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Juventus are reportedly setting their sights on Manchester City duo Carlos Tevez and Aleksandar Kolarov.
FootballItalia – 19 hours ago
The Bianconeri are eager to improve their squad over the summer to become more competitive in Europe after a second consecutive Scudetto.
According to Sport Mediaset, their first target for ‘top player’ in attack is now Tevez, surpassing Gonzalo Higuain of Real Madrid and Fiorentina’s Stevan Jovetic.
This is because his contract expires next summer and he could be available at a fairly small price-tag.
It is certainly not the first time that Tevez has been linked with a move to Italy, though until now he has always patched up his differences with Manchester City.
Juve are also thought to be tracking one of his teammates at Eastlands, as Kolarov would be a valid option for the left wing.
The Corriere dello Sport claims Kolarov has already told City directors he is unhappy and would like a move away from the club.
The Serbian is no stranger to Serie A, having arrived in Manchester from Lazio, and Juventus hope to take him for around €10m.
Italian Serie A: Sampdoria beat Juventus 3-2 to complete league double
Last Updated: Sunday, May 19, 2013, 09:26
Genoa: Sampdoria completed a league double over Juventus by coming from a goal down to defeat the champions 3-1 at the Luigi Ferraris on Saturday night.
Fabio Quagliarella deservedly opened the scoring for the Bianconeri midway through the first half but the hosts levelled courtesy of a penalty from Eder before sensationally taking the lead through Lorenzo De Silvestri just before the hour mark.
Mauco Icardi then added a third for the Blucerchiati and that goal ultimately proved decisive. Emanuele Giaccherini struck in injury time to set up a tense finale, but Samp held on to claim their first win since March - but their second over Juventus in the space of five months.
Antonio Conte made several changes in personnel for what was a meaningless contest for both sides, but the Bianconeri began brightly, with Sebastian Giovinco, Quagliarella and Giorgio Chiellini all testing Junio da Costa with decent strikes from distance inside the opening quarter.
Quagliarella then dragged a shot just wide before Emanuele Giaccherini called da Costa into action once again, as Juventus continued to pepper the Sampdoria goal with shots.
Juve`s relentless pressure finally told 25 minutes in when Quagliarella sprung the Blucerchiati offside trap to latch onto a terrific ball over the top from Andrea Pirlo before calmly slotting home.
A rout looked a distinct possibility at that stage but the concession of a goal actually brought the best out of the hosts, who levelled matters from the penalty spot through Eder, after Chiellini had been harshly penalised for a push on Mauro Icardi in the area.
Remarkably, Sampdoria almost went in front just 60 seconds later, but Chiellini made amends for his earlier indiscretion to block a low strike from Eder that had been destined for the bottom left corner.
Chiellini then very nearly put Juve back into the lead just before the interval but he mistimed his jump ever so slightly, and headed over with the goal at his mercy.
The second half began in a very similar manner to the first, with the Bianconeri launching wave after wave of attacks on the Sampdoria goal.
Indeed, Quagliarella and Giaccherini had both been guilty of poor finishes before Giovinco put Simone Padoin straight through on goal with the most sublime lay-off only to see his team-mate`s effort brilliantly saved by da Costa.
Again, the goal was coming, only this time it came at the other end, with De Silvestri beating Storari with a near-post header from a corner.
Juventus dominated the final half-hour and Quagliarella really should have restored parity on 70 minutes but he volleyed tamely at da Costa after being picked out unmarked eight yards out by a measured chip from Giovinco.
However, they were then hit with a classic sucker-punch just moments later, with former Bianconero Marcelo Estigarribia racing clear down the right flank before rolling the ball across the box for a grateful Icardi to tap in.
Juve kept fighting, and Giaccherini smashed in a late goal for the visitors, but they had left it too late to salvage something from their final game of an otherwise triumphant season.
Francesco Guidolin's Udinese confirmed a place in next season's UEFA Europa League after an amazing win at San Siro on Sunday.
The visitors raced into a two-goal lead within 10 minutes thanks to Giampiero Pinzi and Maurizio Domizzi, and although Juan Jesus soon pulled one back, they were 4-1 to the good by the 53rd minute.
Antonio Di Natale and Gabriel Silva scored the third and fourth goals before Tommaso Rocchi scored Inter's second, but Luis Muriel's 67th-minute strike put the result beyond doubt.
Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni made three changes from the side which drew with Genoa in their last fixture, while Udinese's line-up was identical to the team that beat Atalanta.
Udinese got off to a flying start as Allan played the ball forward to the edge of the area for Pinzi and the midfielder's first touch saw him past a bemused Juan before poking a shot beyond Samir Handanovic to give the visitors a first-minute lead.
Things got even better for the away side a minute later as Di Natale's left-flank free-kick was directed to the far post by Juan and Domizzi nodded the ball into an open goal.
Inter were soon back in the contest, however, as just two minutes later Udinese failed to clear a corner and the ball dropped kindly for Juan who shot at goal from the centre of the penalty area and his effort squirmed under Zeljko Brkic before slowly rolling over the line.
Chances followed at both ends as Esteban Cambiasso saw his front-post flick smothered by Brkic, while Luis Muriel headed wide from Dusan Basta's excellent right-wing cross.
However, the visitors restored their two-goal lead in the 41st minute after Muriel produced a clever back-heel on the left wing, picking out Di Natale on the corner of the penalty area and the Italian curled home a superb effort.
Inter began the second half desperately seeking another goal but that left them very open at the back and it did not take Udinese long to capitalise.
Muriel burst through the middle with immense pace and played a perfectly weighted pass through to Silva and the Brazilian lifted a delicate chip over the advancing Handanovic to effectively secure the win before the hour mark.
Inter found themselves just a few inches from pulling one back as Rocchi hit the post, but just a few minutes later he made no mistake as Rodrigo Palacio nipped in front of Basta on the left before crossing low towards the penalty spot where the veteran striker diverted the ball into the bottom-right corner.
However, just four minutes later ruthless Udinese bagged a fifth as Zdravko Kuzmanovic and Handanovic failed to clear Pinzi's through-ball and Muriel surged between them before stroking the ball into an empty net.
The final 15 minutes saw Inter offer attacking intent, but defensively Udinese looked comfortable and they easily held on to their emphatic lead to confirm a place in next season's UEFA Europa League.
Mario Balotelli and Philippe Mexes scored late on at Siena as Milan came from behind to secure a place in the UEFA Champions League.
Balotelli’s 84th-minute penalty had cancelled out Claudio Terzi’s first-half header, before Mexes netted a crucial winner three minutes from time.
A hard-fought second half saw both sides reduced to 10 men in the space of just a few minutes after Massimo Ambrosini and Christian Terlizzi were both sent off for second bookable offences.
But it was the late goals that made all the headlines as Milan guaranteed their place at European football's top table in dramatic circumstances.
Milan came into the game needing to win in order to beat Fiorentina to the final UEFA Champions League place, and they made five changes to the team that played out a controversial 0-0 draw with Roma last week.
Sulley Muntari's bizarre red card in that game meant that he was suspended, while Ignazio Abate was preferred ahead of Kevin Constant.
Robinho, Antonio Nocerino, Riccardo Montolivo and M'Baye Niang were all handed starts.
Siena, whose relegation was confirmed with a 2-1 loss away to Napoli, welcomed back Alessandro Rosina.
Milan began the game with an expected level of urgency, creating a flurry of chances during the opening exchanges.
Balotelli was the first to test Gianluca Pegolo in the Siena goal, seeing his stinging long-range effort tipped over the crossbar.
A few moments later, Cristian Zapata saw a header cleared off the line before Brazilian Robinho was unlucky not to break the deadlock when he saw his vicious swerving shot palmed away by Pegolo.
And Milan were made to pay for their profligacy just before the half-hour mark when the hosts took an unlikely lead through Terzi.
A pinpoint free-kick from Rosina found the head of the defender, who took advantage of some slack Milan marking to direct his header past Chrisitan Abbiati.
Milan nearly conjured up the perfect response just two minutes later, when Balotelli crashed a shot onto the crossbar.
And the Italian was involved again just before half-time, forcing a decent save from Pegolo as Siena weathered the Milan storm.
The second half began in similarly frustrating circumstances for Milan, as they struggled to find a decisive final ball. And 10 minutes later they were down to 10 men when Ambrosini slid in rashly on Adrian Callelo and was shown a second yellow card.
The numbers were even soon after, though, as the home side were also down to 10 men - Terlizzi given his marching orders for jumping into a challenge with Balotelli.
Balotelli made his mark in some style 10 minutes from time when he was brought down in the box by Felipe to give Milan hope.
The Italian brushed himself down to calmly slot home the resulting spot-kick and the comeback was on.
Then, with just two minutes to go, Mexes found himself on the end of a Montolivo cross to slot home the dramatic winner.
'I miss Italy' - Ibrahimovic The PSG striker has voiced his love for the footballing culture in Serie A and refused to rule out a move away from the Parc des Princes this summer
My father & Galliani get on fine - Barbara Berlusconi The AC Milan director insists that the club's president and CEO have not fallen out over their opinions on the running of the Rossoneri
Conte: Juventus must not make Inter mistakes The 43-year-old has warned the reigning Italian champions to keep on improving in order to avoid a decline like the Nerazzurri's in the past three seasons
Cassano fears Juventus dominance The forward thinks it will not be easy to close the gap on the Scudetto holders and is pleased with his performances in 2012-13
Juventus confirm Higuain and Jovetic interest Director Giuseppe Marotta earmarked the two strikers as potential transfer targets but stressed that the club are exploring "various options" in the market
Juventus and Atletico lead Vietto chase The 19-year-old forward has courted interest from Italy and Spain following a series of impressive performances for Racing, but no offer has yet been tabled
Isla unsure of Juventus future The Chile international says he is not certain he will stay in Turin after a frustrating first season with the Italian champions, and claims to have offers from other clubs
Moratti to make decision on Stramaccioni future The Inter president says he will take his time before deciding whether his head coach will remain next season after a disappointing campaign
Muriel cools Milan & Juventus talk The Udinese striker has been linked with a move to both Serie A giants of late but insists that he is happy to stay at the Friuli
Roma: Racism is appalling & unacceptable The capital club have released a statement condemning the actions of Giallorossi fans who chanted racist abuse in Sunday's Serie A tie with Napoli
Napoli president confirms Cavani-Dzeko negotiations, reacts to Benitez talk The club president has admitted that there has been contact with the Premier League side over both strikers and also responded to reports linking them with Rafa Benitez
Inter remind me of my Juventus, says Felipe Melo The holding midfielder is still closely following events in Serie A and sees similarities between the Giuseppe Meazza side and the current Scudetto holders
Juan: Inter can come back stronger The Brazilian centre-back has assured fans that the Nerazzurri will be better next season after an awful second half to the 2012-13 campaign
Dunga interested in bringing Robinho back to Brazil The former Selecao coach admitted his interest in signing the AC Milan forward this summer
Milan deny Berlusconi's sacked Allegri The AC Milan president reportedly revealed that there will be a "complete change in coaching staff", essentially firing the trainer, but the club have rejected this
Podolski: Joining Juventus is conceivable The Gunners forward has responded to recent rumours linking him with switch to the Serie A giants, saying that they make him feel "honoured"
Trapattoni backs Benitez for Napoli post The Italian coach believes the Spaniard would be an excellent substitute to take over the reigns from Walter Mazzarri at the San Paolo
'Racism is everyone's problem, not just Italy's' - Prandelli The Azzurri boss has made it clear that racial abuse must not be tolerated and criticised Zdenek Zeman for comments over a recent incident involving Mario Balotelli
Montella angered by AC Milan penalty The Viola boss was left exasperated after his side missed out on third spot following the Rossoneri's late comeback on Sunday
Stramaccioni hoping for Inter mercy The beleaguered coach has once more pointed to the Nerazzurri's injury problems this term and has remained coy on his future
'Champions League is in our DNA' - but AC Milan need huge improvements after lucky final day The Rossoneri clinched third spot in dramatic fashion in Siena on Sunday but still have a long way to go to get to where they need to be
Allegri: Milan will decide my future The 45-year-old was unable to make a long-term commitment to the Rossoneri as rumours linking him with a move to Roma continue to circulate
'I need a new challenge' - Mazzarri announces Napoli exit The 51-year-old feels his cycle at the San Paolo has come to an end after four years in charge of the Partenopei and is ready to begin a new chapter in his career
Conte rules out 'fantasy football' Juventus spending The Bianconeri trainer has jokingly admitted he would love to sign Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, but is realistic over financial constraints at the club this summer
'I'm not like Heynckes!' - Delio Rossi plays down Juventus double The 52-year-old laughed off any similarities between himself and the Bayern Munich boss after guiding his side to a second win of the season over the Bianconeri
Conte: Tevez talk is disrespectful The Juventus coach insists it would be unfair on his current players to discuss transfer speculation so soon after they clinched the Serie A title
Hernanes is going nowhere, insist Lazio The club's sporting director Igli Tare has reiterated the stance of president Claudio Lotito by stressing that the Brazilian will not be sold this summer
Juventus director hints at Tevez move Beppe Marotta admits that the Manchester City star would be easier to sign than compatriot Gonzalo Higuain due to the fact that the 29-year-old's contract expires next summer
Stramaccioni: I'd have no complaints if I were sacked The Nerazzurri boss says he will always be thankful to Massimo Moratti regardless of his fate but concedes that he could level with the supremo if he was dismissed
Galliani: Robinho wants to stay at AC Milan The Brazilian had been tipped to depart the Rossoneri after losing his place in the team but the 68-year-old expects the forward to remain at San Siro for the foreseeable future
'Milan season cannot be a failure' - Allegri The San Siro trainer insists everybody is focused on beating Siena on Sunday to claim third place in Serie A and thanked the fans for their support of him this campaign
Giovinco's future is at Juventus, says agent The Italy international's representative has insisted that the attacker is happy with life at his current club and is not thinking about a transfer
Juventus coach Carrera imprisoned for involuntary manslaughter
By John-Paul Tooth
May 21, 2013 6:34:00 PM
The Bianconeri first-team coach has been sentenced to two and a half years in jail for knocking down and killing two women in his car on New Year's Eve 2011
Juventus first-team coach Massimo Carrera has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison on two counts of involuntary manslaughter.
The 49-year-old, who stood in for Antonio Conte during his ban for failing to report match-fixing, was found guilty of knocking down and killing two 23-year-old girls on New Year's Eve 2011.
The court decided that Carrera had more than enough time to see the girls and avoid hitting them while driving along the A4 highway between Dalmine and Bergamo.
And the former Italy international will spend the next 30 months behind bars for the crime.
Carrera started the season in charge of the Old Lady but when Angelo Alessio's ban ended, he took the reins until the completion of Conte's suspension.
Carrera represented the likes of Bari, Juve, Atalanta and Napoli during his playing career and joined the Turin giants' backroom staff in 2011.
Serie A - Leaked 'letter' claims Berlusconi will fire Allegri
A letter claimed to have been penned by Milan president Silvio Berlusconi hinted that he would fire the entire technical staff, including coach Massimiliano Allegri.
FootballItalia – Mon, May 20, 2013 20:44 BST
The club have since denied that Berlusconi had fired Allegri and his assistants, but the letter - read out on the Il Processo di Biscardi TV show - claimed the flamboyant politician and businessman would get rid of everyone, and had been making team selections himself.
“There will be a complete change in the coaching staff. We will also, if necessary, re-organise the club structure,” Berlusconi is alleged to have written after the club confirmed third place in Serie A.
But the club moved swiftly to deny any statements, saying: "President Silvio Berlusconi never give today any statement on AC Milan affairs, nor did he write the letter."
It is unclear whether Berlusconi was the author of the note, or if it was a prank by TV hosts after he failed to respond to requests for a telephone interview, which he regularly gives on the show.
According to the letter, Berlusconi implied he ordered Allegri to switch to a 4-3-3 system and credits himself with turning the season around.
“After the disastrous start to the season, I met with the Coach and directors to tell everyone this situation had to be overturned.
“I also specified that the team had to step on to the field with a different tactical set-up. The results were seen straight away, starting from the comeback to draw 2-2 with Napoli.
“From the relegation zone we climbed to third place, earned yesterday by the skin of our teeth.”
Juventus officials have touched down in Spain to continue talks regarding a possible move for Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain.
FootballItalia – 2 hours 59 minutes ago
The Argentine international is one of a number of strikers who the Italian champions are looking at this summer and director general Beppe Marotta and sporting director Fabio Paratici have flown to the Spanish capital today.
They have been accompanied by agent Ernesto Bronzetti, who assists Real in deals involving Italian clubs.
Juve will reportedly hold talks with the centre-forward’s agent. However, a meeting with Real may have to be postponed until they have appointed a new Coach.
Real this week confirmed that they will part company with former Inter tactician Jose Mourinho.
They have contacted Carlo Ancelotti, but Paris Saint-Germain have so far refused to release the Italian.
The Bianconeri are also assessing bids for Fiorentina’s Stevan Jovetic and Carlos Tevez of Manchester City.
Napoli chief Aurelio De Laurentiis has revealed the names of a number of tacticians he has spoken to about replacing Walter Mazzarri.
FootballItalia – 2 hours 57 minutes ago
De Laurentiis reveals Coach contacts
The latter confirmed at the end of the Serie A season that he would be leaving the outfit and the Azzurri supremo admits he’s been looking for a new Coach for some time.
“I offered Mazzarri a two-year deal, but I immediately started evaluating my options,” De Laurentiis stated on Wednesday.
“I’ve been looking into this for months because I knew that Mazzarri would leave.
“I have spoken to Rafael Benitez [Chelsea], Manuel Pellegrini [Malaga], Roberto Di Matteo, Jurgen Klopp [Borussia Dortmund] who told me he was unavailable until 2016, Laurent Blanc and Didier Deschamps [France].
“I also spoke to all of the available Italians, I even thought of Diego Lopez but I didn’t want to be rude to [Cagliari President] Massimo Cellino…
“I’ve contacted a lot of Coaches because I wanted to understand the feeling between ourselves. Anyway, the Coach only makes 15 per cent of the difference.”
De Laurentiis last night claimed that the new tactician’s name begins with the letter M, today he spoke of the characteristics needed.
“The new Coach has to love Neapolitan-ness, he has to start speaking in Napolitano,” the movie mogul continued.
“I’m going to London tomorrow and I’ll return to Italy on June 16, but it won’t take long to announce the new Coach.”
Fiorentina have signed Ukrainian forward Oleksandr Yakovenko from Anderlecht.
Reuters – 4 hours ago
Eurosport - Oleksandr Yakovenko (Imago)
"ACF Fiorentina communicate that they have signed the footballer Oleksandr Yakovenko... he has signed a contract that will keep him at the club until June 2016," Fiorentina said on their website.
The 25-year-old Yakovenko played 30 times for Anderlecht last season, scoring seven goals.
Cavani's father tips move to La Liga The striker's dad insists his son is happy in Naples but remains open to a move away from the Stadio San Paolo, with the forward himself keen to avoid speculation
Stramaccioni the latest head to roll in Serie A's coaching carousel With Walter Mazzarri leaving Napoli for the Inter hotseat and the futures of Massimiliano Allegri and Aurelio Andreazzoli in doubt, is anyone safe from the axe in Italy?
'Champions League failure would've been a disaster for Milan' - Gandini The AC Milan director has expressed his concern at the financial implications should teams not manage to qualify for Europe's premier club competition
De Rossi wants football to grab headlines in Coppa Italia final The Italy midfielder says the reputation of the derby has suffered following ugly scenes between supporters, but wants on-pitch matters to be the talking points on Sunday
No Serie A move for Verratti, says agent The highly-rated 20-year-old has been the subject of speculation over a return, but his representative says no Italian sides are worthy of his signature
Napoli chief: New coach is close Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis says he is just waiting for the green light to appoint a replacement for Walter Mazzarri and Rafael Benitez is a candidate
Inter sack Stramaccioni The Serie A giants have parted company with their young coach after a disappointing ninth place finish in a season that fell well below expectations
Botafogo coach laughs off losing Seedorf Oswaldo de Oliveira is convinced his veteran midfielder will not be returning to AC Mlan club amid rumours over the future of the current boss
Galliani denies fall out with Berlusconi The AC Milan CEO was rumoured to have had his differences recently with the Rossoneri president but he has moved to qualm such reports
Montella admits Jovetic could leave Fiorentina The Viola boss says the club could be tempted to sell the player if one of his suitors were to make a sufficient bid
AC Milan sign Zapata on a permanent basis The Rossoneri have made use of a clause which allowed them to bring the player to club after he spent last season on loan at San Siro
Pazzini out for up to six months AC Milan have revealed that the striker will be out of action until at least the Autumn after undergoing an operation on a knee injury
Maradona: Higuain will be an instant hit at Juventus The Argentine legend believes the Real Madrid striker could be a revelation in the Italian top flight and will challenge for the league's top-scorer prize
Moratti hints at Mancini move The Inter chief has suggested the former Manchester City manager could be replace Andrea Stramaccioni and downplayed rumours they have already agreed terms with Walter Mazzarri
Fiorentina announce Jakovenko signing The Viola revealed the signing of the well-travelled winger, who has signed a contract which will keep him at the Serie A club until 2016
De Laurentiis wants Napoli successor to show 'he has balls' The eccentric Partenopei chairman believes he will be able to appoint a successor to the outgoing Walter Mazzarri soon but will not be pressed on any names linked with the job
Higuain convinced he will join Juventus The Argentine is on the verge of completing his transfer to the Turin side and will earn an estimated €6 million per year following the move
Arsenal yet to make contact over Jovetic switch, claims Fiorentina sporting director Daniele Prade insists the north London club have not made an approach for the 23-year-old Montenegro striker, before dismissing a possible move to Serie A rivals Juventus
Buffon: Pogba has to be more mature The Juventus skipper says the young Frenchman has made a great impact in Turin but feels the midfielder still has some growing up to do
"If the wife wants to sleep with another man, then she will sleep with another man"
By Miles Chambers
May 25, 2013 6:31:00 PM
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is not happy about his former coach's new job and claims it was impossible to stop him leaving the Stadio San Paolo for Inter
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has compared recently departed Walter Mazzarri to a cheating wife in a "marriage" between himself and the coach.
The 51-year-old ended a four-year spell at the Partenopei this month having led them to second in Serie A and, on Friday, he was confirmed as the new Inter coach in place of the sacked Andrea Stramaccioni.
The Stadio San Paolo chief claims Mazzarri was being unfaithful by leaving the Neapolitan club, though he does insist he remains fond of the new Nerazzurri boss.
"The marriage was split in two," he told reporters on Saturday."You can use money to convince a wife to stay with you but if the wife wants to sleep with another man, then she will sleep with another man.
"Mazzarri is a great coach, is a very nice man, we have had four happy years, it was nice to work with him but the project continues."
Rafa Benitez is favourite to take over at Napoli, having led Chelsea - who are set to end his temporary reign by re-hiring Jose Mourinho - to Europa League success this season.
Nicolò Frustalupi confirmed he’ll follow Walter Mazzarri to Inter. “It’s the club I always dreamed of joining.”
FootballItalia – 1 hour 10 minutes ago
Eurosport - Staff follow Mazzarri to Inter
On Friday evening the Nerazzurri announced the dismissal of Andrea Stramaccioni to make way for Mazzarri.
The Coach signed a two-year contract and seems set to bring most of his Napoli staff with him, including assistant manager Frustalupi.
“I will be following Mazzarri in this wonderful adventure,” confirmed the assistant who worked with him at Livorno, Reggina, Sampdoria and Napoli.
“It is a great opportunity for him and I’m certain Inter made the right choice. I am particularly happy, as it’s the club I always dreamed of joining.”
There is a specific reason for that, as Frustalupi is a life-long Inter supporter from the days when his father Mario played in their midfield from 1970-72. Mario Frustalupi died in a car crash in 1990.
“I think my Dad will be watching me from up there and is happy to see me at Inter. He is my hero and I carry him in me always.”
