This
web site is an online diary maintained by azzurri.Friday 02 September
Pessotto’s secret
Juventus.com
“Since we won last season’s championship, everybody is willing to beat us; we’ll have to be self-confident without ever being arrogant. We won’t have to be content with ourselves: determination has always been our secret, as well as being capable of playing like a small club although with great qualities. This is exactly what we’ll have to do: play with enthusiasm as it was our first day of school.”
Gianluca Pessotto has never lost that kind of enthusiasm. As time passes by, “Pesso”’s enthusiasm in training and playing is more and more that of a youngster: “When the end of your career gets nearer, you have no more uncertainties for your future as you have already lived yours and you can take what it comes with joy and peace of mind. I think this is the secret to maintain a good level. I feel great here at Juventus; other teammates have preferred to experience new adventures and, would I have wanted, I think that the Club would have let me go to other teams but I want to continue to give my contribution here. If my contract had not been renewed, I think I would have retired: if I had not been be at Juventus’s level, after all the years spent here, where I know the environment, I would have not been able to express myself at a top level in any other team.”
Gianluca’s performances, on the contrary, have always been worth the note: “Pesso” is not only a model professional but also a player you can always lean on and his experience helps on the playground as well as in the group: “Coach Capello proved me he has faith in me during last season once again and this makes me feel really satisfied as this is the best part of our job: working hard during the week to be part of the first-choice team on Sunday. After all, my goal has always been being ready when they needed me and I think this should be everyone’s attitude.”
With such a way of thinking, Gianluca’s future after finishing his career is inevitable the bench: “In effect, I’ve thought it over and I’d like to become a coach after closing my career. I think that if you keep working on the playground you can more easily get through your farewell to football. Should this be my future, I’d rather start with youth teams; someone prefers to start with big clubs right away but I’d like to proceed gradually and convey my experience to youngsters.”
We didn’t want Cassano, say Juve
Football Italia
Juventus insist that they didn’t sign Antonio Cassano from Roma this summer because he was not a transfer target. The enigma – whose contract expires in 2006 – was heavily associated with a switch to Turin, but will remain in the capital after the window closed on Wednesday. Some were expecting transfer guru Luciano Moggi to make a late swoop, yet the club official maintains that was never going to happen.
"It was a transfer invented by journalists," Moggi told Sky Italia microphones. "We have always said that he is a good player but we already have great champions in attack. You kept on reporting that Juventus and Roma were in talks for Cassano even though I stated on numerous occasions that he was of no interest to us."
There were also whispers which suggested that capital winger Amantino Mancini was on the verge of signing for the Delle Alpi outfit on Wednesday. That move didn’t happen either but Moggi did confirm that the Brazilian midfielder was wanted by boss Fabio Capello.
"Mancini is staying in Rome because the club decided to keep hold of him," continued Moggi. "We have absolutely no intention of damaging our good relationship with the Sensi family. We don’t negotiate with players but with their clubs. There was an agreement in place regarding a double swap deal but the whole thing collapsed about a month ago."
Juventus had been linked with Mancini, Cassano and Olivier Dacourt, with Adrian Mutu and Giorgio Chiellini possibly moving in the other direction.
Moggi mocks Fiorentina chief over Juventus duo
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi has mocked Pantaleo Corvino's claims that Fiorentina have never tried for Adrian Mutu or Manuele Blasi this summer. Moggi said of his Fiorentina counterpart: "I cannot see how Corvino can say that Mutu and Blasi did not interest them. For the past twenty days they've asked for them and we have not ever accepted.
"Maybe Corvino is joking? Or he has not spoken with his club! The truth is that they have been asking after Mutu and Blasi for a long time and nearly every day. We have always said no. Evidently there are some differences between Fiorentina and Corvino."
Juve sign Brazilian
Planet Football
Juventus confirmed a loan deal for Gladstone Pereira Della Valentina just before Wednesday's transfer deadline. The 20-year-old, who currently plays for Brazilian side Cruzeiro, was linked with Juve last week, with Juventus general manager Luciano Moggi confirming the interest for Gladstone.
"The player interests us, but everything depends on his EU passport," he said.
Since confirming that Gladstone does have a valid passport, the two clubs have now agreed a deal for the player. He comes to Italy on a one-year loan at Juve, although reports say the club will have an option to sign him permanently next summer. Gladstone was a key figure for the Brazil in the recent Under-20 World Cup.
Real Madrid's Salgado reveals Juventus contact
Planet Football
Real Madrid right-back Michel Salgado has confirmed Juventus made an approach about a move to Italy this week. Salgado was being offered to Juve on-loan by Real after they had secured an agreement with Sao Paulo for Cicinho, who will arrive in Madrid in December.
"I received a telephone call from Juventus representatives," revealed Salgado. "After which Real Madrid proposed a loan agreement." But nothing came of the deal as Sao Paulo insisted on Cicinho staying until the Brazilian championship concludes in December.
Cannavaro: Cassano Must Play
Goal.com
The defender believes that the young star should not be frozen out of the Roma first squad. Fabio Cananvaro has defended Antonio Cassano and his decision not to renew with the Giallorossi, asking the Capital city side to let him play so as not to miss out on playing for Lippi’s squad in the next world cup.
"In my opinion he must play. Cassano must think about settling his things. First of all it will do him well to play and then he must take his decisions."
The Italian national team captain spoke as well about the Azzurri. "Apart from the FIFA standings, we are able to play against all rivals. Brazil is superior to everyone from half of the pitch onwards. We, however, have a valid squad in all departments. We have the values to arrive till the end."
France recall finally delights Thuram
Football Italia
Juventus defender Lillian Thuram has shelved his anger at being forced out of international retirement by finally admitting he’s happy to be back for France. Initially furious with teammate Zinedine Zidane and Coach Raymond Domenech for prematurely announcing his comeback, Thuram is glad they gave him a little nudge.
"I was pretty angry at the time I received my call-up because nobody had respected my decision to quit," said the 33-year-old. "I felt I was being forced back and I think I probably got injured in the Ivory Coast [on August 17] friendly because I was not really happy to be back. But now I’ve understood. Now I’m back totally and I’m delighted.
"It was bizarre to train on the ‘Michel Platini’ pitch. I’m even staying in my old room. Lots of nice memories are all coming back. It’s bizarre because I never intended to come back here. The fans, the national anthem, it’s all good. It’s a beautiful thing to be back with the Les Bleus."
Thuram is the most-capped player in the current squad with 104 appearances for France since making his debut against the Czech Republic in 1994. Marcel Desailly is France’s most capped player ever with 116 games.
Vieira facing French axe
Football Italia
France boss Raymond Domenech has refused to rule out benching former skipper and new Juventus midfielder Patrick Vieira against the Faroe Islands. Last week Domenech admitted the thought of starting with the same starting XI that beat the Ivory Coast 3-0 two weeks ago had crossed his mind.
"It’s possible. I’ll answer that question closer to the match," said Domenech at the time.
Yet when asked again whether or not Vieira would start Saturday’s must-win World Cup qualifier against the Faroe Islands, Domenech refused to comment. "I will announce the team on Friday," he said. "That’s all I’m prepared to say."
Injured on the eve of Les Bleus’ friendly against the Ivory Coast, Vieira saw his replacement, Paris Saint-Germain’s Vikash Dhorasoo, strike up an immediate understanding with Claude Makelele. The former Milan man also set up the third goal for Thierry Henry with a visionary through-ball.
Leaving a fully-fit Vieira out of a France team may seem unimaginable to the French footballing public, but Domenech is understood to prefer Makelele to handle the defensive duties while freeing up a more creative option in midfield.
Thursday 01 September
Zambrotta wary of Inter power
Football Italia
Juventus left-back Gianluca Zambrotta believes that Inter will be a major threat in the new campaign. The Nerazzurri have significantly strengthened their squad over the summer and the Italian expects that they will be dangerous.
"I’ve been most impressed with Inter so far this season," he noted. "They have some excellent players and have started well. They are a side to be respected even if we don’t fear anyone in particular. I expect this term to be a very balanced one."
Inter started the Serie A season with a 3-0 win over Treviso, while the champions could only put one goal past Chievo. "At the end of the day, the most important thing was to win the game," continued the former midfielder. "We broke the deadlock with a goal from David Trezeguet which was enough, even if we had chances to score more. We’ve made a good start to the season but we must still improve throughout the campaign."
Although retaining their domestic title is important, the Azzurri ace does have his mind on another objective. "We are fighting on all fronts even if winning the Champions League is the most important objective for us," he highlighted.
No Big Signings For Us Today-Moggi
Goal.com
Juventus general manager Luciano Moggi revealed the Bianconeri won’t make any major signings today. “Cassano and no top player will arrive today. We will only make some small movements,” said the transfer guru, who then denied Juventus were close to signing Roma’s Mancini last night. “This whole thing was blown out of proportion by someone who had an interest in doing so,” he added. Earlier today, Juventus sold Miccoli to Benfica.
Juve deny Mancini link
Planet Football
Juventus have refuted suggestions that they are set to make a transfer deadline day swoop for Roma's Amantino Mancini. Last season Juve completed the purchase of Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Ajax with just hours to go before the close of the transfer window. However, general manager Luciano Moggi has denied the possibility of any more high-profile signings this summer.
"We will do few movements out with regard to young players but the Mancini story seems to have come from someone with a vested interest in the player moving," Moggi said. Roma had earlier vehemently denied that Mancini was set to leave the club and the Brazilian now seems set to remain at Stadio Olimpico.
Miccoli agrees Benfica loan
Football Italia
Juventus striker Fabrizio Miccoli will play for Benfica this season after the two clubs agreed a loan deal. The Italian international will fly out to Portugal on Wednesday to finalise terms and put pen to paper on a 12-month contract.
"It’s true, we have reached an agreement," the forward told Portuguese television station Antena 1. "I’ll be in Lisbon later this morning. I’m very happy with the move and I will sign for one year."
Champions Juventus were hoping to substantially cash in on the player who was defined as a ‘piggy-bank’ by director general Luciano Moggi this summer. However, they are understood to have only netted around £850,000 for the player’s loan, even if Benfica will have to pay a further £3.6m if they want to buy him outright next summer.
Miccoli, who returned to Turin after spending last season at Fiorentina, had previously rejected moves to CSKA Moscow and Portsmouth. The Italian is the second Serie A player to join Benfica in as many days after Giorgios Karagounis left Inter for the Portuguese champions.
Tudor Back With Siena
Goal.com
The Juventus defender joined the Tuscan side again on loan. Igor Tudor will play for Siena yet again after finding an agreement with the Bianconeri for a loan transfer till the end of the season. The 27-year-old defender has already played for Siena last season when he joined them in the January transfer window and helped them avoid the relegation.
Fiorentina thrash out Blasi terms with Juventus
Tribal Football
Fiorentina and Juventus were locked in talks until the final hours of yesterday's transfer deadline over midfielder Manuele Blasi. Juve director general Luciano Moggi and his opposite number at Fiorentina, Pantaleo Corvino, came to an agreement over a £2.5 million co-ownership deal for Blasi, which would see him play in Florence this season. However, the move was being held up by Moggi's insistence that Juve locate a replacement midfielder before allowing Blasi to move on.
Man City asked Juventus for Del Piero
Tribal Football
Manchester City made an approach to Juventus for striker Alessandro del Piero this week. Turin media reports state City made an official enquiry after the Italy international, whose future at Juve has been the centre of much debate this summer. City wanted to take Del Piero on-loan this season, but Juve insisted on the Premiership club taking on 100 per cent of his wages, which quickly cooled their interest.
Totti dismisses Juventus option
Football Italia
Roma symbol Francesco Totti has categorically ruled out the possibility of ever playing for arch rivals Juventus. Although the No 10 hasn’t been linked with a move to the Bianconeri, he’s underlined that he would never join the Italian giants.
"I don’t think I could ever play with the Juventus shirt," Totti told the Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper. "Anyway, I love the sun and the beach. I don’t think these exist in Turin! I am a Roman and a Romanista, how could I play my football in another city?"
A number of Roma players have moved to Turin in recent seasons, such as Jonathan Zebina and Emerson, plus Coach Fabio Capello. There have also been strong rumours linking Amantino Mancini and Antonio Cassano with transfers to Juventus later today.
But Juve director general Luciano Moggi insists that neither of the two players will arrive at the Stadio Delle Alpi. "Cassano will not come to Juventus and we won’t get Mancini either," Moggi said on Wednesday.
The transfer guru added that the club would not be making any more additions to their squad before this evening’s deadline. Both Cassano and Mancini were present for this morning’s training session at Roma’s Trigoria headquarters.
Canna: Azzurri the best in Europe
Football Italia
Italy may have been short on trophies in recent years, but Fabio Cannavaro insists that only Brazil can match them for talent in the 2006 World Cup.
“I think we’ll begin the tournament on a par with any of the favourites and perhaps only Brazil have something extra from the midfield up,” said the Azzurri captain. “This is a great opportunity for us and I believe we can really make our mark on the World Cup, especially as it’s the last chance for many of us.”
The Juventus defender turns 32 in September and is back on form following a disappointing spell at Inter, but Italy risk a difficult start to the competition, as they are only 13th in the FIFA rankings.
“I do not understand why Italy could be unseeded in the draw. There are sides like Mexico and the USA in front of us, who have less pedigree in this sport and certainly haven’t had the results to justify such a position. Even if we aren’t top seeds, at least it’ll give us extra motivation and focus.”
Marcello Lippi’s men aren’t qualified for the World Cup yet and face two crucial qualifiers away to Scotland and Belarus over the next few days. The Coach looks set to stick with the 4-3-1-2 system that proved so successful in the 2-1 victory over the Republic of Ireland earlier this month, but there are changes in personnel.
The return of Francesco Totti, who missed that Dublin game with flu symptoms, is likely to push Alessandro Del Piero on to the bench so that the Roma man can hook up with Milan duo Christian Vieri and Alberto Gilardino.
Lippi locked the doors of the training ground for today’s session, but it’s believed he’ll give Angelo Peruzzi the goalkeepers’ gloves on his comeback, with Cristian Zaccardo, Alessandro Nesta, Cannavaro and Gianluca Zambrotta in defence.
Two from Daniele De Rossi, Gennaro Gattuso and Mauro Camoranesi should then partner Andrea Pirlo in midfield. Despite his time in Scotland with Glasgow Rangers, it looks as if Gattuso will be the one to sit on the bench at Hampden Park on Saturday.
Lippi To Use Trident Against Ireland
Goal.com
The national team coach will play with Totti behind Gilardino and Vieri upfront. Marcello Lippi wants nothing less than a win from the upcoming World Cup qualifier encounter against Ireland, and for this reason, the former Juve coach has opted for the trident Totti-Gilardino-Vieri.
The only question mark was whether Lippi would play with Del Piero or Vieri, but the Italian Paul Newman has chosen the Milan striker to partner Gilardino and Totti in attack.
Cassano risks World Cup axe
Football Italia
Under-21 boss Claudio Gentile has warned Antonio Cassano that he will miss the World Cup if he spends this term on the Roma bench. Cassano could sit out most of the season as ‘punishment’ for not extending his contract at the Stadio Olimpico which currently expires next summer.
The player has already been omitted from the Azzurri’s latest World Cup qualifiers because of a lack of action, and a similar fate could await him next June.
"If he doesn’t play regularly then it will be difficult for him to be a part of the Finals," Gentile commented. "I don’t really want to talk about Cassano but it is clear that if somebody doesn’t play for their club then it will be hard for them to be in the squad."
Roma have offered the Bari starlet a new deal but the player has rejected it, deeming the proposed salary as inadequate. The Giallorossi now risk losing their £20m signing from Bari on a free transfer, unless he joins another club before the transfer window closes later today. Milan and Inter have been associated, but it seems that Juventus are in pole position to make a last minute swoop.
"I want Cassano to stay at Roma but it is up to the player himself to decide," says capital ‘keeper Gianluca Curci. "I have a special rapport with Antonio and we have been friends for three years. However, I don’t know what will happen."
The Bianconeri have insisted that Cassano will not be targeted but whispers suggest that is not the case. Juve are allegedly ready to offer players – Adrian Mutu, Giorgio Chiellini and Federico Balzaretti – for the talent.
Wednesday 31 August
Capello Comments Collina’s Resignation
Goal.com
The Juve coach described the famous Italian referee as an important sportsman. Fabio Capello commented Pierluigi Collina’s decision to quit the world of football following the controversies tied to the sponsorship deal with Opel. “It’s a pity. He’s an important sportsman. The entire Italian football movement has lost out,” said Don Fabio.
Capello also spoke about his side’s performance in the first matchday of the season against Chievo. “We played our game. It was a difficult match, because they had nothing to lose. Juventus played very well, shot towards goal various times and conceded just one goal scoring opportunity to our opponents.”
Del Piero drops fresh hint over Juventus coach Capello
Tribal Football
Juventus star Alessandro del Piero has again hinted all is not well with coach Fabio Capello. During a Gianluca Vialli charity golf tournament, Del Piero told journalists: "The coach, I guess, always has his reasons behind individual selections. But it's important that a trainer has clear ideas and he explains them to you so you can carry out his plans. Certainly, no coach cannot expect all his players to share his decisions."
Mancini in Juve negotiations?
Football Italia
There are reports that Amantino Mancini has been spotted in Juve’s offices to discuss a shock transfer that could send Adrian Mutu to Roma. The Brazilian winger was seen in Milan this evening along with agent Gilmar Veloz and several Bianconeri directors, sparking reports that he is in negotiations with the Bianconeri.
Coach Fabio Capello has already brought his former Roma players Emerson and Jonathan Zebina to Turin and has also been linked with bids for Antonio Cassano and Olivier Dacourt. While the Press has been concentrating on the fate of Cassano, it seems that Mancini could be the most likely to make the move up North.
The former Venezia midfielder had also been linked with Inter and Real Madrid, but it’s claimed he could be part of a massive swap deal with Juventus. While Mancini, Dacourt and Cassano would go to the Stadio Delle Alpi, Adrian Mutu, Federico Balzaretti and Giorgio Chiellini are tipped for the opposite journey.
There are also rumours that Juve could sign David Di Michele from Udinese in order to hand him over to Roma for a reunion with ex-Friuli Coach Luciano Spalletti. A less costly option would be Mario Jimenez, who is currently at Serie B outfit Ternana.
“There are no negotiations with Juventus and we have not planned any meetings with them, not even for Cassano,” insisted Roma director of sport Daniele Prade’. “I did speak to Mancini and his agent, but only about family matters.”
Roma also released a statement officially denying that Mancini was on the market and assuring that, “He is a crucial member of the first team.”
Meanwhile, the Giallorossi are close to signing Brazilian goalkeeper Doni from Juventude, while Juventus have loaned Igor Tudor out to Siena. The Croatian international had spent half of last year at the club and returns after finding no space in Turin.
Siena beat big guns to Tudor
Planet Football
Siena have beaten off competition from a host of big names to secure the services of defender Igor Tudor. The Croatian enjoyed a fine loan spell at Siena last term and they have been striving to land his signature on a permanent basis. However, with Juventus willing to let the defender move on, he attracted interest from Parma, Lazio and Bolton.
Bolton thought they had won the race for his signature when striking a deal with Juve, but their hopes were dashed when Tudor failed to arrive in England for talks. Tudor's no-show in England appeared to leave the door open for Lazio, but they have been beaten to the punch by Siena who have secured another season-long loan.
Miccoli eyed by Parma
Planet Football
Parma are the latest club to express an interest in Juventus striker Fabrizio Miccoli. The talented Italy international has been a long-term target for Portsmouth and Benfica but the Gialloblu look to have stolen a march on their rivals. Despite having already added Bernardo Corradi and Marco Delvecchio to their squad this summer, Parma are still on the lookout for attacking reinforcements.
Miccoli has returned to Juventus after a loan spell at Fiorentina last term but with competition for a first team place fierce at the Old Lady, Miccoli is looking for a move in what is an important year building up to the World Cup. It is thought Miccoli favours to stay in Serie A and he could be joined at Parma by another Juve player out of favour - Igor Tudor - who remains a target for Bolton.
Parma in Juventus talks for Tudor, Miccoli
Tribal Football
Parma were locked in talks yesterday with Juventus for Igor Tudor and Fabrizio Miccoli. Juve have made both players available this summer and despite interest from the Premiership, Tudor and Miccoli favour staying in Italy. Parma want defender Tudor and striker Miccoli on-loan and were in advanced negotiations with Juve late yesterday about a deal.
Lazio step up hunt
Planet Football
Lazio are stepping up their search for a new defender before the transfer window closes. The capital outfit are believed to have targeted a move for Juventus star Igor Tudor as they look to bolster their defence. Tudor seems set to leave Juventus with the Italian giants willing to let the Croatian international leave the Stadio Delle Alpi.
Bolton Wanderers have been linked with Tudor, but it appears the player is not keen on a move to The Reebok Stadium after failing to arrive in England for talks. Lazio could face competition for Tudor, with Parma and Siena both thought to be monitoring the defender's situation.
Manchester City Express Interest In Del Piero
Goal.com
The Juventus captain is currently out of Fabio Capello’s first eleven plans. Manchester City could be in a surprise and shocking transfer move as the Blues have asked for Alessandro Del Piero. It is not yet clear whether Juventus have rejected straight away the offer, but even though the move looks highly unlikely, the scenarios for such a transfer do exist.
If the Old Lady completes the Antonio Cassano move, then Del Piero will have less space in the first eleven in the season leading to the World Cup, thus decreasing his chances of shining and having Marcello Lippi notice his performances.
Juventus would not want to sell their most representative player, but if Pinturicchio asks to be sold or at least to be loaned out for this season in order to find playing time elsewhere, Moggi and company will not stand in his way. Carlo Ancelotti expressed his interest for Del Piero through the media, but the Bianconeri’s management would prefer to send the Italian forward either to a team with no Scudetto aspirations or better yet abroad.
With less than 36 hours to go before the transfer deadline, a lot could happen in the next hours and with a World Cup looming around the corner, anything could happen to Del Piero, even a move to the Premiership.
Liverpool want Bonera, reveal Parma
Football Italia
Parma have confirmed that they have received offers from Liverpool and two Italian clubs for Daniele Bonera. The side had indicated on Sunday their desire to keep the international, but the defender may now be on his way out of the Tardini.
"The club’s shareholders have told me to not sell him but Liverpool are very interested right now," sporting director Oreste Cinquini told GRT radio on Tuesday. "If an offer reaches a certain economical level then I will be obliged to inform the club officials of it."
However, the European champions – who have reportedly failed in a bid for Philippe Mexes of Roma – are not the only side interested in the Azzurri regular. "Apart from Inter, there is also another important club who have made a move for our defender," added Cinquini.
The unnamed outfit is believed to be either Juventus, given their lack of options at right-back, or Fiorentina. Meanwhile, the Stadio Tardini official has ruled out the arrivals of Marco Di Vaio of Valencia, plus the Juventus duo of Igor Tudor and Fabrizio Miccoli.
"They are all difficult paths to go down," added Cinquini. "Valencia don’t want to release him on a temporary basis. The other two players have wage demands which are too high for us. We’ll see what happens."
Collina resignation rejected
Football Italia
The Italian Association of Referees (AIA) have revealed that they intend to reject the resignation of Pierluigi Collina. The official quit the AIA on Monday following a conflict of interests row, which erupted after he signed a sponsorship deal with Opel - a company who also support Milan.
"His departure is a surprise," stated AIA chief Tullio Lanese. "We will turn down his resignation and inform Collina of that decision. We’ll then see what happens. I want him to stay within the association even if he doesn’t referee matches anymore. He can keep his contract but I want him to still be a part of our team.
"I still have great admiration for Collina as a man and a referee. However, I will repeat that there are rules in place and they have to be respected."
Italian Football Federation chief Franco Carraro commented: "We are saddened by Collina’s resignation. Collina is a valuable resource for not only the AIA but also for Italian football. We’ll see what happens over the next few days."
Inter President Giacinto Facchetti is also disappointed that the world’s best referee has opted to walk away.
"We are losing a referee who could have been precious in a difficult championship with so many important games," he said. "Collina has always been regarded as the best on the planet. "I don’t feel that it is right for me to make a judgement in this case. But it does seem to me that there are a number of conflict of interest issues in the game already."
Italy boss Marcello Lippi has urged his fellow Viareggio resident to reconsider his decision. "I hope that he changes his mind and that he can continue to do the good work he has always done," he stated. "I never expected this to happen."
Collina To End Career In Premiership?
Goal.com
The Italian referee is considering the offers from England and Qatar. We may still see Pierluigi Collina on the pitch, as new scenarios have opened-upfor the most famous match director in the world of football. England and Qatar have in fact asked Collina to continue his job in their respective leagues.
These offers fascinate the most famous whistle in the world and he is taking them into consideration, especially the Premiership idea. In England Chelsea have the same sponsor as the referee association (Emirates Airlines) and this situation has not stirred any controversy, whereas in Italy, Collina having the same sponsor as Milan was the reason why the referee from Viareggio decided to call it quits, following too many raised debates.
The only problem would be that the man-in-black would have to undertake an airplane trip every week from Italy to England and back, which might be too tiring for the 46-year-old Collina. For this reason, another interesting scenario would be that of a commentator post during Serie A matches, which is also a big possibility.
Lippi hints at Roma sale today for Cassano
Tribal Football
Italy coach Marcello Lippi has hinted Antonio Cassano could be sold by AS Roma today. Lippi has been monitoring Cassano's deteriorating situation at Roma this month and assured Azzurri fans he will include the 22 year-old in future teams once his club future is sorted out. "I am convinced that on Wednesday Cassano will resolve all his problems - in one way or the other - and will return to play as he did before," said Lippi last night.
Lippi justifies Cassano snub
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi has explained why he’s opted to select Alex Del Piero ahead of Antonio Cassano for Italy’s World Cup qualifiers. Both have spent time on the bench so far this season, but the Juventus ace has been chosen for the games against Scotland and Belarus.
"I think it is only right that we talk about the players who are here rather than those who are not," said the Azzurri boss. "Cassano has really played very little in this campaign so far. Del Piero has featured more and has played well.
"I’ve already said that once Cassano has resolved all of his problems, he will return. Perhaps something would have happened by next month. I don’t say that because I know what will occur but the transfer window doesn’t close until Wednesday night."
The Roma starlet, linked with a switch to Juventus, is currently in conflict with his club after failing to extend his contract which expires in 2006. Del Piero has been included in the 22-man squad though even if he didn’t feature in the 1-0 win over Chievo on Sunday.
"I have total faith in Alex and he seems to be in good form right now," continued the 57-year-old. "If I need him to play in a wide position then it won’t be something new for him. I already used him in such a position during my first year at Juventus."
Lippi has also selected another of his former Bianconeri pupils by recalling Lazio ‘keeper Angelo Peruzzi, given the injury to current Juve No 1 Gigi Buffon.
"Peruzzi has always been at my total disposal," he added. "He is an element who can guarantee this squad technical and human qualities, as well as charisma. I’ve coached both Angelo and Gigi Buffon, they are the best the world has seen over the last 15 years. Angelo’s age is not a concern. The only thing that matters is that he is a great player."
Italy’s latest qualifier will take place at Hampden Park on Saturday having already beaten Scotland 2-0 in their first group meeting.
"We expect to play a different Scotland side than the one we faced at the San Siro," noted the tactician. "But the time has arrived for us to go and impose our brand of football in games from now on. My side have changed mentality over the last few months as we now have great faith in our ability. I’m convinced that we will do well."
Tuesday 30 August
Capello: Don’t waste Cassano
Football Italia
Fabio Capello has fuelled talk that Antonio Cassano could move to Juventus by insisting the talent can’t be wasted on the Roma bench. The starlet is facing the prospect of watching most of this season from the sidelines, as ‘punishment’ for not extending his contract in the capital.
And after not being used in the Giallorossi’s 3-0 win at Reggina on Sunday, the Italian international is again being associated with a move to Turin before the transfer deadline. "It’s sad to see him unhappy on the bench," the Bianconeri boss stated when asked about his former Roma pupil. "It seems to me that he is going through a very delicate time.
"But the most disappointing thing is that Italy can’t afford to be without him. This is World Cup year and you can’t go to Germany without someone like him. The boy is a real player, an extraordinary one."
Cassano’s contract expires in 2006, meaning that he could leave the Stadio Olimpico for nothing next June. But Juve transfer guru Luciano Moggi insists that the enigma won’t be arriving at his club over the next few days.
"Could we swap Adrian Mutu for Cassano? No, Mutu is and will remain a Juventus player," stated Moggi. "I would advise Cassano to extend his contract, perhaps by inserting a reasonable buy-out clause. If that happens then Roma will resolve the problem and re-find a player ready to have a stunning season."
However, whispers in Italy continue to suggest that the former Bari player could be wearing a black and white shirt – especially as Capello seems unconvinced by Alex Del Piero. The Juve captain didn’t feature in the 1-0 win over Chievo, with Capello opting to use Marcelo Zalayeta as a substitute instead.
"I needed a player with a few more centimetres for the aerial balls, both in attack and defence," the Coach added. "The game was still in doubt. Had that not been the case then I could have put on Del Piero."
Nedved confirms Czech decision
Football Italia
Juventus’ Pavel Nedved won’t follow the example of teammate Lilian Thuram by returning to international football. Both players retired after Euro 2004, but the defender opted to return to the French national side earlier this month. The Czech Republic were hoping to tempt Nedved to do the same, but the midfielder has no desire to add to his previous 83 caps.
"It was the most difficult decision of my career but there comes a time when you have to make a choice," he said. "It would have been just too much for me to play two games for the Czech Republic and then face the Champions League campaign."
Nedved was back on Serie A duty last night as he started in the Old Lady’s 1-0 win over Chievo. "We were not brilliant but we got three very important points," explained the former Golden Ball winner. "We created a host of chances to score in the first half but we suffered a little after the break. That is only normal though seeing as we are at the start of the season and Chievo demonstrated to being a good side."
Winning Was Everything – Trezeguet
Goal.com
The French hitman scored the winner during the Juventus-Chievo match played on Sunday evening. David Trezeguet helped the Bianconeri to beat the Flying Donkeys 1-0 in the first matchday of the season, thus enabling Juventus to start their title defence with three points.
“The most important thing was winning. It was a good game from our side, even though the team in the second half was a bit tired. Now let’s look forward: with the break for the national teams there is a bit of time to work. However, all of the teams are still in difficulty, because the condition is still not optimal.”
Trezeguet was also satisfied for starting the season with a goal. “From a personal point of view, it is something which pleases me, and today also Fontana was good.”
Ibra ready to return
Planet Football
Juventus star Zlatan Ibrahimovic is ready to return to action for Sweden ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Hungary. The gifted forward was forced to withdraw from the recent friendly against Czech Republic after a collision with Milan stopper Jaap Stam in a pre-season warm-up tie.
However, after featuring in the Bianconeri's 1-0 win over Chievo in their opening Serie A fixture, Ibrahimovic is now shrugging off his lingering fatigue and says he is desperate to get back to competitive action for his country against Bulgaria on Saturday.
"When I train hard and play a lot I feel worn out in the groin, but there shouldn't be any risks," Ibrahimovic told Expressen. "It will be fun to go to Stockholm, it's good that the seriousness starts. The World Cup qualifying shall be decided and then I am really keen and concentrated."
Juve opened the defence of their Serie A title with a victory over Chievo thanks to David Trezeguet's winner, and his strike partner Ibrahimovic was pleased to come away from the tricky tie with all three points. "I have learnt that you have got to do your job and win," Ibrahimovic continued. "But Chievo are a good side who made it hard for us."
Del Piero's delight at Italy call
Planet Football
Alessandro Del Piero has expressed his delight at winning a call-up to the Italy squad for their forthcoming World Cup qualifiers. The Juventus captain only recently returned to the international fold earlier this month for the friendly win over Republic of Ireland after a spell in the wilderness.
Del Piero has been included Marcello Lippi's plans for the qualifiers with Scotland and Belarus next month.
"I'm really happy for the Italy call-up, so I'm set to go to Coverciano [Azzurri's headquarter close to Florence] with a big enthusiasm," Del Piero told skysports.com. "It's a call-up accepted by me with a really really big enthusiasm, I'm really happy to go to the national team."
Turning his attentions to the Serie A title race Del Piero believes Juve face serious challenge from Milan and Internazionale if they want to retain their title. "Inter and Milan are strong we knew it from this summer and from last year too, also if last season Inter had problems. Should the Nerazzurri have continuity, it will become really difficult for all the teams to win."
Del Piero also believes Antonio Cassano will sort out his difficulties at Roma. The Italian international's future at Roma looks uncertain because of a contract dispute, but Del Piero believes Cassano will soon be back in the side.
"I think he knows in a really good way his environment, and so he will do the best thing for him," added Del Piero. "He has talent and all the qualities to do good things, so if he doesn't play a match he will play the other one."
Del Piero also revealed his disappointment at the news that Pierluigi Collina had announced his retirement from Serie A after a row over a sponsorship deal.
"Surely we have lost one of the best of the world's referees," said Del Piero. "He has been so for a long time and he has been a person who had a certain impact in the refereeing world, so it's a pity. Let's hope his successors will be good like him, there are few referees as good."
Collina shock as he quits!
Football Italia
Referee Pierluigi Collina has blown the final whistle on his career by announcing his shock retirement following a sponsorship row. The official, widely regarded as the world’s best, quit the Italian Referees’ Association and subsequently the Italian game this morning.
"After 28 years, I have decided to hand in my resignation," said the man in black. "It is something that I could not avoid. There would have been no problem for me to work in Serie B but it would have been useless to carry on when there is no faith in you.
"If a referee is not believed then it is only right that he leaves, that is why I am going. At the end of the day I think everybody is losing out."
Collina has decided to walk despite getting special clearance to continue for one more year – after reaching the maximum age of 45. However, Collina courted controversy this summer after signing a sponsorship deal with car manufacturers Opel – the same company who back Milan.
That raised a conflict of interests issue and Collina was not assigned any of the opening round of Serie A matches. It was thought that he would be demoted to the Serie B championship until Monday’s shock announcement. Collina also insisted that Tullio Lanese, head of the Association, was aware of the whole situation.
"Lanese knew everything about the contract," continued the Viareggio referee. "He even congratulated me on it." Whispers now suggest that Collina, who took charge of the 2002 World Cup Final, may now work abroad – with the Premiership a possible destination.
Moggi: Mutu stays with Juventus
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi insists striker Adrian Mutu will not leave Turin before Wednesday's transfer deadline. The Romania international has been linked with AS Roma and it was claimed on Sunday that Moggi asked coach Fabio Capello to leave Mutu out of his team for the 1-0 win over Chievo. "There's nothing in the stories about Mutu to Roma," said Moggi. "Mutu is and remains a player of Juventus."
Juventus invite Fiorentina bid for Blasi
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi has told Fiorentina they can sign Manuele Blasi - for the right price. Blasi is a top target for Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli, but as yet the two clubs are still to find an agreement over a fee. "I am prepared to sell Blasi to Fiorentina," said Moggi yesterday, "but everything depends on the fee they are offering to pay."
Juventus chief: Miccoli rejected Aston Villa
Tribal Football
Juventus attacking midfielder Fabrizio Miccoli has rejected a move to Aston Villa. Juve director general Luciano Moggi confirmed yesterday Miccoli's decision, which is likely to see him sit out the first-half of the season until the winter market opens. "I'm convinced that Miccoli in December will be main man on the market. I do not understand this, though, because he has refused good offers from Benfica and Aston Villa," said Moggi.
Juventus chief Moggi pushes Tudor to Bolton
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi says he won't block defender Igor Tudor's move away.
Bolton Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside confirmed over the weekend that a loan deal had been agreed with Juve for the Croatia international, who was believed to be in England at the time discussing personal terms.
"My advice to Tudor is to accept a move to another club," said Moggi.
Tudor's Bolton Move In Doubt
Goal.com
Igor Tudor's season-long loan move from Juventus to Bolton is in doubt after the Croat failed to show up for talks with the Trotters. The versatile 27-year-old was set to hold talks with Sam Allardyce after Bolton reached an agreement with Juve, but Big Sam now fears the player might have had second thoughts.
"It might be that he thinks we are not quite big enough for him. We would have liked him and have tracked him for a long time," said Allardyce.
Roma snub Mexes offer
Football Italia
Champions League winners Liverpool reportedly had a bid for France international defender Philippe Mexes turned down by Roma last week. The Premiership side are desperate to sign a centre-back, and turned their attentions to the 23-year-old former Auxerre star after being warned off Marseille's Abdoulaye Méïté.
French daily L'Equipe claim that Rafael Benitez's side wanted to bring Mexes to Anfield on a year's loan with an option to buy, only for Roma boss Luciano Spalletti to make it clear he is counting on the Frenchman this season.
The capital club are unlikely to change their mind before the transfer deadline after allowing fellow centre-back Matteo Ferrari to join Everton on Friday. Mexes is currently sidelined with an injury that kept him out of the Giallorossi's 3-0 win over Reggina at the weekend.
Liverpool make £4M bid for Parma's Bonera
Tribal Football
Liverpool have made a bid for Parma defender Daniele Bonera. Italian media reports state today that Liverpool have offered £4 million for the Italy international this morning. Bonera has been a long-term target for Manchester United and Juventus and was expected to be cashed in by Parma before the sale of Alberto Gilardino to AC Milan this summer. Lorenzo Sanz's takeover of the Serie A club has also lifted the pressure on the club's need to sell it's best stars.
AC Milan's Galliani: It was either Gilardino or Cassano
Tribal Football
AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani admits they're interested in AS Roma contract rebel Antonio Cassano. "Cassano can be a player for Milan, but now he is a player of Roma, which is a great team and Milan has already four attackers," said Galliani. "If Gilardino had not been signed, Cassano was the one we had lined up in order to come to Milan. But now what could happen? He would come as the fifth forward - which would be too many."
Monday 29 August
Juventus 1 - 0 Chievo
Football Italia
A lone strike from David Trezeguet proved enough as Juve begin the defence of their title by squeezing past Chievo. Juve's title defence began at the Stadio Delle Alpi against a Chievo side whose Donkeys were looking decidedly less airborne than in recent years. It was an emotional moment for Coach Giuseppe 'Bepi' Pillon, who was making his Serie A debut against the club he played for as a teenager.
It's a new season and Fabio Capello shows no signs of relaxing his harsh treatment of Alessandro Del Piero, as the forward was left on the bench in favour of the Zlatan Ibrahimovic-David Trezeguet partnership. Christian Abbiati made his official debut between the Bianconeri posts, filling in for Gianluigi Buffon until he returns from shoulder surgery in the New Year.
There was another setback within the opening six minutes, as Jonathan Zebina pulled up with a muscular problem and made way for Gianluca Pessotto. Chievo were lucky not to be 1-0 down moments later, as David Trezeguet got a foot to Mauro German Camoranesi's cross from the right and brought a flying one-handed save out of Alberto Fontana.
The two Juve players combined again, this time the Frenchman's header drifting inches wide of the upright. However, at the other end Sergio Pellissier saw Abbiati off his line and placed a cheeky lob just past the target.
Fontana was again tested by Trezeguet, although it wouldn't have counted as he was in an offside position. The former Inter veteran performed a stunning save on Trezeguet, sticking up a hand to palm his fierce half-volley over the bar. Fabio Cannavaro had sparked the move with a long pass.
Trezeguet continued to threaten the Chievo defence, his acrobatic volley on Ibrahimovic's headed assist whistling past the woodwork. The French hitman was inevitably the first to break through on 35 minutes, his glancing header on Gianluca Zambrotta's cross beating Fontana in the near top corner.
Chievo fought back moments later with Federico Cossato nodding over the bar. The Flying Donkeys lost their best player of the first half, as Fontana did not come back out after the restart due to a shoulder injury, making way for Lorenzo Squizzi.
Juve really should've been 2-0 up on 54 minutes when a free kick wasn't cleared effectively, but Trezeguet and Ibrahimovic both went for the ball and the chance clumsily went begging. New 'keeper Squizzi remained untroubled, as when Camoranesi's header from a corner kick did make its way through, Sammarco was ready for a goalline clearance.
Ibrahimovic tried to take on the entire Chievo defence single-handed and eventually rolled back for Camoranesi, whose effort was deflected over. The visitors created an interesting opportunity with Franco Semioli sprinting down the right, but Cannavaro was able to intercept before Amauri could tap in.
Del Piero was warming up for the entire second half, but when the time came to replace Trezeguet, it was Marcelo Zalayeta who was given the nod.
Juventus: Abbiati; Zebina (Pessotto 6), Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Emerson, Vieira, Nedved; Ibrahimovic, Trezeguet (Zalayeta 83)
Chievo: Fontana (Squizzi 46); Malagò, Mantovani, Mandelli, Lanna; Semioli, Sammarco, Brighi, Franceschini (Luciano 83); Cossato (Amauri 57), Pellisier
Ref: Trefoloni
Capello content with Juve start
Football Italia
The Bianconeri may not have put in one of their best performances, but Fabio Capello and David Trezeguet insist the result is what counts.
“At a certain point of the match I did get worried,” conceded the Coach following their 1-0 win over Chievo this evening. “The ball just wasn’t going in and we couldn’t double our lead. Our opponents are a good side and we couldn’t relax until the final whistle.”
Trezeguet’s header was enough to ensure Juve’s title defence started on the right track and goalkeeper Alberto Fontana prevented him from scoring more with some great saves. “When you create so many chances and don’t make the most of them, there’s always the risk you’ll pay for those errors,” continued Capello. “I am happy with how the team played and our victory was deserved.”
Trezeguet was expected to leave Turin this summer with offers from Barcelona and Chelsea, but he netted their first of the season. “The important thing today was to win,” noted the Frenchman. “It was a decent performance, even if we were a little tired in the second half and it’s always pleasing to score. Now we’ll look ahead past the break for international duty, but everyone in Serie A is working their way towards full fitness.”
Chievo had their fair share of scoring opportunities at the Stadio Delle Alpi, although they continued their unenviable record of having lost all nine Serie A meetings with Juventus.
“We should have put more pressure on them higher up the field,” said Coach Bepi Pillon on his Serie A debut. “The crosses into the box should’ve been snuffed out before reaching Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Trezeguet. We had a great chance with Sergio Pellissier and, if we’d believed a bit more, perhaps we could have equalised.”
Capello eyes European crown
Football Italia
Fabio Capello wants it all this year, but concedes that the Champions League is uppermost in the Bianconeri’s thoughts.
“It’ll be a three-horse race again,” stated the Juve boss ahead of their opener against Chievo. “Inter and Milan also strengthened their squads, while the mid-table sides have improved and the pressures of the World Cup will have an effect. I’m certainly not bored of this endless struggle with the Rossoneri and it remains an entertaining battle.”
The three top Italian clubs are also set to race for the Champions League trophy, which is certainly the main priority for Capello and Carlo Ancelotti.
“Our focus is above all on the Champions League and is a step up from the Scudetto in our minds,” said the man who won this competition with Milan in 1994, thrashing Barcelona 4-0 in the Final. “Juventus have been tracking this victory for years and we hope that our injury crisis doesn’t continue into the season.”
It has been a tough summer for the Bianconeri, who lost Gianluigi Buffon for three months, Alessandro Birindelli for six and are waiting on news from Lilian Thuram for the Sunday night encounter with Chievo. “They are one of the more solid squads and have made very few changes,” noted Capello. “I have confidence in our quality, but we must remain concentrated.”
Juventus coach Capello: Serie A a three-horse race
Tribal Football
Juventus coach Fabio Capello says this season's championship will be a three-horse race. "This year Juve, Milan and Inter all have the possibility to stay together until the end of the season," said Capello. "A lot will depend also on the Champions League commitments and eventual injuries. The World Cup qualifiers will have an influence. I am confident and I know my players will not take this championship easy after winning last season."
Vieira: Juventus can win Champions League
Tribal Football
New Juventus signing Patrick Vieira admits he left Arsenal to win the Champions League. The Frenchman said: "For the way we play, we have every chance to win in Europe. The group we have drawn is not the most difficult and we can count on 15-20 top players in every situation. Indeed, just for this we can focus on winning all the competitions we enter."
Trezeguet: I stayed at Juventus for Capello
Tribal Football
Juventus striker David Trezeguet admits he can't split the coaches he's had at Turin - Carlo Ancelotti, Marcello Lippi and Fabio Capello. "With Ancelotti, I would have liked to have worked longer with him, but he left at the end of my first year," said Trezeguet.
"Lippi, when he returned to Turin, brought an enormous sense of expectation. And Capello is why I have decided to remain here. But all three have in mind one single point: victory. Otherwise, they would not be between the best five trainers in the world."
Zebina believes Juve can win it all
Football Italia
France right-back Jonathan Zebina believes Juventus have the squad to win the Champions League and the Serie A this season. Zebina, 27, believes the addition of compatriot Patrick Vieira has given Fabio Capello’s squad the little bit extra needed to do The Double.
“I think last year we missed a little something in Patrick’s position,” said Zebina. “With Patrick the team has passed into another dimension. He has settled in perfectly and the team found its balance straight away."
The former Arsenal midfielder has already forged a strong alliance with Emerson to create one of the best central partnerships in Europe. “With the players we have now we can aim to win everything. We want to win everything," continued Zebina. “But there’s a special drive for the Champions League so maybe we’ll give it a little bit extra."
Coach Fabio Capello also noted this weekend that the European crown is their top priority, although defending the Scudetto title is hardly a secondary consideration. “In terms of the Serie A, I think it will be a three-horse race between ourselves and the two Milan clubs.”
Juve close in on Brazilian
Planet Football
Juventus are close to signing Cruzeiro's Gladstone Pereira Della Valentino on a one-year loan, according to the Italian press. Reports say the club have also got an option to sign the Brazilian central defender permanently next summer.
Juventus general manager Luciano Moggi confirmed the interest for Gladstone but denied that the deal had already been done. "The player interests us, but everything depends on his EU passport," he said.
It has been reported, however, that Gladstone already has an Italian passport as his Great Grand-father was born close to Treviso. If the deal is confirmed, rumours say Juventus coach Fabio Capello (pictured) will use Gladstone as bait to secure a move for Antonio Cassano.
Juventus sign Cruzeiro defender Gladstone
Tribal Football
Juventus have signed Cruzeiro defender Gladstone on a season-long loan. The 20 year-old is moving to Turin for an initial £100,000 fee with Juve being able to make the deal permanent for £2 million. Juve were able to seal a deal for the U20 World Championship star thanks to sponsors Fiat, which are also supporters of Cruzeiro.
Gladstone carries an Italian passport and its been suggested he could be offered to AS Roma as part of a bid for star striker Antonio Cassano.
Portsmouth fail to find deal for Juventus outcast Miccoli
Tribal Football
Portsmouth have failed to agree terms with Juventus over attacking midfielder Fabrizio Miccoli. A Pompey delegation held talks with Juve over the weekend about the Italy international, who is desperate to leave Turin. But no agreement could be found and Juve director general Luciano Moggi said: "It looks like we will be holding onto him. We'll have to wait until January."
Azzurri: Peruzzi makes Scotch trip
Football Italia
Marcello Lippi has named the squad to face Belarus and Scotland in the World Cup qualifiers, with Angelo Peruzzi but no Antonio Cassano. Francesco Totti returns to the squad after dropping out of the friendly against the Republic of Ireland with flu symptoms, while Angelo Peruzzi is – as expected – given a recall to the Azzurri following his fine displays for Lazio.
Luca Toni is now a firm member of the international squad and was on target in his Serie A debut for Fiorentina this weekend, but last year’s Capocannoniere Cristiano Lucarelli has not made the grade. Italy will face Scotland at Hampden Park on Saturday September 3 (5.30pm kick-off) and Belarus in Minsk on Wednesday September 7 (6pm UK time).
“I am satisfied with the work we’ve done so far, even if we’re only half way there,” noted Lippi this morning. “We have laid the foundations for a World Cup side, especially on a psychological level. My objective was to find players who could act as back-up and with those men I can now choose from a group of 30-35 options. I will then choose 23 to go to Germany.”
The recent friendly experiments found some intriguing alternatives to the top stars, such as Palermo’s Simone Barone, Udinese duo David Di Michele and Vincenzo Iaquinta, not to mention Serie A Capocannoniere Cristiano Lucarelli of Livorno.
“I like to think we have good quality players who can still improve,” added the Coach. “I now expect to have my faith in certain stars confirmed, especially when it comes to Cassano. I hope he can find the best atmosphere to express all his talent.”
The Roma rebel is at the centre of a contract dispute with his club and has been threatened with a season on the sidelines if he doesn’t pen a new deal, sparking reports he is to join Juventus just before the transfer window closes. Another Azzurri player struggling with a tricky club situation is Alessandro Del Piero, who has been repeatedly left on the bench by Fabio Capello.
“Del Piero is primarily an attacking player, though he can take on other roles and has done in recent months. In any case, he proved last year that regardless of the substitutions he still scores plenty of goals and takes centre stage.”
Italy squad for World Cup qualifiers against Scotland and Belarus:
Gk: De Sanctis (Udinese), Peruzzi (Lazio);
D: Barzagli (Palermo), Cannavaro (Juventus), Grosso (Palermo), Materazzi (Inter), Nesta (Milan), Zaccardo (Palermo), Zambrotta (Juventus);
M: Barone (Palermo), Camoranesi (Juventus), De Rossi (Roma), Esposito (Cagliari), Gattuso (Milan), Mesto (Reggina), Pirlo (Milan);
F: Totti (Roma), Del Piero (Juventus), Gilardino (Milan), Iaquinta (Udinese), Toni (Fiorentina), Vieri (Milan).
Sunday 28 August
Capello to drop Del Piero
Football Italia
Alessandro Del Piero looks set to start from the bench against Chievo, while Fabio Capello denies asking Antonio Cassano to join Juve. “Del Piero is one of 25 players at my disposal and will be treated just the same as everyone else,” snapped Capello, clearly weary of the Press attention on this issue.
This will only boost reports that the captain’s time in Turin is over and that he is looking for a move to Milan in order to help his World Cup chances. It’s expected that the Zlatan Ibrahimovic-David Trezeguet partnership will be the first choice, starting from Sunday night’s meeting with Chievo at the Stadio Delle Alpi.
Del Piero’s position could be further complicated if reports that Cassano will make the move up to Turin are to believed. “It really isn’t my style to ring up players individually,” insisted the former Roma boss. “Cassano is a Giallorossi player and I hope he has a great season for the good of Italian football at large.”
Nonetheless, with the transfer deadline only days away, newspapers in the peninsula continue to maintain there will be a massive swap deal with Adrian Mutu, Giorgio Chiellini and a cash sum in exchange for the fiery Italian international.
If Del Piero is to sit on the bench, then Christian Abbiati steps into the limelight for his first Serie A match for Juve following his arrival on loan from Milan – a form of apology for indirectly causing Gianluigi Buffon’s shoulder injury.
“Abbiati is a goalkeeper who is worthy of a place in the Italy side,” insisted Capello. “Juve represent an important opportunity for him and he came here with great character and motivation.”
The Bianconeri are looking to the future and have signed young Brazilian central defender Gladstone Pereira della Valentina. The 20-year-old arrives on loan from Cruzeiro at a cost of £100,000 with an option to buy at the end of the season for £1.3m.
Juve squad:
4 Vieira, 6 Kovac, 7 Pessotto, 8 Emerson, 9 Ibrahimovic, 10 Del Piero, 11 Nedved, 12 Chimenti, 13 Miccoli, 14 Balzaretti, 16 Camoranesi, 17 Trezeguet, 18 Mutu, 19 Zambrotta, 20 Blasi, 21 Thuram, 23 Giannichedda, 24 Olivera, 25 Zalayeta, 27 Zebina, 28 Cannavaro, 32 Abbiati
Bolton chairman confirms Juventus agreement over Tudor
Tribal Football
Bolton Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside has confirmed a one-year loan deal has been agreed with Juventus for defender Igor Tudor. Gartside said: "We have agreed it with Juventus and we have been talking to the player for a couple of days. It's just a question of getting him to Bolton and telling him what Bolton is all about and if we can do that then we will have got a good signing.
"He has three years on his contract and Juventus are not keen to let him out on a permanent deal but they are quite prepared to let him out on a loan basis. We've got one or two others still on the list. We've had a good summer in terms of signings, we've managed to retain the rest of squad too, including Jay-Jay Okocha."
Saturday 27 August
Vieira: Juve are the best
Football Italia
Patrick Vieira claims he couldn’t have picked a better squad after leaving Arsenal for Juventus and that he is already adapting to Serie A.
“I have joined a great squad, the best in Italy along with Milan and Inter, certainly one of the strongest in Europe. There are at least 15 world class players here who can make the difference, not just five or six like in other sides,” he told the official Juventus website.
The French midfielder had been linked with Real Madrid, but chose to have another attempt at Italian football following his brief spell with Milan.
“I was pleasantly surprised by the harmony that I found within the team and the friendship that binds the players. My rapport with Emerson is improving with every game, though it was tough to begin with because our pre-season preparations had been very different. I’m sure that eventually we’ll become one of the key elements of Juventus this season.”
Vieira has spent the last nine years in the Premiership and needs to adapt to this new reality in Serie A.
“The training method is different to what I’m used to,” he told Juventus.com. “I am aware of how to work best. I am satisfied, as I feel fitter than I have done in years. Fabio Capello hasn’t changed much since our time at Milan, as I had already understood then that he was a winner. He only asks me to use the same qualities I had with Arsenal and the French national side.”
There have been suggestions that Vieira’s tough tackling could get him into trouble with the stricter Serie A referees. “My temperament is one of the reasons I got this far in my career, but one must always maintain common sense and a respect for your opponents. Perhaps hard challenges are treated more leniently in England, but I won’t have problems adapting. I’m a fast learner.”
Capello 'Encantado' By Messi
Goal.com
Barcelona starlet Lionel Messi has a new admirer, Juventus boss Fabio Capello. “I never saw a player the age of Messi play how he did at the Camp Nou. Personality, great touch, speed, dribbling, vision, everything in other words,” Capello said the day after winning the Gramper trophy on penalties.
“He’s a great player already. He has a great future ahead of him,” added the Juventus general.
After hearing Don Fabio’s words, Messi had this to say: “I have to thank him, he’s one of the greatest coaches. But I really didn’t do anything special,” said the phenomenon. Even if Messi plays down the show he put on against Juventus, for those who saw it, it was something special. Upon his exit the entire Camp Nou crowd got up and chanted ‘Messiiii, Messsiiii, Messiiii.’ A great future awaits the Argentine teen.
Juventus v Chievo Verona: Preview
ESPN Soccernet
Juventus have had a summer full of injuries yet it doesn't seem to have affected their winning mentality going into Saturday's Italian Supercup final against Internazionale. The Bianconeri are determined to pick up from where they left off at the Stadio Delle Alpi, just three months after clinching the Scudetto, by taking their first title of the new campaign.
"The Supercup is an important competition for us and it is in Juventus' DNA to try and win every trophy that it can," said coach Fabio Capello.
The Juve chief is in optimistic mood despite being without injured trio Gianluigi Buffon, Alessandro Birindelli and Lilian Thuram, who were all key players in last season's Scudetto success. Another headache is the condition of recent signing Patrick Vieira, who could be ruled out with a muscle injury he sustained on Thursday.
"We have certainly had bad luck with regards to players getting injured," added Capello. "I hope it will go away soon."
Fortunately for Juve, Inter's neighbours AC Milan have come to their rescue having loaned them goalkeeper Christian Abbiati for a year following the news that Buffon will be out of action for three months. Abbiati will face a baptism of fire for if there's one team that can upset Juve this coming season then it is Roberto Mancini's Inter.
The departure of Italy forward Christian Vieri to Milan seems not to have affected the Nerazzurri strike force, with Adriano and Obafemi Martins both on target against Shakhtar Donetsk earlier this month, a 2-0 victory in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier.
Also, unlike Juventus, the Nerazzurri have shopped around this summer with Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar and ex-Real Madrid trio Walter Samuel, Santiago Solari and Luis Figo all moving to the San Siro. According to defender Marco Materazzi, the addition of new blood has given an added impetus to an increasingly united team.
However, Inter's new mentality was already in evidence when they lifted the Coppa Italia at the end of last season, which booked them their place in the Supercup clash with Juve.
"Today Inter is a team that fights with 11 players," said Materazzi. "That was not the case in the past. The difference is in the team spirit. We are now more convinced that we are not inferior to anyone, that we can win against any team."
Same rules apply
ESPN Soccernet
Roberto Gotta
Phew! Can you believe we're close to the Serie A actually, definitely, really kicking off, after the horrible 'summer of sin' which dragged the name of football in the mud and football itself through an endless stream of tribunals, lawsuits and impossible logic, turning all of us into legal experts once again?
So, is the excitement of real football, not its political version, back? Well, Udinese's spirited win over Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday night, dodgy opening penalty and all, was a great curtain raiser, coming so close to the Serie A kick-off, but the free-flowing football witnessed that evening at the Stadio Friuli may not be duplicated by many throughout the top flight.
An abundance of great strikers in Serie A means Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti may have got it right when he said the team who will give up fewest goals will win it all, but may we add that avoiding defeat against lowly sides would also help? Juventus won the title last year despite losing to Reggina, Palermo, Sampdoria and Inter, and Milan themselves left all three points behind in places like Livorno and Siena and at home to Bologna.
It's also, of course, the campaign which will end with the World Cup in Germany and a lot of players will be worrying about earning a squad place for their national team and getting there with minimum damage, so some interesting scenarios may arise. As for the favourites for the scudetto... did you expect anybody else than Juventus, Inter and Milan, perhaps in that order?
Juve may be dull to watch and Fabio Capello's recent assertion that he only gets fun out of winning, not of playing well, does not augur well in that respect, but the additions of Patrick Vieira and Adrian Mutu, and the increasing influence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, last year's best signing in the Serie A, mean Juve have all they need to defend their title.
However, the claim made by one newspaper that Vieira, by playing well in preseason, has already fully justified the huge €20m plus fee Juve paid Arsenal for his services deserves to rank among the most outrageous of the summer so far, and that's saying a lot given the amount of drivel we've heard from the assortment of publicity-seeking lawyers, directors, judges and fans' representatives.
And watch out for the developments regarding Alex Del Piero, who seems to be stuck in an unwelcome role as a people's hero without a starting place.
Capello took him off 28 times last season but Del Piero still ended up being Juve's top scorer and his overhead-kick-cum-cross which allowed Trezeguet to head past Dida in the title decider in Milan stands out in the memory of many... but memories may be all we have of Del Piero, who does not seem to be able to hold down a place in Juve's best XI, not with Ibrahimovic and Trezeguet ahead of him and, as Capello added dryly this week, Alex himself maintains he's a striker and not a midfielder, as if to say he won't be deployed behind the striking duo as he did for Italy against the Republic of Ireland two weeks ago.
Juve may have a shortage of able-bodied defenders if one of the regulars goes down, and in midfield Vieira will be asked to provide a goal or two, as Juve have always received little in the way of scoring from that part of the pitch, unless you count Nedved.
Inter have looked great in the preaseason, and coach Roberto Mancini appears to have a better, more versatile squad than last year, not to mention previous seasons.
One potentially unsettling situation is the one of goalkeeper, where incumbent Francesco Toldo, who's now used to hearing scepticism around him, seems to be losing out to Julio Cesar, the Brazilian who may staging a personal derby for the number one shirt in the next World Cup with crosstown rival Dida.
Midfield looks loaded with talent and substance, while Adriano and Martins form the perfect attacking partnership, backed up by Julio Cruz and owner Massimo Moratti's pet project, Alvaro Recoba, but the Nigerian's involvement in the African Cup next winter means Mancini may feel a little more secure with another addition.
One can just sense a different, better aura around the nerazzurri, who have famously been after a scudetto since 1989, but their reputation as underachievers is such that no one is actually going to believe they're serious title contenders until February comes along and they're still in the leading pack at the time.
As for Milan, Ancelotti has had to endure owner Silvio Berlusconi's jibes about his tactical choices, but that's nothing new and Ancelotti has apparently developed a thick skin and, better yet, a way of doing whatever he wants anyway.
His pre-season experiments have centered around the employment of a three-man defence which could help create and exploit better options on the flanks, where the only real options before had been reserve Serginho and the evergreen Cafu on the right.
Paolo Maldini has persistent knee pain and cannot be counted on for a full season - but wasn't he stylish picking up the green balls at the Champions League draw - and newcomer Marek Jankulovski, not surprisingly, is better going forward than defending.
The arrival of Gilardino and Vieri, the latter one of the summer's more surprising moves, means Shevchenko will have a new partner. With either of them on the pitch, for the first time in years Milan will have an old fashioned centre-forward so watch out for how Ancelotti pairs the Ukrainian with whoever will partner him - Shevchenko, by the way, has looked a bit uptight this summer, though his loyalty to Milan has apparently been strengthened by the club's decision to bring his father over to Italy for expensive medical care a few months ago.
And it also seems he asked Berlusconi to be his kid's godfather at his baptism next month, so there can't be too many bad vibes between them anyway. Milan's top priority is to start brightly: they gained just one point from last season's opening two home matches, drawing with Livorno and losing to Messina, and that meant they immediately fell behind Juventus.
Once you get past the big three, anything goes, between a group of teams who will aim for a Champions League place.
Udinese will be expected to repeat despite losing coach Luciano Spalletti to Roma and Pizarro and Jankulovski to the Milano clubs: new coach Serse Cosmi, the hot-tempered man with the perennial baseball cap covering his balding head, missed out on a return to the Serie A with Genoa - he'd have left them anyway - and has a good squad led by international forwards Iaquinta and Di Natale, the latter a trickster supreme with the ball, likely to be used 'in the hole' supporting Iaquinta and Di Michele.
Fiorentina may be dark horses here: after a disappointing first season back and managerial upheavals, they went out and lured Cesare Prandelli out of the self-imposed sabbatical he'd taken last summer in order to be with his ailing wife.
Prandelli, who'd done well at Parma, has one of the Serie A's most intriguing sides from a tactical standpoint: his plans for a 4-3-3 means newcomer and striker supreme Luca Toni will be supported by talented but raw Bulgarian star Valery Bojinov and Dane Martin Jorgensen, who's trying to get over the fact he was valued at €500 ($615) last June when Fiorentina and Udinese had to win the rights for his registration.
Stefano Fiore, another on the long list of Italian players who do not travel well, is back in his country after a lacklustre spell at Valencia and is expected to provide good distribution from midfield, and Prandelli will also be expected to get more out of a defence which last year was porous.
The arrivals of Pancaro, Gamberini, Pasqual (watch out for him on the left side) and of goalkeeper Frey, who'd been with Prandelli at Verona and Parma, may help, too.
Sampdoria, who just missed out on the last Champions League spot last year, will again be well coached in their 4-4-2 by Walter Novellino: despite 11 arrivals for a meagre outlay of a little over €300,000, the backbone is the same as last year's and the defence will again be expected to carry the team.
Palermo and Roma appear to be the remaining two contenders for the fourth Champions League spot, despite huge question marks hanging above both.
Palermo are now coached by Luigi Delneri, who mercifully took himself out of the Roma mess last year and brought his 4-4-2 and exciting wing play to the Pink Ones: 'I'm looking for the 55 goals my teams usually score' was Delneri's statement at the beginning of training camp, but top marksman Toni is gone and his replacements Caracciolo and Makinwa, a little and large combination, needs constant service from the said flanks, but schemer Corini will still be at the heart of Palermo's every move.
As for Roma, Spalletti has had them playing well in the pre-season, but unless the 'Cassano Code' is solved the giallorossi will be unsettled; the talented Italian international's contract is up in a few months, Roma have been trying to get his signature on a new one but they're also wary of the constant nuisance Cassano seems to be to everyone, although his team-mates have denied he's a distraction.
Not so Spalletti, who could do with his talent but is less than impressed with the impact he has on everyone around him, including referees.
Cassano was booed by the fans at Roma's only home match of the pre-season the other day, and this has stoked the fires of a rumoured, huge three-way trade which would send him to Juventus with Del Piero and Mutu joining Milan and Roma respectively. Sci-fi B movies from the Fifties had a more plausible script than that, but having seen Vieri join Milan we know anything can happen in the transfer market. So stay tuned.
And what about the no-hopers playing mainly to avoid relegation, you might say? Watch this space next week then. Some of them were admitted to the Serie A so late, because of the legal wrangles going on, that they barely had time to adapt their squads for the superior standard of competition they're now going to face, and this spells trouble.
Bolton ‘agree’ Tudor loan
Football Italia
Bolton are trying to convince Igor Tudor to accept a move to England after they agreed a one-year loan deal with Juventus. The 27-year-old, who can play in both defence and midfield, is available for transfer after falling out of favour with boss Fabio Capello. The Croatian made just two substitute appearances last term before joining Siena on loan in January.
"It's just a question of getting him to Bolton and telling him what Bolton is all about," said chairman Phil Gartside. "If we can do that then we will have got a good signing. He has three years on his contract and Juventus are not keen to let him out on a permanent deal, but they are quite prepared to let him out on a loan basis.
"However, we have a good record whether they are permanent or not that when we bring a player into the club it's very rare that they leave. Even with our loan players, within a year they have always signed and carried on playing." Bolton have already taken Hidetoshi Nakata on loan from Serie A side Fiorentina.
Portsmouth in Juventus talks for Miccoli
Tribal Football
Portsmouth boss Alain Perrin is chasing Juventus attacking midfielder Fabrizio Miccoli. Perrin hopes to land the £5 million-rated Italy international on a season-long loan. Miccoli is unwanted at Juve after falling out with fans and is desperate for a move away.
Miccoli snubs Pompey
Planet Football
Juventus star Fabrizio Miccoli has rejected a possible move to Portsmouth. The Italian international has snubbed an offer to join Pompey on loan as he is holding out for a switch to Benfica. Juve are willing to let Miccoli leave as they look to trim their squad ahead of the new season. The Bianconeri are known to not have too much cash to spend this summer and they are exploring ways to bring in some money.
Aston Villa had been linked with the talented striker, but they denied they were interested in Miccoli. Portsmouth have now emerged as suitors of Miccoli and they are reported to have met Juventus officials to discuss a possible deal.
However, Miccoli is thought to have rejected their overtures and has set his heart on a switch to Benfica. The Portuguese giants have held a long-term interest in Miccoli and are keen to bring in the former Perugia man to bolster their squad ahead of their UEFA Champions League campaign.
Juventus general manager Luciano Moggi is confident they can agree a deal with Benfica for Miccoli. "Jose Vega (Benfica technical director) is a friend and we know Benfica are interested in him and we can negotiate it," said Moggi. "Miccoli is a great player and we will not let him leave for less than €7 million (£4.7 million)."
Juventus fullback Birindelli out until February
Tribal Football
Juventus will be without defender Alessandro Birindelli until February. The right-back suffered a knee injury in a preseason friendly against Benfica earlier this month and underwent surgery this week. Juve medical chiefs have informed coach Fabio Capello that he can't expect to be able to count on Birindelli until February.
