║║ Serie A Season 2012-13 ║║

[Lavezzi]

Serie A wrap: Juve, Milan hit goal trail

17 December 2012

Juventus cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Atalanta on Sunday, while AC Milan made light work of Pescara.

Three goals in the first half-hour from Mirko Vucinic, Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio set the defending champions on their way to a routine victory, as well as extending their run of clean sheets to five games, despite the absence of experienced trio Lucio, Simone Pepe and Leonardo Bonucci.

Antonio Conte's men made a bright start and were well on their way after Montenegrin striker Vucinic curled a ball past Andrea Consigli in the second minute.

A moment of class from Pirlo then doubled the scoring in favour of the hosts, with the Italian international firing home a sumptuous effort into the top corner.

Vucinic spurned two clear chances but Juventus were not to be denied a third however as Marchisio was on hand to further extend his team's lead and secure the points in the 27th minute.

At the San Siro, Massimiliano Allegri's Milan eased to a 4-1 win at home to lowly Pescara.

The home side scored within seconds of the opening whistle after leading goal scorer Stephan El Shaarawy played in team-mate Antonio Nocerino, who made no mistake from inside the area.

Milan doubled their lead after Robinho's corner was clumsily headed in by Elvis Abbruscato five minutes into the second half before Christian Terlizzi pulled a goal back for the visitors six minutes later.

However, Milan raced away with maximum points thanks to an own goal from Jonathas and a goal from El Shaarawy in the final 10 minutes, handing the hosts their fourth successive league triumph.

Bologna scored twice in the last five minutes to steal a 3-2 victory away at Napoli.

Having gone behind to Manolo Gabbiadini's 10th-minute opener, Napoli fought their way back in front thanks to second-half goals from Alessandro Gamberini and Edinson Cavani.

But Bologna clinched the win with two goals from the 86th minute.

Panagiotis Kone equalised for the visitors with a spectacular volley from Gyorgy Garics' cross before Daniele Portanova scored the winner in the 89th minute, powerfully heading Alessandro Diamanti's free-kick home at the far post.

In other Serie A results on Sunday, a brace from Luca Toni and goals from Alberto Aquilani and David Pizarro guided Fiorentina to a crushing 4-1 win against Siena and Roma's five-game winning streak came to an end after they were beaten 1-0 at Chievo.

A three-goal second half inspired Parma to a come-from-behind 4-1 triumph over Cagliari, Sampdoria suffered a 3-1 defeat at Catania, while struggling Genoa earned a point in a 1-1 draw with Torino.

 

[Lavezzi]

Feyenoord open contract talks with Clasie
The promising 21-year-old midfielder has caught the attention of Serie A giants Juventus, but his current club are determined to hold on to him and have offered him a new deal

Galliani: AC Milan create top players rather than buy them
The Rossoneri director has admitted they are going through a transitional period, but is confident that their policy to sign promising youngsters will help Milan back to the top

Fiorentina can achieve European qualification, says Jovetic
The Montenegro international believes that his side can challenge with the best, and insists that he is happy at the side despite transfer speculation

Sao Paulo announce the signing of former Juventus defender Lucio
The former Brazil captain has agreed to return to his homeland after a 12-year spell abroad, and is expected to make a big impact on his new side who are targeting silverware

Roma not willing to sell De Rossi
The club's senior officials have no intention of letting the player leave the Italian capital, despite not being able to force his way into Zdenek Zeman's side on a regular basis

Petkovic: Zarate is training alone
The Argentine looks set to depart the club in the January transfer window after failing to report for Saturday's victory over Inter

Napoli pledge to fight match-fixing punishment
The Naples club do not believe they should be disciplined over the Scommessopoli scandal, after they were docked two points and two of their players were banned for six months

Sneijder sent on early Christmas break
The midfielder will not play any part in his side's final two games of 2012 after returning home for the festive period, along with team-mate Philippe Coutinho

Chivu: Inter will continue to make progress
The Romania defender believes that the Giuseppe Meazza will become even better over the course of the season, and thinks the Scudetto race is far from over yet

Juventus keeping tabs on Danilo & Bocchetti
The reigning champions are looking into the possibility to add to their ranks in January, but could decide to stick with their current defensive options for the rest of the season

AC Milan ponder shock De Rossi swoop
The San Siro powerhouse are looking to strengthen their squad this winter, and have earmarked the Roma midfielder as the ideal addition

Delio Rossi named Sampdoria coach
The 52-year-old trainer takes charge of Blucerchiati after the dismissal of Ciro Ferrara on Monday, and will work with new sporting director Carlo Osti

Giovinco: It was important to extend our lead
The forward is of the opinion that the Bianconeri did themselves a great favour by increasing their advantage at the top of Serie A by beating the Orobici at the weekend

Sacking coaches has become a 'bad habit', says Prandelli
The Azzurri boss has blasted the decisions of two Serie A sides to fire their trainers on Monday, and called for more patience and confidence in those in charge of the teams

Conte: I would give the Ballon d'Or to Pirlo
The Bianconeri boss insists the Italy playmaker deserves to win the prestigious prize, despite the record-breaking exploits of leading candidate Lionel Messi

Juventus terminate Lucio contract
The veteran defender has ended his spell with the Bianconeri after making just four appearances this season since his arrival over the summer

Phenomenal Pirlo doesn't need the Ballon d'Or to prove his greatness
The veteran was unplayable on Sunday in Juventus' 3-0 win over Atalanta, a performance that summed up his perfect 2012

Allegri demands defensive improvement ahead of Roma clash
The AC Milan boss believes that his side could come unstuck against Zdenek Zeman's side next week if their back line do not pick up their act

Vucinic: Early goal vital in Juventus victory over Atalanta
The Montenegrin striker was pleased with how his side handled the game against La Dea after his early strike had given the Old Lady the lead

'Lazio attacked for 94 minutes against Inter' - Lotito
The Biancocelesti president is adamant that his side fully deserved their victory over Inter, and praised the way his side played on the offensive for the entire game

Take him back, Arsenal! Juventus sacrificed quality for quantity in Bendtner deal
The Dane has been an utter flop since being signed on loan by the Bianconeri but it's a scenario that was easy to foresee from the moment he arrived in Turin

Stramaccioni encouraged by Inter's second-half display against Lazio
The Nerazzurri suffered a late defeat at the Olimpico, but the young trainer insisted the display given by his team after the interval was worthy of at least a point

Giovinco agent expects contract extension
The forward's representative is confident his client will be allowed to prolong his three-year deal with the Old Lady after impressing boss Antonio Conte on his return to the club

Zeman: There is no big secret behind Roma's recent results
The Giallorossi boss reveals that there are no complicated tactics behind his side's good form, other than just cutting out silly mistakes and working hard

AC Milan boss Allegri hoping to keep Robinho at club
The Rossoneri coach says he will do all he can to keep the Brazil international at the club and is confident that the transfer speculation will not affect his performances

Referees do not favour big teams in Serie A anymore, says Cambiasso
The Argentine says that match officials no longer give preferential treatment to the big sides in the Italian top flight, but admits it happened in the past

Berlusconi: We give ourselves three years to make AC Milan great again
The 76-year-old former Italy prime minister is confident his team will rise from the ashes and reclaim their place among Europe's elite in the near future

Niang: I'd rather be like Ronaldo than Balotelli
The young striker, who netted his first goal for the Rossoneri in the Coppa Italia on Thursday, revealed that he would love to be as good as his Brazilian idol some day

 

[Lavezzi]

Napoli docked two points in Scommessopoli scandal

The Partenopei have been handed a couple of points deduction, while Paolo Cannavaro, Gianluca Grava and Matteo Gianello face lengthy spells on the sidelines

Dec 18, 2012 10:00:00 AM

By Stefan Coerts

The Italian football federation (FIGC) has opted to hand Napoli a two-point deduction in the Scommessopoli scandal.

Furthermore, Paolo Cannavaro and Gianluca Grava have been suspended for six months for failing to report an attempt of match-fixing, while Matteo Gianello was banned for three years and three months.

The case revolves around the Serie A fixture between Sampdoria and the Partenopei on May 16, 2010, which the Blucerchiati won 1-0 to seal their place in the following season's Champions League play-offs.

Former reserve goalkeeper Gianello had asked the pair of defenders to participate in an attempt to fix the match, only for the request to be turned down.

Prosecutor Stefano Palazzi had demanded a one-point deduction plus a €100,000 fine for Napoli, but FIGC has opted to dock the Stadio San Paolo side two points instead.

Atalanta, Sampdoria, Torino and Siena were previously handed point-deductions in the match-fixing scandal.

Napoli drop to fifth spot in the Serie A table following the punishment.

 

[Lavezzi]

Napoli pledge to fight match-fixing punishment

The Naples club do not believe they should be disciplined over the Scommessopoli scandal, after they were docked two points and two of their players were banned for six months

Dec 18, 2012 2:39:00 PM

By Tom Maston

Napoli have vowed to fight the points deduction and banning of two of their players for not reporting plans to fix matches in 2010.

Former goalkeeper Mattia Gianello reportedly approached Paolo Cannavaro and Gianluca Grava in an attempt to fix the result of a game against Sampdoria in 2010, and the club have been docked two points and fined €70,000 for not reporting the incident.

Cannavaro and Grava have also been banned for six months, but the club does not believe they should have been punished.

"The president Aurelio De Laurentiis, the coach Walter Mazzarri and the the whole team are confident that no violation can be attributed to SSC Napoli," read an official statement on the club's website.

"While not entering into the obsolete and outdated principle of objective responsibility and reserving any comments and any legal action, SSC Napoli does not agree with the decision of the National Disciplinary Committee.

"Any decision must be made before the start of the season or at the end of it. Since the date of this incident there has been time to evaluate and decide.

"We are confident that in the two degrees of judgement, we will be warranted true justice."

The points deduction has left the Stadio San Paolo outfit 10 points behind Serie A leaders Juventus as they look to win their first league title since 1990.

 

[Zlatan Ibrahimovic]

Cambiasso offers Alvarez backing
The holding midfielder has complete confidence in his compatriot and insists he can still develop into a fine player, despite struggling to make an impact at San Siro

Hamsik: Juventus are out of Napoli's reach
The Slovakia star has acknowledged that the Scudetto appears to be unattainable and he is now aiming for Champions League qualification instead

Nedved: Conte can guide Juventus to Champions League glory
The former Bianconeri star is hopeful their current coach can help the club to European success for the first time since 1996

Conte: Chiellini will come back stronger
The Juventus coach is confident the Italy international will return to his best, while also discussing Mirko Vucinic's injury problems

Figo hoping for swift Sneijder resolution
The former Nerazzurri star admits the situation is proving testing for both the player and the club but insists the most important decision lies in the hands of Andrea Stramaccioni

Cagliari president slams Juventus over 'embarassing' fixture rearrangement
The Rossoblu supremo was left furious with the Old Lady's part in ensuring Friday's league meeting between the two clubs is to be played in Parma and not Sardinia

Thiago Silva: I miss Milan & I want to return
The Brazilian has admitted that he still holds the San Siro club in his heart and says he would definitely return to the Serie A giants should the opportunity arise

Chiellini expected out for three months with calf muscle tear
The Bianconeri may now rue the decision to terminate Lucio's contract following the news that the Italy defender sustained a lesion and faces a lengthy spell on the treatment table

AC Milan & Juventus keeping tabs on Leandro Paredes
The Argentine youngster has attracted the interest of both Serie A powerhouses, and a transfer to Italy could be on the horizon in the not too distant future

Zanetti: 2012 has been a year of growth for Inter
The Nerazzurri skipper is satisfied with his side's progress in the past 12 months, and is determined to finish the year on a high against Genoa

Stramaccioni: Genoa match is crucial but we have many injured players
The Serie A side's coach says the match on Saturday is crucial to his side's season but admits he has many injured players

Milito hails Roma's Destro as Inter continue search for back-up striker
The Argentina striker has expressed his admiration for the Roma attacker's abilities and wants him to join Inter

Udinese's Guidolin rues bad luck in Coppa Italia
The Friulani coach laments his teams' wasted chances as a 1-0 defeat sends Udinese out of the Coppa Italia

Juventus defender crisis after Chiellini injury
A scan will determine whether the Bianconeri defender faces up to three months on the sidelines, with Antonio Conte already short of cover at the back

Galliani: AC Milan have received Pato offer
The Rossoneri chief has revealed there is an offer on the table for the Brazil forward and says he is doing his utmost to keep Robinho at San Siro

Pasquale Cannavaro: My son is innocent
The father of the Napoli centre-back has launched an impassioned defence of the 31-year-old after he was banned for the remainder of the season for his part in Scommessopoli

 

[Alexandre Pato]

PREVIEW-Soccer-Controversy looms over Serie A fixtures

By Terry Daley | Reuters

ROME, Dec 20 (Reuters) - Off-field controversy will again cast a shadow over the final weekend of Serie A matches before the winter break with Napoli reeling after being docked points over match-fixing and Cagliari's stadium problems threatening their existence in the top flight.

Walter Mazzari's Napoli should get their season back on track on Sunday (1400 GMT) at bottom club Siena. Napoli now find themselves in fifth place, 10 points behind champions Juventus and fighting for a Champions League place rather than the title.

But Siena could fancy their chances against Napoli, who threw away a lead to lose against Bologna at home twice in three days, and will want to impress their new boss Giuseppe Iachini. For Antonio Conte and league leaders Juventus, things could hardly be going any better.

Not only are they six points ahead of their nearest challengers Inter Milan, but their other serious rival was effectively ruled out of the race and they even benefited from the week's other controversy when their match at Cagliari on Friday (1945 GMT) was moved to Parma.

The only problem facing Juve is Giorgio Chiellini being ruled out for up to two months with a calf injury. However, considering only Pescara have scored fewer goals than Cagliari this season, not many would bet on them getting a result against the champions.

The real losers, however, will be Cagliari's long-suffering supporters, 15,000 of whom had bought tickets for the match at the Is Arenas stadium, as their club battles with local authorities over the safety of their stadium.

Fans of the Sardinian club again face the prospect of watching their club's home games being played on the Italian mainland, which could have a big impact on their fight against relegation.

The six teams pursuing Juventus are fighting over European places and AS Roma play AC Milan in Rome on Saturday evening (1945 GMT).

Milan had a dismal start to the season with speculation about Massimiliano Allegri's future dominating Italian media. But they are unbeaten in their last five matches, a run that has seen them pull back from two goals down to draw at Napoli and inflict Juventus's second defeat of the season.

With 14 goals, Serie A's top scorer Stephan El Shaarawy is Milan's inspiration, but Robinho has also been exceptional since returning from injury. Roma have a wealth of talent up front and an all-out attacking philosophy that has brought them 38 goals in 17 games, the most in the league.

Roma are two points and a place above Milan in sixth, and the match will be an indicator of which side really wants to make a run at next season's Champion's League.

(Editing by Tom Bartlett)

 

[Zlatan Ibrahimovic]

Friday 21st December 2012

PREVIEW: Clubs seek boost before break

Serie A clubs will be seeking to end the year on a high in this weekend's fixtures before going on a winter break.


Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic is feeling pangs of nostalgia and jealousy as Saturday's opposition, AC Milan, prepare for another Champions League appointment with Barcelona.

The Bosnian enjoyed three European campaigns with Lyon but has not tasted European football since moving to Serie A for 11million euros last year.

The Giallorossi have been convincing in their mission to secure a top-four finish, though, winning four of their last five games to go sixth, but seventh-placed Milan are two points behind and snapping at their heels in the last match before the winter break.

He told Corriere dello Sport: "My dream is to improve at Roma and make sure we always finish top three in the league. "The one thing I miss terribly is the Champions League, which I had the opportunity to play in for three years."

Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri, meanwhile, is out for revenge after enduring four fruitless encounters with Barca last season. "We're up against the strongest team in the world," he told acmilan.com. "We want to progress so I hope we're luckier than last year."

Winter champions Juventus play Cagliari at Parma's Stadio Ennio Tardini after the Rossoblu's Stadio Is Arenas home failed safety checks. The Bianconeri could lead second-placed Inter Milan by 10 points going into the weekend should they beat struggling Cagliari.

Head coach Antonio Conte will be without captain Giorgio Chiellini for at least two months after the defender tore his right calf. The Juve boss said: "I'm convinced he'll come back stronger than before, looking to recover as soon as possible. "Perhaps it's the first game we'll face with a series of injury problems. I'm convinced the team will respond in the correct manner."

While Cagliari and Juventus do battle in the Ducale city, Parma's players are just down the road in Bologna for the first Derby d'Emilia of the season. The Rossoblu claimed an impressive 3-2 victory at Napoli to climb to 13th place after weeks of struggle, while Parma have slipped to 10th having only won two games from their last seven.

Napoli will have a point to prove at Siena after being deducted two points for alleged involvement in match-fixing, but the Bianconeri have a new manager, Giuseppe Iachini, who will be keen to make a good impression on his debut with the league's bottom side.

Delio Rossi replaced Ciro Ferrara as head coach at Sampdoria this week and his first task will be his former club Lazio at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. Inter Milan remain Juve's closest challengers and will hope to capitalise on any slip up to close a seven-point gap with a positive result over relegation-threatened Genoa.

Fourth-placed Fiorentina hope to persuade talented striker Stevan Jovetic to stay in Tuscany by earning Champions League football but opponents Palermo are one place clear of the relegation zone and desperate for points.

Elsewhere, Chievo plot to win four consecutive league games for the first time since 2002 as they visit Torino, who are without a win in five.

Pescara welcome resurgent Catania to the Stadio Adriatico before Atalanta host Udinese in a mid-table scrap as another year of Italian football draws to a close.

Friday's Serie A Fixtures

Pescara vs Catania
Cagliari vs Juventus

Satuday's Serie A Fixtures

Inter Milan vs Genoa
Atalanta vs Udinese
Bologna vs Parma
Palermo vs Fiorentina
Sampdoria vs Lazio
Siena vs Napoli
Torino vs Chievo
Roma vs AC Milan
​

​

 

[Zlatan Ibrahimovic]

Serie A wrap: Juventus storm home to down Cagliari

22 December 2012

Juventus produced a late fightback in their final match of 2012 as they beat a plucky Cagliari side 3-1 at Stadio Ennio Tardini in Parma.

The Rossoblu took the lead in the first half when Arturo Vidal felled Marco Sau in the area and Mauricio Pinilla converted from the spot.

But the Bianconeri fought back to level through Alessandro Matri and the substitute stole the victory for the visitors in added time with his second strike before Mirko Vucinic made sure of the points.

The result saw Juventus extend their advantage at the top of the Serie A table to 10 points, with nearest rival Inter still to play this weekend.

Meanwhile, Cagliari remain just a point above the relegation zone in 17th position and will find themselves in the bottom three if 18th-placed Palermo manage at least a draw with fourth-placed Fiorentina on Saturday.

In the day's other match, a late Togni winner saw Pescara defeat Catania 2-1.

Pescara, who started the day in the relegation zone, took the lead after Mervan Celik converted Vladimir Weiss' assist after 23 minutes.

Pablo Barrientos netted an equaliser 10 minutes before the half-time break for the eighth-placed Catania and they seemed headed for a draw.

But Togni had other ideas, with the Brazilian scoring in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time to spark wild celebrations at Stadio Adriatico-Giovanni Cornacchia.

Pescara now sit 15th on the Serie A table.

 

[E.Lavezzi]

Serie A wrap: Inter slip up

23 December 2012

Inter Milan were held to a 1-1 draw by struggling Genoa on Saturday as their Serie A title ambitions took a further hit on Saturday.

Genoa withheld the early pressure and frustrated their hosts before going in front through Ciro Immobile in the 77th minute.

Esteban Cambiasso rewarded Inter for their efforts when he headed in an 85th-minute equaliser but it proved to be points dropped for the dominant hosts as they reduced the margin to leaders Juventus to only nine points.

Substitute Marko Livaja missed a glorious chance late on to win it for Inter, hitting his strike against the post from right in front from Diego Milito's cut back.

Lazio and Fiorentina moved ahead of Inter as a result after they both secured wins on the road.

Lazio moved up to second courtesy of a 1-0 win over Sampdoria with Brazilian Hernanes scoring the only goal.

In the late kick-off, Roma made it six wins from their last seven with a 4-2 thumping of AC Milan at the Stadio Olimpico.

The damage was done in the first 30 minutes as goals from Nicolas Burdisso, Pablo Osvaldo, Erik Lamela gave the hosts a 3-0 lead.

Lamela doubled his account on 61 minutes and although Roma's Marquinhos was sent off with 12 minutes left – which partly contributed to late consolation goals from Milan substitutes Giampaolo Pazzini and Bojan – Zdenek Zeman's side were still comfortable winners.

Fiorentina brushed aside Palermo 3-0 to move level on points with Inter but ahead on goal difference.

Montenegrin star Stevan Jovetic bagged a double for Fiorentina and Gonzalo Rodriguez added a late penalty.

Napoli left it late but were good enough to defeat 10-man Siena 2-0 through Christian Maggio's 86th-minute strike and Edison Cavani's stoppage-time penalty.

Parma came from behind to defeat Bologna 2-1 and Torino moved further clear of the relegation zone with a 2-0 victory over Chievo.

Atalanta and Udinese settled for a 1-1 draw with neither side able to break the deadlock in the second half.

 

[E.Lavezzi]

Juventus coach Conte unaware of any move for Drogba
The Old Lady trainer says he is puzzled by persistent reports linking the former Chelsea striker with a move to Turin

Taarabt: My agent is in talks with AC Milan
The QPR star claims his representative has spoken to Rossoneri chief executive Adriano Galliani regarding a move that he sees as a platform to joining Real Madrid or Barcelona

Drogba is better than Balotelli, says Ambrosini
Both strikers have been linked with moves to AC Milan in recent weeks, but the Rossoneri skipper is in no doubt as to which he would rather line up with

Verratti rules out Roma switch
The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder claims that he will remain at the club for the foreseeable future, and praised some of his team-mates

Bojan rules out Barcelona goal celebration
The AC Milan forward could feature against his former club when the two teams meet in the last 16 of the Champions League - a game he says will be "extra special"

Lamela refuses to get carried away after two goals in win over Milan
The Roma forward scored twice in Saturday night's 4-2 victory over Massimiliano Allegri's side but refused to take all the credit and praised the hard work of his team-mates

'Inter do not have faith in Alvarez' - Colasanto
The Argentina midfielder's representative believes the club have no confidence in the 24-year-old after he was replaced 30 minutes into Saturday's game following a torrent of jeers

Genoa striker Ze Eduardo to sign for Vasco da Gama
The former Palmeiras forward revealed that he has struggled to adapt to the cold weather in Italy and is looking forward to the warmth of Rio de Janeiro

Galliani: Pato and Robinho have asked to leave Milan
The vice president has admitted the striking duo could be heading out of San Siro in January, as negotiations with Brazilian clubs are believed to be already underway

Totti: This Roma team has no limits
The Giallorossi captain believes that his team is capable of winning Serie A if they continue their excellent recent performances into the second half of the season

AC Milan just had a bad night - Amelia backs his team after Roma defeat
The Rossoneri goalkeeper refused to concede the fight for the championship, despite seeing his side lose in Rome, and stressed the need for his team to remain mentally tough

Allegri: Milan not that bad despite Roma defeat
The Rossoneri head coach saw enough fight in his team to deem the performance, despite his side being beaten 4-2 on away soil in the Italian capital

Zeman delighted with Roma's 4-2 victory over Milan
The coach was pleased with his team's display, after goals from Nicolas Burdisso, Pablo Osvaldo and a double from Erik Lamela clinched the three points

Berlusconi rules out Drogba & Balotelli bids
The AC Milan president played down reports linking the striking duo to the Italian giants in the January window, and insisted they are not transfer targets

Osvaldo: I have a horrible personality
The Roma striker revealed how he misses his childhood in Argentina, and tried to explain why his behaviour can be so erratic on the football pitch

Inter's Stramaccioni congratulates players despite home draw with Genoa
The Nerazzurri boss was happy that his team managed to claim a point at the Giuseppe Meazza in spite of the fact that a number of key first-teamers were barely fit to play

Trying to sign Pato is like dating a woman, says Corinthians president
The official revealed that the Brazilian team are interested in the former Internacional striker, but stated that everyone at the club should remain patient

Zeman: Roma irritate the establishment
The Czech coach is of the opinion that the Giallorossi are not given the preferential treatment other big clubs receive, insisting the team are victims of unfair decisions

Sacchi expects Milan to face a 'very difficult' test against Barcelona
The Italian coach has expressed his views on the club's knockout draw, and believes his old side have a very difficult task ahead of them

Cavani admits 'worst' period of his career at Napoli
The 25-year-old forward has spoken of a difficult spell in his club career, but hopes his team can improve and win their final fixture in 2012

Conte delighted to break Capello record following Cagliari win
The Bianconeri's victory over the Sardinians means they have now accumulated 94 points this year - surpassing the previous landmark set by the current Russia coach in 2005

Marotta rules out Juventus pursuit of Drogba
The Ivorian had been put forward as a possible striking reinforcement for the Bianconeri, who have been accused of lacking potency, but their general manager is looking elsewhere

Sneijder preparing for Inter exit, says wife
The Dutch playmaker has been frozen out of Andrea Stramaccioni's first team for the last few months, and could end his Nerazzurri career as soon as January

Allegri: New striker arrival depends on Robinho or Pato leaving
The Rossoneri trainer insists that the club may only invest in a new attacker in case the two Brazilians will depart, while discussing several personnel options

 

[E.Lavezzi]

Fabio Cannavaro defends brother Paolo over match-fixing ban

The former Italy international has leapt to his sibling's defence and suggested that sporting law should be changed so that similar cases are judged differently

Dec 24, 2012 12:20:00 AM
By Miles Chambers

Fabio Cannavaro has defended his brother Paolo after he was banned for six months for not reporting an instance of match-fixing.

Ex-Italy goalkeeper Matteo Gianello was also suspended for 39 months by the Italian Football Federation for trying to fix Napoli’s clash against Sampdoria in 2010.

And the World Cup winner insists that his sibling is innocent and, at a charity event in Naples, suggested that sporting law in the country should be changed.

"I was very sorry he had to be involved in this story, he is a white knight in a game full of scandals," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Sporting law should be reformed in order to better judge cases like his.

“I had two titles taken away from me, so I know how it feels at times like this because it feels like one is the victim of an injustice."

 

[E.Lavezzi]

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[E.Lavezzi]

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[Lavezzi]

Amelia: Balotelli could be great at AC Milan
The 30-year-old feels the Serie A side would be the perfect place to develop the striker's potential, and believes they have a chance against Barcelona in the Champions League

Maldini says Milan are an 'absolutely normal club' now
The Rossoneri legend slams his former side, saying they are a shell of what they were because the players who made history are no longer involved at the club

Bojan return to Barcelona possible, says father
The attacker was sold to Roma for around €12 million in 2011 before being loaned out to AC Milan this season, but his father insists that his future may be back at Camp Nou

Zanetti set for Inter coaching role after retirement
El Pupi, who has made 587 appearances for the Nerazzurri, wants to extend his loyalty beyond a playing career and become a coach for his long-time club

Buffon believes Juventus team-mate Pirlo is 'same quality' as Messi
The Old Lady's captain says the Argentine is as good as the Barcelona star, and adds that he himself wants to continue playing until he is 37 years old

Sneijder: It would be best if I leave Inter in January
The former Real Madrid midfielder, who has been locked in a contractual dispute with the club and subsequently frozen out of the first team, stated that he should depart the team

Capello: Only Roma can challenge Juventus for Scudetto
The experienced coach believes the Giallorossi are the only team in Italy capable of putting up a fight against the Bianconeri, and dismissed the chances of the Milanese clubs

Agnelli: There's more to come from Juventus
The Bianconeri supremo reflected on the club's achievements during the past year, and insisted that the Old Lady must work even harder to achieve success in 2013

Maradona: Juventus would be lethal with Cavani
The Argentina icon believes the talismanic Napoli striker would be a fantastic addition to Antonio Conte's side, while he reserved special praise for their "world class" midfield

Villas-Boas quashes Sneijder rumours
The Spurs manager has rubbished reports linking the north London club with a move for the Dutch superstar insisting the squad does not require any new additions

Yanga-Mbiwa reveals his Manchester United dream
Despite interest from AC Milan and others, the France international defender spoke of his ambition to play in the Premier League but says he hopes for a move to Old Trafford

AC Milan should buy Drogba, says Lippi
The experienced coach feels the Cote d'Ivoire star could be an invaluable asset in both Serie A and the Champions League, though he is unsure whether he would agree to a salary cut

Mario Balotelli arrival will signal the start of AC Milan's road back to greatness
The Rossoneri may be in crisis but the probable arrival of the Italy star will lock down a top-class attack for the next decade and prompt the beginning of a new positive chapter

Platini: Serie A sides should follow in Juventus’ footsteps
The Uefa president believes that stadiums in Italy must be renovated to restore respectability and help ease clubs' financial woes, saying the Bianconeri are proof that way works

Dzagoev: Playing for Zeman would be a dream
The Russian youngster is keen to make the move to Serie A, and claims that his style of football is well-suited to that of the Czech coach

Insigne had an incredible year, says agent
The Napoli striker has started featuring in the first team since Ezequiel Lavezzi’s departure in the summer, with the forward also making his Italy debut in September

Zamparini: I would not sell Ilicic even for €30 million
The Rosanero chairman has stated that the club intends to hold on to the Slovenia international, and made clear that no amount of money will make him change his mind

Marchisio: Balotelli would struggle to adapt at Juventus
The midfielder is of the opinion that the Italy international would have problems with the strict rules at the Bianconeri, and would not fit the team if he arrived in Turin

'I cannot wait for another season with Napoli' - Cavani dismisses exit talk
The Uruguayan star has expressed his delight about being part of the Partenopei and believes that the fans' support is what drives him forward and helps him improve

Inter's Stramaccioni open to reinstating Sneijder to the first team
The Nerazzurri boss hinted that the dispute between the club and the player could be settled soon and stated that the Netherlands international might play for the Beneamata again

Juventus to make renewed bid of €7 million for Llorente
The Old Lady are prepared to redouble their efforts to sign the Spain international, having seen a previous bid of €4m rejected for the target man by the Basque club

Handanovic: Serie A title race is not over yet
The Slovenia shot-stopper believes the chasing pack must continue to put pressure on the leaders, but concedes the champions currently hold a "great advantage"

Livaja happy to leave Inter on loan deal
The Croatia striker has said he would not rule out a loan move away from the Serie A side if the opportunity arose

Cavani: €55 million bid changes nothing
The Napoli attacker insisted that he has earned his current valuation through hard work and effort, and claims that his objectives for the season remain the same

Barcelona are like Spain but we have a chance, says Montolivo
The AC Milan midfielder believes his team has what it takes to get past Barcelona in the next round of the Champions League

El Shaarawy: Economic crisis helped me become cream of the crop for Milan
Serie A's top scorer admits this season has come as a bit of a shock to him and feels the club's financial problems gave him the opportunity to break into the first team

Juventus and PSG behind Barcelona in Europe, says Ancelotti
The former AC Milan boss feels the Catalan giants are the benchmark to aim for, while is also resigned to missing out on reported targets Daniele De Rossi and Wesley Sneijder

De Laurentiis slams Cannavaro and Grava suspensions
The Partenopei president believes the bans imposed on his players were unfair and have affected his side's chances of picking up silverware this season

No contact between Tottenham & Sneijder, insists representative
It had been reported that the 28-year-old was on the verge of signing for the Premier League side after they missed out on Joao Moutinho, but the rumours have now been quashed

Vidal confident in Juventus' treble ambitions
The Chile international has hailed his side's desire to continue to challenge for silverware, and added that he believes 2013 will be an important year in his career

Boateng: El Shaarawy can be the new Ibra
The Ghanaian believes his young team-mate has the potential to fill the void left by the Sweden star at San Siro, and insists his side are capable of beating Barcelona

Nagatomo: Losing easy games is Inter’s weakness
The Japan international says his side need to raise their game against teams they are expected to beat, rather than just when faced with quality opposition

Napoli reject €55 million Cavani bid
The Serie A side have turned down an offer for their star striker as they see the Uruguayan as an essential part of their recent resurgence

Del Piero pledges future to Sydney FC
Speculation had mounted that the Juventus legend was ready to call time on his spell with the A-League basement boys once his one-year deal expired, but he insists he will stay put

I live for Roma, says De Rossi as he dismisses transfer talk
The Italy star has stressed he has no desire to quit his boyhood club, adding that it would be "a big drama" for him to leave the capital outfit

Allegri: AC Milan have nothing to lose in second half of season
The Rossoneri coach praises the club for sticking by him during a difficult run of results, and says he remains confident his side can push on when the season re-starts in January

Milito: Sneijder helped to write Inter's history
The Argentina striker admitted the Netherlands playmaker's future is entirely down to him, but is confident the Nerazzurri can "go beyond expectations" to clinch a trophy in 2013

Flamengo break off Robinho talks with AC Milan
The leaders of the Rubro-Negro met with their Milanese counterparts on Monday to discuss a deal for the attacker, but the Italian side's demands have proved too great

 

[E.Lavezzi]

Stramaccioni: Inter wins over Milan & Juventus showed our capabilities
The Nerazzurri boss believes that his side have excellent potential, highlighting their 3-1 win away to the Bianconeri and their hard-fought 1-0 triumph over the Rossoneri

Pirlo just part of problem Juventus pose, says Sampdoria coach Rossi
The Bluerchati will travel to the Turin-based club on Sunday hoping to put a dent in the impressive form that the reigning Serie A champions have forged this season

Santos still courting Robinho despite cost complications
The Milan attacker is still of interest to the Brazilian side, but a difference in valuation between the two clubs appears to be holding up any immediate transfer

Sneijder 'absolutely not interested' in QPR move, claims agent
The 28-year-old's agent has dismissed the notion of a move to Loftus Road, but did say the Dutch international could be lured to the Premier League were a "top team" to bid for him

Osvaldo eyes long Roma stay
The Italy striker has been linked with a move to AC Milan amongst others of late, but is hoping to remain with the Giallorossi for some time yet

Berlusconi: AC Milan will always leave the pitch after racist abuse
The Rossoneri president has backed his side’s decision to call a halt to their match with Pro Patria after Kevin-Prince Boateng was targeted by opposition fans

Inter set sights on Atalanta ace Ezequiel Schelotto
The 2010 Champions League winners are keen to add some fresh blood to their squad, and have earmarked the winger as a good addition as well as Empoli starlet Riccardo Saponara

Juventus not giving up on January move for Llorente
The Bianconeri are already in talks with the Spain international over a move in the summer, but they remain hopeful that they can get their man sooner to help strengthen the side

Seedorf: AC Milan were wrong to walk off
The experienced Netherlands midfielder fears racists might feel empowered after the San Siro side's decision to abandon Thursday's match in the midst of abuse from the terraces

Inter complete Rocchi signing
The Nerazzurri have communicated they have secured the services of the experienced striker on a permanent deal with reports suggesting the 35-year-old will be there till June

Time for football to follow AC Milan and Boateng's lead in the fight against racism
The Ghanaian and his team-mates made a stand after racist chants were hurled from the terraces, and it is high time others put the unwanted element in their place too

De Ceglie: Juventus' New Year's resolution is to keep on winning
The wing-back is eagerly anticipating the second half of the season and is desperate to keep up their run of form which has seen them maintain their place at the top of Serie A

I would walk off the field again even against Real Madrid or Barcelona, says Milan's Niang
The French player was left appalled by the racist chants from the terraces and has warned that he is ready to do it again should such an incident happen again in the future

Pato joins Corinthians from AC Milan in €15m deal
The Brazil international has returned to South America after leaving for San Siro in 2007, and will wear the No. 7 shirt at the reigning Club World Cup champions

I know we will face the best team in the world, says AC Milan's Bojan
The former Catalan starlet is wary of the Spanish giants ahead of his side's Champions League clash and he did not rule out a return to his former stomping ground

'We must stop these uncivilised gestures' - Allegri calls for racist fans to be punished
The Rossoneri boss is disappointed following racist chants towards a Kevin-Prince Boateng during a friendly match, and hopes the game's abandonment sent the right signal

Juventus sign Peluso on loan
The versatile Italy international has swapped Bergamo for Turin, initially on a temporary basis until the end of the season, with a view to a permanent transfer in the summer

Leaving Lazio is strange, says Rocchi
The former Biancocelesti attacker is delighted about his switch to the Nerazzurri, saying that he needed a change of scenery after falling out of favour at Inter

AC Milan friendly called off due to racist chants
The Rossoneri's fixture against a fourth-division club was abandoned due to prejudiced jeers emanating from the hosts' support

Juventus and Fiorentina battle for Rossi signature
The Italy international has been linked with a return to Serie A, with La Viola willing to pay €4.5 million for a permanent deal, while the Old Lady are interested in a loan

Juventus in Llorente negotiations
The Liga outfit have revealed they have been contacted by the Old Lady, who wish to acquire the Spain international when his current deal with Marcelo Bielsa's side ends in June

Buffon close to contract renewal with Juventus
Both club and player continue to dispute the length of the deal, but an agreement is expected to be reached between both parties in the near future

Zarate's agent declares war on Lazio
The former Bimingham City striker is facing a battle to secure a move from his current side due to the hefty price tag slapped on the player by president Claudio Lotito

Imminent Inter move offers fitting end to Rocchi career, says agent
The veteran forward is on the brink of a move to the Nerazzurri in the January transfer window after 10 years with Lazio, according to his representative

Raiola predicts Cavani will leave Napoli in the summer
The agent has suggested that the striker could leave the Stadio San Paolo at the end of the season to join one of five clubs, including Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester City

Sneijder could yet stay at Inter, says Zanetti
The veteran defender revealed he has told the attacker to 'choose from the heart' as he ponders his future, and he believes Ricardo Alvarez will not necessarily leave in January

Totti: I could play until I am 50
The 36-year-old continues to shine despite his advancing years and has set his sights on playing for many seasons to come

Peluso undergoing Juventus medical
The 28-year-old is closing in on a move to the reigning Serie A champions after the club confirmed the latest developments

Zanetti keen to prolong Inter career
The 39-year-old has spent 17 seasons at San Siro but has no intention of hanging up his boots just yet, while tipping his side to bring in midfield reinforcements

Inter-bound Rocchi confirms Lazio departure
The veteran forward has bid farewell to the Biancocelesti as he prepares to apply the finishing touches to his move to the Giuseppe Meazza as an understudy to Diego Milito

Buffon reflects on ‘beautiful’ 2012
The goalkeeper was a key member of the Serie A-winning Juventus side and helped Italy reach the Euro 2012 final, but he is hopeful he can achieve even more in 2013

Niang is better than Balotelli, says AC Milan president Berlusconi
The controversial Rossoneri chief again lauded himself as the most successful president in football history, as well as explaining that the club have a three-year plan

Allegri: Focus on youth is right track for AC Milan
The Rossoneri coach is happy with how his side have performed this season, and he heaped praise Alexandre Pato and Robinho, both of whom look set to depart in January

Pato chooses Corinthians move, claims agent
The attacker had been looking for a new club in Brazil and, according to his representative, the Rossoneri player is now set to leave for the South American side in January

‘El Shaarawy reminds me of Del Piero’ - Lippi
The former Italy boss, who is currently in charge of Guangzhou Evergrande, suggested that the AC Milan star can become even more decisive that the Azzurri icon in the future

Mazzarri: It has been a great year for Napoli
The Partenopei boss highlighted their emphatic win over Chelsea in last season's Champions League as their best moment of 2012 but was disappointed to miss out on a top-three spot

Aquilani targets Europe with Fiorentina
The Italy midfielder believes the club must be ambitious heading in to the second part of the campaign, and feels he made the correct decision in joining the Viola

Capello: Victory over Chelsea was a turning point for Juventus
The 66-year-old feels Antonio Conte's side made a leap of faith in their rout of the European champions, but added that Serie A is not as strong as it was in 2005

 

[E.Lavezzi]

Serie A preview: Pack renew Juve chase

3 January 2013

The Serie A returns to action following the winter break on Saturday with Lazio, Fiorentina and Inter Milan in pursuit of leaders Juventus.

Juventus, who capped a stellar 2012 with four wins in a row, lead second-placed Lazio by eight points with one match to play before the season reaches the halfway mark.

Fiorentina and Inter are a further point behind in third and fourth place, followed by Napoli, who occupy the final European berth, and Roma.

Juventus will continue their bid for a second straight league title on Sunday at home to Sampdoria, who slipped to 15th on the table with three consecutive losses in December.

Adding to their woes, Sampdoria have not beaten Juventus in Turin since 2005 and could drop into the relegation zone if they fail to secure at least a point from their trip to Juventus Stadium.

Elsewhere on Sunday, Fiorentina play host to 16th-placed Pescara, who climbed out of the drop zone with a crucial win over Catania last time out.

Inter, winless in their past two matches, travel to 10th-placed Udinese in what looms as a vital clash for both sides.

Napoli will entertain Roma in the pick of the action, with both teams looking to establish their European credentials.

Napoli are two points clear of Roma, who maintained the pressure on the Naples club with an impressive win against AC Milan in their final outing of 2012.

On Saturday, Lazio are favourites to account for Cagliari, who have fallen to 17th place on the back of five straight losses.

In other matches, Catania play host to Torino on Saturday, while Chievo and Atalanta meet in Verona on Sunday.

Also on Sunday, Genoa take on Bologna at home, Milan face Siena at the San Siro and Palermo travel to Parma.

 

[E.Lavezzi]

The Sweeper: Balotelli edges closer to Milan move

The Italian striker is nearing the exit door at Manchester City after his high-profile row with Roberto Mancini on Thursday, while a furious Rob Green wants to leave QPR

Jan 5, 2013 8:05:00 AM

MARIO NEARING MILAN MOVE

Roberto Mancini has tried to diffuse his training ground bust-up with Mario Balotelli on Thursday and suggested that the controversial striker still has a future at Manchester City.

The Sweeper understands, however, that Balotelli’s mind has long been made up that he would like to leave the Etihad Stadium in January as Italian giants AC Milan prepare a bid.

Mancini may have said that he will give Balotelli ‘100 more chances’ if necessary, but the 22-year-old is homesick and wants to return to Italy to be with his girlfriend and newborn child.

The one thing keeping him at City may have been his close relationship with Mancini, but the pair have increasingly been at loggerheads, culminating in the embarrassing public spat this week that was captured by photographers on the footpath by the club’s Carrington training base.

Milan have made Balotelli their top priority for the winter window and the player has never hidden his desire to play for Rossoneri, where he would be willing to take a small wage cut on his current £110,000-a-week salary.

A loan move is more likely for Balotelli, but both the former Inter man simply want his time in England to end as soon as possible as his relationship with the club continues to rapidly deteriorate.

He has scored just one Premier League goal this season and fell out with City chiefs last month after taking them to a tribunal over a two-week fine for breaching club discipline rules, which he later retracted on December 19.

Mancini has constantly defended Balotelli’s behaviour but even the City boss has started to openly criticise the youngster’s attitude, claiming he must work harder in training to fulfill his potential before the sensational scenes this week on the training pitch.

- Greg Stobart | Correspondent


GREEN WANTS TO LEAVE QPR

Rob Green has made no attempt to hide his dis-satisfaction at joining QPR to be the No.1 keeper only for Brazil star Julio Cesar to demote him down the pecking order.

The Sweeper understands that the England international is ready to leave the Premier League strugglers after losing his starting spot for the second time this season.

Green is furious at being axed from the team following the club’s 2-1 Boxing Day defeat to West Brom, in which he was credited with an own goal.

Fit-again Cesar is set for an extended run in the side after helping keep Chelsea at bay in the shock 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge in midweek.

Green, 32, has stopped short of handing in a formal written transfer request but wants to find a new club before the end of the window.

His £40,000-a-week salary will be beyond many suitors but Everton and Southampton are among the clubs who could provide a new home for the former West Ham man.

- Wayne Veysey | Chief Correspondent


THE BEERS ARE ON PREMIER LEAGUE

The Premier League will enter into a new official beer partnership three years after its £2.25 million-a-year deal with Budweiser expired.

The world’s richest league has been in market consultation on the title sponsorship with a number of interested brands for what is expected to be a three-year term.

The Sweeper has learned that Carlsberg are the frontrunners to secure the agreement, with Budweiser, Heineken and Diageo also in the running.

Insiders say the new deal could be worth four times that of the £6.8m three-year agreement with Budweiser that expired in 2010. The American firm had been the official beer of the Premier League from 2002 to 2010.

- Wayne Veysey | Chief Correspondent

 

[Zlatan Ibrahimovic]

​

 

[Lavezzi]

Serie A wrap: Lazio close on Juve

6 January 2013

Lazio reduced the gap at the top of Serie A to five points with a heated 2-1 victory over Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.

Marco Sau opened the scoring for Cagliari in the 62nd minute before Lazio defender Abdoulay Konko levelled proceedings with 11 minutes to go.

Cagliari were reduced to nine men late on when Michael Agazzi and Andrea Cossu both saw red for their involvement in a melee that ensued after Lazio were awarded a penalty that substitute Antonio Candreva converted in the 86th minute to hand the hosts a lead they would not relinquish.

Lazio, unbeaten in eight league matches, are second on the table with 39 points, while Juventus lead the way with 44 points and a game in hand.

Cagliari, on the other hand, could slip as low as 19th place depending on other weekend results in the wake of their sixth loss in a row.

Meanwhile, Catania drew 0-0 at home to Torino.

Catania climbed to eighth on the table with 26 points, while Torino remained 13th with 20 points.

 

[E.Lavezzi]

Serie A wrap: Juventus crash to Sampdoria, Inter slump continues

7 January 2013

Juventus' title defence suffered a blow as they suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat at the hands of lowly Sampdoria in Turin on Sunday.

Sebastian Giovinco opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the first half, after Claudio Marchisio had been brought down by Gaetano Berardi, who later saw red for a second bookable offence.

However, Mauro Icardi netted a second-half brace to secure a memorable win for Riccardo Garrone's side that saw the Turn outfit lose their first game of 2013.

Juventus entered their first Serie A match after the winter break looking to extend a seven-game winning streak and they were well on their way in the first half.

Giovinco tucked away a penalty in the 24th minute to give Juve a perfect start and things got worse for Sampdoria when Berardi was given his marching orders after receiving a second yellow card.

But against the odds, Sampdoria produced a stirring second-half comeback.

They initially drew level when Argentine forward Icardi converted Nenad Krsticic's assist nine minutes into the second half.

Icardi got his second after 69 minutes and then played out time to stun the 38,000-strong crowd at the Juventus Stadium as they hung on for a win that lifted them to 15th on the table.

Edinson Cavani netted a hat-trick as Napoli moved to third with a 4-1 victory over Roma.

Napoli had lost two games on the bounce heading to Sunday's clash at the Stadio San Paolo but they returned to winning ways courtesy of the Uruguayan international, who took his season tally to 18 goals.

Fiorentina slipped to fourth in the standings after losing 2-0 at home to mid-table Pescara.

Pescara had just three shots on target compared to their opponent's 15 but second-half goals from Jonathas and Mervan Celik were enough to give the visitors all three points.

The losses kept coming for the title challengers as Inter Milan were thrashed 3-0 at Udinese, sending them down to fifth.

Veteran striker Antonio Di Natale bagged a second-half brace while Colombian Luis Muriel was also on the scoresheet as 10-man Inter slumped to their fifth successive defeat on the road.

Other results saw goals from Bojan and Giampaolo Pazzini fire AC Milan to a 2-1 home success against lowly Siena while Parma beat Palermo by the same scoreline thanks to Amauri's injury-time winner.

A Marco Borriello double helped Genoa to a 2-0 triumph over Bologna and Chievo edged Atalanta 1-0.