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║ Serie A Season 2014-15 ║

Podolski

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Parma allowed to negotiate sale


10 June 2015

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Parma have avoided a winding up order and been given permission to negotiate a private sale with potential investors by a bankruptcy judge.

The club – who were relegated from Serie A this season – were put up for sale in April with a value of €20million, but no valid bids were received.

After Tuesday's final auction the club faced the possibility of being shut down, but the presence of interested buyers has given them the chance of salvation.

A statement on the club's official webstie read: "Today the Judge Dr. Pietro Rogato, with the approval of the creditors' committee, authorised the receivers Angelo Anedda and Alberto Guion to undertake negotiations with the company interested in buying Parma."

Any bidders looking to agree a deal for Parma must pay €900,000 by Friday as a deposit in order to enter into negotiations, a sum that will be returned if a deal cannot be completed.


 

Mancini

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Khedira excited by Juventus switch

10 June 2015

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Sami Khedira is relishing the opportunity of first-team football at Juventus after agreeing a four-year deal with the Serie A champions.

The Germany international had found himself out of favour at Real Madrid, Khedira struggling to break into the side following a series of injuries in the Spanish capital.

With his contract at Santiago Bernabeu coming to an end, Khedira opted for a change of scenery and was announced as a Juve player on Tuesday.

Khedira, who took to Facebook to express his delight at the move, will provide competition in midfield within Massimiliano Allegri's squad and could prove to be a direct replacement for playmaker Andrea Pirlo should he decide to leave.

He wrote: "Yesterday was a great day! I am happy and excited to say that I will be playing for Juventus for the next years!

"With Juve everything seemed to fall in place. My discussions with the coach and the manager were great.

"It is a great team with incredible fans! A great club with a one-of-a-kind tradition in a very special city!

"I am totally looking forward to an exciting time in black and white! Forza Juve!"


 

Michu

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Pioli pens Lazio extension

11 June 2015

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Stefano Pioli has extended his contract as coach of Serie A side Lazio.

Pioli took over last July and led Lazio to a UEFA Champions League qualification place as they finished third in the league, ending a seven-year absence from Europe's premier club competition.

And he has been rewarded with a one-year extension to keep him at the club until 2017. The deal carries an option for Lazio to extend the contract by another year.

A brief statement on Lazio's official website read: "SS Lazio announces that it has extended the contract with the coach Stefano Pioli until 30 June 2017.

"SS Lazio will have the option to prolong the contract of coach Pioli until 30 June 2018."



 

Doumbia

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West Ham chief Gold in Obiang Twitter mix-up


10 June 2015

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West Ham joint-chairman David Gold was left red-faced after tweeting a picture of Angelo Ogbonna in a welcome message intended for new signing Pedro Obiang.

Obiang became the club's latest signing of the close-season on Wednesday, with the club having appointed new manager Slaven Bilic a day earlier.

However, in attempting to welcome the Spanish striker, Gold mistakenly tweeted a picture of Italy international Angelo Ogbonna.

After receiving a raft of replies from followers pointing out his error, the tweet in question was swiftly deleted and replaced by one with Obiang in shot.

"I am delighted to announce the signing of 23 year old midfield Pedro Obiang from Sampdoria. Pedro, welcome," Gold later posted.

"I've just spoke to Pedro and he sounded v[ery] excited to be here. He promised me that he'd learn to sing [club anthem] Bubbles in less than a month! dg."


 

Gomez

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Zenga set to be unveiled as Sampdoria boss


11 June 2015

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New Sampdoria head coach Walter Zenga will be unveiled to the media on Friday as he prepares to take the reins following Sinisa Mihajlovic's exit.

Mihajlovic left the Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris at the conclusion of last season, with the Serb linked with taking over at Napoli or Milan.

And Sampdoria have moved quickly to appoint ex-goalkeeper and Italy international Zenga.

The former Palermo and Catania boss will begin his tenure on Friday with UEFA Europa League football to look forward to in his first season at the helm.

Sampdoria finished seventh in Serie A last season, but secured European football thanks to rivals Genoa failing to earn a UEFA licence.


 

Klose

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Abate pens new Milan deal

11 June 2015

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Ignazio Abate has committed his future to Milan by penning a new four-year deal with the club.

The Italy defender has risen through the ranks at San Siro and his latest contract runs through to June 2019, by which time he will be 32.

Abate broke his way into the first team at Milan in the 2009-10 season, having had temporary spells with the likes of Napoli, Piacenza and Torino earlier in his career.

The full-back has subsequently become a mainstay in Milan's first team and only injuries prevented him from adding to his 23 Serie A appearances last term.

Abate was also part of a Milan side that won the Serie A title under the stewardship of Massimiliano Allegri in the 2010-11 season.


 

ACMILAN

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Milan sack Inzaghi

16 June 2015

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Milan have sacked head coach Filippo Inzaghi following a difficult Serie A campaign.

Inzaghi took charge of the first team in June as a replacement for Clarence Seedorf having enjoyed success with the club's youth side.

However, he was unable to turn their fortunes around, with Milan finishing a lowly 10th in the league, 35 points adrift of champions Juventus.

In a short statement posted on their website on Tuesday, the club said: "AC Milan communicate that Filippo Inzaghi has been discharged of his responsibilities as first team coach. The club thank him for his work."

Inzaghi scored 126 goals in 300 appearances during 11 years as player at San Siro, but he failed to further enhance his legendary status in his spell in charge.

Former coach Carlo Ancelotti had been heavily linked with the job, but earlier this month announced he had turned down their approach.

Sinisa Mihajlovic has also been rumoured to be in line to take over from Inzaghi, the Serb having now left his post at Sampdoria.


 

ACMILAN

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Official: AC Milan appoint Mihajlovic as new coach


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By Mark Doyle
Jun 16, 2015 11:27:28

The former Inter defender stood down as Sampdoria boss at the end of last season and has now been confirmed as Filippo Inzaghi's successor

AC Milan have announced the appointment of Sinisa Mihajlovic as the club's new coach on a two-year contract.

The Serbian's arrival was confirmed just under 90 minutes after the Rossoneri confirmed the dismissal of Filippo Inzaghi halfway through his deal with the San Siro side on Tuesday.

Mihajlovic led Sampdoria to a seventh-placed finish in Serie A last season but stepped down at the end of the campaign, revealing in an open letter to the club's fans that he was seeking "another challenge".

The 46-year-old had initially been expected to succeed Rafael Benitez as Napoli boss but the former Inter defender has now returned to San Siro to take charge of the Nerazzurri's city rivals.

"Sinisa Mihajlovic, who has signed a two-year contract, will be the new coach of AC Milan for next season," read a statement on the Rossoneri's official website.

"The club wish him good luck in his work and the best results."

Milan had originally sought to re-hire Carlo Ancelotti, after he was sacked by Real Madrid last month, but the 55-year-old ultimately decided to follow through with his plan to take a break from the game in order to recover from scheduled back surgery.

Mihajlovic spent two years with Inter before retiring in 2006 and taking on the role of assistant coach Roberto Mancini, who is now back in charge of the Nerazzurri.

The set-piece specialist then took the top job at Bologna before enjoying spells with Catania, Fiorentina, Serbia and Samp.


 

Michu

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Ibrahimovic open to Milan return

15 June 2015

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic refused to distance himself from speculation linking him with a Milan comeback.

Ibrahimovic shrugged off rumours that he is set to leave French champions Paris Saint-Germain for Milan prior to Sweden's Euro 2016 qualifier against Montenegro.

The 33-year-old was quizzed about his future again following Sunday's 3-1 win - inspired by his brace - and the former Milan striker left the door open for a return to the Italian giants.

"I have one year left on my contract with PSG and no other plans, but then things can change from one day to the next," Ibrahimovic was quoted as saying by Football Italia.

"I think that the older I get, and now I'm a father, I think differently about choosing a club.

"It's not just the football aspect that needs to be right, it's how your family settle and what kind of city you'll be living in."

Milan are unable to offer UEFA Champions League football, having finished the 2014-15 Serie A season in 10th position.

However, Ibrahimovic said: "A lot of people think it’s all about the Champions League, but that's not true. I want to be at a club where I enjoy myself, have a good time and play fun football.

"If I don't win the Champions League, believe me, my career will have been magical anyway."

Ibrahimovic, who moved to PSG from Milan in 2012, spent two years at the San Siro, winning the 2010-11 Serie A title.

The veteran scored 56 goals in 85 matches for Milan.



 

Doumbia

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Giampaolo keen to follow Sarri example at Empoli

16 June 2015

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New Empoli head coach Marco Giampaolo is keen to follow the example of predecessor Maurizio Sarri during his time in charge at Stadio Carlo Castellani.

Giampolo was appointed as Empoli's new boss on Monday, following the departure of Sarri to Napoli.

Sarri enjoyed a successful spell with the club as he guided them back into the top flight before maintaining their Serie A status last term.

And former Brescia boss Giampaolo wants to follow Sarri's lead during the coming season.

"I have known Maurizio Sarri for a lifetime and there will be a continuity to the ideas we want to put out on the field," he said.

"What he did here in Empoli is incredible, he has left a route that is important for us to follow. This is a legacy that will not be forgotten, to me I have to have the ability to maintain and respect the goals of the club."

Giampaolo initially signed a one-year deal with the club but added his determination to secure a renewal based on performance.

"I chose a one-year contract because trust me, I want to earn it on the field," he added.

"It would be a source of great pride if, in a few months, the club came to me planning a renewal."


 

Gomez

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Pallotta: Garcia will remain Roma coach


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By Mark Doyle
Jun 16, 2015 11:57:13

The Frenchman came under pressure after the Giallorossi's failure to challenge for the title last season, but he is allegedly going nowhere

Roma president James Pallotta has dismissed rumours Rudi Garcia's job is under threat, insisting the Frenchman will still be at the Stadio Olimpico next season.

Garcia joined the Giallorossi from Lille in the summer of 2013 and enjoyed a remarkable first season at the helm, leading the capital club back into the Champions League via a surprise second-placed finish in Serie A.

Roma finished as runners-up to Juventus again last term but there was widespread disappointment at the way in which their form dipped dramatically after the winter break, thus killing expectations of a title challenge.

Garcia's absence from a meeting of Roma officials in London that was attended by Pallotta intensified speculation that the 51-year-old was facing the sack, but the American supremo rejected any talk of a coaching change.

"There isn't any type of problem with Rudi," the Giallorossi chief told reporters after a sit-down with Garcia at a hotel in Rome. "He's our coach. We're here to have a cup of coffee together.

"There's nothing else to say. You've seen that everything here is calm. We'll see each other again at pre-season in July."

Roma finished 17 points behind Italian champions Juventus last season but Pallotta is confident the club's planned new stadium will enable them to close the gap to the Bianconeri, on and off the field.

"I don't think we’re that far away from Juventus," he stated. "I think we can compete and we can win.

"It has to be said that Juve do have more turnover than us, but when we have the new stadium we'll have substantially more."

Pallotta also dismissed the suggestion that he is at war with Roma's hardcore supporters, after publicly criticising ultras over their use of offensive banners at the Stadio Olimpico.

"I'm not against the Curva Sud," he added. "That's not factual at all.

"I think the Curva Sud is an incredible force in football. I think they're unbelievably important for us.

"In the new stadium that will be more so because they'll only be nine metres away."


 

Mancini

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Del Piero reveals coaching plans as he plots retirement


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By Mark Doyle
Jun 17, 2015 10:01:52

The World Cup winner is looking for a new challenge and is musing coaching in the United States if he does not find one

Alessandro Del Piero has revealed that he will call time on his playing career and turn his attention to coaching if he does not soon receive an offer from a club that interests him.

The 40-year-old attacker is unattached after a short spell with Delhi Dynamos in India and is now on the look-out for a new challenge.

However, the Juventus icon says that if he does not find one soon then he will start coaching, despite once claiming it was something he never wanted to do.

"If I don't find a convincing project, I will quit," Del Piero told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I have received offers from some European clubs but they didn't do it for me.

"If you had asked me three years ago about coaching, I would have immediately said no because I had other interests.

"Now, though, everything is different. I'll start training kids in the United States. I'll do three coaching clinics."

Del Piero became Juve's all-time leading goalscorer and appearance-maker during a trophy-laden 19-year spell in Turin before leaving for Sydney FC in 2012.


 

Gomez

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Sousa departs Basel amid Fiorentina links

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Peter Hanson
Jun 17, 2015 22:08:47

The Portuguese coach has departed the Swiss club after just one season in charge and could assume the vacant hotseat in Florence

Paulo Sousa has left his position as Basel head coach by mutual consent amid speculation he is set to take over the vacant position at Fiorentina.

The Portuguese moved to Basel ahead of the 2014-15 campaign and led the club to the Swiss Super League title in his one season in charge.

Basel confirmed that Sousa has left the club on Twitter, and he said: "I thank the club and the supporters for the confidence placed in me.

"I thank especially my players and I wish all in Basel well, and I hope that the club is successful as it has been in the past."

Sousa's next destination is yet to be confirmed, but he has been strongly linked with Serie A club Fiorentina.

The Viola dismissed Vincenzo Montella earlier this month, citing a breakdown in trust for the Italian's exit.

Sousa also counts spells at the likes of QPR, Swansea City and Leicester City on his managerial CV.


 

Michu

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'Mastour will have a great AC Milan career'

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By Alec Fenn
Jun 18, 2015 00:19:59

The teenager has been tipped to break into the first team at San Siro next season after making his international debut for Morocco last week

Hachim Mastour will have a great career at AC Milan, according to Nasser Larguet - the man who will help to guide his career with Morocco.

The attacking midfielder, 17, made his international debut for the African nation last week and in doing so became the youngest ever player to pull on the shirt.

Mastour opted to play for Morocco despite winning numerous caps at youth level with Italy.

The former Reggiana youngster is yet to make a first team appearance for Milan, but has been backed to do so in the near future and become a star.

Larguet, Morocco's director of selection, told tuttomercato: "Mastour is the player of the future. We are happy that he has made his Morocco debut and also established a new record.

"He is the youngest player to ever play for Morocco and I expect him to go on and have a great career with Milan as well."

He added: "The fact that he chose Morocco rather than Italy honours us, obviously he feels a true Moroccan. The federation is very happy with his choice."


 

Mancini

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Klinsmann: Mancini right man for Inter


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By Mark Doyle
Jun 18, 2015 12:19:21

The former Nerazzurri striker believes the 50-year-old trainer just needs time and patience to rebuild the San Siro side

Jurgen Klinsmann is in no doubt that Roberto Mancini is the right man to restore Inter to their former glory.

The Nerazzurri won the treble in 2010 and remain one of the game's most famous names.

However, they have struggled both on and off the field in recent years, resulting in former owner Massimo Moratti handing over control of the club to Erick Thohir in November 2013.

Inter have yet to regain their place among Italy's elite, let alone Europe's - despite the subsequent return of Mancini, who won three consecutive Scudetti during his first spell at San Siro between 2004 and 2008.

However, even though the Nerazzurri could only finish eighth in Serie A last season, Klinsmann believes the former Manchester City boss can turn the club around.

"He has an international eye," the former Inter striker told the La Gazzetta dello Sport. "He knows how to play both in Italy and in the major European countries.

"Just like the new owner, he too needs time. But Mancini is the right man. When you change leadership, you're always going to face some difficulties. Passing from one owner to another is problematic.

"But I think that Erick Thohir will bring benefits. They just have to find the correct new road for themselves and doing that takes patience, trust and time. You cannot have everything at once."

Klinsmann also dispelled the notion that Inter's stock has plummeted in recent seasons and that the game's top talent is no longer drawn to San Siro.

"I'd recommend Inter to all of the best players in the world," the United States coach added.

"Inter are Inter, a name that is a guarantee and that still counts in football. Globally, Inter have not suffered any backlash."


 

Doumbia

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Simeone: Mandzukic´s future not up to me


17 June 2015

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Mario Mandzukic's future at Atletico Madrid is in the hands of the club, according to coach Diego Simeone, who is happy with the Croatia international amid links to Juventus.

Speculation is rife that Mandzukic, 29, will join the UEFA Champions League finalists after Juventus general manger Giuseppe Marotta publicly identified the striker as a potential replacement for Carlos Tevez.

Tevez is reportedly set for a return to Boca Juniors in his native Argentina.

And Simeone refused to guarantee Mandzukic's future in Madrid after just one season, telling Radio Marca: "I speak to [director] Andrea Berta every day and we have in our minds the players this group needs to grow. Now the work is up to the club.

"Mandzukic? Who goes and who stays is not up to me. The club will decide what is best. We are happy with Mandzukic, he had a very competitive campaign," Simeone said.

"You've asked me about Mandzukic again and I repeat that he held our attack together when [Antoine] Griezmann started the season badly."

He added: "Of course, at Atletico there are few players who can be considered untouchable: Koke, [Diego] Godin and that’s about it, I'd say."

Mandzukic scored 12 goals in 27 La Liga appearances last season.


 

Marchisio

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Sampdoria in talks with Cassano


19 June 2015

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Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero revealed the Serie A club have held talks with free agent Antonio Cassano.

Cassano has been without a club since his Parma contract was terminated by mutual consent in January.

Juventus emerged as a potential suitor during the January transfer window, but the 32-year-old Italian striker looks set for a return to Sampdoria, after leaving the club in 2011.

"Could Cassano come back? Anyone could come back," Ferrero told Sky Sports Italia.

"Anyone could come back. Today we met with one of his people. We'll see."

Cassano spent four years at Stadio Luigi Ferraris after his initial loan spell from Real Madrid became permanent in 2008.

He scored 41 goals in 115 matches in all competitions for Sampdoria before joining Milan during the 2010-11 season.


 

Mancini

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Stankovic joins Inter coaching staff


19 June 2015

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Dejan Stankovic has returned to Inter as a member of coach Roberto Mancini's backroom staff.

Stankovic won 15 trophies during his time as a player with Inter, for whom he made 326 appearances and scored 42 goals.

And he will hope to help Inter enjoy success under Mancini after taking the position of first team club manager.

The Serbian is to work in close capacity with Inter's management and will assist in relations with the first-team players both on and off-the-pitch.

He told Inter's official website: "I am honoured to be coming back to Inter. I am thrilled and excited because I've always said these colours will remain on my skin forever.

"I cried the day I realised I wouldn't be pulling on the Nerazzurri shirt anymore. I'm back here now, with a sense of pride and determination, to do my best for the club in a different role."


 

Podolski

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Parma price tag set at €22.6million


19 June 2015

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Financially stricken Parma's final sporting debt has been confirmed as €17.6 million following a bankruptcy hearing on Friday.

The Serie B club are currently the subject of two bids from investment groups, having been declared bankrupt in March with debts of €218m following three point deductions for failing to pay staff throughout last season.

With two separate groups interested in buying the club, bankruptcy judge Dr. Pietro Rogato confirmed the final sporting debt as well as €5m in pension and tax contributions.

It means any buyer of the club will need to find €22.6m to service the debt as well as the funds to official take over the club.

Parma must pay off the remainder of their sporting debt, which was reduced thanks to players accepting wage cuts, by June 9 if they are to feature in Serie B next term.


 

Michu

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Napoli swoop for Valdifiori


20 June 2015

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Napoli have completed their first piece of business ahead of the new Serie A season with the signing of Empoli midfielder Mirko Valdifiori.

The 29-year-old midfielder sealed the move to San Paolo on Saturday after completing a medical at the club's training ground, president Aurelio de Laurentiis confirming the deal on Twitter.

Valdifiori's switch sees him link up with former manager Maurizio Sarri, the head coach having joined from Empoli to replace the outgoing Rafael Benitez.

After helping Empoli to promotion in 2013-14, Valdifiori impressed in his first Serie A campaign last season as the club retained their top-flight status - eventually finishing eight points clear of safety in 15th.

His domestic form caught the eye of Italy coach Antonio Conte and Valdifiori was handed his international debut in the 1-1 draw with England in March.


 
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