Serie A Season 2011/2012

[Alessandro Matri]

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Silva: I want to stay as Milan captain
AC Milan defender Thiago Silva has revealed his desire to take the armband at the club and also said that he wants to stay at San Siro beyond his current contract.

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Ferrara praises Juve coach Conte
Former Juventus defender Ciro Ferrara believes his old captain Antonio Conte deserves credit for the impact he has made at the club.

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Lamela: No problems with Osvaldo
Roma midfielder Erik Lamela insists he does not bear a grudge against Pablo Osvaldo following their bust-up in November after a 2-0 loss to Udinese.

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Galliani: No way Pato is leaving Milan
Alexandre Pato is not leaving AC Milan for Paris St Germain, according to Rossoneri vice president Adriano Galliani.

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Amauri confirms Juventus exit
Out-of-favour striker Amauri has confirmed he will leave Juventus in January.

Agent: PSG attractive option for Pato
AC Milan star Alexandre Pato's agent admits a switch to PSG would bring plenty of benefits.

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Del Piero: I'll still be playing in 10 years
Evergreen Juventus forward Alessandro Del Piero has amazingly declared that he will continue donning his boots for the next 10 years.

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Zanetti: We're on our way up
Inter Milan’s Argentine pair of Javier Zanetti and Diego Milito are convinced that the 2010 European champions will bounce back from a difficult 2011.

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Galliani: Pato not PSG bound
AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has rubbished reports linking Brazilian ace Alexandre Pato with a move to big-spending French giants Paris Saint-Germain.

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Fighter Cisse will not quit Lazio
Lazio striker Djibril Cisse has rubbished reports linking him with a January move back to Auxerre - a club he played for around 13 years ago.

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Marchisio hails Conte impact

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has credited his manager Antonio Conte with reviving the club's fortunes this season.​

 

[Alessandro Matri]

Friday 30th December 2011

Galliani: No way Pato is leaving Milan

Alexandre Pato is not leaving AC Milan for Paris St Germain, according to Rossoneri vice president Adriano Galliani.

Under their ambitious new Qatari owners and sporting director Leonardo, PSG are expected to spend big in the forthcoming winter transfer window.

Carlo Ancelotti is widely expected to be named as the club's new coach, replacing Antoine Kombouare, while David Beckham and Pato, 22, are among the high-profile players being linked with the club.

However, Galliani told AC Milan's website: "I haven't spoken to Leonardo or Pato and there are no negotiations to take him to PSG.

"He's definitely a Milan player and that's the truth. There are no negotiations between Milan and PSG for Pato."

Milan have been linked with a high-profile signing of their own in the shape of Manchester City forward Carlos Tevez.

Galliani added: "Someone has always come in the last few years, two years ago it was Beckham, and last year it was Cassano.

"This year I don't think there'll be anyone but you never know."
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[Alessandro Matri]

Inter opt against signing Zarate

29 December 2011

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Inter Milan have decided not to sign Lazio loanee Mauro Zarate on a permanent deal, according to reports.

The Serie A giants spent 2.7 million euros to bring the Argentine striker to the San Siro, but they are reportedly not satisfied with his performances to date and will not pay the agreed price of 15.5 million euros to retain him, Sportmediaset reported.

Zarate, 24, is halfway through his loan spell with Inter, but has failed to score in 12 Serie A appearances this season.He has netted just once in all competitions - the winner against CSKA Moscow in the Champions League group stage on September 27.

However, another reason for Inter's decision not to pursue Zarate in the long-term is because of their interest in Sao Paulo starlet Lucas Moura, who has been heavily linked to the 2009/10 European champions in recent weeks.

Sao Paulo are believed to want 30 million euros for the 19-year-old, and Inter president Massimo Moratti may prefer his club to channel their resources into securing the talented teenager.

 

[Alessandro Matri]

Mazzarri ideal for Napoli, says Ferrara

29 December 2011

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Italy Under-21 boss Ciro Ferrara believes Walter Mazzarri is the 'perfect' coach to guide his former club Napoli.Former Juventus defender Ferrara was full of praise for the 50-year-old at an award ceremony in Naples on Wednesday.

Ferrara said Mazzarri was the ideal coach to lead Napoli, who are sixth in the Serie A, despite an indifferent recent run of form."(Mazzarri is) perfect for this group. He created amazing harmony and synergy," Ferrara said."The results are plain for all to see.

"Ferrara, 44, was presented with the Best Coach Award by the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI).The title comes as a tribute to the successful restoration of his reputation with Italy's Under-21 side during the past year, following a poor spell with Juventus.

After collecting the honour, he immediately credited his young side for their positive results during 2011, and spoke of his intention to carry on representing the province of Naples with pride.

"It is a satisfaction that I must dedicate to my group. Without my players, I would not have earned this award," Ferrara said."I have represented (Naples) for many years as a player and now I hope to continue my legacy as a coach."

 

[Alessandro Matri]

Cassano out for six more months

30 December 2011

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AC Milan forward Antonio Cassano has revealed he faces a further six months on the sidelines as he recovers from heart surgery.

The Italy international was forced to undergo an emergency procedure after falling ill following Milan's victory at Roma at the end of October.

It was hoped the striker might be fit to return to action before the end of the season and thus force his way into the reckoning for Euro 2012.

However, Cassano has revealed it will be June before he is kicking a ball in anger again."I have to wait six months to play," Cassano said.

"Until then, walk, walk, walk."Cassano said the support of his Milan team-mates has been overwhelming, and particularly that of strike partner Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

"He's one of my best friends," Cassano said. "I have a great relationship with him and with all of Milan."

 

[Alessandro Matri]

Catania reveal Lopez deadline

30 December 2011

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Catania sporting director Pietro Lo Monaco has revealed that AC Milan have only until the end of the year to sign striker Maxi Lopez.

The Serie A champions have already reached an agreement with Catania for Lopez's transfer, which has, however, been put on hold as they look to thrash out a deal for Manchester City's Carlos Tevez.

"Milan have until December 31 (to sign him). If there is not any news by then, we will negotiate him with the other clubs who have tabled offers," Lo Monaco told Sky Sport Italia.

"Milan are the only club Lopez could join on loan. If he joins another side, it will be on a permanent basis.""There is interest from some foreign clubs and also from another Italian team. I think that, in the end, Maxi will join a club who match his value."

Milan chief executive officer Adriano Galliani said on Thursday the club had decided against following up on their interest in Lopez and stated that Tevez was their only transfer target.

Meanwhile, Italian sources suggest that Fiorentina are pondering a move for Lopez as a replacement for Alberto Gilardino, who is poised to join Genoa.

Argentine Lopez has hit four goals in 14 matches in all competitions this campaign, having not failed to score less than 10 goals each season since joining Catania from FC Moscow in 2010.

 

[Chriskulen]

Yes I have enjoyed all of blogs here in this Forum, by the way friends, this is a little intro about me, I am Chris from USA and I am working at Casino. What about you guys.

 

[F.Inzaghi]

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Ibrahimovic welcomes Tevez move
AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has welcomed the possible arrival of Carlos Tevez, hailing the Argentine as a 'great player'.

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Sirigu: Buffon still one of the greats
Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu believes Juventus' Gianluigi Buffon is still among the best in the world in the position.

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Silva best Brazilian player in Europe
AC Milan defender Thiago Silva has been named as the Samba d'Or winner for 2011.

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Aquilani: No hard feelings towards Juve
AC Milan midfielder Alberto Aquilani insists he has no hard feelings towards Juventus despite not being offered a permanent deal at the Turin club.

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Ranieri: I'm the head of the clan
Inter Milan honcho Claudio Ranieri has rejected the notion that the club’s dressing room is divided by cliques.

Pato: I want to win titles with Milan

Alexandre Pato has reiterated his desire to stay with AC Milan amid frenzied speculation that the Brazilian was interested in a switch to Paris Saint-Germain.​

 

[F.Inzaghi]

Trapattoni angered by betting scandal

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni is unhappy Italian football's betting scandal is tarnishing Italian coaches abroad.The former Juventus, Bayern Munich and Italy boss is aggrieved at how he and his Italian countrymen who work outside the country have had their reputations stained because of the investigation into fixing of matches in Italy.

Trapattoni told TG1 on Wednesday he was disappointed with being associated with the 'Italian mafia' stereotype."There is (a certain) bitterness. I'm referring to us, the coaches who work abroad. Certainly, there is a feeling of bitterness because we end up a little tainted as Italian cheats. The first word they say is 'Italian mafia' and that is really displeasing," he said.

"A system exists, not only an Italian one, that whoever bets is part of the game, but those who don't have a part in that rule are the footballers.""If a system exists in which the matches are manipulated and rigged, it's a slap which damages our football."

In response to Cristiano Doni's admission to charges of match-fixing on Tuesday, the 72-year-old Trapattoni said he had always believed his former national team protege was an intelligent man.But he said his view of Doni had changed."I thought he was intelligent, I've changed my mind because he wasn't to end up where he is," Trapattoni said.

Meanwhile, the agent of Lazio midfielder Stefano Mauri has denied claim's his client had been involved in the betting scandal."With regards to today's news on the investigation into illegal football bets run by Cremona's public prosecutors' office, Tiziano Gonzaga, agent of football player Stefano Mauri, states that the player is not in any way involved in the activities being investigated," a statement from the agent read.

 

[F.Inzaghi]

Mazzarri hails Napoli´s year of plenty

1 January 2012

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri does not want his club's upturn in fortunes to end with 2011.Mazzari's men battled to a third-placed finish in the 2010/11 Serie A season, qualifying for the Champions League for the first time since the 1990/91 campaign. They then qualified for the knockout stages of the competition out of a group containing Manchester City, Villarreal and Bayern Munich.

Speaking on Saturday, Mazzarri could only praise his men for their effort and commitment, and said the year had progressed beyond his wildest dreams."An extraordinary year for us is coming to an end, third in the league, a Champions League place and then qualifying for the knockout rounds. We went beyond the most optimistic expectations. I can only thank the whole team," he told reporters.

"The boys have shown great commitment and spirit. Whoever has been playing has given his all, especially in the dressing room."Asked what he was hoping to see in 2012, the coach wished for more of the same."I hope to continue in the same fashion as in 2011, to keep improving and giving more joy to our fans, both in the league and the Champions League," he stated.

"Reaching the first knockout phase is already a great achievement, but our philosophy is to not give up on anything until the very end, and to always do our best."Mazzarri took over at Napoli in October 2009, leading the club to sixth place in Serie A during his first season at the club.

 

[F.Inzaghi]

Floro Flores weighing up options

1 January 2012

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Udinese forward Antonio Floro Flores is interested in replacing Alberto Gilardino at Fiorentina, according to his agent.The 28-year-old signed a new contract in August but has been disappointed with his lack of playing time so far this season, finding himself behind Antonio Di Natale in the pecking order at the Stadio Friuli.

"Antonio wants to play," the striker's representative, Paolo Palermo, told Calciomercato.it. "He feels in good shape and wants to prove all his worth.""A while ago (Udinese coach) Francesco Guidolin said he was one of the best strikers in the league, but so far has used him very sparingly.""I know that it's not easy with a team-mate like Antonio Di Natale, but we expected greater consideration from the coach."

"The lad thought he would play against Juventus after his excellent performance at Lazio, so was upset to be left out. If the situation does not change, then we'll have to talk it over with Udinese and make our evaluations."Gilardino is expected to leave Florence for Genoa, with Fiorentina reportedly considering Floro Flores, Juventus' Amauri and Catania's Maxi Lopez as alternatives.

"At the moment there has been no contact with Fiorentina, so that is all speculation and journalistic suggestions," Palermo said."However, I cannot deny there could be something in future, considering Fiorentina want to replace Gilardino, so if they were to call..."

Udinese are flying high in Serie A this season, sitting in third position and just two points behind joint leaders AC Milan and Juventus, with Floro Flores scoring two goals for the club in all competitions so far.Fiorentina find themselves in 14th spot with 18 points at the mid-season break.

 

[Arturo Vidal]

Tuesday 3rd January 2012

Allegri wants Pato to stay

AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri has declared that he would striker Alexander Pato would stay at San Siro.

Pato was heavily linked with moves to Paris Saint-Germain after an outburst where he hit out at Allegri's man-management skills.

However, the Brazilian has since made a u-turn and insists that he wants to stay and win titles with the Rossoneri.

Allegri is assured that the player has a future at the club and played down the rift between the two of them.

"Pato wants to stay and my wish is that he does not leave," Allegri said at a news conference, "I hope and I believe that he will stay with us for this season and also for many years to come."

"There is no problem between me and Pato," Allegri continued. "The boy's outburst was because of a moment of frustration.

"You cannot always be a starter, but this is not something serious, it can happen.

"He has been training hard and he does not show any sign of being unhappy."

Pato has made only 12 appearances for AC Milan after facing niggling hamstring injuries.
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[Arturo Vidal]

Tuesday 3rd January 2012

Roma expect De Rossi to City deal

Serie A outfit Roma remain confident that protracted contract talks with reported Manchester City target Daniele De Rossi will reach a positive conclusion.

Discussions regarding a new deal for the midfielder have dragged on for some time, with there still no end in sight.

His failure to agree fresh terms has sparked speculation that the World Cup winner could soon be on his way to pastures new, bringing to an end his 12-year association with his boyhood idols.

City and Premier League rivals Chelsea have been heavily linked with moves for the 28-year-old in the past and would be expected to make a move should De Rossi become available.

Roma are reluctant to part with their homegrown hero, though, and the club's chief executive, Claudio Fenucci, is optimistic regarding their chances of reaching a contractual compromise.

"The operation is complex," he told Il Romanista. "I don't think he has assessed any other proposals and is considering the option to renew his contract with Roma on top terms.

"Negotiations are ongoing, we are talking with his agent and will meet again soon. "We are trying to fix all of the details and are looking for a solution. We are making every possible effort given the resources available.

"My perception is that we will reach an agreement. Because of the love that De Rossi has for Roma, I am sure he will not sign with anyone else until he has explored all options to extend his contract here."
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[Arturo Vidal]

Sneijder linked with Inter exit

3 January 2012

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Inter Milan appear to be ready to sell star player Wesley Sneijder in the January transfer window if a big-money offer comes along.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the Serie A club's sporting director Marco Branca is set to travel to England in the upcoming days in order to open talks with English Premier League outfit Manchester United about a potential transfer.

The Netherlands midfielder, 27, appeared to be close to joining United prior to the 2011/12 season, but the deal eventually fell through.United, however, are believed to still be keen on Sneijder, with manager Sir Alex Ferguson is looking to add more creativity to his midfield and Inter are ready to open talks with the Premier League champions.

It remains to be seen if United are willing to spend big at the mid-way stage of the season, and Sneijder will not be available on the cheap.Additionally, the former Ajax and Real Madrid star's wage demands could prove to be a problem for the Old Trafford side.

Sneijder has a contract with Inter until June 2015, and has scored twice in 11 appearances in all competitions for Inter this campaign.

 

[chowka]

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[Alessandro Matri]

Osvaldo blow for Roma
Roma have confirmed that striker Daniel Osvaldo will be sidelined for two months with a thigh injury.

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Robinho: Pato could win Ballon d'Or
AC Milan schemer Robinho has urged compatriot Alexandre Pato to shun rumoured interest from Paris Saint-Germain and stick with the Italian side.

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Branca: No discussions for Sneijder
Inter Milan sporting director Marco Branca has bristled at suggestions that they are negotiating with Manchester City over the signing of Wesley Sneijder.

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Ramirez renews Bologna contract
Bologna midfielder Gaston Ramirez has signed a new contract with the Italian club, and is happy with life at the club.

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Report: Lazio weighing up Olic offer
Reports in Germany suggest Serie A outfit Lazio are preparing to make a move for Bayern Munich's out-of-favour striker Ivica Olic.

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Agent: Maicon will stay at Inter
Inter Milan defender Maicon will not be tempted by a move to Paris Saint-Germain, according to the player's agent.

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Ex-Juve star Trezeguet joins River
Former Juventus star David Trezeguet says he is delighted to have completed his move to River Plate.

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Nesta heads off talk of retirement
AC Milan defender Alessandro Nesta has rubbished reports he is set to retire from football at the end of the 2011-12 season.

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Conte: Milan are title favourites
Juventus coach Antonio Conte has the only undefeated side in Serie A at the start of 2012 but he insists AC Milan are the favourites to win the Scudetto.

Sneijder '90 percent sure' of staying
Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sniejder is confident of remaining at San Siro over until the end of the season but stopped short of guaranteeing that he won't leave.

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Milan raring to resume title defense
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri believes his side is ready to resume their defence of the Scudetto after beating PSG 1-0 in a friendly match.

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Matri unperturbed by Boriello arrival
Dynamic Juventus midfielder Alessandro Matri has insisted he is not losing any sleep over the on-loan arrival of forward Marco Boriello from AS Roma.

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Melo: I do not want Juve return
On-loan Galatasaray midfielder Felipe Melo has intimated that he does not wish to return to parent club Juventus at the end of the campaign.

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Inter Milan join race for Carlos Tevez
Inter Milan have joined rivals AC Milan in the race to sign Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez.

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Conte backs Borriello to make impact

Juventus manager Antonio Conte hopes that on-loan striker Marco Borriello can have the same impact at the club as summer arrival and former AC Milan teammate Andre Pirlo.​

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Santos won't stop Ganso Milan move
AC Milan have been alerted after Santos president Luis Oliveira revealed he will listen to offers for Ganso if the midfielder wants to leave.

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Juventus swoop for Borriello
Juventus have signed Italy striker Marco Borriello on loan until the end of the season, with an option to make the deal permanent.

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Udinese snap up Fanchone for free
Udinese have completed the signing of free agent Jean-Alain Fanchone.

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Gilardino completes Genoa switch

Fiorentina have announced the transfer of striker Alberto Gilardino to Genoa.​

 

[Alessandro Matri]

Serie A preview: Milan to meet promoted Atalanta

6 January 2012

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League leaders AC Milan will be keen to resume the Serie A season in winning fashion as Juventus take on Lecce.Massimiliano Allegri's men, led by Swede Zlatan Ibrahimovic's 11 league goals, are top of the table courtesy of having a better goal difference than Juventus.

Since a 2-0 loss to Antonio Conte's side on October 2, AC Milan have remained unbeaten domestically, and can extend their undefeated run to 12 matches when they travel to Atalanta on Sunday.Along with Ibrahimovic's brilliance, midfielder Alberto Aquilani has played a vital role, providing six assists.

Atalanta sit 11th despite being deducted six points in pre-season, with Argentine German Denis topping the league's goalscoring with 12.If AC Milan fail to collect three points, the undefeated Juventus will be ready to reclaim top spot, taking on bottom-placed Lecce on Sunday. Conte's side have conceded just 11 goals in 16 league games, with Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli standouts in defence.

Third-placed Udinese meet struggling Cesena at Stadio Friuli on Sunday hoping the top two stumble.Forward Antonio Di Natale will be out to build on his 10 goals as Francesco Guidolin's team aim to keep touch with the top of the table.

Lazio and Inter Milan, who sit fourth and fifth respectively, have winnable games on Saturday.Edy Reja's men have been forced to settle for consecutive draws in the league ahead of a trip to Siena.Reja will be eager to have German Miroslav Klose find form, with the striker having scored just twice in his last six league outings.

Meanwhile, Claudio Ranieri's Inter will be out to extend their winning run to five when they host Parma at the San Siro.Parma are winless in their last six outings, while Inter have won four straight games to climb into fifth after a slow start to the season.

In other matches, Napoli travel to take on Palermo and Roma play host to Chievo on Sunday.Cagliari and Genoa meet on Sunday, Catania visit Bologna and Novara can take a step towards climbing out of the relegation zone with a win at home to Fiorentina.

 

[Alessandro Matri]

Saturday 7th January 2012

Lazio agree deal for Alfaro

Lazio have agreed a €3.2million deal to sign Liverpool de Montevideo striker Emiliano Alfaro.

There were doubts over the Uruguayan's move to the Serie A - whether he was heading to Lazio or Genoa as both clubs were believed to be interested in a co-ownership deal.

But according to Sky Sport 24, Lazio have beaten their fellow Italian rivals to Alfaro, who happens to hold an Italian passport.

The 23-year-old is due to go through a medical examination in Rome next week before signing a four-and-a-half-year deal which will keep him at Lazio until the summer of 2016.

However, he could be sent out on loan to another Serie A so as to expose him to more first-team football.

Lazio are fourth in the table and travel to Siena on Sunday.
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[Arturo Vidal]

Serie A wrap: Inter master Parma, Lazio stunned

8 January 2012

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Inter Milan thrashed Parma 5-0 in an impressive display in Serie A on Saturday, while Lazio suffered a shock loss to Siena.Claudio Ranieri's Inter controlled the game at the San Siro from the outset and crushed Parma thanks to Diego Milito's brace and goals from Thiago Motta, Giampaolo Pazzini and substitute Marco Faraoni.

Argentine striker Milito opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a clever flick from close-range after Ricardo Alvarez's cross from the left.It was 2-0 just five minutes later when Motta's powerful drive from the edge of the area left Antonio Mirante with no chance.The contest was all but over moments before the break as Maicon's cross found Milito, who headed into the top corner.

Milito continued to impress as his through ball put Pazzini through, and the Italian striker chipped the advancing Mirante to make it 4-0 in the 56th minute.Faraoni, who replaced Milito, completed the rout when he volleyed in from 20 yards for his first Serie A goal.

Earlier on Saturday, title contenders Lazio crashed to a shock 4-0 loss at Siena.Mattia Destro and Emanuele Calaio netted braces for the hosts, who moved six points clear of the relegation zone with the victory over Edy Reja's fourth-placed side. Lazio had goalkeeper Albano Bizzarri sent off just before the interval after a bizarre penalty.

On loan from Genoa, Destro hit a neat finish into the bottom corner to put Siena ahead in the 11th minute.They doubled their advantage just after the half-hour when Calaio stepped up to score from the penalty spot after Lithuanian defender Marius Stankevicius brought down Franco Brienza with a clumsy challenge.

Siena were awarded their second spot-kick in strange fashion in first-half stoppage time.Destro darted into the area before being brought down by Bizzarri, only for the striker to rush to his feet and tap into an empty net. But the goal did not stand and Bizzarri was sent off before Calaio made it 3-0 when he beat substitute goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo.Destro would complete a deserved double on 81 minutes, nodding home Cristiano Del Grosso's cross to cap off a fine performance.

 

[Arturo Vidal]

AC Milan's Massimiliano Allegri desperate for Alexandre Pato to remain at San Siro
The Rossoneri boss was recently rumoured to have had a bust-up with his young Brazilian charge but he insists that there is no bad blood between the pair amid transfer speculation

Inter's Claudio Ranieri confident that Wesley Sneijder and Diego Forlan will be fit for AC Milan showdown but Maicon now a doubt
The Nerazzurri boss is expecting that the star duo will make their respective returns from injury against the Rossoneri but the Brazilian is now struggling with an adductor strain

Napoli's Walter Mazzarri calls for fans to give Eduardo Vargas time to prove himself in Serie A
The ex-Sampdoria boss has urged his team's supporters not to expect too much too soon from the incoming Chilean forward, but was more hopeful about Britos and Pandev

Luis Enrique confident Daniele De Rossi will stay at Roma
The Spaniard insists there is no reason for the 28-year-old to depart the Olimpico in the near future, while he also outlined the motives behind Marco Borriello's departure

Inter's Claudio Ranieri: Performance against Parma was the best of my reign
The 60-year-old has lauded his team for claiming a fifth straight win against the Ducali on Saturday, in what he has labelled the most impressive display of his tenure so far