Serie A Season 2011/2012

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Friday 12th August 2011

De La Pena leaves Roma

Ivan De La Pena has quit as Roma's assistant coach just two months into the job.

The fiery former Barcelona playmaker took up the role working under Luis Enrique when his former team-mate took over at the Stadio Olimpico in June.

However, the club have confirmed the 35-year-old has departed, citing personal reasons, leaving the inexperienced Luis Enrique searching for a replacement.

 

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Saturday 13th August 2011

Cagliari sack Roberto Donadoni

Cagliari have parted company with coach Roberto Donadoni two weeks before the start of the Serie A season.

The 47-year-old former AC Milan midfielder and Italian national team manager spent just nine months in charge of the Sardinian club, guiding them to a 14th-placed finish last season.

A statement on cagliaricalcio.net read: "Cagliari have dismissed coach Roberto Donadoni and his staff, comprising Luca Gotti, Giovanni Andreini and Paolo De Toffol.

"Cagliari would like to thank them for the work they did and wish them the best of luck in their future careers."

The decision comes shortly after a public fall-out with club president Massimo Cellino, and the departure of popular striker David Suazo to league rivals Catania.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, former Cesena coach Massimo Ficcadenti will be unveiled as Donadoni's replacement on Tuesday.

 

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Tuesday 16th August 2011

Ibra: Inter would miss Eto'o quality

AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes it would be a mistake for city rivals Inter to sell striker Samuel Eto'o this summer.

The Cameroon international is reportedly on the verge of sealing a €35 million move to Anzhi Makhachkala.

Eto'o was Inter's leading scorer last season and has played over 100 games for the Italian giants, scoring 53 goals.

However, some observers believe the huge €35 million price tag for the 30-year-old Eto'o represents a good financial move for Inter, a point which Ibrahimovic disagrees on.

"It's normal that Inter lose a lot of quality if they lose Eto'o," Ibrahimovic told Il Corriere dello Sport. "There are not many players like him around. He has proven to be one of the best players in the world."

Eto'o actually joined Inter from Barcelona in the summer of 2009 in a deal which saw Ibrahimovic move in the other direction. His current contract with Inter runs until the summer of 2014.

Reports suggest that Eto'o will be handed a contract worth up to €20million a season in order to make the move to the Russian republic of Dagestan.

Meanwhile, Ibrahimovic has expressed his desire to remain with AC Milan for the remainder of his career.

 

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Wednesday 17th August 2011

Maicon returns to Brazil for knee op

Inter Milan wing-back Maicon is to return to his native Brazil to undergo surgery on a knee injury, the Serie A club have announced.

The 30-year-old underwent tests on Tuesday, where damage to the cartilage in his right knee was diagnosed.

Maicon is set to be operated on by Professor Jose Luis Runco, the Brazil team's doctor.

Meanwhile, Samuel Eto'o only completed the morning training session today as his move to Russian side Anzhi moves closer.

Inter begin their Serie A campaign at home to Lecce on August 28.

 

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Wednesday 17th August 2011

Veteran Lucio extends Inter Milan stay

Inter Milan defender Lucio has signed a two-year contract with the Italian club.

The 33-year-old Brazil international is set to see out his career at the San Siro after agreeing a deal that ties him to the club until 2014.

"The last piece of bureaucracy has been wrapped up and the contract renewal between FC Internazionale and Da Silva Ferreira Lucimar "Lucio" has been sent to the Italian FA," a statement on Inter's official website read.

"Both parties are delighted to have agreed a two-year extension to the contract signed when the Brazilian joined the club on 20 July 2009 [which was due to expire in 2012].

"Lucio and Inter have already won six trophies together, with the centre-back making 95 appearances [and scoring three goals] until now.

"Added to the other 12 titles won at club and international level, he is one of the most successful modern-day footballers."

 

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Wednesday 17th August 2011

Moratti adamant that Sneijder not for sale

Wesley Sneijder will remain at Inter Milan this summer according to president Massimo Moratti, who has described the Dutch playmaker as "untouchable".

Sneijder has been linked with a move to Manchester United and revealed at the weekend he could be sold for the right price after "unofficial talks" had begun. Moratti has, however, denied those comments, saying there has never been any such negotiations and that Inter are not interested in selling one of their key men.

Moratti revealed his resolve to keep Sneijder has been strengthened further by the imminent departure of star striker Samuel Eto'o, who is set to join big-spending Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala. "There has never been any kind of talks about Wes," Moratti told Gazzetta dello Sport. "It doesn't matter whether Eto'o stays put or leaves the club.

"Sneijder was untouchable before the situation with Eto'o and he has become even more so now Eto'o could leave. "Sneijder is going nowhere." Moratti also confirmed speculation regarding the club's interest in Manchester City's wantaway striker Carlos Tevez, but believes any deal is unlikely as he instead looks at other options to fill Eto'o's departure.

"The names that have been mentioned are correct," he added. "We have been following Tevez, (Ezequiel) Lavezzi and (Diego) Forlan. It will be difficult to sort an agreement for the City striker but the others we are considering. "We'll see." Moratti all but confirmed Eto'o would be leaving the club in the next few days, with a number of reports suggesting he will undergo a medical at Anzhi on Thursday.

"I will really miss him if everything goes ahead," Moratti added. "Not just as a player, but also as a human being. He's a great guy and a superb player. "He has always been an example to follow and is a real professional. "When we get offers like this it is hard to ignore them. The financial fair play is a serious matter and we needed to consider it."

 

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Thursday 18th August 2011

New Cagliari boss staying realistic

Massimo Ficcadenti was not setting himself any targets after being appointed as the new coach of Cagliari.

The former Cesena boss was unveiled by the Sardinian club on Tuesday, but faces a battle to win over fans who remain unhappy at the sacking of former boss Roberto Donadoni just two weeks before the start of the season. Ficcadenti told www.cagliaricalcio.net: "I haven't been asked to achieve any particular goal, other than create good football and get as high in the table as possible.

"To win over the fans, you have to win games and I'm not fazed by the short time I have available before both the Coppa Italia and the first game of the season." The decision to axe Donadoni came shortly after a public fall-out with club president Massimo Cellino, and the departure of popular striker David Suazo to league rivals Catania.

The 47-year-old former AC Milan midfielder and Italian national team manager spent just nine months in charge of the Sardinian club, guiding them to a 14th-placed finish last season. Fans unhappy with his departure set up a Facebook group calling for a protest. Ficcadenti impressed last season in guiding newly-promoted Cesena to a 15th-place finish, but his contract was not renewed in the summer.

His first match in charge of Cagliari will be a Coppa Italia clash against Albinoleffe on Sunday, while the side's league campaign begins the following weekend against AC Milan.

 

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Thursday 18th August 2011

Di Natale wants Golden Boot hat-trick

Udinese striker Antonio Di Natale aims to continue his scoring streak and finish as Serie A top scorer for the third consecutive season.

The 33-year-old scored 57 league goals in the past two seasons and helped Udinese to a UEFA Champions League qualifying spot this year with a fourth place finish. Di Natale won the Capocannoniere accolade for two years running and is keen to complete the hat-trick by topping the Serie A scoring charts this season.

He told Calcio 2000 magazine: "It's my dream to win the Capocannoniere title for the third straight Serie A championship, "I feel in great shape ahead of the new season and I will certainly give it my best shot. It's an objective for me." The Italy striker also lauded the Bianconeri fans for their support and promised to repay their faith by staying at the club.

"I have an extraordinary relationship with the Pozzo family. I also have a good rapport with the fans. These are the reasons why I have been convinced to stay here for the rest of my career," Di Natale failed to find the net in the 1-0 Champions League play-off loss against Arsenal but will be hoping to send his side through with a goal when they meet for the second leg next Wednesday.

 

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Friday 19th August 2011

Fiorentina, Genoa broker Kharja deal

Fiorentina have signed a two-year co-ownership deal with Genoa for the services of midfielder Houssine Kharja.

A statement on it.violachannel.tv confirmed the 28-year-old will represent the Viola for the next two seasons, with the option of a third.

The Morocco international began his career with Paris St Germain and moved to Italian side Ternana in 2001 after a short spell with Sporting Lisbon.

After making over 100 appearances in six years for the Serie B club, during which he spent time on loan at Roma, he arrived at Genoa via Piacenza and Siena.

Kharja signed a loan deal at Inter Milan in January with a view to a permanent move to the San Siro, scoring on his second appearance, but has instead opted to join the Tuscan giants.

He is due to be presented to the fans at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

 

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Friday 19th August 2011

Inter pip Juve, Milan to Trofeo TIM

Inter Milan have emerged as victors of the three-team Trofeo TIM tournament after claiming wins over AC Milan and Juventus.

Inter Milan vs Juventus

In one of the traditional precursors to the new Serie A season where the three teams face on in 45-minute matches, Inter got off to a winning start by claiming a 6-5 penalty shootout win over Juventus after both sides had been tied at 1-1 after regulation time. Mirko Vucinic enjoyed a bright start to his Juve career when he gave the Bianconeri the lead after just eight minutes, but Inter were level by the 16th minute after Andrea Ranocchia headed home Wesley Sneijder's corner.

With no further goals arriving, Giampaolo Pazzini, Thiago Motta, Sneijder, Dejan Stankovic, Ranocchia and Walter Samuel all netted from the spot for Inter. However, Andrea Barzagli failed to replicate the successful spot-kicks from Alessandro Del Piero, Leonardo Bonucci, Vucinic, Andrea Pirlo and Stephan Lichtsteiner, handing Inter two points while claiming one for the Bianconeri.

Juventus vs AC Milan

Juventus then stayed on the field to take on Milan, and looked set for yet another defeat when Antonio Cassano handed the Rossoneri the lead. But against the run of play, Arturo Vidal let fly with a speculative effort, which Flavio Roma allowed to slip under his body, to level the scores. And in stoppage time, the Bianconeri claimed all three points stooped to head home Vidal's perfectly-weighted cross.

AC Milan vs Inter Milan

The final match saw Inter return to the field to take on their arch-rivals, and in a relatively lacklustre encounter, it was Diego Milito who claimed the only goal after racing onto a through-ball before beating Ignzaio Abate and Roma to net. With that win, Inter finished top of the standings on five points, with Juve a further point behind in second, while Milan finished last with no points.

Trofeo TIM Results and Standings
​

Inter Milan 1-1 Juventus (6-5 on penalties)

Juventus 2-1 AC Milan

AC Milan 0-1 Inter Milan

1st: Inter - 5 points, 2nd: Juventus - 4 points, 3rd: Milan - 0 points

​

 

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Saturday 20th August 2011

Catania confirm Bergessio signing

Catania have confirmed the signing of St Etienne forward Gonzalo Bergessio.

The Argentina international, who spent the second half of last season on loan at the Rossazzurri, has returned to the Stadio Angelo Massimino, in a deal believed to be worth around £2million.

He has featured in St Etienne's first two games of the season, but a falling-out with coach Christophe Galtier has paved the way for his return to Italy, where he scored five goals in 13 games last term.

 

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Sunday 21st August 2011

Gasperini: Inter will survive Eto'o loss

Inter Milan manager Gian Piero Gasperini believes that his club can do well despite losing Samuel Eto'o to Anzhi Makhachhkala.

The Cameroon striker has been linked with the big spending Russian side, but despite this, Gasperini is confident the Serie A giants can continue to prosper without their 2010/11 top scorer. "Obviously it would be disappointing to lose [Samuel] Eto'o, as he is a great player, but Inter will be strong, with or without him," the former Genoa boss said toGazzetta dello Sport.

The 53-year-old was also unperturbed by reports of Wesley Sneijder's possible move to Manchester United. "There is no confusion at Inter. Things have been very clear for a while now," he added. "The media have been talking about Eto'o and Wesley Sneijder for 40 days, going over what might or might not happen on the transfer market.

"I can tell you I consider these two players to be excellent, but the foundations of a team have to be a strong collective." Inter will kick off their 2011/12 Serie A season with a home fixture against Lecce next weekend.

 

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Monday 22nd August 2011

Report: Napoli reject €18m Lavezzi bid

Napoli have turned down Zenit St Petersburg's €18 million offer for striker Ezequiel Lavezzi, according to reports.

Sky Sport 24 claimed on Sunday that the Naples outfit have rejected Zenit's bid for their star player as it falls below the striker's €30 million release clause.

An earlier report in La Gazzetta dello Sport had earlier reported that the Russian champions had lodged a bid for the Argentina international.

Lavezzi has a contract with Napoli until 2015 and has also been linked with a move to Inter Milan as they prepare to find a replacement for Samuel Eto'o who is on the verge of joining Russian Premier Liga side Anzhi Makhachkala.

However, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis hopes he can convince Lavezzi to stay at San Paolo.

Lavezzi impressed for Napoli last season, helping them to a third-placed finish in Serie A and UEFA Champions League qualification.

Troubled Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has been mentioned in the Italian media as a possible replacement for Lavezzi.

 

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Monday 22nd August 2011

Report: Eto'o set for record salary

Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto'o is set to become the highest-paid footballer in the world after reports claimed a deal had been reached with Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala.

Italian media reported on Sunday that the two clubs have agreed on a transfer fee of $38.9million while Eto'o is expected to ink a three-year contract worth $28.8million per season when the deal is formalised on Monday.

This would put the Cameroon international's salary above the estimated $17.3million that Real Madrid pay Cristiano Ronaldo and the $15.1million that Lionel Messi currently earns at Barcelona.

Eto'o was Inter's leading scorer last season and has played over 100 games for the Italian giants, scoring 53 goals.

The 30-year-old Eto'o joined Inter from Barcelona in the summer of 2009 in a deal which saw Zlatan Ibrahimovic move in the other direction.

He has won three UEFA Champions League titles - two with Barca and one with Inter - during his career so far.

Anzhi are backed by billionaire oil tycoon Suleiman Kerimov.

 

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Monday 22nd August 2011

DiBenedetto: Totti greatest in 50 years

Roma owner Thomas DiBenedetto believes club captain Francesco Totti can stake a claim to being the best player over the last 50 years.

DiBenedetto, who completed his takeover of the club earlier this year, is bidding to reinstate the club back at the top of Italian football, and has spared no expense in his rebuilding plans.

Having installed former Spain legend Luis Enrique as the club's new coach, DiBenedetto's reign has also seen the arrivals of established players like Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg and Spanish hitman Bojan Krkic, as well as that of outstanding young talents like Erik Lamela from River Plate.

However, DiBenedetto is also keen for his side to have identity and character on the pitch, and believes Totti is a must-have in Roma's starting lineup for the upcoming Serie A campaign. "Totti is an extraordinary player and I think he is one of the greatest," the American businessman told Il Corriere dello Sport.

"Maybe he is the greatest player of the last 50 years. "He is part of Roma's history and we need him on the pitch." Roma start the new league campaign away to Bologna on Sunday, but first they will be looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Slovan Bratislava in their Europa League tie on Thursday.

 

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Monday 22nd August 2011

Inter: Maicon operation a success

Inter Milan full-back Maicon has undergone successful knee surgery, his club have announced.

Maicon damaged his right knee during training earlier this month and went under the knife in his native Brazil.

A statement from Inter read: "The arthroscopic meniscal surgery performed on Maicon's right knee went well."

Inter, who face Lecce in their opening Serie A game on Sunday, have yet to confirm how long the Brazil international will remain sidelined.

The club recently signed Maicon's fellow Brazilian Jonathan as cover for the 66-cap international.

 

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Tuesday 23rd August 2011

Agent: Inter make Dirk Kuyt offer

Dirk Kuyt's agent claims Inter Milan have made an offer for the Liverpool forward.

Inter are looking for striking reinforcements with Samuel Eto'o poised to join Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala and Kuyt is on their list of targets.

The Italians have held a long-term interest in the Holland international and they tried to sign Kuyt last summer while former boss Rafa Benitez was still in charge at the San Siro.

Kuyt's representative Rob Jansen admits the 31-year-old needs to think about the offer from Inter. "Inter Milan have made an attractive offer for Dirk and he has to think about it," Jansen told RTV West. "However, the two clubs have yet to agree a deal."

It is unlikely Liverpool would be willing to sell Kuyt as he enjoyed a strong second half to last season and he was rewarded with a contract extension to keep him at Anfield until 2013.

Kuyt was left out of Liverpool's starting line-up for the opening draw at home to Sunderland, but he returned to the first XI for the weekend win at Arsenal.

 

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Tuesday 23rd August 2011

Serie A players repeat strike threat

The Italian players' association have warned they will strike unless a new collective contract is signed before the start of the Serie A season this weekend.

The players' representatives of all 20 Serie A clubs met in Milan on Monday afternoon to reaffirm their demand for the league to sign a new deal. "We reiterate our position," said players' association president Damiano Tommasi. "If the contract is signed, we will play on Saturday or Sunday. Otherwise, we will stay at home.

"There is time as on Wednesday the league will meet." The Italian Players association (AIC) said the league has still not signed an agreement reached with the players last year after intense negotiations, during which strikes were twice narrowly averted. An old collective agreement expired at the end of the 2009/10 campaign and talks for its renewal continued throughout last season.

The AIC was especially unhappy about clubs trying to force players to move in the last year of their contracts. The threat of a strike in Italy comes after industrial action this past weekend in Spain, where there were no matches in the top two divisions due to a dispute over unpaid wages. A meeting today between the two sides saw little progress made.

 

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Tuesday 23rd August 2011

Ekdal leaves Juve for Cagliari

Swedish midfielder Albin Ekdal has joined Cagliari from Juventus.

The 22-year-old moved to Juve from Swedish club Brommapojkarna in 2008 but was limited to three Serie A appearances.

He has spent the last two seasons on loan at Siena and Bologna but has now made a permanent move to the Sardinian club, who face champions AC Milan in their opening Serie A match of the season on Saturday night.

Cagliari will pay 3million euros to Juventus over a three-year period, and a 1.5million euro co-ownership agreement fee has also been confirmed.

 

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Thursday 25th August 2011

Eto'o bids fond farewell to Inter Milan

Samuel Eto'o has bid an emotional farewell to Inter Milan as he embarks on a new adventure in Russia.

The 30-year-old Cameroon striker completed his move to Anzhi Makhachkala yesterday after two seasons with the Italian giants. "I think it is right and fair to thank the people who have given me so much in these two fantastic years that I've spent at Inter," Eto'o said on club website www.inter.it.

"I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the president, Mr Massimo Moratti, and to his family for everything they have done and for the way they have helped me. "Then there are all my team-mates: I'm aware that without their encouragement and help on the pitch Inter wouldn't have achieved so many important victories on a national and international level.
"I will never forget the affection of the Inter fans."

The former Barcelona frontman scored 37 goals last season for Inter and was a key member of the Nerazzurri team that won the Serie A, Champions League and Coppa Italia treble in the 2009-10 campaign. "A sincere thank you to the coaches who have been at Inter in these years," he said.

"Especially to Mr Jose Mourinho, who was so determined to have me at this club, for the opportunity he gave me by bringing me to Milan." Eto'o has signed a three-year deal with the Premier Liga outfit and will be one of the highest-paid players in the world, earning a reported 10million euros per season.