my contract which shows that they have great faith in my abilities on the pitch. I must now pay them back in the best possible way by playing at my best for this shirt."
Barzagli really underlined his potential during Italy’s Under-21 European Championship victory in 2004. That helped the stopper earn a move to the Stadio Barbera last summer after he left little Chievo Verona.
Barzagli enjoyed a good first season in Sicily and the now regular Italian international squad member is hoping for more success. "What is our objective this season? To affirm ourselves in Europe," he explained. "Playing in the UEFA Cup is an important window for this club."
Monday 01 August
Juventus chief Moggi won't deny deal for Lazio's Oddo
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi won't rule out closing a swap deal involving Manuele Blasi and Lazio fullback Massimo Oddo. Moggi was locked in talks last week with Lazio president Claudio Lotito over a deal for Italy international right-back Oddo, who would arrive in Turin as an alternative to rival defensive targets Miguel (Benfica) and Mancini (AS Roma).
Lotito is keen on Blasi and when the proposal was put to Moggi by reporters yesterday, he said: "If I was to talk about the market, some of you would say I was spinning you a line. So I will not say anything."
Juventus' Cannavaro backs Vieri over Inter Milan split
Tribal Football
Juventus defender Fabio Cannavaro has backed Christian Vieri's decision to leave Inter Milan last month. Cannavaro quit Inter over a year ago and said of his former club-mate: "Vieri did the right thing to change his situation and join AC Milan.
"If things aren't going your way, you must change your environment. He was right to leave as the environment obviously wasn't healthy for him. But don't ask me if forcing players to make up their minds like this is a specialty of Inter's!"
Milito walks out on Genoa
Football Italia
Genoa hitman Diego Milito has alerted clubs including Juve, Inter and Real Saragozza that he is looking for a move elsewhere. “There has been terrible chaos here,” said the striker after his club was demoted to the Third Division. “We had earned our promotion to Serie A, but if the decision is confirmed then I cannot avoid leaving. I will not play in Serie C1.”
Genoa’s celebrations at their first promotion in a decade were short-lived, as they have been pushed down to Serie C and docked three points as a result of a match-fixing scandal. The last game of the season, a 3-2 win over Venezia, was shrouded in controversy and the Disciplinary Commission ruled that there had been irregularities.
Now Milito – who has scored 33 goals in two seasons – is ready to walk out on the club that brought him to Italy. He is already a target for Juventus, Inter and Real Saragozza.
“The Spaniards know I will make a decision over the next few days,” he told ‘AS’ newspaper. “It would be great to play alongside my brother Gabriel at Saragozza and their interest makes me proud. It’s not entirely up to me, though, as Inter are also in negotiations with Genoa. Before making any choices, I must find out where the Rossoblu will be playing next season.”
Genoa have appealed against the demotion and will know their fate before the calendars are drawn up on August 12.
AC Milan locked in Cruzeiro talks for Fred
Tribal Football
AC Milan are locked in talks with the agent of Cruzeiro teenage striker Fred. Milan are determined to thrash out terms over a deal for the Brazilian hotshot, but are finding negotiations complicated.
Fred's registration is split three ways between Cruzeiro (75%), the player (15%) and Dutch club Feyenoord (10%). However, smoothing talks is that Fred's agent is the father of Milan star Kaka and club officials are confident a deal can be struck. It's understood Milan's opening offer is for £8 million to be split between the three parties.
Sunday 31 July
Moggi: We didn't want Gila
Football Italia
Juve transfer guru Luciano Moggi insists Juve are still the Scudetto favourites and that they don't regret leaving Alberto Gilardino to Milan. “I don’t consider the Rossoneri to be superior to Juventus,” said the director general in an interview with Radio Radio. “They are on a par with us and Inter.”
In what has so far been a relatively quiet summer on the transfer front, Milan have been the most active with the arrival of Marek Jankulovski, Johann Vogel, Christian Vieri and former Parma hitman Gilardino. It was strongly reported the 23-year-old striker was on Juve’s wish-list as well as that of Chelsea.
“We did not challenge Milan for Gilardino’s signature because we have Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Adrian Mutu, Alessandro Del Piero, David Trezeguet and Marcelo Zalayeta,” assured Moggi. “It was an excellent move for them, but I don’t think he is any better than our strikers and our best tactic is to avoid clutter in the squad.”
This could well include some stellar departures, as after Enzo Maresca’s move to Sevilla and Alessio Tacchinardi’s switch to Villarreal, now Fabrizio Miccoli is set to leave the Stadio delle Alpi.
“He is a player who always manages to score 13-15 goals per season. There aren’t many of his like around and Miccoli is also very young,” stated the director general. However, it is reported that the former Fiorentina hitman has been offered to Inter in an exchange deal for Cristiano Zanetti.
“Inter have certainly reinforced their squad, especially with the arrival of David Pizarro and Walter Samuel. Milan and Juventus have also brought in champions such as Patrick Vieira, so we’ll see who comes out on top. I think we have created a strong foundation for the squad and we don’t need any other players.”
It looks to be a three-horse race once again for the Serie A title, but Moggi sees the influence of smaller sides increasing this year.
“I believe Juve, Milan and Inter will fight it out for the top spot, but fourth place is a battle between Sampdoria, Palermo and a little further behind Udinese,” he concluded. “Roma could be in there if they didn’t have this transfer embargo, which I consider to be rather over the top. We have a good rapport with President Franco Sensi’s club and all past misunderstandings have been clarified.”
Zalayeta key to Miguel capture
Football Italia
Juve’s bid for Benfica defender Luis Miguel could take a decisive turn if Marcelo Zalayeta is included in the deal, claim reports. The Bianconeri have long been tracking the 25-year-old right-back and face competition from the likes of Inter and Real Madrid for his signature.
It’s now suggested that the Portuguese club would favour a straight swap deal with hitman Zalayeta instead of demanding a cash sum. The move would also suit Zalayeta, as the Uruguayan striker has requested a transfer so that he can play more first team football.
Juventus would not be too down heartened at losing the squad player, as they are already have Adrian Mutu, David Trezeguet, Alessandro Del Piero and Zlatan Ibrahimovic for that role. Zalayeta rarely played from the start during his time in Turin, but scored some crucial goals, most notably extra time winners in the Champions’ League against Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Inter have officially confirmed that Francesco Coco has left the Brunico training camp in order to negotiate his move to another club. It’s claimed that a deal with Dutch giants Ajax is imminent.
Tacchi completes Spanish move
Football Italia
Alessio Tacchinardi has officially completed his switch to Spanish outfit Villarreal, ending a decade-long stay at Juventus. The loan move had been on the cards for the last week, but the official confirmation was only made by the Bianconeri this afternoon.
Midfielder Tacchinardi has spent the last 11 years in Turin and failed to live up to early expectations, losing sight of first team football during Coach Fabio Capello’s tenure. The Italian international, who turned 30 years of age last Saturday, will stay in La Liga on loan until June 30 2006. His contract with the Bianconeri expires in 2009.
Tacchinardi is the second Juventus player to make his way out to Spain this summer, as Enzo Maresca has moved to Sevilla.
Saturday 30 July
Cannavaro calls for back-up
Football Italia
Fabio Cannavaro insists Juventus will again prove their defensive strength this term even if he wants the club to bring in more new stoppers. The outfit had the best defensive record in Serie A last term but they have lost numerous players at the back this summer. Paolo Montero’s contract has expired, Ciro Ferrara has quit, while Nicola Legrottaglie has again been loaned out with Siena his new destination.
"There is nothing to fear. We will again be the best defence in the championship and we’ll prove that on the field of play during important games," the Italy captain told the Gazzetta dello Sport. "But you need a big squad in today’s game and reserves for every position. That is the case here too and we might need something else in defence.
"Having numerous options available will allow players to catch their breath, it will also be easier to achieve our objective of fighting on all fronts until the very end. Who could we sign? I don’t know who, you need to ask our director general Luciano Moggi. He has no need for any suggestions because we all have great faith in his ability."
One new arrival who has impressed the defender though is Croatian centre-back Robert Kovac, a free signing from Bayern Munich.
"Kovac is a quality player with great experience," boasted the 31-year-old. "He needs a little time to settle but he will be very useful in such a long season. He’s a ‘German’ type player and very concrete. If there is a need to kick the ball into the stands then he doesn’t think twice about it."
Meanwhile, Inter midfielder Cristiano Zanetti is again being linked following Alessio Tacchinardi’s move to Villarreal. The Bianconeri are ready to offer Inter the services of striker Fabrizio Miccoli for the former Roma man.
Juve monitor new Cafu
Football Italia
Italian champions Juventus are today being linked with Brazil’s attacking right-back Cicinho. The Sao Paulo player is widely considered as Marcos Cafu’s heir in the national side and has caught the attention of numerous clubs. Cicinho, who is on the verge of gaining EU status thanks to his Italian roots, recently impressed at the Confederations’ Cup in Germany.
It was believed that Milan would make a move for the defender but the Old Lady of Italian football have emerged as contenders on Friday. Although he recently extended his contract with his South American club until 2008, he would consider a European switch – even if that is only likely to happen next summer.
Whispers suggest that any proposed deal would cost any interested party a total of £8m, with 40 per cent of that fee going directly to the player.
The Bianconeri are looking for a new right-back and have been linked with numerous players this summer. Lazio’s Massimo Oddo has been associated, as has Portuguese international Miguel of Benfica. Juventus’ current first choice right-sided defender is former Cagliari and Roma player Jonathan Zebina.
Juventus chief Moggi offers Miccoli for Inter Milan's Zanetti
Tribal Football
Juventus are prepared to meet Inter Milan supremo Massimo Moratti's demand for midfielder Fabrizio Miccoli. Moratti confirmed he had asked for Miccoli this week and Juve director general Luciano Moggi hopes to revive a possible swap deal involving Inter midfielder Cristiano Zanetti.
After sending Alessio Tacchinardi to Villarreal and being close to loaning Manuele Blasi to Lazio, Moggi knows he must find a new central midfielder for coach Fabio Capello. Capello is a big fan of Zanetti, whose place at Inter is under threat following David Pizarro's arrival, and sees him as an ideal backup for Juve's prime midfield pairing of Patrick Vieira and Emerson.
Moggi has scheduled a meeting with Moratti next week to discuss the swap move.
