This
web site is an online diary maintained by azzurri.Friday 19 August
Buffon eyes speedy recovery
Football Italia
Gigi Buffon says he can’t wait to get back to full fitness after leaving a Turin clinic following shoulder surgery. The Juventus ‘keeper went under the knife yesterday as a result of a dislocated shoulder he picked up in Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Milan. Although he has subsequently been ruled out of action for the next three months, Buffon is in an upbeat mood.
"I’m feeling good," he told Sky microphones on Thursday. "Now I just need to get back to full fitness as soon as possible in order to play again. I would like to thank the fans for their thoughts and all of my colleagues who have phoned me over the last few days."
Buffon’s injury has forced Juventus to bring in Christian Abbiati, whose arrival has been welcomed by the former Parma man. "I’m happy that he has come to join us," commented the Italian No 1, who is also widely regarded as the best in the world. "He is a good friend of mine and has now been given a great opportunity to impress, one that he has deserved."
Abbiati has joined on a one-year loan from Milan after a pervious move to Genoa was scrapped following their demotion. Buffon was also asked to respond to claims by medics that he would return better than ever. "Just imagine what I could turn into…" he smiled.
Thuram is latest Juve casualty
Football Italia
Juventus have suffered yet another injury blow after Lilian Thuram’s international comeback for France lasted just 23 minutes. The stopper, who returned to the set-up after initially retiring following Euro 2004, failed to complete the 3-0 win over the Ivory Coast last night because of a thigh strain.
Thuram is now a major doubt for Juventus’ Italian Super Cup match against Inter on Saturday. "I don’t know if it is serious," stated the former Parma man.
News of Thuram’s problem will not have been welcomed by boss Fabio Capello, who had previously stated his concern regarding the player’s Les Bleus U-turn. "Capello won’t be happy but then neither am I," stated the 33-year-old. "What can I say? These things happen in football."
The Italian champions have suffered a spate of injuries so far this summer which has hampered their preparation. Goalkeeper Gigi Buffon has been ruled out for three months as a result of a dislocated shoulder. Alessandro Birindelli has been sidelined until Christmas with knee ligament damage, while Giorgio Chiellini has broken his nose.
Mauro Camoranesi, Pavel Nedved and Zlatan Ibrahimovic also picked up knocks during friendlies last week. There are also concerns about Patrick Vieira who didn’t play for France last night because of a thigh problem.
Giraudo applauds Milan
Sky Sports
Juventus' Antonio Giraudo has applauded Milan's decision to loan their rivals Christian Abbiati, believing that the kind gesture is a rallying call for Italian football. With Gianluigi Buffon recuperating from shoulder surgery, Juve were desperate to bring in quality cover - and were overjoyed that Milan agreed to loan Abbiati.
"Milan's decision to loan us Abbiati sends a clear signal out to the football world," said Giraudo. "I want to officially thank Silvio Berlusconi for behaviour that, as a sport man, I consider has huge symbolic value."
It was in an accidental collision with Milan's Kaka that Buffon picked up the injury, which should keep him out until after Christmas, and the Brazilian signalled his regret.
"We know that these episodes can happen in match," asserted Kaka. "But I'm sorry it happened to Buffon who is a champion I hold in the highest regard. I hope that he will be able to come back as soon as possible. I didn't want to cause him this problem and I think he knows that."
Capello Comments New Arrivals
Goal.com
The Bianconeri’s coach is happy with the incoming transfers of Christian Abbiati and Federico Balzaretti. Fabio Capello can finally smile again, following a week where he lost through injury Ibrahimovic, Nedved and Buffon amongst others, as the Old Lady confirmed late last night the arrival of Abbiati and Balzaretti from Milan and Torino respectively.
“They were two players we were interested in. Berlusconi was very generous towards Juventus, allowing us to buy a goalkeeper of great value. We had been following Balzaretti for quite some time. He’s an interesting young player.”
Juventus coach Capello laments injury toll
Tribal Football
Juventus coach Fabio Capello says he is happy with preseason preparations, though laments the series of injuries his team has suffered in recent weeks. "I am very happy with the preparation up to now: the great sorrow is the injuries," said Capello. "We all know about Buffon, Ibrahimovic and Nedved are still out for some time and Camoranesi is struggling as well.
"I must still work out with which formation we will play on Saturday evening against Inter in the Super Coppa. We hope that this game won't bring us more bad luck."
Vieira: Arsenal Will Be Fine
Goal.com
Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira believes his old club will be fine without him, and also feels the Gunners are looking "sharper than Chelsea” – whom they meet at Stamford Bridge on Sunday in the biggest clash of the Premiership season so far.
Vieira joined Juventus this summer for £13.75 million, and with the transfer window open for just under two more weeks, manager Arsene Wenger has yet to sign a direct replacement for the French midfielder.
Alexander Hleb has been brought in for £10 million from Stuttgart, and 17-year-old Alexandre Song has joined on a season-long loan. They are two versatile midfielders but may need time to acclimatise to England and Premiership football.
Wenger has already made it clear he does not "want to buy a player just to buy a player." He is only interested in adding to the "super talent" he currently has in his squad. And Vieira agrees. "They will be fine," he said this week. "Something that will never change at Arsenal is that the quality at the club is not about individual players - it is about the team and the spirit they have."
Vieira has been impressed by the way his former team-mates have gelled in the build-up to the new campaign. "I watched the Community Shield and I thought they looked sharper than Chelsea to be honest," Vieira said in the Arsenal matchday programme. "I thought they passed the ball really well and Chelsea only had two chances which [Didier] Drogba took well."
Following an illustrious career at Arsenal in which he won the Double twice, Vieira admits it has taken him time to adapt to his new surroundings in Turin. The former AC Milan midfielder admitted: "It was funny, but I kind of didn’t realise I’d left the club [Arsenal] until I was taking part in my first training session for Juventus, it was then that it really hit me.
"After nine years at Arsenal, very successful years, I think it’s understandable that it took time to sink in. But at that first training session I looked around me at my new team-mates and I said to myself ’I have left Arsenal’."
Vieira is very pleased that he was able to leave Highbury on excellent terms with everyone at the club, and "with a big smile on my face" because of the good relationships he had established in north-London.
"I shook hands with [vice-chairman] David Dein, with the boss [Wenger] and all of the players, and I was happy because I left the club knowing that I had given the maximum to Arsenal every day and helped the team be successful in those nine years," he said.
"The sense [was] that everyone was pleased with what I had contributed. There was a good feeling from me towards Arsenal and a good feeling from people at Arsenal towards me. Leaving the club with no bad feelings was really important for me."
Abbiati grateful for Juventus chance
Tribal Football
The agent of AC Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati has thanked the club for smoothing his client's loan move to Juventus. Vincenzo Morabito said: "We didn't have much time, but the move was completed thanks to Milan, which did everything possible to assist us.
"This is a great solution for Juventus, but also my client as he will be playing for a great club until Buffon returns. When Buffon does return, we will consider the situation. But we can't take anything for granted, as was proven over the weekend.
"Abbiati was very happy about going to Genoa and was very enthusiastic. But then of course they were forced out of the Serie A. But this new opportunity has arrived at Juve and is a great chance for Abbiati to play first team football again with continuity."
Miccoli could join Villa
Football Italia
Premiership side Aston Villa are surprisingly in the chase for Juventus’ transfer-listed striker Fabrizio Miccoli. The forward is surplus to requirements at the Stadio Delle Alpi and the Italian club claim a move to England, or Portugal, could occur.
"We need to sell a striker and that would be Miccoli," said Bianconeri director general Luciano Moggi. "In a couple of days time, we will know whether he will go to Aston Villa or Benfica."
The Italian international spent last term at Fiorentina in a co-ownership deal, but saw his hopes of remaining in Florence dashed when the outfit lost out to Juve in a blind auction for his services.
It was initially thought that the Lecce-born starlet would continue his career in Italy but numerous moves have fallen through. He was associated with the likes of Inter, Roma, Palermo and Genoa but still finds himself just south of the Alps.
Miccoli is not needed by boss Fabio Capello who can already count on the services of Alex Del Piero, Adrian Mutu, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Trezeguet and Marcelo Zalayeta.
Juve ‘hand’ Cassano to Milan
Football Italia
Juventus have opened the door for title rivals Milan to make a bid for Roma enigma Antonio Cassano. The player, whose present contract expires in 2006, has been hotly linked with a switch to Turin all summer. But the Old Lady have again stated that he is not a transfer target, insisting he would be more useful at Milan.
"We think that Cassano is a good player but there is no room for him here," director general Luciano Moggi told Sky Sport Italia. "However, I do think that the player could join Milan where he would certainly be given more of a chance to be used properly."
Despite Moggi’s latest statement, there are whispers which suggest that the attacker could still arrive at the Delle Alpi. Juventus’ surprise capture of left-back Federico Balzaretti on Wednesday may see Giorgio Chiellini sacrificed. The latter has been strongly linked with a move to Roma, along with Fabrizio Miccoli, in a possible player plus cash deal for Cassano.
Another man who signed for the Turin giants yesterday was goalkeeper Christian Abbiati from Milan.
"We are very happy to have him here, he is one of the best goalkeepers in circulation," added Moggi. "It was tough to find such a strong goalkeeper at this moment in time and we must thank (Milan owner) Silvio Berlusconi who said on Sunday that he would look to give us a hand.
"The injury sustained by Gigi Buffon was a big blow for us, Berlusconi wanted to do something and he kept his word. Abbiati will train with us from Thursday and he says he is already prepared to play on Saturday (against Inter in the Italian Super Cup)."
Thursday 18 August
Rep Ireland 1 - 2 Italy
Football Italia
Andrea Pirlo and Alberto Gilardino sealed an impressive 2-1 victory in Dublin, as Christian Vieri also rattled the crossbar. Marcello Lippi said he'd pick his first choice team in the final friendly ahead of their World Cup qualifiers, but many stars were ruled out by injury.
Francesco Totti and Mauro Camoranesi dropped out, while Gianluigi Buffon will be sidelined for the next three months following shoulder surgery and Monaco's Flavio Roma is the alternative with the most European experience at club level.
Lippi nonetheless chose to go with an all-attack trident of Alessandro Del Piero (making his first international appearance since last September), Christian Vieri and his Milan teammate Alberto Gilardino.
The Azzurri had a bright start and within the opening two minutes Vieri had already created two good chances, one from a splendid Del Piero assist. The new Milan hitman's third opportunity was on target, but goalkeeper Shay Given got down well to fingertip it round the post.
From the resulting corner kick, Italy broke the deadlock in chaotic fashion. First Given performed a desperate point-blank save on Gilardino's header, then Andrea Pirlo slammed in the loose ball from the edge of the box. Roma's first intervention came soon after, comfortably controlling Clinton Morrison's effort.
Vieri was extremely unlucky not to double Italy's lead on 28 minutes as his spectacular dipping volley on Alessandro Nesta's long pass rattled the crossbar with Given beaten. There was panic in the Azzurri area moments later with Roma's rather hasty attempt to block a cross leaving him stranded, but play was halted when Reid handled the ball.
Gilardino got his glory on the half-hour mark by springing the offside trap on Del Piero's through ball, though it took two attempts to beat Given in goal.
That scoreline lasted less than a minute, as Palermo defender Cristian Zaccardo comically slipped during a clearance and gifted Andy Reid with the ball. The Republic of Ireland midfielder still had work to do and placed a perfect angled drive between Roma's outstretched hand and the upright.
Another Zaccardo error allowed Damien Duff to pull back, but this time Fabio Cannavaro was ready to clear the danger. Gennaro Gattuso was booked for a challenge that later forced Matt Holland to ask for a substitution. His replacement, Ian Harte, nearly created a goal almost immediately, as his shot took a deflection off John O'Shea and wrong-footed Roma, but the Monaco goalkeeper was able to readjust his position for a tough save.
Lippi made four of his available six changes at half-time and experimented with a 4-4-2 that had Fabio Grosso in front of Gianluca Zambrotta. Vincenzo Iaquinta, Marco Materazzi and Sampdoria's Aimo Diana were also introduced in place of Gilardino, Del Piero, Daniele De Rossi and Alessandro Nesta.
Given rushed off his line to clear from Grosso and Stephen Carr closed down a promising counter-attack. Cannavaro went off after picking up a knock and made way for Andrea Barzagli. Kevin Kilbane blazed wide from the edge of the box and Duff's impressive angled drive curled just past the far post. Morrison struck the side-netting as the Irish side increased the pressure in search of an equaliser.
Udinese centre-forward Iaquinta had a good opportunity in the closing stages, but couldn't keep his shot down. There was a late scare for Lippi's men deep into stoppages when a free kick was flicked out to Morrison, but his goal was ruled out for a handling offence.
Rep of Ireland: Given; O'Shea (Miller 77), Cunningham, Dunne (O'Brien 46), Finnan (Carr 57); S Reid, Kilbane, Holland (Harte 38), A Reid (Elliott 73); Morrison, Duff
Italy: Roma; Zaccardo, Cannavaro (Barzagli 62), Nesta (Materazzi 46), Zambrotta; Gattuso, Pirlo (Barone 75), De Rossi (Diana 46); Vieri, Gilardino (Iaquinta 46), Del Piero (Grosso 46)
Ref: Paulo Costa (Por)
Lippi: We deserved victory
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi and his players were pleased with tonight’s victory in Dublin and the new trident attack system.
“The Republic of Ireland fought hard and could’ve equalised at the end, but we had six or seven goal scoring opportunities and inevitably fell off the pace after an hour,” noted Coach Lippi of the 2-1 win. “I am satisfied with the progress of the team and how they are working in precarious fitness conditions. We are on the right track and the first half performance was exceptional.”
Alberto Gilardino scored the second goal after Andrea Pirlo’s opener and partnered his new Milan teammate Christian Vieri upfront.
“There is rivalry with Vieri, but only a healthy one,” said the ex-Parma star. “We tried to combine passes and it’s a shame he didn’t score, as he really deserved it today. I’m getting closer to my form and was lucky to score on the second attempt, as the goalkeeper did well to narrow the angle.”
There is also competition for places at international level, as Francesco Totti, Antonio Cassano, Luca Toni and Filippo Inzaghi will also challenge for space. “Italy have a huge selection of strikers to pick from and they are all of great quality, so Lippi has a task to choose between them.”
Alessandro Del Piero made his international comeback after almost a year and set up Gilardino for his strike.
“Del Piero was important tonight and gave me a great assist for the goal, often causing Ireland problems in a deeper position. The trident attack requires help from the entire squad, but both Lippi and Carlo Ancelotti have their ideas and don’t need advice from me. There were five Milan players here tonight and it’s definitely a great achievement for the club and pleasing for us,” concluded the summer signing.
Flavio Roma stepped in for Gianluigi Buffon and could be forced to do the same in their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Scotland, as the Juve man is out for three months with a shoulder injury.
“I am relaxed and know my own strengths,” said the Monaco shot-stopper. “If I am here as Buffon’s understudy then there must be a reason. Nonetheless, it was tough, as before this I had only really played one and a half games against less testing opposition, but it went well.”
Roma was unable to keep a clean sheet, but performed some good saves against the Republic of Ireland. “This is a very solid squad, so it’s easier for me knowing that I have such a strong defence in front of me. I made a mistake on the goal because I was expecting him to hit it low and instead he curled it.”
He was a surprise choice, especially after leaving Serie A in order to find Champions League experience at Monaco. “It’s certainly satisfying to be the Azzurri goalkeeper and I never expected to come back here and not only be picked, but to play. It’s the dream of every player.”
This time last year, Italy were losing Lippi’s debut match against Iceland, but Alessandro Nesta insists that a lot of water has passed under the bridge.
“Last summer the new Coach had just started and we had a few problems, but now we’ve been working together a long time and are all focused on reaching the World Cup in the best condition. As for using the trident attack, with any tactical system the defenders are not on their own and their movement has to involve the entire squad as well.”
Juventus handed Abbiati option
Football Italia
Milan have offered Juventus the services of goalkeeper Christian Abbiati as ‘compensation’ for the injury sustained to Gigi Buffon. The Italian No 1 dislocated his shoulder in the 2-1 Trofeo Berlusconi loss to Milan on Sunday and the Rossoneri are remarkably ready to help out their rivals.
Reports in Italy on Wednesday insist that the club have offered Abbiati seeing as Buffon, who requires surgery, will be out for three months. "It is an idea from (owner) Silvio Berlusconi," stated Milan Vice-president Adriano Galliani. "It would be a nice thing to do. We’ll see what happens."
Abbiati is himself an Italian international but has spent the last two seasons as reserve to Nelson Dida at the San Siro. He did actually join Genoa earlier this summer in a bid to gain regular first team football, but that move has now been annulled given the Rossoblu’s demotion to Serie C.
However, Juventus do have another option in the shape of former Bianconeri ‘keeper Angelo Peruzzi. The Old Lady have allegedly already made an enquiry to Lazio regarding a possible swoop, seeing as the Biancocelesti do have another top ‘keeper in the shape of Matteo Sereni on the bench. Juventus could sign Peruzzi in a deal which also sees right-back Massimo Oddo move to the Delle Alpi.
Other contenders for the champions include Gianluca Pagliuca of Bologna, free agent Luca Marchegiani and Sereni.
Juve complete Abbiati swoop
Football Italia
Juventus have a new goalkeeper after Milan allowed Christian Abbiati to join their rivals on loan. The 28-year-old has signed for the Turin giants on a one-year deal following injury to Gigi Buffon. Abbiati will become the club’s first choice shot-stopper for at least the next three months, while Buffon recovers from shoulder surgery.
Juventus swooped for Abbiati just days after the international left Genoa following their demotion to Serie C. He had previously agreed to join the port club on loan earlier this summer but moved back to Milan this week. Abbiati has spent the last seven years at Milan but has endured a difficult last two seasons at the San Siro as Nelson Dida’s No 2.
Bianconeri bag Balzaretti
Football Italia
Juventus have signed their second player of the day, as out of contract Torino defender Federico Balzaretti crosses the city divide.
23-year-old left-back Balzaretti was a free agent following the financial collapse of the Granata and has joined their arch rivals in order to stay in Serie A. He was also tracked by Lazio, Roma and Sampdoria and spent the last three seasons at Torino.
“I am happy that Christian Abbiati has arrived and I must say that Milan patron Silvio Berlusconi was very generous,” said Coach Fabio Capello of today’s loan deal for the goalkeeper. “We must thank him for allowing us to find a great shot-stopper free of charge. I am also satisfied with Balzaretti’s signature, as he was one of our transfer objectives.”
Abbiati was loaned to Juventus after Gianluigi Buffon suffered a serious shoulder injury during an accidental clash with Milan star Kaka in Sunday’s Trofeo Berlusconi encounter.
“We players know these things can happen, but I am very upset that it has injured Buffon, someone I admire a great deal,” said Kaka. “I am close to him and hope he’ll be back on the field soon. I didn’t want to hurt him and I think he knows that.”
It was the latest in a long line of setbacks that have hit the reigning Champions of Italy this summer, as Alessandro Birindelli is out for six months with a knee injury.
“Our real regret is the number of injuries we’ve suffered pre-season,” added Capello. “Mauro Camoranesi has barely played at all, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Pavel Nedved are resting after picking up knocks. I only hope we’ve already had our share of bad luck.”
Zanetti not for sale, insist Inter
Football Italia
Inter chief Massimo Moratti has dismissed suggestions that Cristiano Zanetti will be sold before the end of this month. The midfielder has been heavily associated with a switch to Juventus but Moratti has ruled out such an option.
"Cristiano Zanetti is a player who will be of great use to us," Moratti said. "I’ve seen him in training lately and I like the look of him. We have no intention of selling him."
The former Roma and Italian international was rumoured to be on his way out seeing as his contract expires In June 2006. But Moratti is confident that there is still time to agree new terms before he would be free to leave for no transfer fee next summer.
"It is true that his deal will finish in a year but that doesn’t mean we won’t find a solution for his renewal before then," he concluded.
Zanetti, who appeared at the 2002 World Cup Finals, is a tough tackling defensive midfielder. The 28-year-old has also been associated with a move to Fiorentina, the club where he started his career back in 1993.
AS Roma tell AC Milan: £12M cash for Cassano
Tribal Football
AS Roma have told AC Milan chiefs they want a straight £12 million cash offer for star striker Antonio Cassano. Milan and Roma are locked in negotiations this week over Cassano, who refuses to sign a new contract at the capital club and could pen a pre-contract with a rival in January.
Milan doesn't have the £12 million Roma are demanding, but are offering a cash-plus-player swap involving Dario Simic, Johann Vogel and goalkeeper Christian Abbiati. The Champions League finalists are willing to offer £6 million plus two players in exchange for Cassano.
Valencia fail in bid for Benfica's Miguel
Tribal Football
Valencia have failed in an approach for Benfica fullback Miguel. New Valencia coach Quique Flores wants to add an international class right-back to his squad before the start of the season, but received little encouragement from Benfica earlier this week.
The Portuguese champs are in dispute with Miguel over his new contract. The player is attempting to gain a release, which would allow Valencia to sign him on a free transfer. However, for now he remains a Benfica player and Valencia have been informed it will cost £6 million to sign the defender.
Italians are ‘cheats’, blasts French boss
Football Italia
French Under-21 Coach René Girard has accused the Azzurrini of cheating during Tuesday’s fiery 2-2 friendly draw. Girard was left furious as Marseille midfielder Franck Ribéry needed three stitches in his head after being elbowed by Alessandro Potenza in an ill-tempered encounter.
"We try and educate our young players, to get them to play good football and we end up against a team intent on destruction and cheating," said Girard. "I’m really angry, it’s shameful. The referee did nothing to stop the match degrading completely. But I take my hat off to my players, they were solid and it’s very encouraging."
Ribéry and Potenza were both dismissed in the game even if the Italian insists the French were no angels. "It was a distinctly unfriendly match," explained Potenza. "Both teams wanted to win and the French started kicking us around, so we followed suit and the referee only seemed to book our players.
"France are an excellent squad, but I’d like to meet them when we are 100 per cent fit. We were only 60 per cent today and still held them to a draw."
Wednesday 17 August
Injured Buffon needs surgery
Football Italia
Gianluigi Buffon will have to undergo surgery for a shoulder injury and won’t be back in action for at least three months, confirmed Juventus today. The goalkeeper suffered the setback when he challenged Kaka during the 2-1 Trofeo Berlusconi defeat at the San Siro on Sunday evening. Tests have shown the injury to be worse than previously thought and he will have to go under the knife in order to heal properly.
"Today Buffon completed the specialist tests on his right shoulder and it was decided that keyhole surgery was needed to repair the damage suffered during Sunday’s match against Milan," read a statement on the Bianconeri website.
"The operation will be performed by Professors Flavio Quaglia, Riccardo Minola and Roberto Ravera on Wednesday August 17. The final prognosis will be revealed after the surgery, but we can already predict a three-month absence from the playing field."
This is a bitter blow for Juventus, who must now find a replacement goalkeeper who can give the kind of guarantees that current No 2 Antonio Chimenti does not. It is also a serious setback for Italy Coach Marcello Lippi, who finds himself with relatively inexperienced goalkeepers Morgan De Sanctis, Flavio Roma and Matteo Guardalben.
Berlusconi sorry for injury to Juventus star Buffon
Tribal Football
AC Milan patron Silvio Berlusconi admits he spared a thought for crocked Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon after the weekend's clash between the two clubs. Buffon's shoulder injury rules him out of action for two months and Berlusconi remarked: "After the game, when I was home, I was very happy for Milan's win, but also felt very sorry for Buffon.
"I've seen these injuries happen many times and they're always very difficult. I had the chance to say hello to Buffon before the game, he's always been someone I've respected."
Opinion: Juve need new ‘keeper
Football Italia
How do you replace the irreplaceable? That is a question that Juventus transfer guru Luciano Moggi must be asking himself today, with the likelihood that the Italian champions will be without Gigi Buffon for the next two months.
The shoulder injury he sustained in the 2-1 Trofeo Berlusconi loss to Milan at the weekend has already seriously jeopardised the club’s ambitions for the new campaign. With the outfit hoping to make a serious challenge at home and abroad, Juventus can’t afford to get off to a slow start as a result of a goalkeeping headache.
They admittedly have Antonio Chimenti, who is eagerly waiting for his chance to impress, but he’s arguably not the answer. The former Lecce and Roma man is an ideal No 2, a shot-stopper who can come in for the odd game. But there are doubts over whether he is the right man to stand in between the sticks for a sustained period, especially at this level. After all, what happens if Buffon’s recovery takes longer than expected or he is hit by the same problem later in the year?
Juventus fans will be well aware of the fact that David Trezeguet suffered with persistent shoulder problems last season, eventually leading to surgery and a three-month lay-off in order to resolve the injury. Can Juventus really afford to take such a gamble on such a key position? The answer is surely not.
So who could Juventus buy if they do opt to bring in extra cover? There seems to be a variety of options available to them. The biggest temptation may be Christian Abbiati given the uncertainty regarding his future. The Italian international joined Genoa from Milan this summer but that move is now in doubt as a result of the Rossoblu’s demotion to Serie C. It remains to be seen whether Milan would loan such a player to a title rival though.
Bologna’s Gianluca Pagliuca would also be another excellent objective for the Old Lady. He would be an ideal short-term replacement and a cheap one. He may now be of a certain vintage but he was superb last term despite his club’s relegation to Serie B. A move north would also allow the former Azzurri No 1 to keep his hopes of beating Dino Zoff’s Serie A consecutive game appearance record.
Moggi may also realistically look at signing Matteo Sereni from Lazio. Despite the fact that he earns three times more than first choice ‘keeper Angelo Peruzzi, he is again set to start the campaign as the second choice. That is unless he moves to Turin of course and if he accepts being Peruzzi’s reserve in Rome, then he will surely have no problem in becoming Buffon’s understudy in Turin.
It’s unclear at this stage whether any of the aforementioned ‘keepers will arrive, but if none of them do then another unnamed man must surely be captured. Any thoughts of signing Roma’s Antonio Cassano must be archived for now, at least until a new goalkeeper puts pen to paper on an Old Lady contract.
Words: Antonio Labbate
Camoranesi out of Ireland tie
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi has lost another piece of his Azzurri jigsaw after Mauro Camoranesi pulled out of the Republic of Ireland friendly. The Italian national boss has already suffered the withdrawals of Gigi Buffon and Francesco Totti, before the winger returned home on Tuesday.
The Juventus midfielder did train yesterday but he is still suffering with a left knee problem he picked up in Friday’s Birra Moretti tournament. Although Camoranesi will not be a part of the Dublin friendly, boss Lippi has decided to not call-up any replacement.
Capello sweats on injuries
Sky Sports
Fabio Capello is sweating on the fitness of several key players ahead of the season's opening weekend. Juventus, as title winners, play against Internazionale in the Italian Supercup on Saturday, but Capello is relying on his medical staff to get a clutch of his top men fit in time to play.
Gianluigi Buffon (shoulder problems), Giorgio Chiellini (nose surgery) and Alessandro Birindelli (ligament damage) are almost certain to be ruled out, whilst Bianconeri medical staff will be working round the clock to return Pavel Nedved, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Mauro Camoranesi to full fitness.
Nedved twisted his ankle in the recent friendly match against Milan for the Luigi Berlusconi trophy, and first fears that he would definitely be ruled out of the start of the season have eased. However, the Czech superstar is still struggling to be fit for the encounter with Inter.
Supporters' Player of the Year Ibrahimovic is suffering with muscular problems, whilst Camoranesi has a knee injury, and Capello will be anxious for both to return quickly as Juve look to defend their Serie A title.
Del Piero: I’m no Juve sub
Football Italia
Alex Del Piero says he still wouldn’t feel like a reserve at Juventus even if Roma’s Antonio Cassano signs before the start of the season. The club captain has watched a number of pre-season games from the bench, as boss Fabio Capello has preferred an attacking partnership of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and David Trezeguet. But the No 10 insists he has nothing to be concerned about with such a long season ahead of the club.
"I don’t feel like a reserve to Ibrahimovic or Trezeguet," he said. "It is far too early for something like that. They are playing at this moment in time but this is the friendly season. There are a lot of games to play and it is only right that Capello is trying out different things."
Competition for a shirt is already high in Turin and it could get a whole lot tougher if Cassano does arrive from the capital. Yet the former Padova youngster has no regrets about extending his contract at the Stadio Delle Alpi last year.
"I am honoured to have played for a club like this one for as long as I have," continued the star. "As for Cassano, there would be no problems if he arrived. I’m not worried or anxious by it. After all, despite what is being said and written, it seems to me that Antonio is still a Roma player."
Del Piero is also in a positive frame of mind after returning to the Italian national squad following an absence of almost 11 months.
"I’m happy to be back," he said ahead of Wednesday’s test in Ireland. "I was missing for so long because of injury and because it took time to find my best form. But (boss Marcello) Lippi was always very clear with me. He told me to stay serene and think about my form, the rest would follow.
"Now I want to win a place in the squad for the World Cup Finals seeing as I believe I have a good chance of being there."
Juve, Miguel goes away: the Valencia lead on the Portuguese
Yahoo! Italia Sport
The Valencia wants to blow Miguel to the Juve. Issuing a wireless Spanish has revealed the existence of a contact between the leaders of levantini and the manager of the portuguese defender in order to know of the contractual position.
Miguel, com' e' famous, has rescisso unilaterally the contract with the Benfica and the Lusitanian club has dared the ways lawyers. The next week riunira the Room of Conciliation arbitrates them of the Fifa called to dirimere the controversy. The Juve remains in wait.
Tacchi: I’ll be Spanish success
Football Italia
Alessio Tacchinardi is confident that he will quickly adapt to life in Spain with Villarreal following his move from Juventus. The midfielder left the Stadio Delle Alpi this summer and he has no regrets about the switch.
"Things are going well here," said the Italian international. "I won’t have any problems adjusting to La Liga. My new teammates are helping me to settle and I am very happy that I made the decision in coming here. I hope to give my contribution to the team. This squad have achieved some great objectives recently and we want to continue on this road."
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. The former Atalanta youngster 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.
Lippi opts for Gila and Bobo
Football Italia
The Milan duo of Alberto Gilardino and Christian Vieri will start in attack for Italy against the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday. Boss Marcello Lippi confirmed that the pair would begin the game following the loss of Francesco Totti because of illness.
"Totti’s absence has changed my plans as I would have wanted to play with an attacking midfielder behind two forwards," Lippi stated. "I will now basically start with Vieri and Gilardino in a 4-4-2 system, and I have only one doubt to resolve regarding one of my wide midfielders.
"I need to decide whether to play with a natural wide man or an extra attacker."
It is believed that Lippi is pondering whether to field Samp’s Aimo Diana or Alex Del Piero in a deeper role. The tactician also has a problem to sort out in goal after Gigi Buffon of Juventus was ruled out of the match with injury. Whispers in the peninsula on Tuesday suggest that Monaco’s Flavio Roma has beaten Morgan De Sanctis of Udinese to the gloves.
"The Republic game is only a friendly but also an important test with the qualifier against Scotland coming up next month," continued Lippi. "We are getting closer to the World Cup Finals and I have looked at players from all over the place in the past.
"The time has now arrived for me to base my work on around 30 players in order to consolidate a good group."
Italy probable: Roma; Zaccardo, Nesta, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Gattuso, Pirlo, De Rossi, Del Piero (or Diana); Vieri, Gilardino.
Lippi explains Cassano omission
Football Italia
Italy boss Marcello Lippi insists that the dropped Antonio Cassano will return to the national squad in the future. The Roma enigma has been left out of the set-up for Wednesday’s Republic of Ireland friendly, but the tactician maintains that the attacker won’t be ignored for long.
"He will be back for the next games," stated Lippi. "He’s not at his best right now and isn’t totally serene."
The Coach was making clear reference to Cassano’s contract situation seeing as his present deal expires in 2006 and talks regarding an extension have stalled. Lippi also resisted the temptation to call in Cassano as a replacement for the ill Francesco Totti.
"Room in my squad will be restricted from now on," added the former Juventus maestro. "I need to think about creating a team and everyone needs to think that they are on a tight lead."
Totti’s absence should now allow Alessandro Del Piero a rare chance to start after he was recalled to the outfit. "Del Piero makes the headlines when he is in the side and when he is not, that is the kind of player he is," commented Lippi.
The Coach concluded by looking positively at the injury sustained by Juventus and Italy ‘keeper Gianluigi Buffon. "It is better that it has happened now and not at the end of the campaign," he stated. "Let’s hope he will be back soon."
Chelsea leave Mascherano to Atletico Madrid
Tribal Football
Atletico Madrid are set to sign Corinthians star Javier Mascherano on a season-long loan. Chelsea's signing of Lyon midfielder Michael Essien has opened the door to Atletico signing Argentina international Mascherano. The youngster was being lined up by Chelsea thanks to their association with Corinthians owners MSI, but after this week's capture of Essien the London giants decided Mascherano wasn't needed.
MSI hold the transfer rights of Mascherano to the tune of £8 million, meaning they can sell or loan him without interference from Corinthians. Atletico sports director Toni Munoz was in London last week for talks with MSI over a deal for Mascherano. The sticking point is a purchase option which Atletico are insisting be included. MSI would prefer a straight loan as Mascherano remains a long-term option for Chelsea.
Lyon Could Move For Rosicky
Goal.com
As soon as Essien has left for Chelsea, Lyon's recruitors have started their quest for a midfielder. After Osaka's Fabinho, they could bid for the Czech international. Dortmund have put an end to their severe financial difficulties but wouldn't refuse to make a good deal. With the huge amount of money earned with the sale of Essien, Lyon could easily offer the 15 millions asked by the German club. Nevertheless the French club are facing the concurrency of Atletico Madrid on that player.
Tuesday 16 August
Capello blasts ‘tough’ Milan
Football Italia
Juventus boss Fabio Capello is unhappy that the Trofeo Berlusconi defeat has seen him lose Pavel Nedved and Gigi Buffon. Both players picked up injuries in Sunday’s 2-1 loss during the annual friendly match at the San Siro against hosts Milan. Nedved seems to have badly twisted his ankle, while the goalkeeper has suffered a potentially serious shoulder problem.
"It’s a real shame that we are losing so many players in this period," said Capello after Mauro Camoranesi also picked up an injury on Friday in the Naples triangular tournament. "Nedved suffered a nasty blow from Paolo Maldini which could possibly have been avoided. The same could be said for Kaka on Buffon.
"The Berlusconi Trophy is important but at the end of the day it is still a friendly and there could have been a little more caution out there. These frequent injuries are annoying."
The tactician was happy with the performance of his side though, even if their display did nosedive a little after initially taking the lead through Patrick Vieira.
"Ignoring the result, I’m happy with the first half display in which Juventus played with great personality," added the tactician. "Milan made some smart changes at the break by putting on fresh players and we suffered Serginho on the flanks. However, if the result of the game was different then I don’t think there would be too many people moaning."
Capello also said he was satisfied with Adrian Mutu’s display in a wide role after Nedved's substitution. "I thought he did well in a position which is not new to him," he concluded.
Moggi defends ‘foul happy’ Vieira
Football Italia
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi has defended new signing Patrick Vieira from criticism that he commits too many fouls. Moggi, the man responsible for his £14m capture from Arsenal, concedes that the player gets stuck in but maintains that his quality will serve the club well.
"Vieira is a champion," said the transfer guru. "He may have the odd negative but he has so many positives. His fouls? Committing fouls is a normal aspect of football but he doesn’t ‘eat’ players. He is one of the best central midfield players in Europe and we are counting on him this season.
"Milan let him go when he was a youngster but today he is a champion."
Vieira is taking his time to settle in Turin, but he could form one of the world’s most accomplished central midfield partnerships alongside Emerson in the new campaign.
Moggi was also not surprisingly again asked about a possible move for Antonio Cassano of Roma. That after Lapo Elkann – heir to the Agnelli empire – said: "Juve want to win everything and in order to do that they need Cassano. We’ll sign him next summer on a free transfer."
Moggi replied: "He was probably just saying that to friends over dinner and it was only his opinion. Cassano could be of interest to us but we are already well covered in attack."
Juventus chief Moggi: Elkann wrong to talk about Roma's Cassano
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi has played down comments made by fellow director Lapo Elkann over the proposed Bosman signing next year of AS Roma striker Antonio Cassano.
"Lapo is one of the family, he was at dinner and said too much, which has been picked up by the press," said Moggi. "We must make the point: we have an excellent attack and this means we cannot fit Cassano in here, even though he is a champion. We cannot sign him just in order to avoid embarrassment."
Juventus chief: Miccoli won't go cheaply
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi is prepared to hold onto attacking midfielder Fabrizio Miccoli. Miccoli is desperate to leave Juve and angered fans last season after slamming the club while on-loan at Fiorentina. But Moggi said yesterday: "We're in no rush to lose Miccoli. There's many teams that want him, but we're not in the business of giving our rivals a free hand. There aren't many like Miccoli who can score 15 goals a season."
Juventus discuss Dacourt with AS Roma
Tribal Football
Juventus coach Fabio Capello has moved for AS Roma midfielder Olivier Dacourt. Capello is desperate to add another central midfielder to his squad and after Inter Milan refused to do business over Cristiano Zanetti, he is now trying for Dacourt.
The French international has been discussed by the two clubs this summer during high-level meetings between Juve director general Luciano Moggi and Roma executive director Rosella Sensi. Juve have offered a swap proposal for Dacourt, but Roma are insisting on cash and are ready to sell for £1 million.
Juventus to secure Emerson to improved contract
Tribal Football
Juventus hope to tie up a new deal with midfield ace Emerson. Under pressure from renewed interest by Real Madrid, Juve chiefs agreed last month to secure Brazil international Emerson to a longer term deal. Emerson's new contract will be extended from 2008 to 2010 and also see his salary increased a cool £700,000-a-year to £3.5 million-a-season. The agreement will bring Emerson in line with Juve's other top earners, Gigi Buffon, Pavel Nedved and Alessandro del Piero.
Two months out for Buffon?
Football Italia
Juventus and Italy may be without goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon for the next two months because of injury. The shot-stopper, regarded as the best in the world, suffered a shoulder problem after clashing with Milan’s Kaka during the 2-1 Trofeo Berlusconi defeat last night.
Buffon did seem in some pain and reports on Monday claim that he will be sidelined for at least a month and could be out for as long as eight weeks. The former Parma No 1 will therefore miss the Italian Super Cup game against Inter on August 20 at the Stadio Delle Alpi.
He’s also likely to miss the start of his club’s Scudetto and Champions League campaigns, even if the outfit have so far not made an official announcement regarding Buffon’s likely comeback date. Buffon has already been ruled out of Wednesday’s friendly in Ireland and will probably also miss out on the September World Cup qualifiers against Scotland and Belarus.
Juventus may now opt to move on the transfer market seeing as they only have Antonio Chimenti as back-up in Turin. Some whispers suggest that they may sign Milan’s Dimitrios Eleftheropoulos, who could be released for free after the capture of Zeljko Kalac on Friday.
On the international scene, Udinese’s Morgan De Sanctis could be handed the blue jersey for a few months. However, Monaco’s Flavio Roma, Matteo Guardalben of Palermo and Lazio veteran Angelo Peruzzi are also options.
Italy lose ill Totti
Football Italia
Roma captain Francesco Totti has pulled out of Italy’s friendly with the Republic of Ireland because of illness. The Giallorossi ace has been forced to withdraw from the squad after failing to fully recover from a fever. Totti already missed his club’s friendly against Triestina on Saturday, and boss Marcello Lippi has allowed him to stay at home after speaking to club medics.
Lippi, who has also lost Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon to injury, has decided to not replace Totti in the squad ahead of Wednesday’s game. Totti’s omission from the side should vastly improve the chances of Alessandro Del Piero starting the game. The Juventus captain has been recalled to the set-up after appearing just once for Lippi, almost 11 months ago in Moldova.
Monday 15 August
Emerson offered contract extension
Football Italia
With interest from Real Madrid and Chelsea continuing, Juve hope to end speculation once and for all by offering Emerson an extended contract. The Brazilian only joined from Roma last summer, but he is reportedly the subject of a new bid from the Spanish giants to lure him to La Liga.
Considering how successful his first season at the Stadio Delle Alpi was, Juventus are eager to ensure his loyalty with an improved contract. His current deal expires in 2008, but the Bianconeri have lined up a further two-year extension taking his wages to £3m per season. It would put his contract on a par with those of captain Alessandro Del Piero, David Trezeguet and Ballon d’Or winner Pavel Nedved.
The Italian Press maintains that the paperwork will be finalised in September and effectively make sure that Emerson ends his career in Turin, as he will be 34 years old by the time it expires. Meanwhile, former Juventus midfielder Davide Baiocco has signed a three-year deal with Serie B outfit Catania. The player was a free agent following Perugia’s bankruptcy.
Juventus ace Trezeguet: I rejected Chelsea
Tribal Football
Juventus ace David Trezeguet has revealed he turned down a summer move to Chelsea. He said: "I was approached with the proposition to leave Juventus and move to England. I thought hard and long about it before deciding I wanted to stay in Turin and win the Champions League with Juventus and not with Chelsea."
Juventus ace Nedved confirms Czech Republic announcement
Tribal Football
Juventus star Pavel Nedved has revealed he'll announce his decision over a return to the Czech Republic national team this week. Nedved has been retired from international football since the end of Euro2004 and said yesterday: "For sure, in the next five days I will make my famous decision. For some time people have been asking me to return, but I must feel it and sincerely still I do not know what I will do."
Miccoli key to Cassano swoop
Football Italia
Juve continue their pursuit of Antonio Cassano – despite Luciano Moggi’s denials – and it’s reported the turning point could be represented by Fabrizio Miccoli.
This week the rumours linking the Bianconeri to a swoop for the Roma starlet were confirmed when patron Lapo Elkann – heir to the Agnelli empire – told journalists, “Juve want to win everything and in order to do that they need Cassano. We’ll sign him next summer on a free transfer.”
Director General Moggi has continually denied any interest in the player and when confronted by Elkann’s comments he remained non-plussed. “I wasn’t there at the time and don’t believe everything I read, so therefore I won’t make a big deal out of it.”
The 23-year-old is dragging out contract renegotiations and his deal expires in 2006, prompting Roma chief Rosella Sensi to threaten him with a season on the bench if he refuses to pen a new deal. “We will only consider him to be one of our players if he signs an extension,” she said in a Press Conference.
It’s believed the situation could come to a head before then with Roma cutting their losses and selling him to the Turin giants now rather than lose him on a free at the end of the season. It would be a particularly damaging blow as the club paid £20m for him in 2001.
Up until now, the Giallorossi’s dealings have been limited by the FIFA transfer embargo as a result of the Philippe Mexes case, but the removal of that suspension on appeal means Cassano can be sold for cash plus players.
The ideal solution is represented by Fabrizio Miccoli, who returned to Turin after his co-ownership deal with Fiorentina terminated and has made it clear he is not happy to sit on the bench.
Miccoli’s pace and creativity would fit in well with Francesco Totti, Vincenzo Montella and Shabani Nonda, filling the hole left by Cassano’s departure.
Italian newspapers suggest that Moggi will wait until the transfer window is about to close before making the offer, forcing Roma’s hand with time to negotiate a contract extension fast running out. Cassano is said to be lined up with a four-year contract worth £3.8m per season net.
Juventus, AC Milan watch as Ballack agent invites offers
Tribal Football
Juventus and AC Milan are among interested clubs mentioned by the agent of Bayern Munich midfielder Michael Ballack. Ballack is inside the final year of his contract at Bayern and ready to move to a foreign competition after the 2006 World Cup.
His agent, Michael Becker, admitted to Bild: "Bayern have been taking their time in making us a new offer. Now we have the right to consider offers from other important clubs. This decision will be the most important in Ballack's career."
Ancelotti begins Juve duel
Football Italia
Carlo Ancelotti assures that tonight’s encounter with Juve “can never be a friendly” as a season-long duel in Italy and Europe begins.
“This will be a real game and both sides will play with the maximum intensity,” said the Milan boss ahead of the traditional Trofeo Berlusconi bash. “Meetings with Juventus are never friendly, especially now we know they’ll be our major rivals for the Scudetto and Champions League.”
The two giants meet every August at the San Siro and there is a strange tradition around this trophy, as some believe the losers go on to take the Scudetto that season. Juve broke that ‘curse’ last year and it picks up where they left off last term in the race for silverware.
“This is our first match of the campaign in front of our home fans and psychologically these are very important because a team must immediately feel it is not inferior to great opponents,” continued Ancelotti.
“Juventus are much stronger than they were last season and not just because of Patrick Vieira. They also have the excellent Adrian Mutu and the experience and solidity of Robert Kovac in defence. I think they are still slightly ahead of Inter in terms of quality and balance.”
Of all the title contenders, the Rossoneri have perhaps gone through the most changes this summer with the arrival of Alberto Gilardino, Christian Vieri, Marek Jankulovski and Johann Vogel, but above all in terms of their tactics.
“We have a very attacking approach to football and with the three-man defence that is further intensified. We need to be more balanced when we use this system.”
With Pippo Inzaghi on the road to recovery and Andriy Shevchenko now fit after surgery to remove titanium plates from his fractured cheekbone, Ancelotti has four world class strikers to choose from.
“Shevchenko will play one half alongside Vieri and the other partnering Gilardino against Juventus. Vieri started training with us before Alberto, so he’s in better physical condition, but I was also pleasantly surprised by how professional Christian is. Sometimes you start to believe in reputations, but he’s very motivated in this new environment.”
Vieri surprised many – including Inter patron Massimo Moratti – when he chose to sign for their local rivals after his contract was terminated.
“He has always been an example of the perfect centre-forward to me and I’ve never had that kind of strong physical striker in my teams,” added Ancelotti. “He’s very different to Gilardino, as one comes towards the ball while the former Parma man uses his marker.”
Buffon injured in Milan victory
Football Italia
It was a bad evening all round for Juve, who lost the Trofeo Berlusconi to Milan and saw Gigi Buffon and Pavel Nedved stretchered off.
Christian Vieri was given his San Siro debut in a Milan jersey against his former club and partnered Andriy Shevchenko, while a call-up to the Italy side for next week’s friendly against the Republic of Ireland was not enough to earn Alessandro Del Piero a start for his club.
There were tactical changes, as Carlo Ancelotti opened with Marek Jankulovski as left-back in a four-man defence and Juve experimented with Pavel Nedved out wide on the right. There is a curious theory surrounding this competition, as in the past it was believed that the losers of this trophy would go on to win the Scudetto, but Juve broke that ‘curse’ last year with a victory.
The Bianconeri had the first chance after seven minutes when Patrick Vieira threaded through for Zlatan Ibrahimovic and his fierce shot was strangely kept out by Dida’s nose. Soon after, Vieri gathered a Marcos Cafu pass and skipped round Lilian Thuram before Fabio Cannavaro dived in for a last-ditch intervention to rescue Gigi Buffon.
There was bad news for Juve after 18 minutes when Nedved fell awkwardly under a Paolo Maldini challenge and was replaced by Adrian Mutu. Initial reports suggest the Ballon d’Or winner has sprained his ankle.
Moments later, the Turin giants opened the scoring with a well-worked team move finalised by Vieira. It was an all-French affair, as Jonathan Zebina exchanged passes with David Trezeguet and allowed the former Arsenal midfielder to spring the offside trap in the centre.
Ibrahimovic nearly made it 2-0 on the half-hour mark as his solo effort thumped the base of the upright and his glancing header was over. After being under the cosh for most of the first half, Kaka went close three times as he broke through the centre and rolled his finish inches wide, then brought a fingertip save out of Buffon and saw a shot charged down.
The teams were allowed six substitutions each and Milan made several changes at half-time, introducing Alberto Gilardino for Vieri. Within three minutes the former Parma striker had hit the back of the net, but it was correctly disallowed for an offside position.
The Rossoneri were much livelier in the second half and drew level when Shevchenko pulled back from the by-line for Kaka to sweep in first time. The young Brazilian nearly bagged a second soon after and Buffon bravely rushed off his line to close him down with one arm. It was perhaps a little too brave, as the goalkeeper was stretchered off in agony and is out of Wednesday’s international friendly in Dublin after an initial prognosis of a strained muscle in his shoulder with possible dislocation.
Del Piero was given his chance to shine in the final half-hour and Manuel Rui Costa replaced the impressive Kaka. The Portuguese playmaker immediately sent Gilardino running and his finish shaved the far post.
Milan nearly scored a spectacular goal as Rui Costa and Pirlo nutmegged and flicked their way through until the former Fiorentina man rattled the woodwork. Rui Costa has been on stunning form this summer and his searching pass found Serginho for an angled drive to put the Trofeo Berlusconi in Rossoneri hands.
Milan 2-1 Juventus
Scorers: Vieira 20 (J), Kaka 53 (M), Serginho 77 (M)
Milan: Dida; Cafu, Stam, Maldini (Nesta 46), Jankulovski (Kaladze 46); Gattuso (Seedorf 46), Pirlo, Ambrosini; Kaka (Rui Costa 62); Vieri (Gilardino 46), Shevchenko (Serginho 69)
Juventus: Buffon (Chimenti 58); Zebina (Blasi 53), Thuram (Kovac 58), Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Pessotto, Emerson (Giannichedda 69), Vieira, Nedved (Mutu 18); Trezeguet (Zalayeta 69), Ibrahimovic (Del Piero 58)
Ref: Dondarini
Azzurri: Guardalben replaces Buffon
Football Italia
Gianluigi Buffon’s shoulder injury has prompted Italy Coach Marcello Lippi to call Matteo Guardalben for the international test at Lansdowne Road. The Azzurri Number 1 was stretchered off in some discomfort during Juve’s 2-1 Trofeo Berlusconi defeat to Milan on Sunday evening and was taken to hospital for tests.
Initial reports suggest it is a lesion to the right shoulder, although there are some suggestions it could even be dislocated. Buffon suffered the setback when he bravely ran out to push the ball off Kaka’s feet with an outstretched arm, but the inevitable collision left him in agony.
It’s not clear how long he will be out of action, but Lippi has already called up Palermo goalkeeper Matteo Guardalben as a replacement. This means that Udinese’s Morgan De Sanctis should start Wednesday’s international friendly against the Republic of Ireland.
Sunday 14 August
Capello reinvents midfielder Mutu
Football Italia
Fabio Capello is reshuffling his pack ahead of the Trofeo Berlusconi and could use Adrian Mutu in a new wide position against Milan. “This will be a real match and much more than a summer friendly,” commented the Coach ahead of Sunday’s clash at the San Siro. “It’s an important trophy and both teams will play with the right level of intensity.”
The Bianconeri beat Inter 2-0 and were defeated by Napoli on a shoot-out in last night’s Trofeo TIM, but the games were notable for the successful experiment of using Mutu in Pavel Nedved’s usual wide left position.
“I settled in well on the left side of midfield and did what the Coach asked of me,” explained the former Chelsea striker. “I have been training hard for the last six or seven months and finally start to feel on form. My legs are beginning to get match fit and I’m improving with every game, so at this point I am confident it’s going to be a great season.”
The Romanian joined Juve on a free transfer in January after Chelsea fired him for failing a routine drugs test. The Premiership outfit has demanded £7.5m remuneration for breach of contract, but Mutu’s appeal will be heard by the TAS tribunal in Lausanne on October 24.
Nedved demands Euro trophy
Football Italia
Pavel Nedved is fired up ahead of tomorrow’s Trofeo Berlusconi clash with Milan and insists Juve will capture the Champions League this season. “Of course this match won’t be a friendly and never has been,” he said of the traditional battle at the San Siro. “At this stage of the season, every encounter is an important one and nobody wants to lose.”
Juventus were beaten last night in the Trofeo Moretti, beating Inter 2-0 in the first of three mini-matches of 45 minutes each before missing out to Napoli on a shoot-out. Zlatan Ibrahimovic suffered an injury during that tournament, but he has recovered from a late challenge by Marco Materazzi and should start on Sunday evening.
“We will see two dream teams go head to head, especially with their spectacular strike forces,” added the Czech midfielder. “As for the Scudetto, we’ll see at the end who is the strongest.”
However, it’s clear that the Bianconeri have set their sights on one particular trophy this term – one that has always escaped Nedved.
“I realise Milan have a real desire to make up for their lost Final against Liverpool, but we absolutely want the Champions League. It’ll take something extraordinary to stop us getting our hands on that trophy. I think Juventus is the best place to be if you want to aim for Europe.”
Yet Nedved could also have the world in his grasp as a return to international duty is on his mind.
"I have never played in a World Cup before and would like to experience it," he revealed. "My Czech teammates and Coach have tried to convince me to return and I will make a decision over the next five days. There are another four qualifying games left and I could play a part."
Saturday 13 August
Juventus: We Will Take Cassano!
Goal.com
Lapo Elkann revealed Luciano Moggi’s plans for the Roma forward. After months of denials, the Old Lady is finally admitting the interest in Antonio Cassano. This revelation arrived through Lapo Elkann, responsible for the Fiat brand and nephew of the late Agnelli.
"Juventus will take him and we want him on a free transfer. We shall put him in line. To win everything we need Cassano."
These declarations will surely anger Moggi who had been rebuffing the claims of a Juve interest in Cassano. However Elkann has always been a fan of the former Bari player and sponsored his arrival to the Turin-based club on more than one occasion. This time he went a step forward by revealing Moggi’s plans of obtaining him on a free transfer next season when his contract with Roma expires.
Buffon hails Juve power
Football Italia
Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon is confident that this term’s squad is stronger than the one which won Lo Scudetto last season. The Italian giants have spent the summer strengthening the side and the shot-stopper is optimistic for the future.
"We are certainly a better side since the arrival of Patrick Vieira," stated the Azzurri international. "He is a world class player who has always made the difference in the past and he will continue to do that for us in the future. We have a lot more options than we did last season."
The side will certainly need quality alternatives after defenders Alessandro Birindelli and Giorgio Chiellini picked up injuries last week. "I’m not worried about the defence after their problems, that is because we can play with three or four at the back," added the ‘keeper.
Buffon was also asked to comment on the chances that captain Alex Del Piero will again spend time on the bench this term. "That will be a delicate situation which the player, the Coach and the club will have to handle," he added. "The important thing is that the side continues to go forward for the good of the club and not for one player."
Although the season doesn’t start until the end of the month, Buffon is already eagerly awaiting the Super Cup tie against Inter on August 20. "It is an important trophy," he noted. "Even if nobody remembers who has won it at the end of the season. Nevertheless I want to win it. I have won three out of three and I wouldn’t mind lifting it for the fourth time."
Juventus chief Moggi in talks with agent of Ajax's Maxwell
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi held talks with the agent of Ajax winger Maxwell this week. Mino Raiola, who is also the agent of Juve star Zlatan Ibrahimovic, is understood to have reached an in principle agreement with Moggi over a possible pre-contract deal for Maxwell in January. The Brazilian's current deal expires next summer and Moggi wants to sign him on a Bosman at the end of next season.
Italian duo join Ballack chase
Football Italia
Juventus and Milan have reportedly joined the long queue forming for Bayern Munich midfielder Michael Ballack. Reports in Germany on Friday claim that the two Italian giants have contacted his agent for the latest on his contract situation.
The German international is only tied to his present club until June 2006, which means he will be available on a free transfer if he doesn’t extend his agreement before then.
Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea and Inter have already been associated with the former Bayer Leverkusen ace. However, his representative has pointed out that they’ve only received one concrete offer to this date.
"Michael is about to make the most important decision of his footballing life," Michael Becker told the Bild newspaper. "The only real offer has so far come from Bayern themselves. The others have just made contact." Whispers claim that the Munich outfit have offered their captain a contract up until 2010, worth around £20m in total.
Roma threaten rebel Cassano
Football Italia
The contract dispute between Antonio Cassano and Roma has reached a head as the club threatens to freeze him out if he doesn’t sign a renewal. “We will only consider him to be a Roma player if he renews his deal,” warned director Rosella Sensi this afternoon. “Now we are waiting to know what his intentions are.”
The starlet’s current deal expires in June 2006 and he has been hesitant over accepting new terms. Yesterday Juventus patron Lapo Elkann let slip the reasons behind that approach – they wish to take him on a free transfer next summer.
“We have made an important offer to Cassano, even when we were locked down by FIFA’s transfer embargo, which proves how much we care for Antonio,” continued the daughter of President Franco Sensi.
“Now we are waiting for him to tell us if he has any intention of signing a new deal. We will only consider him to be a Roma player if he renews his contract. It is true our offer is different to the one we put on the table in February, but it remains competitive and in line with the kind of wages that, for example, Milan gave to Alberto Gilardino.”
There are reports that money is not the issue for Cassano, who has made it clear on a number of occasions that he wishes to be reunited with Fabio Capello in Turin.
Director General Luciano Moggi insisted Juventus had no plans to make a bid for the Italian international, but Elkann admitted the real strategy to journalists on Thursday. “We want to take Cassano on a free transfer, then we’ll keep him in check. Juve can win everything, but to do that they need Cassano.”
This brings the issue back to Roma patron Sensi, who sent out a veiled warning to the temperamental player.
“It is in his own interests to sign the contract so that he can play in a relaxed state of mind. If he is wracked with uncertainty over his future, then he won’t perform well on the pitch and that will hurt Roma. We have faith he will make the right decision.”
Friendlies: Napoli beat Juve & Inter
Football Italia
Luis Figo won a penalty on his debut, but Inter lost both games as Napoli beat Juve to the Trofeo Moretti tournament at the Stadio San Paolo.
It took just 57 seconds for Juventus to take the lead against Inter in the first of three mini-games, as a corner kick came out to an unmarked David Trezeguet, whose angled drive hit the far post and was tapped in from a yard by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The Swede was making quite an impact, as soon after he drilled in a free kick that left goalkeeper Francesco Toldo looking somewhat foolish. Inter fought back and Antonio Chimenti smothered a Giorgos Karagounis effort, but the Bianconeri were dominating and Trezeguet saw another goal disallowed for a tight offside decision.
Mauro Camoranesi limped off with a knee problem and Marco Materazzi raised the tension with a very late challenge on Ibrahimovic, forcing the Swede to go off. Alvaro Recoba’s low strike skimmed the far post, but Chimenti was never really tested.
“We aren’t sharp yet, which is why we need these friendly tests to work on fitness and tactical movements,” noted Fabio Capello. “We should’ve let the ball move more smoothly. I will say that Materazzi could’ve easily avoided striking Ibrahimovic like that.”
Figo was given his first match in a Nerazzurri jersey, but his form suggests a starting place in next Sunday’s Italian Supercup clash with Juve isn’t on the cards. “It went well, though the result wasn’t good, but the important thing is to gain match fitness,” said former Real Madrid star Figo. “I’ve been working with Inter for a week and there’s a while to go yet. I watched Inter’s performance in the midweek Champions League preliminary round and admired the organisation and quality of the side.”
The second mini-match was between Napoli and Inter, but Roberto Mancini’s men didn’t start much better, as after two minutes Inacio Pia’s lob was just wide of an empty net. Emanuele Calaio then wasted a free header from six yards.
Napoli’s pressure paid off and after 13 minutes Pia’s strike thumped the upright, coming back out to Bogliacino, who slotted into an empty net. A Boumsong goalline clearance prevented Calaio from doubling their lead and Julio Cesar fingertipped Bogliacino’s effort round the post as Inter failed to get into gear.
It’s unlikely they were tired from their midweek exploits against Shakhtar Donetsk, as most of the players in the Trofeo Birra Moretti did not set foot on the Ukrainian pitch.
Nonetheless, Figo made an impact on 23 minutes when he earned a penalty for a debatable push from Grava. Recoba stepped up and buried the spot-kick to draw the Nerazzurri level. It didn’t last long, as straight after the half-time break Pia took advantage of a defensive error to slot past Julio Cesar.
Mancio made a series of substitutions in a bid to restore the situation, introducing Adriano, Obafemi Martins and Santiago Solari. Although they pushed forward, goalkeeper Gennaro Iezzo was never really troubled and Inter suffered their second consecutive defeat.
“Apart from the result, the most important thing today was that nobody got injured,” said Mancini. “The rest of it really wasn’t key at this stage of the season. Samuel and Figo are nowhere near full fitness, but that was expected.”
The decider was between Napoli and Juventus with Adrian Mutu and Alessandro Del Piero unleashed, but Napoli were awarded a spot kick after three minutes when Gianluca Pessotto went through the back of Montervino. Roberto Sosa’s penalty had to be repeated due to encroachment and he netted both times to put the home side ahead.
Ruben Olivera’s fierce effort stung the goalkeepers’ palms, but Varricchio’s lob was just over Juve’s empty net. It proved a decisive error, as moments later Mutu’s fine cross was tapped in by Zalayeta. The Romanian was on fine form and thumped the upright with a strong solo effort, but Zalayeta then missed a completely open goal after springing the offside trap.
Emerson went off with a slight muscular problem and a scuffle broke out when Jonathan Zebina reacted angrily to a foul. It was 1-1 at the end of the 45 minutes, so the tournament was decided by a US-style shoot-out – where players have six seconds to run 20 metres towards the goal and shoot with the ‘keeper also coming out to narrow the angle. Zambrotta and Mutu missed, while Gatti and Capparella netted, so Napoli won the Trofeo Birra Moretti.
Juventus 2-0 Inter
Scorers: Ibrahimovic 1, 10 (J)
Inter: Toldo; Ze Maria, Samuel, Materazzi, Wome; Figo (Arrieta 32), Pizarro, C Zanetti, Karagounis; Cruz, Recoba
Juventus: Chimenti; Zebina, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi (Blasi 26), Emerson, Giannichedda, Nedved; Ibrahimovic (Zalayeta 31), Trezeguet
Napoli 2-1 Inter
Scorers: Bogliacino 13 (N), Recoba pen 23 (I), Pia 24 (N)
Napoli: Iezzo; Grava, Giubilato, Montervino, Romito; Amodio (Montesanto 24), Fontana, Capparella; Calaio, Bogliacino, Pià
Inter: Julio Cesar; Ze Maria (J Zanetti 26), Samuel, Arrieta (Favalli 26), Wome; Figo, Pizarro, Maa Boumsong (Solari 26), Karagounis (Cambiasso 26); Cruz (Martins 26), Recoba (Adriano 26)
Napoli 1-1 Juventus (3-1 after shoot-outs)
Scorers: Sosa pen 5 (N), Zalayeta 14 (J)
Juventus: Chimenti; Zebina (Zambrotta 38), Thuram, Kovac, Pessottto; Olivera, Emerson (Giannichedda 23), Blasi; Del Piero, Zalayeta, Mutu
Napoli: Gianello (Iezzo 23); Grava, Romito (Giubilato 23), Martinez, Montervino (Fontana 38); Gatti, Montesanto (Savini 23); Varricchio, Bogliacino (Capparella 13), Amodio (Vitale 35); Sosa
