║║ Serie A Season 2012-13 ║║

[Ranocchia]

Conte wants Juventus to smash points record
The Italian is bullish in respect to his side's last two Serie A fixtures despite already being crowned champions

 

[Alessandro Matri]

Serie A: Juventus 1 Cagliari 1

12 May 2013

Newly-crowned Serie A champions Juventus came from behind to claim a 1-1 draw at home to Cagliari on Saturday.

The hosts fell behind thanks to Victor Ibarbo's brilliant solo effort, before Mirko Vucinic came off the bench in the second-half to snatch a point.

Juventus made five changes to the side that won at Atalanta last week, with Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal and Sebastian Giovinco all given starts.

Cagliari made three alterations to the side that lost 1-0 at home to Parma last week, in an attempt to turnaround a run of form that had seen them record four games without a win.

Juventus were keen to get the title celebrations off to a good start and were unlucky not to be in front after just 10 minutes when Vidal forced a brilliant fingertip save from Michael Agazzi after unleashing a stinging drive from distance.

Just a minute later though, the visitors took an unlikely lead thanks to Ibarbo's fine effort, as he picked up the ball from the edge of his own box and drove the length of the field before slipping the ball under Marco Storari.

Moments later there was more bad news for the hosts, as Barzagli limped off on his return from injury to be replaced by Martin Caceres.

The home side struggled to take hold of the game for much of the first period, with Cagliari frustrating their opponents in midfield.

Giovinco nearly restored parity just after half an hour, crashing a free-kick against the crossbar with Agazzi beaten.

That effort reinvigorated Juventus, and they were unlucky not to be level three minutes before the break when Vidal fired over after meeting Emanuele Giaccherini's fizzed cross at the back post.

The opening minutes of the second period saw the introduction of Vucinic for Giovinco, as Juventus looked for an early second-half breakthrough.

Giaccherini came close ten minutes after the restart, forcing a fine save from Agazzi, who was also called upon to deny Alessandro Matri moments later.

The pressure began to build, and Juventus eventually found themselves level just after the hour mark, when Vidal's clever flick-on across goal found the Montenegrin, who was left with a simple finish from close-range.

Juventus were nearly ahead in unusual circumstances just a few minutes later, when Mauricio Isla's cross was met by Marchisio's shoulder before drifting just wide of the post.

The home side began to tighten their grip as the game wore on, with Fabio Quaglierella and Isla both creating decent opportunities, but a dogged Cagliari defence managed to keep their opponents at bay and earn a point.

 

[Alessandro Matri]

Serie A Wrap: Juve drop points to Cagliari

12 May 2013

Champions Juventus avoided defeat at home to Cagliari thanks to a second-half Mirko Vucinic goal.

Segundo Guerrero put Cagliari ahead on 12 minutes in what will have been a shock to the newly-crowned Scudetto holders on a day when they were presented with their trophy.

However, Mirko Vucinic levelled for Juventus on 61 minutes in a result which had little effect on the Serie A standings as a whole.

Bottom side and already-relegated Pescara were unable to secure their seventh win of the season, narrowly losing out to ninth-place Catania at the Stadio Angelo Massimino.

Alejandro Gomez grabbed the only goal of the game in the 51st minute to move his side six points clear of Parma in 10th.

 

[Alessandro Matri]

Serie A: Genoa 0 Inter 0

12 May 2013

Genoa guaranteed their Serie A survival thanks to a 0-0 draw with Inter on Sunday.

In a tense game it was Inter's Tommaso Rocchi who went closest to breaking the deadlock when he smashed the ball against the crossbar in the second half.

However, the result was enough to ensure that Genoa will be playing in the top-flight next season as the point put them out of reach of Palermo, who saw their own relegation confirmed courtesy of a 1-0 defeat at Fiorentina.

Genoa set up with the intention to attack and nearly broke the deadlock early on, with Marco Borriello forcing Samir Handanovic into a brilliant save, high in the top corner.

It was Fredy Guarin who had the first Inter attack with Sebastien Frey saving smartly, before Zdravko Kuzmanovic fired wide as the away side took control of the game.

Yet despite Inter's domination, they could not make their possession count and errors in passing in the final third let them down on numerous occasions.

Guarin was the best player for Inter but it was Genoa who threatened next, with Andrea Bertolacci forcing another good save out of Handanovic just before half-time.

As Genoa settled, they began to play with confidence but the introduction of Antonio Cassano for Inter in the second half sparked new life into their attack.

First Cassano played a nice interchange on the outside of the box, before he was involved in the move that saw Rocchi hit the bar.

That was, however, the last bit of telling action as both sides, with their fates already sealed, slowed down the play.

Genoa stay in Serie A but Inter, who stopped a run of three defeats, have now won only two of their last nine games, and will not play in Europe next season.

 

[Alessandro Matri]

Serie A: Milan 0 Roma 0

13 May 2013

Referee Gianluca Rocchi was forced to temporarily halt Milan's goalless draw with Roma following alleged racist chanting from the away fans.

The match was overshadowed by the behavior of sections of the crowd, apparently part of the Roma support, at the San Siro as Rocchi stopping play briefly in the second half before the action restarted.

There was also a bizarre red card for midfielder Sulley Muntari and both teams ended up finishing the game with 10 men, as Francesco Totti was also dismissed late on.

The fight for third place in Serie A will now go to the last day after the goalless stalemate on Sunday.

Milan went for a strong, attacking line-up in an attempt to secure their place in the UEFA Champions League next season, with Stephan El Shaarawy and Kevin-Prince Boateng being recalled into advanced roles. There were also recalls for Philippe Mexes and Massimo Ambrosini, while Mattia De Sciglio was handed a start at full-back.

Roma also decided to make changes to their team, after a devastating loss to Chievo on Wednesday, with Simone Perrotta replacing the injured Daniele De Rossi.

Maarten Stekelenburg also missed out, being replaced by Romanian goalkeeper Bogdan Lobont.

The hosts came into this game looking to go four points clear of Fiorentina in fourth place, but it was the visitors who created the game's first chance after just six minutes.

A pinpoint pass from Totti found its way to Marquinhos, who then decided to shoot from distance, producing a powerful, swerving strike to force a good save from Christian Abbiati.

It was just the beginning of what proved to be a confident start for Roma, and Totti was at the heart of more problems for Milan, picking up a poor clearance from Kevin Constant and driving into the penalty area, only to power a shot wide of the near post.

The Milan defence was carved open again just 10 minutes later when Erik Lamela played Marquinhos clean through on goal, forcing Abbiati to rush out and make a low block.

The home side's best opportunity came just after the half-hour mark, when Muntari sent a crashing effort just wide of the post.

And it was Muntari who became involved in the most notable incident of the half, receiving a red card for grabbing hold of the referee, after he had previously shown a yellow card to Mario Balotelli.

It was a bizarre end to what was an ultimately frustrating first 45 minutes for the hosts.

There was more controversy shortly after the break, with referee Rocchi stopping the game in response to alleged racist chanting from the Roma fans.

When play resumed, Roma largely picked up where they had left off, with Marquinhos and Pablo Osvaldo both creating good opportunities.

It was a difficult evening for Milan striker Balotelli, who came into this match having scored in each of the last five games.

The best the Italian could muster in the second half were two long-range free-kicks, both of which were sent harmlessly over the crossbar.

Robinho came on to replace El Shaarawy in an attempt to help unlock the Roma defence, but it was Mathieu Flamini who nearly made an impact.

The former Arsenal star raced away from the Roma defence, forcing Bogdan Lobont to make a smart save at his near post.

Four minutes from time, Roma had a good case for a penalty after Erik Lamela was brought down by Kevin Constant.

Balotelli sent another free-kick just over the bar in the dying minutes, before Roma full-back Dodo's stinging strike was well saved by Abbiati.

Totti was then sent off for lashing out at Mexes, elbowing the Frenchman in the chest.

The result means that Milan head into the final game against Siena two points ahead of fourth-placed Fiorentina, who play at relegated Pescara.

Roma, meanwhile, will have to win the Coppa Italia against arch-rivals Lazio in order to qualify for the Europa League.

 

[Buffon]

Serie A Wrap: Alleged racism mars Milan draw with Roma, Fiorentina win

13 May 2013

Alleged racist chanting from a section of supporters overshadowed Sunday's disappointing goalless draw between Milan and Roma.

Early in the second half, referee Gianluca Rocchi was forced to temporarily suspending proceedings due to the chanting from the sections of the crowd apparently attached to the visiting side.

Once Francesco Totti had appealed to the fans to end the chanting the game resumed, but Milan failed to break the deadlock meaning their hopes of UEFA Champions League football hang in the balance.

Both sides ended the game with 10 men, with Sulley Muntari being sent off for a bizarre case of dissent, while Totti received his marching orders for an elbow on Philippe Mexes deep into stoppage time.

Roma's hopes of qualifying for Europe now rest on beating arch-rivals Lazio in the Coppa Italia final, while Milan are two points ahead of Fiorentina in fourth place, as the league heads into its final round of fixtures.

Fiorentina did their part to keep the pressure on Milan by relegating Palermo with a 1-0 win. Luca Toni popped up to score the only goal of the game, sealing the fate of his former club nearly five minutes before half-time.

A low, drilled cross from Juan Cuadrado on the right found the veteran stiker Toni, who was left with a simple tap in from close range.

Palermo will be joined in Serie B next season by Siena, who lost 2-1 away to runners-up Napoli.

Siena's survival hopes were given a glimmer of hope after 36 minutes when they took a surprise lead through Fabrizio Grillo 10 minutes before half time, but were pegged back by Edinson Cavani's second-half strike.

A late goal in the last few moments of the game from Marek Hamsik sealed the points for Napoli, and added to Siena's misery.

Those results meant Genoa's safety was confirmed, as they secured a resolute 0-0 draw at home to a disappointing Inter.

Meanwhile, Antonio di Natale scored on either side of half-time to secure a 2-1 win for Udinese against Atalanta, keeping them on track for Europa League qualification.

Lazio kept their own slim hopes of European qualification alive with a 2-0 win at home to Sampdoria, with goals coming from Sergio Floccari and Antonio Candreva.

Elsewhere, goals from Saphir Taider and Davide Moscardelli handed Bologna the bragging rights over Parma in the Emilia derby, while Torino guaranteed their Serie A status thanks to a 1-1 draw at home to Chievo.

 

[Buffon]

'Jovetic feels unloved at Fiorentina' - Toni
The veteran striker has spoken of the lack of affection felt by his team-mate from the Viola fans

I almost signed for AC Milan, reveals Hamsik
The Slovakia international admits he could well have been playing for the Rossoneri had it not been for the intervention of Walter Mazzarri and Aurelio De Laurentiis

Zamparini: I cried after Udinese defeat
The 71-year-old admits he shed a tear after his side's heartbreaking loss on Wednesday, which leaves them staring down the barrel of relegation

El Shaarawy reveals Seedorf debt
The Italy international says he will be forever grateful to the Dutch legend for helping him to find his feet at the club

 

[Buffon]

Zanetti: Inter will soon be challenging again
The experienced defender remains positive after his side's disappointing performances this season and believes they will soon be back among the elite

'I'm ready if Prandelli needs me' - Di Natale
The 35-year-old striker has impressed at club level this season and is still hopeful of earning a recall to the national side

Italy must copy England and Spain's racism policy, says Capello
The 66-year-old has weighed in on the debate after Mario Balotelli was again targeted by supporters and insists the country must begin to punish those found guilty more firmly

Garrone: It would be a dream to appoint Mancini
The Italian coach is sure to be in demand after being sacked by Manchester City on Monday, but he will not be returning to one of his former clubs

Milan can challenge for title next season, says De Sciglio
The 20-year-old defender says that he and his fellow Rossoneri youngsters will be all the stronger for their experiences during what has been a difficult campaign for the club

Higuain is no champion, warns Moggi
The ex-Bianconeri official wants the Turin club to sell Mirko Vucinic and has suggested that Alessandro Diamanti would be a great addition to their strikeforce

Allegri refutes Roma reports
It has been claimed that the 45-year-old, who led the Rossoneri to third this season, is considering taking charge of the Giallorossi

Altobelli: This is the worst Inter I have ever seen
The Nerazzurri legend is not impressed with their performances this season and has urged Massimo Moratti to change coaches this summer

Chiellini: Juventus must keep improving
The versatile defender has urged his team-mate to keep on working hard to improve as he targets more success in the next few seasons

Balotelli must stay focused, says Prandelli
The 55-year-old hopes the striker is not affected by the efforts of opposition fans and players to put him off his game

Roma fined after racist Balotelli chants
The Italian club's fans aimed prejudiced chants at the AC Milan star during Sunday's encounter at San Siro and Serie A has fined the capital outfit

Moratti: It's not time to discuss Stramaccioni's future
The Inter president has insisted that he will not make a decision about the coach until after their game with Udinese on Sunday

Fiorentina to discuss Jovetic future, says owner
Andrea Della Valle says the Montenegro international will have the final say over a potential Artemio Franchi exit this summer

Serie A harder than Premier League, says Saha
The Lazio striker believes forwards in England have more tactical freedom than in Italy, making it easier to score goals

Milan rejected Zenit offer to keep me, says Abate
The Italian was widely linked with a move to the Russian giants but club CEO Adriano Galliani did not hesitate to turn down their approach for him

Vidal: Llorente can be Juventus' Ibrahimovic
The Chilean midfielder believes that the powerful attacker will prove to be a valuable addition for the Serie A champions when he joins in the summer

Blatter appalled by racist abuse of Balotelli
The Fifa president has hit out at Roma supporters following Sunday's derogatory chants and has insisted that it's time to take action

Chiellini: Conte the architect of Juventus success
The Italy international has nothing but praise for his coach and has stressed that the Bianconeri deserve their domestic success

Andreazzoli: Totti didn't know who he was elbowing
The Roma boss says his skipper shares a good relationship Philippe Mexes but his frustration at his treatment from the Milan defence saw him lose his temper

Allegri: Balotelli racist abuse proves Italian culture remains backwards
The 45-year-old believes Serie A is still guilty of failing to tackle discrimination in football, while he questioned Sulley Muntari's red card against Roma

Balotelli racially abused by Roma fans
Play was halted during AC Milan's clash with the capital club after visiting supporters aimed abusive chants at the former Manchester City striker

Ibrahimovic too important to be sold, claims Raiola
The agent has insisted that Paris Saint-Germain have no intention of letting the striker leave the club due to his role both on and off the pitch

Stramaccioni: I'll always give 101% to Inter
The young trainer distanced himself from speculation surrounding his future with the Nerazzurri, but was encouraged by how his side fared against an in-form Genoa

Juventus winger Pepe targets pre-season return
The 29-year-old has spent all but 20 minutes of the current campaign on the sidelines with a serious knee injury, but he is now nearing a return to competitive action

Stramaccioni dismisses need for Inter overhaul
The Roman believes that, once he gets back all of his injured players, the Nerazzurri will only need to bring in a few top signings to challenge for trophies again

Tottenham close in on Baldini appointment
Spurs have targeted the Roma general manager to head a new-look recruitment operation at White Hart Lane and are hopeful of luring him to north London this summer

More to come at Milan from brilliant Balotelli
The Italy striker has embarked on a sensational run of form since returning to the peninsula, fully justifying his decision to join his boyhood heroes

Buffon: Bayern two steps ahead of the rest
The legendary Italian goalkeeper saw first hard just how good the Bavarians are during his side's 4-0 aggregate loss to Jupp Heynckes' men last month

Forlan: I wasn't welcome at Inter
The veteran striker believes he deserved more respect from the San Siro outfit, claiming he was treated like excess baggage later in his stint

Allegri determined to seal Champions League spot
The trainer is eager for the Rossoneri to round off their season by securing third place at San Siro, while refusing to comment on speculation about his future

Conte dismisses Ferguson comparisons
The 43-year-old does not believe he will be with the Serie A champions for anything like the same length of time the Manchester United boss has remained at Old Trafford

Pogba reminds me of Carl Lewis, says Juventus fitness coach
The Bianconeri are hoping to maximise the young midfielder's physical attributes, according to Julio Tous who believes the Frenchman could make a successful transition to athletics

Juventus agree terms in principle with Higuain
The striker has set his sights on a move away from Madrid at the end of this season and Juventus are leading the race for his signature

Ambrosini: Milan would be wrong to let go of Allegri
The experienced midfielder has offered the Rossoneri coach his backing amid ongoing rumours that he could be on his way out

Rocchi: Injuries cost Inter
The experienced striker has admitted that injuries are not the Nerazzurri's only worry, but feels their physical problems has played a large part in their downfall

Abate targeting Serie A title with AC Milan next season
The full-back is delighted with the prospect of a third-place finish this term, but has silverware in his sights

'Jovetic feels unloved at Fiorentina' - Toni
The veteran striker has spoken of the lack of affection felt by his team-mate from the Viola fans

 

[Buffon]

Serie A - Blatter: Roma racism fine not enough

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has criticised as inadequate a 50,000 euro (£42,500) fine handed to Roma for racist behaviour from their fans and said lessons had not been learned in Italian football.

Reuters – 22 hours ago

Eurosport - FIFA president Sepp Blatter wants tougher punishments for racist chanting

Blatter also said he would talk to the Italian football federation, which he said had not been thorough enough in investigating Sunday's incident in the match at AC Milan and had made its decision too quickly.

"What is surprising and is not understandable for me, is that the disciplinary committee of the FIGC has taken a decision, not even 24 hours after the event, by just imposing a fine," he told FIFA's website.

"They have not made any investigation of what happened. And just to give a pecuniary sanction is not valid, that is not acceptable. "You will always find money. What is 50,000 euros for such an incident? I'm not happy and I will call the Italian Federation. That's not a way to deal with such matters."

However, FIGC president Giancarlo Abete said the disciplinary tribunal was abiding by current rules, although his federation would willingly adopt new ones and were waiting for either FIFA or the European governing body UEFA to take a lead.

"I think lessons have not been learned. It is incredible, that we had such incidents especially in the Italian Serie A in the San Siro between AC Milan and Roma, a very important match," Blatter added. "The referee had to stop the match for a few minutes in order to bring back calm. This is bad."

The referee stopped the match early in the second half of Sunday evening's match after racist chanting by the visiting fans. Warnings were broadcast over the public address system and play was restarted after a two-minute delay.

The Italian disciplinary committee announced the sanction on Monday, saying three AC Milan players, who it did not identify, had been subject to racist abuse. After the match AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said striker Mario Balotelli frequently suffered racist abuse.

Milan's team also included Kevin-Prince Boateng, who walked off during a friendly match in January after racist abuse from the crowd at a fourth tier club. The Milan team followed him. FIFA's annual Congress in Mauritius at the end of the month will vote on several proposals aimed at curbing racism at matches.

These would include observers at matches to report and provide evidence of racism behaviour in the stands, plus a two tier system of sanctions including points deductions and expulsion from competition for severe offences.

"In this resolution, there are foreseen sanctions. And these sanctions must be applied all around the world," said Blatter. "That's why we need the Congress's decision. That will bind together all the 209 (national) associations.

"I'm looking forward to that and I do hope, that there we will be no other incidents until May 30, when we will deal with this matter in Mauritius." Abete told RAI television he would reply to any correspondence from Blatter.

"We are on the frontline of the fight against racism. The rules are changing, but for the moment, these are what we have and we respect the independence of the sporting tribunals," he said.

"We've already realised that a fine is not a sufficient deterrent. In future, (the sanction) could go from a partial closure of the stadium to a total closure, depending on the seriousness of the incidents. "Any new rules would be included in the sporting code for the 2013/14 season.

"It doesn't make sense to talk about not taking enough time; the facts were clear and the referee's report was explicit. "The FIGC is waiting to be contacted by FIFA but for the moment, there has been no official communication."

 

[Buffon]

Serie A - Conte decision within 48 hours

Antonio Conte will make a decision on his Juventus future within the next two days, reports the Gazzetta dello Sport.

FootballItalia – 3 hours ago

Eurosport - Another 48 hours for Conte

The Coach has admitted that he wants talks with the Turin giants about plans for next term before committing himself to the Old Lady. Although President Andrea Agnelli has admitted that he held a meeting with Conte last week, more talks are scheduled.

The Gazzetta states that the fresh meeting with Agnelli and director general Beppe Marotta will take place either today or tomorrow. According to Mediaset, Conte wants to make sure that the Bianconeri will strengthen the squad over the summer.

He’s apparently asking for the arrival of two top players. They also claim that he wants to have more say on transfer matters, especially when it comes to players who could be sold.

Conte is also, apparently, pushing for the return of fitness Coach Giampiero Ventrone. The latter was part of Marcello Lippi’s staff in Turin, as well as an assistant to Conte at Bari.

 

[Alessandro Matri]

Cassano fractures hand in training
Inter's "cursed" campaign looks set to continue until the final day after the 30-year-old fell awkwardly in a routine practice session

Zapata desperate for AC Milan stay
The Colombia international is scheduled to return to Villarreal this summer but he is taking CEO Adriano Galliani's recent praise of his performances as a promising sign

De Laurentiis: Mazzarri has four days to decide Napoli future
The Tuscan coach is reportedly being courted by both Inter and Roma and the Partenopei supremo wants a stop to the constant speculation by the end of the week

Thuram: Racism is not an incurable disease
The World Cup winner, who set up a foundation to tackle the problem, feels that education is key in the fight against prejudice and injustice

Cassano: I have achieved half of what I should have
The Italy international regrets not having put in more effort during his younger days, while also admitting that he has grown weary of "fake people" in football

Conte: I will stay at Juventus
The Italian confirmed his desire to "continue to build" at the club after a lengthy meeting with the directors of the Turin giants on Wednesday

Balotelli: If I'm racially abused again, I'll walk off the pitch
The striker was subject to racist chanting on Sunday, and says he will no longer stay on the field if it continues to happen

Marotta rules out Ibrahimovic Juventus return
The Bianconeri have been linked with a summer swoop for their former forward, but any possible deal now appears to be dead in the water

Galliani denies transfer talks between Milan & Madrid
The Rossoneri have been linked with several Blancos players, including former San Siro favourite Kaka

El Shaarawy hoping 'great' Allegri stays at Milan
Speculation is rife that Rossoneri supremo Silvio Berlusconi wants rid of the 45-year-old tactician, who is now being linked with a summer switch to Roma

Juventus face tough task to win third consecutive Scudetto, says Agnelli
The Bianconeri president has set his sights on more silverware next term and wants to go as far as possible in Europe as well

 

[Alessandro Matri]

Blatter and Platini need a kick up the ass, claims Zamparini

By Mark Doyle
May 15, 2013 4:11:00 PM

The Palermo chief took aim at the Swiss while discussing the possibility of Napoli being prevented from playing their Champions League home games at the San Paolo next season

Maurizio Zamparini has launched a withering attack on his Uefa and Fifa counterparts, Michel Platini and Sepp Blatter, claiming that both deserve a "kick up the ass".

The Palermo supremo lashed out at the pair during an interview with Radio Kiss Kiss, after being asked about the possibility of Napoli being banned from playing their home games in next season's Champions League at the San Paolo.

The Partenopei need to complete certain scheduled rennovations in order to be granted a Uefa licence for their stadium.

"It's absurd that there are bureaucrats to decide [the suitability of stadia] for us," Zamparini fumed.

"I do not understand why the San Paolo is good for the [Serie A] championship and not for the Champions League.

"Blatter and Platini, these two should be kicked in the ass."

Palermo were relegated from Serie A last weekend and while there is still one round of the season remaining, speculation over which players the Sicilians might be forced to offload has already begun.

Josip Ilicic's future is the subject of much interest and Zamparini has revealed that, coincidentally, the Slovenian is likely to end up plying his trade at the San Paolo next season.

"Ilicic? Napoli have priority over the others," he explained. "There was a nod about different Palermo players when we met at the league offices and so, in in the event of a tie, [Napoli president Aurelio] De Laurentiis takes precedence."

The 25-year-old Ilicic joined Palermo from Maribor in 2010 and has since established himself as one of the most exciting players in Italy.

 

[Buffon]

Serie A - Allegri doubts cloud Milan's decisive match

Massimiliano Allegri's future as AC Milan coach hangs in the balance as his side visit relegated Siena on the last day of the season on Sunday, still needing a win to clinch third place in Serie A and a berth in the Champions League play-off round.

Reuters – 7 hours ago

Eurosport - AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri (Reuters)

Allegri's players have voiced their support for the coach, who has overseen an impressive revival in the second half of the season with only one Serie A defeat since the winter break.

The phlegmatic Allegri, who won the Serie A title in his first season at Milan and led them to second place last term, had to cope with a firesale of players in the close season amid belt-tightening at the club.

Boosted by the signing of Mario Balotelli in January, Milan's performance has been better than expected, yet rumours still swirl around the club that owner Silvio Berlusconi has had enough of the coach.

On Tuesday, Milan denied suggestions that Allegri was in talks with ambitious AS Roma. Meanwhile, midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng and forward Stephan El Shaaraway have led the chorus for him to stay.

"He has done a great job in these three years and needs to stay," Boateng told Italian media. "For me, there isn't a Milan without Allegri.

"Next year we have to do better, as there were so many new players this time. We need to work together so we can win the Scudetto," he added.

El Shaaraway told Milan Channel: "We are a good group of players, led by a great coach, and I hope we can all be here together next season."

However, Chief Executive Adriano Galliani would not be drawn on Allegri's future.

"I just want to talk about Sunday, the match against Siena. We are confident and expect to qualify for the Champions League and, before Sunday evening, we will not talk about the transfer market nor the coach," he said.

Milan are two points clear of fourth-placed Fiorentina, who visit bottom club Pescara and have the better head-to-head record.

Champions Juventus visit Sampdoria while Napoli, who have guaranteed second place and Italy's only other direct place in the Champions League group stage, are at Roma.

With relegation also settled and Palermo, Siena and Pescara heading to Serie B next season, the only other issue are the two Europa League places.

One of those will be taken by either Milan or Fiorentina while fifth-placed Udinese are in pole position for the other.

Udinese, who have won their last seven games, visit troubled Inter Milan with a two-point advantage over Lazio, the only team who can catch them and are at Cagliari.

Inter will be glad to end a nightmare season which has seen them decimated by injuries and miss out on European football for the first time in 14 years.

They have lost seven of their last 10 games and President Massimo Moratti has repeatedly had to clarify the future of beleaguered coach Andrea Stramaccioni.

"We have too many injuries to give a clear verdict on the coach," he said after Sunday's goalless draw at Genoa.

"There have been a lot of defeats, but the injury crisis made it so difficult to work that it's harsh to judge him negatively. We are thinking about our own coach and I am not considering any other options."

 

[Subotic]

Chivu: I never considered suing Inter
The former Romania international insists reports alleging he was prepared to take legal action against the club's medical staff were falsified

 

[Alessandro Matri]

Serie A Preview: Champions Juventus head to Sampdoria

16 May 2013

Serie A champions Juventus finish their league campaign with a trip to Sampdoria on Saturday.

The Turin club lifted the title following their 1-1 draw with Cagliari, when Arturo Vidal cancelled out Victor Ibarbo's opener.

Sampdoria face the unenviable task of trying to break Juventus' 12-game unbeaten run, and will hope to bounce back from Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Lazio.

Milan head to the Stadio Comunale Artemio Franchi-Montepaschi Arena to play already-relegated Siena knowing that a win will secure a UEFA Champions League spot.

Sunday's 0-0 draw with Roma means they are two points clear of Fiorentina in fourth position, and will look to in-form Mario Balotelli to provide the attacking impetus.

Fiorentina will look to capitalise on any Milan slip-up as they travel to bottom-of-the-league Pescara in the last game of their campaign.

They defeated Palermo 1-0 on Sunday to take the race for the final UEFA Champions League position to the final game of the season.

Lazio and Udinese travel to Cagliari and Inter respectively, with both teams attempting to occupy fifth position and take the last UEFA Europa League spot.

Udinese matched Lazio's victory on Sunday with a 2-1 victory at home to Atalanta. They will be wary of an Inter side looking to round-off a disappointing campaign with a home win.

Roma host second place Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico, hoping to build on a creditable draw with Milan by finishing their season strongly.

Elsewhere Atalanta host Chievo at the Stadio Atleti Azzuri d'Italia, while Genoa travel to the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara to meet Bologna.

Meanwhile, Torino finish their season with a home fixture at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino against Catania, and at the Stadio Renzo Barbera Palermo host Parma.

 

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Serie A Preview: Sampdoria v Juventus

17 May 2013

Juventus continue their Serie A title celebrations and finish their campaign with a trip to Sampdoria on Saturday.

Antonio Conte's men secured their second straight league title with a 1-0 win over Palermo on May 5, and have followed that up with a victory and a draw.

Much of the discussion since Juve wrapped up the title has surrounded Conte's future, but the 43-year-old is expected to stay on next season.

Conte is likely to add to his squad in the off-season, with a quality striker undoubtedly top of the list of what is needed for the club to be successful in Europe.

Arturo Vidal and Mirko Vucinic have each scored 10 league goals this campaign, the most in a side which has lacked a top-quality goal-scorer.

Fernando Llorente will join the club before the start of next season and they have been linked with several big names, including Napoli's Edinson Cavani.

Sampdoria, who are 14th and have avoided relegation, need to contain the Juventus midfield, while Conte's side also have the league's strongest defence by some way.

Vidal has starred this season and will want to add to his 10 goals and Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio make up one of the world's strongest central-midfield pairings.

Juve have conceded just 21 goals in 37 league games with second-placed Napoli (34 conceded) the next best.

Sampdoria are winless in their past 10 matches and have very little to play for, and Juve are likely to dominate the clash.

With Conte's future appearing to be sorted and the title won, Juventus should play with freedom.

Leonardo Bonucci, part of the strong Juventus defence, said he never felt Conte would leave the club.

"All families have disagreements, but good often comes of it if they are constructive discussions," he told the club's website.

"From our point of view, there was never a feeling that the relationship with the manager could come to an end.

"We all want to keep building, dreaming, winning in Italy and closing the gap in Europe."

 

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Serie A Preview: Inter Milan v Udinese

17 May 2013

Udinese will aim to seal a European spot with a win over Inter Milan on the final day of the Serie A season on Sunday.

With one match remaining, Udinese sit two points clear of Lazio in fifth - the last UEFA Europa League place in Italy.

Francesco Guidolin's men have won seven straight matches and visit an Inter side who have been in disappointing form.

Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni is under increasing pressure with his outfit ninth and unable to finish any higher than eighth.

With just one win from their past eight encounters in all competitions, Inter are likely to again find it difficult.

Stramaccioni, 37, has been assured of his future by Inter president Massimo Moratti and wants to focus on the final game of the season.

Udinese have plenty to play for, and in Antonio Di Natale they have the league's second highest goal-scorer with 22.

Di Natale, who hurt his calf in a 2-1 win over Atalanta last time out, is hoping to be fit for the meeting with Inter and returned to light training on Thursday.

The captain said he was proud of the way Udinese had recovered from a poor start to the season.

"I want to play on Sunday," Di Natale told the club's website. "I want to be there with my team-mates to celebrate.

"We can win at Inter. It's a tough match but I'll try to do whatever I can - perhaps I'll score - to try to achieve our goal of the Europa League.

"We have been doing great things for three years despite bad starts. We didn't expect such a hard start though, but we have worked very hard and both younger and older players have done their best for the squad.

"We want to honour this splendid season by playing these last 90 minutes at our best to accomplish our goal."

An in-form Udinese should be too good for an Inter side who will be welcoming the end of what has been a miserable season for them.

 

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Serie A Preview: Siena v Milan

18 May 2013

Milan can secure their place in next season's UEFA Champions League if they take victory in their final game at relegated Siena.

Massimiliano Allegri's men sit third in the Serie A table, two points ahead of Fiorentina, who play Pescara in their final outing, and know that a slip-up could be catastrophic in their quest to ensure a spot in Europe's top club competition.

Milan head into this one in good form having lost just one of their last six outings in the league, scoring four goals in two of their last four matches.

However, they will have to try to seal a top-three berth without midfielder Sulley Muntari after he was suspended following an altercation with the referee in the 0-0 draw with Roma, the Ghanaian joining the injured pair of Bojan Krkic and Nigel de Jong on the sidelines.

Stephen El Shaarawy and Mario Balotelli will undoubtedly be the focus of the Milan attack. The forward pair have scored 27 goals in the league this term and should be confident of adding to that tally against a team that possesses the second-worst defensive record in the division.

Siena's relegation to Serie B was confirmed following their defeat 2-1 defeat to Napoli last Sunday and after a streak of five straight defeats in which they have scored just one goal, morale among Giuseppe Iachini's charges is expected to be low.

They will be missing defender Carlos Matheu and veteran midfielder Simone Vergassola through injury, but do possess a goal threat in Swiss striker Innocent Emeghara, who has found the net seven times in what has been a largely barren season for Iachini's men.

Still the hosts know that they are capable of running Milan close, Allegri's men's 2-1 win back in January was tighter than the San Siro outfit would have liked and, although they are likely to be preparing for life in Serie B already, Siena will be looking to give their home fans something to cheer about at the end of a disappointing campaign.

Milan are rightly the heavy favourites, though, and with the prolific pairing of Balotelli and El Shaarawy both expected to start, the visitors should have more than enough to seal UEFA Champions League qualification.

 

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Third place huge for Milan after losing Ibra & Thiago Silva, says Tassotti
The club's assistant boss feels the San Siro side have every reason to be satisfied with their season if they secure Champions League qualification

I would never join AC Milan - Palacio
The Argentine has no intention to leave his current club any time soon and has stressed that he has a good relationship with Andrea Stramaccioni

'Fiorentina deserve third place more than Milan' - Valero
The midfielder is adamant the Viola have done more to earn the right to the final Champions League spot this season

West Ham interested in Ambrosini - agent
The 35-year-old's contract with AC Milan expires at the end of the season and Sam Allardyce's side are among those targeting a move for the Italian this summer

Balotelli 'really happy' to have left England
The striker believes he was treated unfairly during his time in the Premier League and insists his public persona was twisted by the media

No Roma interest in Marcos Rocha, says agent
The Atletico Mineiro full-back's representative says he has not received any contact from the Italian capital, despite reports to the contrary

We want to win on Sunday for our fans - Kuzmanovic
The Inter midfielder is desperate to give supporters something to cheer about when they face Udinese at San Siro in their final Serie A game this season

Balotelli will be sent off if he leaves the pitch - referee chief
Marcello Nicchi, president of the Italian Referee's Association, says that the 22-year-old Milan star will be red carded if he leaves the pitch in protest

AC Milan ponder €15m swoop for Xabi Alonso
The experienced midfielder is unsure about his future at the Santiago Bernabeu and the Rossoneri are closely monitoring his situation

Icardi flattered by Inter link
The young attacker is honoured by the reported interest from the Giuseppe Meazza side and has explained his decision to leave Barcelona two years ago

Kovacic destined for stardom, says Kuzmanovic
The Serbia international thinks his team-mate has what it takes to become a star and hopes Andrea Stramaccioni will remain Inter coach

Mario Balotelli finally joins Twitter
After a number of "parody" accounts were set up in his name over the years, the controversial AC Milan striker has finally officially taken to social networking for the first time

Berlusconi causes confusion over Allegri future with Roma claim
The Milan president has seemingly confirmed that the coach will leave San Siro for the Stadio Olimpico at the season's end, although the comments may have been made in jest

Stramaccioni: Moratti has been very clear about my Inter future
The Inter boss has called for speculation over his situation to end so that his side can focus on their final game of the season

'Roma's Balotelli boos were not racist' – Zeman
The capital club's old coach claims the AC Milan striker was jeered because of his poor attitude as opposed to the colour of his skin

Kovacic expects Modric to stay at Real Madrid
The former Tottenham playmaker has been linked with a move to Italy but the Inter youngster feels his compatriot will remain at the Santiago Bernabeu

Bonucci: I never feared Conte leaving
The Bianconeri boss was reportedly ready to leave if the club did not bring in a host of top-quality players this summer, but the defender insists he always imagined he would stay

 

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Serie A - Balotelli warned against walking off

Italian Referee's Association (AIA) president Marcello Nicchi has said that Mario Balotelli will be sent off if he were to leave the field to protest racist chanting.

Reuters – Fri, May 17, 2013 11:31 BST

Eurosport - Kevin Prince Boateng and Mario Balotelli (Reuters)

"Everyone is free to express their own opinions but there are rules. Whoever leaves the field to make a protest, without warning the referee or without being substituted will be sent off," Nicchi told Italian news channel SkyTG24 on Friday.

"Less importance has to be given to this phenomenon as a media event and more importance from what can be done realistically, be tough and uncompromising with the idiots who sing these shameful chants."

Earlier this week, Balotelli said he would leave the field if he was racially abused by fans again, after being repeatedly being targeted by opposition fans in Italy.

"If it happens one more time, I'm going to leave the pitch, because it's so stupid," he said.

AS Roma supporters were the latest to shout monkey chants at him during their goalless draw with AC Milan on Sunday, which was suspended for two minutes by referee Gianluca Rocchi while players and the stadium announcers tried to halt the abuse.

"I was about to leave the pitch on Sunday but they are going to think that I wanted to leave because maybe we had some difficulty with the game," the Italy striker added.

"I said it's better we play and then we talk, but if it wasn't for this reason I was going to leave the pitch."