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Vucinic: Sky's the limit for Juventus
The Montenegro international has little doubt that the Old Lady can be successful this season as long as they show the right attitude
Allegri: Conte's absence a loss for Serie A
The Rossoneri trainer is feeling sorry for his suspended colleague, and has wished the Bianconeri boss all the best
Fiorentina deny agreement with Manchester City over Jovetic deal
Roberto Mancini was keen to sign the Montenegrin in the summer transfer window and may well attempt another deal but Viola chiefs refute that a move has already been confirmed
Zanetti sends out battle cry ahead of Torino clash
The Inter captain is hoping that his side can bounce back from their 3-1 home loss to Roma a fortnight ago, and has taken the time to praise new signing Antonio Cassano
Acerbi targets top three finish for AC Milan
The Rossoneri defender believes that the club has the potential to be successful this season, despite losing Thiago Silva and Alessandro Nesta this summer
Toni looking to pick up where he left off at Fiorentina
The Italian forward is hoping to replicate the scoring form he showcased during his first spell with the Florentine outfit after his return to the club
Roma coach Zeman calls for Serie A reform
The outspoken Czech has clarified his statement which called FIGC chief Giancarlo Abete an 'football's enemy', but has asked for changes to how the game is run in the country
AC Milan keepings tabs on Ajax youngster Davy Klaassen
The promising midfielder has caught the attention of the Rossoneri following his breakthrough at the Amsterdam ArenA
Lichtsteiner: I want Champions League glory with Juventus
The defender is very happy with life at the Bianconeri and has set his sights on winning European club football's elite competition, in just his second season at the club
The Nerazzurri director has conceded that the Italian giants need to rebuild for the future and that it may take some time before they start winning major honours again
Sep 13, 2012 7:46:00 PM
By Frank Tigani
Inter director Luis Figo has admitted that 'an era has come to an end' but the club is working towards building another winning team.
Following the Calciopoli scandal of 2006, the Nerazzurri dominated Italy's Serie A winning five consecutive Scudetti. However, success has eluded the 2010 European champions who finished in sixth place last season.
“Inter’s era has come to an end, the winning cycle is over but the club is working to get back to being the winning side of previous years, it just take some patience,” Figo told Corriere dello Sport.
“Scudetto? We’d have to prove that we deserve it. It’s true that we miss the Champions League a great deal, both in terms of prestige and income, but we are in the Europa League now and will try to make the most of it.”
When previous Inter manager Claudio Ranieri was fired there were many reports which suggested the former Real Madrid and Barcelona ace would take over as head coach. In the end though, Andrea Stramaccioni was appointed and Figo reveals that in truth, he was never even considered for the job.
“No, I was never asked, so it was only ever a rumour. At the moment I am not thinking about a management career, as it’s too stressful. After 20 years as a player, I need a little time for me and my family," he continued.
“I am curious to see if I’d be able to handle a squad like Inter or the Portugal team, but it’s too early for that now.”
I could not say no to AC Milan if they wanted me as coach, admits Ruud Gullit
The Dutch legend admits he would find it hard to turn down the chance to take over at the Rossoneri while reflecting on his time as a player for the Italian giants
Sep 13, 2012 9:30:00 PM
By Frank Tigani
Former AC Milan player Ruud Gullit has admitted that 'it would be an honour' to be asked back to coach the Serie A side.
Gullit was part of the legendary Milan team that swept all before them in the late 1980's and early 1990's.
And the ex-Dutch international revealed he had happy memories of his time at the Giuseppe Meazza.
Gullit told reporters: “I had the best time of my career with the Rossoneri.
“It’d be an honour if they were to call me for the bench. How could you say no to such an important club? You never know what can happen, although the team is in good hands right now,” he reassured current coach Massimiliano Allegri.
“When I landed at Linate, I remembered all the times I’d leave this airport with Milan for the Champions League games. Twenty-five years have passed, but for me it feels like only a yearago," he continued.
The Dutch legend then revealed his favourite to win this season's Champions League whilst praising the strength of English and Spanish teams.
"Clubs from England and Spain have that little extra compared to their continental rivals. Real Madrid, for me, are favourites however to win the Champions League with Barcelona slightly behind them," he added.
The recently turned 50-year-old also reflected on the current state of his former club which has gone through a massive change over the summer with the departures of many experienced and top level players.
"I am a bit spoiled as a fan of Milan because they used to win all the time. But, we must all support the club's new path which is aiming to straighten out its finances and get them in order. It is a difficult time but I am sure Milan will do everything to get back to winning again," he continued.
"Now the younger players will have more opportunity to make their mark and in the long run this can only be a good thing," he said.
"In the Netherlands, we have done this for years. Without the money to compete we have always focused on youth."
Gullit then praised Juventus, who claimed the Scudetto last season for the first time since 2004.
"They play great football. What Juve have done is a fine example of how to build a good Italian team," he added before advising that other Italian clubs should follow the Old Lady's example and build their own stadiums.
"A major problem in Italy is that of the old stadiums, with many dating back to 1990 when Italy last hosted the World Cup. At the Delle Alpi, Juventus's old stadium, the support was not great because it was such an old stadium.
"But, the new stadium for Juventus is always full and this has given the team a boost. Building the stadium in such hard economic times is difficult, but, other clubs should follow their example."
Serie A preview: Marchisio, Juve plot Genoa downfall
14 September 2012
Juventus' Claudio Marchisio looms as one of head coach Antonio Conte's main weapons ahead of the club's next Serie A fixture away to Genoa.
While Italy were lacklustre in their two World Cup qualifiers over the past week, Marchisio was one player who stood out, setting up a goal in each of his country's matches against Bulgaria and Malta.
The 26-year-old midfielder created Pablo Osvaldo's first goal in Italy's 2-2 draw with Bulgaria and then assisted Mattia Destro to score their side's fifth-minute opener in a 2-0 victory over Malta on Tuesday.
Marchisio has played in both of Juventus' first two matches of the new Serie A season and will be crucial in midfield alongside Andrea Pirlo and new-signing Kwadwo Asamoah when the reigning champions travel to Genoa on Sunday.
Conte should also have winger Mauricio Isla available for selection after the 24-year-old, who moved from Udinese with Asamoah during the European summer, started for Chile against Colombia on Tuesday after struggling with a knee injury since February.
Juventus lead Serie A after two rounds thanks to consecutive victories, while Napoli and Lazio also have 100 percent records so far and sit in second and third respectively on goal difference.
Napoli host Parma on Sunday and the visitors will have to be wary of the hosts' attacking midfielder Marek Hamsik, who has started the season in fine form.
Hamsik has hit two of Napoli's five goals so far this season, while the 25-year-old also created Slovakia's goal in their 1-1 draw with Lithuania last week.
Lazio head to Verona on Saturday to take on Chievo, while AC Milan will host Atalanta in the other early match of the round.
In a clash of two newly promoted sides on Sunday, fourth-placed Sampdoria can continue their fine start to the season when they take on Pescara, who sit 18th on the Serie A table.
In other Serie A action, Roma host Bologna, while Fiorentina will clash with Catania, Siena face Udinese and Torino take on Inter Milan.
Serie A wrap: More pain for Milan as Cagliari, Palermo share points
16 September 2012
Atalanta condemned AC Milan to their second consecutive home defeat, while Cagliari salvaged a late point at Palermo on Saturday.
Milan handed new signing Nigel De Jong his first start of the season since making the switch from Manchester City but it was not enough to prevent the 18-time Serie A champions from suffering a 1-0 loss.
Massimiliano Allegri's men started the better of the two sides as they dominated possession in the early exchanges, however, they could not make it count on the scoreboard.
And in fact, it was the visitors who came closest to opening the scoring when Germain Denis lashed the ball onto the post.
After a nervy spell, Milan finally had their first goal-scoring opportunity. A surging run through midfield by Urby Emmanuelson created a chance for Stephen El Sharaawy whose low drive forced Andrea Consigli into a save.
The first half finished goalless but the breakthrough did eventually come - however it was Atalanta who went ahead.
Following some good build-up play, Denis played in Luca Cigarini who slotted the ball home in the 64th minute.
Milan sent a number of players forward in search of an equaliser but it never came, meaning Milan have picked up just three points from a possible nine, while Atalanta recorded their first win of the season.
In Saturday's other result, Marco Sau netted an 88th-minute equaliser as Cagliari held Palermo to a 1-1 draw at the Stadio Renzo Barbera.
Palermo, who were looking to claim their first points of the season, hit the front five minutes before the half-time break.
Egidio Arevalo Rios was the beneficiary of some good play from veteran Fabio Miccoli, finding the back of the net from just inside the penalty area.
Palermo seemed destined for maximum points, however on their final foray forward, Cagliari levelled the match through debutant Sau.
Sau, who has spent four seasons away from Cagliari on loan, pounced on a parried shot and headed home the equaliser.
Stramaccioni: Inter cannot afford more mistakes
The young tactician has praised upcoming opponents Torino, but insists his side must strive to avoid any more slip-ups if they are to challenge for the Serie A title
Immobile looks to end Juventus run as he bids for a return to the Old Lady
The Genoa striker is still co-owned by the Serie A champions and could stake a claim for a January return to Turin by bringing down the Bianconeri on Sunday
Second shameful San Siro defeat casts serious doubt over Allegri's AC Milan future
With Anderlecht heading to town on Tuesday, the Rossoneri coach is under massive pressure to deliver results after yet another home defeat
Stephan El Shaarawy apologises for Milan defeat to Atalanta
The 19-year-old reflected with great disappointment on Saturday's 1-0 loss, but insisted that his side must learn to play freely and without restriction
AC Milan's Allegri: I'm a little bit worried, it's not good enough to be playing like this
The Rossoneri tactician has seen his side make the worst start at home in a league campaign for over 80 years and concedes the team needs to be producing better performances
Collovati: Juventus are the team to beat
The 55-year-old former AC Milan, Inter Milan and Roma defender has placed The Old Lady as firm favourites to win the Scudetto this season, regarding Conte’s staff as the key factor
AC Milan 0-1 Atalanta: Cigarini heaps more San Siro misery on the Rossoneri
Massimiliano Allegri's side were toppled at home for the second consecutive time after the Italian's strike proved enough to give Stefano Colantuono's side all three points
Walter Mazzarri believes Napoli are at a disadvantage against Parma
The 50-year-old manager has expressed the Azzurri face a difficult fixture against the Crociati on Sunday, underlining that his squad has had a lack of time to prepare for the game
Klose: I want to stay at the top with Lazio
The striker is not interested in simply making up the numbers with the Biancocelesti, and hopes that the team can go on to achieve success this season
Carrera: Genoa difficult opponents for Juventus
The 48-year-old has warned his men not to underestimate Sunday's opponents and added that nobody is a guaranteed starter at Juve
Materazzi: Cassano should count to 10 before he opens his mouth, but he only gets to eight
The 39-year-old feels the controversial attacker should think before he voices his opinion, while adding that the Giuseppe Meazza side can win the Scudetto this term
Germany striker Miroslav Klose targeting silverware with Lazio
The 34-year-old is determined to lift trophies with the Serie A club, while comparing the art of goalscoring to fishing
Inter can have a successful season, says Ricky Alvarez
The creative midfielder feels the Serie A giants can fight for top honours in 2012-13, and has little doubt that their hard work on the training pitch will pay off
Buffon: Three or four teams could be dangerous this year
The veteran keeper accepts Juve are favourites for this year's Scudetto, but believes a number of teams can challenge the Turin side, particularly with coach Antonio Conte banned
Preziosi: I want Borriello & Immobile to score against Juventus
The Genoa president believes too many former players have scored against his side and would like to see the former Bianconeri duo buck the trend on Sunday
Del Piero: I can't wait to play in Australia
The ex-Juventus star has expressed his delight after his summer move from the Serie A champions, but insisted that the Bianconeri will always have a place in his heart
Montella: Fiorentina will entertain the fans
The Little Airplane says that it is the club's aim to captivate the support while he also questioned Berbatov's decision to reject the Viola for Premier League side Fulham
Totti resumes Roma training
An ankle problem threatened to keep the iconic attacker on the sidelines this weekend, but he appears to have fully recovered in time to feature again
Montolivo closing in on AC Milan comeback
The versatile midfielder will not be fit for the Rossoneri's next fixture, but is expected to be back playing very soon
Star signing Alessandro Del Piero set to begin Sydney FC career
The veteran striker's much-anticipated arrival will give him good time to prepare for his side's A-League opener, much to the pleasure of his new coach
Fifa extend Juventus manager Antonio Conte's 10-month ban to all possible games
The chairman of football's governing body Disciplinary Committee has extended the sanction on the Bianconeri coach to have a global worldwide effect
Sep 14, 2012 2:28:00 PM
By Paul Mullin
Juventus manager Antonio Conte has had his 10-month ban extended to cover all games including friendlies.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) earlier this year gave him the ban for alleged match fixing violations but on Friday FIFA’s disciplinary committee in accordance with article 136 of the FIFA disciplinary code have had this ban extended to cover all types of matches, including domestic, international, friendly and official fixtures.
The final decision on whether to extend the sanctions imposed on the 43-year-old by the FIGC will follow the outcome of any potential appeal, as long as the appeal complies with Fifa regulations.
Fifa are currently reviewing additional documentation provided to them by the FIGC which relates to other sanctions issued by the Italian Football Federation deciding bodies which could mean further penalties.
The decision to extend Conte’s ban follows other global sanctions handed out by the chairman of the Fifa Disciplinary Committee to individuals in Finland, Croatia, Korea Republic, and Turkey since February of this year.
Juventus start their Champions League campaign against Chelsea next week where technical director Massimo Carrera will take charge.
'Players are motivated by fame and money' - Roma coach Zeman slams modern attitudes
The 65-year-old has hit out at the way some players behave both on and off the pitch, claiming that the financial rewards of the game are turning football into an individual sport
Sep 16, 2012 10:10:00 AM
By Renger Dotinga
Roma coach Zdenek Zeman has taken a swipe at the behaviour of modern footballers, slamming their financial motives and contracts which endorse unsportsmanlike behaviour.
The experienced manager took over the reigns at the Stadio Olimpico this summer and stated his belief that the lucrative contracts given to many top players is harming the image of the game.
"Football is simplicity? It should be," Zeman told Sette.
"But many players complicate life. Football is becoming more and more of an individual sport. Players score more goals, become more famous, and earn more money."
"The character really does not matter. We need to learn to respect our opponents and the referees."
He went on to criticise the clauses often included in modern contracts, claiming they encourage actions on the field geared towards activating certain bonuses.
"There are players who receive bonuses depending on how many penalties they win," he revealed.
"These contracts push players to simulate falls in the area, do they not?"
Roma face Bologna on Sunday, as they look to build on their impressive victory over Inter in their last Serie A outing.
Juventus scored three second-half goals to complete a 3-1 comeback win over Genoa and maintain their 100 percent start to Serie A.
Genoa's young attacker Ciro Immobile gave his side a shock lead at home when he turned at the top of the penalty area in the 18th minute and slotted the ball past Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.
Juventus came into Sunday's match with two wins from as many games and showed the resilience of a champion side to pull off their third-successive victory.
Emanuele Giaccherini started the reigning champions' comeback in the 61st minute with a grand strike from outside the box after being teed up by substitute Mirko Vucinic.
Vucinic put Juventus in front from the spot 17 minutes later after fellow substitute Kwadwo Asamoah won the penalty.
The Ghanaian midfielder wrapped up the victory when he tapped in Vucinic's cross in the 84th minute.
Juventus remain top of Serie A with nine points, ahead of Lazio and Napoli on goal difference.
Lazio defeated Chievo Verona 3-1, while Napoli won by the same margin over Parma to match Juventus' 100 perfect start to the season.
In Italy's capital, Zdenek Zeman's inconsistent return as Roma's head coach continued after his side gave up a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Bologna.
Roma struck after just six minutes when Alessandro Florenzi headed home the rebound after Francesco Totti's strike cannoned off the post and the home side made it 2-0 in the 16th minute when Erik Lamela cut inside and placed his left-foot shot inside the far post.
But three second-half goals from Bologna ensured Roma remain winless at home this season.
A strong header from Alberto Gilardino got the visitors going in the 72nd minute and just 60 seconds later Bologna were level when Alessandro Diamanti got clear to slot the ball home.
Gilardino completed the visitors' shock comeback in the 90th minute when he took advantage of a defensive mix-up to tap the ball into the net.
In the late kick-off, Inter picked up their second win of the season with a 2-0 triumph at Torino.
Deigo Milito opened the scoring in the 13th minute, but the visitors had to wait until the final five minutes to make sure of the points when Antonio Cassano slotted home.
In other Serie A results, Sampdoria knocked off Pescara 3-2 in a clash of two newly promoted sides, Siena drew 2-2 with Udinese and Fiorentina defeated Catania 2-0.
Allegri urges AC Milan troops to move on from disappointing start
The Milan boss tells his team to pick up the pieces and move forward after a poor start to the season, believing that they will need to be at their best against Anderlecht
I do not have any problems with Stramaccioni, says Inter midfielder Sneijder
The attacking midfielder was not amused when his coach took him off in Sunday's encounter, but has made it clear the duo have a perfectly good relationship
'I am here to start a new career' - Del Piero lands in Sydney
The former Juventus striker is looking forward to starting afresh in the A-League, and has denied that he has moved to Australia to end his playing days
Asamoah is a born actor, fumes Genoa coach De Canio after Juventus defeat
The Grifone coach was not impressed with the referee for awarding a penalty kick when the Ghanaian took a tumble in the penalty area and went on to criticise several decisions
Juventus overcome Genoa scare to prove their extra quality ahead of Champions League return
The Bianconeri were on the verge of suffering an upset at the Marassi, but a second-half masterclass ensured they head for Chelsea with a spring in their step
Winning is all that matters for Inter, says Milito after win over Torino
The experienced striker believes it is all about the team, and is grateful with the faith shown in him by the club and head coach Andrea Stramaccioni
Win crucial after Roma setback, admits Inter's Stramaccioni
The Nerrazzuri coach was delighted to see his side prove the critics wrong, beating an in-form Torino side comfortably on their travels while insisting Sneijder sub reaction normal
Nigel de Jong admits AC Milan are a work in progress
The Dutch midfield enforcer, who recently arrived at the San Siro on loan from Manchester City, sees potential at the club but knows it will take time to get results
Inter satisfied with win, says Ranocchia
The young defender was pleased with the three points his side gained at Torino, and hoped his performances will catch the eye of Cesare Prandelli
'Allegri must remain calm and focus on winning' - Galliani lends support to beleaguered Milan boss
The Rossoneri boss has received a vote of confidence from the club's CEO after a terrible start to the Serie A season, insisting they must concentrate on next Champions League tie
Carrera proud of Juventus comeback
The Bianconeri recovered from an early deficit to record a 3-1 win over Genoa, and the 48-year-old was full of praise for his side's second-half performance
Atalanta deserved to beat AC Milan, says Cigarini
The 26-year-old scored the only goal of the game as the Orobici claimed a 1-0 win at San Siro, and feels his side's mental strength was the key to victory
Official: Palermo sack Sannino & appoint Gasperini as coach
Having taken only one point from a possible nine to start the season, the Sicilian club have decided to make a managerial change after just one month of competitive action
Sep 16, 2012 8:00:00 PM
By Jake Johnson
Palermo have announced that they have sacked Giuseppe Sannino and appointed Gian PieroGasperini as the 55-year-old's replacement with immediate effect.
The former Varese boss had been in charge of the Rosanero since June following his work in keeping Siena afloat, and oversaw only three competitive matches, including two consecutive 3-0 defeats to Lazio and Napoli.
He picked up his first point against Cagliari on Sunday, but president Maurizio Zamparini claimed after the match that he'd "rather get drunk" than discuss the trainer's future, casting doubt over their working relationship.
"[The club] announce that Giuseppe Sannino has been dismissed as coach of the first team," read an official club statement.
"We thank him and his coaching staff for their commitment and professionalism shown in recent months."
"At the same time [the club] have given the job to Gian Piero Gasperini, who will lead his first training session with the team on Tuesday afternoon."
Gasperini enjoyed success with Juventus' youth teams, and established Genoa as a Serie A outfit between 2006 and 2010, but his next job ended in failure as he was sacked after just five games at Inter.
Villas-Boas reveals Tottenham were offered Klose
The White Hart Lane boss has claimed that he had the chance to sign the prolific German striker but felt the existing striking options at the club did not make a move worthwhile
El Shaarawy: AC Milan are bitter & disappointed
The forward admits he has developed concerns over the San Siro side's ongoing struggles, but believes they are on the right path and will soon hit form
Allegri: Draw a small step forward for AC Milan
Following their Champions League stalemate on Tuesday evening, the Rossoneri boss conceded that the result was a small improvement for his side
Champions League is part of AC Milan's DNA, says Bonera
The experienced defender believes the Rossoneri will show their true colours again in Tuesday's curtain raiser at home against Anderlecht
We rejected a €100m offer for De Rossi, says Roma general manager Baldini
The man behind-the-scenes at the Stadio Olimpico has admitted that the club turned down a nine-figure fee for their captain and cooled reports of any rift between him and Zeman
Hamsik: Napoli will win scudetto
The 25-year-old striker is adamant the club will lift the Serie A title this term claiming they have a fantastic team, despite conceding that Juventus are the favourites
Inzaghi: I'll be supporting Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League
The ex-Rossoneri forward admits he will be following Carlo Ancelotti's side this year, as well as the Serie A giants, because of the former Milan players who have moved to France
Vucinic: Juventus do not fear Chelsea
The Montenegro international forward insists the Bianconeri will arrive in west London high on confidence and claims the Blues are weaker than they were last season
Galliani: Ibrahimovic didn't want to leave AC Milan
The Milan director admits the striker's summer exit was against his will, as he understands the reasons why the Sweden star refuses to talk to him anymore
Evani: Sacking Allegri would only deepen AC Milan's problems
The former Rossoneri star believes that the under-pressure coach can see the club through their difficulties, with tonight's visit of Anderlecht providing a welcome distraction
'He was wrong like everyone else' - Burdisso defends Piris after Roma's late defeat to Bologna
The stopper is perceived to have been at fault for two of the goals his side conceded against the Rossoblu on Sunday, but his team-mate has refused to put the blame squarely on him
Zamparini: I was wrong to appoint Sannino
The controversial supremo admits he made a mistake in hiring the former Siena man, while new boss Gian Piero Gasperini says he cannot wait to get started with the Rosanero
Inter have full confidence in Jonathan, insists Zanetti
The Nerazzurri skipper has made it clear that the Serie A side still have complete faith in the Brazilian defender, despite his difficult start to the season
Stramaccioni: I am sorry that I could not give the joy of victory
The Nerazzurri boss was regretful following his side's inability to claim all three points on Thursday night, while expressing his frustration at their home record
Riccardo Montolivo: AC Milan are behind Max Allegri
The Italy international has expressed his belief that the under-fire Rossoneri boss is the right man for the job, despite his side's lacklustre start to the new campaign
Santos reveal talks with AC Milan's Robinho
The Rossoneri forward has already had two previous spells with the Brazilian giants and has had conversations regarding a move back to South America
Marrone to get new four-year deal at Juventus
After impressing in his brief appearances this season, the midfielder is set to be offered a new four-year deal by the Turin outfit as they see him as a possible successor to Pirlo
Juan & Ranocchia promise bright future for Inter, says Stramaccioni
The young trainer is delighted with the understanding that the pair have struck up in recent weeks, and is confident they will form the foundations of the Nerazzurri's future
Baldini emerges as leading candidate to aid Villas-Boas in new Tottenham role
Spurs are looking to re-introduce continental-style recruitment operation and want the Roma general manager and former England No.2 to take on big-hitting role
Ogbonna will cost Manchester United €20m, says Torino director
The 24-year-old centre-back has caught the eye of scouts at Old Trafford since the start of the season, having failed to secure a move to a bigger club in the summer
Rafa Benitez would listen to AC Milan's offer, reveals agent
The 52-year-old has been mooted as a possible replacement for under-fire Rossoneri boss Massimiliano Allegri, and his representative confirmed he would discuss any offer made
Sep 19, 2012 2:53:00 PM
By Joe Wright
Former Inter and Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez would consider any offer made by AC Milan, according to his agent.
The 52-year-old has been out of work since being dismissed from the Nerazzurri post in December 2010, and had mooted as a candidate for the Sampdoria job until talks broke down over the summer.
The Spaniard has made no secret of his desire to return to top-level management, and his agent has now admitted he would consider taking charge of Milan should the club come calling - although he denied an approach had already been made.
Manuel Garcia Quilon told TuttoMercatoWeb.com: "It's not true that Benitez has offered himself to Milan.
"If Milan called us then we’ll talk because we listen to everyone - both in Italy and abroad.
"If the Rossoneri should call, then Benitez would listen to their offer and evaluate it carefully."
Benitez has been touted as a possible replacement for current boss Massimiliano Allegri, who has come under severe pressure after an inauspicious few months at San Siro.
The Rossoneri - minus both Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva - have made a slow start to the season, with Tuesday's 0-0 draw at home to Anderlecht in the Champions League compounding their recent poor performances in Serie A.
Benitez had previously been linked with the managerial job at Chelsea, whilst himself admitting he was surprised when Liverpool did not approach him before appointing Brendan Rodgers as Kenny Dalglish' replacement at Anfield.
Filippo Inzaghi and Massimiliano Allegri clash in heated AC Milan training ground argument The legendary striker, now youth team coach at the Rossoneri, and the current first-team boss have reportedly been involved in an animated confrontation, according to reports
Sep 20, 2012 9:00:00 PM
By Frank Tigani
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri and former player Filippo Inzaghi have reportedly clashed in a heated exchange at the club's training ground.
Allegri has been under pressure following his side's dismal start to the season and reports have suggested that he could be on his way out of the club shortly.
One man whose name has been linked to his job is former Milan striker, Inzaghi, now currently in charge of the youth team.
According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere dello Sport, the dispute was triggered after Inzaghi ignored the head coach during his visit to the training ground on Thursday.
Some strong words were exchanged with the former player allegedly telling Allegri that he is "not taking his job seriously enough". The altercation turned vulgar according to some witnesses as the Milan boss accused Inzaghi of wanting to take his position.
Talking of the incident, Milan sporting director Adriano Galliani was keen to brush the event aside.
"I spoke with both Allegri and Inzaghi and both have downplayed the incident. For me, the episode is as if it never happened," he was quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The squabble comes during a difficult period for the Italian giants who, after selling a number of high-profile players over the summer, have been struggling on all fronts so far this season.
After only managing a draw in their opening match in the Champions League on Tuesday night against Anderlecht, Allegri will be hoping to guide his team to a win over Udinese on Sunday in order to ease the pressure on him and his embattled side.
The former Juventus and Italy international has been instructed to pay compensation to a player he injured during a match in 1994 in Argentina's lower divisions
Sep 20, 2012 8:20:00 PM
By Frank Tigani
Mauro Camoranesi has been found guilty of displaying 'excessive and abnormal roughness' during a match in 1994 in which he injured a player and will be required to pay a fine as a result.
The Buenos Aires Supreme Court confirmed the verdict and ordered the 2006 World Cup winner to pay €50,000 plus interest in compensation and damages.
Camoranesi was playing for Aldosivi at the time while Roberto Pizzo, the victim of the horrendous tackle, was representing Alvarado.
Pizzo was left severely injured following the incident, which caused him to lose 39 per cent of the capacity in his left knee, effectively ending his career right there and then.
"Even though the incident cannot be defined as intentional, it shows a lot of roughness, an excessive and abnormal practice of the sport and an alienation of sporting rules," declared the court upon announcing the verdict.
The Argentine-born midfielder went on to enjoy a stellar career in Serie A, making over 200 appearances for Juventus while representing his adopted Italy on 55 occasions.
Serie A preview: Sampdoria prepare for Torino test
21 September 2012
Sampdoria are set to face Torino without midfielder Andrea Poli in the next round of Serie A after the 22-year-old injured his thigh.
Poli tore a thigh muscle in Sampdoria's 3-2 victory over Pescara and scans this week have revealed he will miss a month of football.
Head coach Ciro Ferrara will be hopeful the left winger's absence will not derail the club's fine start to the season.
Sampdoria have begun their return season in Serie A with three consecutive victories and would be equal on points with league-leaders Juventus but for a one-point penalty as part of Italy's match-fixing scandal.
The Genoa-based club host Torino on Sunday to complete successive games against the other two recently promoted sides in Serie A, and Sampdoria will most likely rely on their defence in a bid to secure victory.
Sampdoria have conceded one goal per game, although Torino are in even better defensive form having been breached just twice.
Juventus will host 13th-placed Chievo Verona on Saturday as they try to extend their unbeaten league streak to 43 games, which stretches back to May 15, 2011.
Napoli and Lazio are the other sides still with a 100 percent record and will try to maintain it against Catania and Genoa respectively.
Catania will have to be wary of Lazio's twin-pronged attack of Miroslav Klose and Hernanes, who have both scored three goals out of the team's total of seven so far this season.
AC Milan's poor start to the season continued in the Champions League mid-week, as they drew 0-0 at home against Belgium's Anderlecht, but Massimiliano Allegri will hope they can turn it around away to Udinese this week.
Having lost Kwadwo Asamoah and Mauricio Isla to Juventus during the off-season, Udinese are struggling and have yet to register a victory this season.
In other Serie A matches, Atalanta host Palermo, Pescara head to Bologna and Inter face Siena.
I'm pleased to score for Inter Milan but I could have grabbed more, admits Livaja
The 19-year-old said he was delighted in scoring on his debut but conceded he could have added to his tally on a night where the Nerrazzurri gained a point against Rubin Kazan
Allegri has our full support, says AC Milan vice-president Galliani
The Rossoneri supremo has stated that the beleaguered coach will not have to worry about his position just yet, insisting the club still have faith in the former Cagliari boss
Bonucci: Conte still vital for Juventus
The Italy international has hailed his coach's work in midweek and stressed that the 43-year-old remains a key figure at the Serie A champions
AC Milan duo Inzaghi and Allegri deny bust-up rumours
The ex-Italian international attacker and the current Rossoneri boss have spoken out to quell speculation of a rift between the two at training this week
Sep 21, 2012 1:45:00 PM
By Paul Mullin
Former AC Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi and current Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri have moved to quash rumours of a rift between the two after reports suggested they had become embroiled in a bizarre training ground row.
Allegri turned up at the Vismara Centre this week, which hosts the club’s youth teams, to observe training. It was speculated here that Inzaghi, who now manages Milan’s youth team, accused the 45-year-old of not taking his job seriously.
The two men appeared in a press conference on the Milan Channel to dispel the rumours.
“Nothing happened, absolutely nothing,” Allegri said. “There is no problem with Pippo. In fact, there is great collaboration between the first team and the youth sectors. There was an exchange of opinions without any offence or heavy words.”
The 2006 World Cup winner was at pains to back up the message by the former Cagliari coach.
“Allegri is right, it lasted for one minute,” he said. “The youth team players didn’t notice anything because nothing happened.
“We are Milan and we all love Milan, so nothing like that would have occurred. Rather than writing about things that didn’t happen, Milan need a helping hand.”
The 45-year-old went onto proclaim that Inzaghi has all the attributes needed to be a top manager and even touted him as a potential successor, though, made it clear he himself plans to stay at Milan for a long time.
“I hope to remain at Milan for some time to come,” Allegri added. “But I won’t be here forever and I think that Filippo has all the characteristics needed to have an excellent career as a coach. He’s started from an excellent base and he can do a good job.”
Cagliari's home match against Roma on Sunday is set to be played behind closed doors.Local authorities have deemed the stadium as unsafe to host a crowd following renovation work lasting five months.
The Sardinian outfit have responded by releasing a statement indicating that they believe their new Is Arenas is ready for fans, and after selling tickets for their home game against Roma, the club will now have to reimburse spectators.
Cagliari director general Francesco Marroccu has disputed the decision and hoped to open up part of the stadium at least.
"We respect the authorities and they need to make the decisions, but we were training at the Is Arenas this week and saw there are the conditions to at least partially open up to the fans from Sunday. The few supporters who were there to cheer us on can attest to that," he said.
Marroccu also revealed that Cagliari are set to make a last-minute appeal against the decision, but it now looks very likely that they will not be able to host a crowd until a later date.
"We have not yet taken an official position on reimbursements, as we are waiting for a response from the authorities," he said.
"From what we can tell, there is work being done towards finally opening the gates for our game with Pescara on September 30," he added.
