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Juventus have destroyed Roma 4-1 after jumping out to a three-goal lead in the first 19 minutes to move clear at the top of Serie A.
Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal, Alessandro Matri and Sebastian Giovinco scored for the reigning champions in a dominant performance on Saturday.
With Roma head coach Zdenek Zeman, a notorious critic of Juventus, in Turin for the first time since taking over the capital club, Juventus seemed inspired to punish the visitors.
Zeman, who infamously claimed in the 1990s while coach of Roma that Juventus used blood doping, watched his team fall apart under an early onslaught from the home side.
Pirlo gave Juventus the lead in the 11th minute when his free-kick curled into the bottom corner and five minutes later Vidal slotted home a penalty after Roma defender Leandro Castan handled the ball in the box.
In the 19th minute, Matri completed Juventus' early blitz when he controlled Vidal's aerial pass on his chest and then finished expertly to give his team a 3-0 lead.
Roma striker Pablo Osvaldo's penalty in the 69th minute, conceded by Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci for a blatant foul on Mattia Destro, gave Zeman's team a glimmer of hope but in the final minute Giovinco finished off a counter-attack with a goal from a tight angle to secure a big win.
Juventus had 20 shots and eight on target, while Roma only forced three saves from Gianluigi Buffon from 12 attempts.
The win puts Juventus on 16 points after six matches with Napoli second on 13 points, although they are still to play this weekend.
In the other Serie A match, Parma stole a 1-1 draw at home despite visitors Milan dominating the match.
Milan had 60 percent possession and nine shots on target to two but could only manage one goal for the match, with Stephan El Shaarawy putting Massimo Allegri's side in front in the 50th minute.
Parma claimed a draw after Daniele Galloppa equalised 16 minutes later.
Roma's Zeman rues 'terrible' defeat at the hands of Juventus
The Czech tactician conceded his opponents on the night were better in every aspect, admitting that his players never really settled into the game and deservedly lost
Petkovic insists Lazio must be ruthless against Siena
Following the Aquile's crushing loss at the hands of Napoli, the trainer has demanded more concentration in front of goal, starting against the Bianconeri on Sunday
Allegri lauds performances of youngsters in AC Milan's draw with Parma
The coach had words of praise for the promising Rossoneri and chose to focus on the positives rather than the negatives after the stalemate with the Gialloblu
Stramaccioni prepared for defining Inter week
The Italian coach says his side have undergone meticulous preparation ahead of a fixture pile-up of three games in seven days, starting with Sunday's clash with Fiorentina
Di Natale left out of Genoa clash after bust-up with Guidolin
The Udinese coach has confirmed rumours that he had a row with the striker, which has resulted in the player being dropped for their match on Sunday
Maradona will always be Napoli's number 10, says Insigne
The Italian youngster believes no other player will flourish in the famous shirt the way the Argentine once did, while also speaking of his respect for coach Walter Mazzarri
Montella: Fiorentina must not be arrogant against Inter
The Viola coach was delighted with his side's showing in midweek, but is looking forward to seeing their reaction and focus amid the wave of enthusiasm around the club
Zanetti: Cambiasso is destined to become a coach
The Nerazzurri skipper believes that his compatriot has the characteristics to become a successful trainer and follow in the footsteps of Diego Simeone
Juventus can go all the way in Champions League, says Trezeguet
The former Bianconeri star feels the Serie A champions could spring a surprise in European club football's elite competition after impressing in their Chelsea opener
Pato could make comeback against Inter, says Allegri
The attacker is currently recovering from an adductor problem, and could feature in the upcoming Milan derby the reported under-fire coach has revealed
Ferrara: Sampdoria do not fear Napoli
The Italian spoke of his side ambitions ahead of their clash with the Azzuri, adding that a victory would send a message to the competition
Donadoni: Milan is in the past
The Parma trainer says he will not let emotions get in the way when his side take on the Rossoneri on Saturday, having spent 12 years with the club as a player
Pereira: Inter want to win Serie A
The Uruguay international was pleased with his side's performance in Wednesday's 2-0 victory at Chievo, and has now set his sights on a successful league campaign
Allegri: AC Milan must not fear the opposition
The 45-year-old coach says his side must refind their confidence if they are to challenge for the Serie A title, but believes they can still mount a bid for honours this season
Zeman: Modern football is business rather than sport
The 65-year-old has spoken out against the modern game, and feels the focus is too much on results rather than playing well
Cassano's a joker who never shuts up, laughs Gargano
The Uruguay international has praised the attacker's positive attitude, and feels the former Real Madrid forward will only become more important
Vucinic: I would jeer Zeman if I were a Juventus fan
The Montenegro international has admitted that he too wouldn't be happy with the Roma trainer if he were a supporter, but still has a lot of respect for his former boss
Pato potentially one of the best in the world, says El Shaarawy
The Italy international has stated that his Brazilian colleague is among the top players around, and added that he sees Kaka as an example to follow
Zanetti: I still have a role to play at Inter
The veteran defender is adamant that he can still be useful for the Giuseppe Meazza side, even though he is aware of his changing role for the Nerazzurri
'It's about morality', 'He is a terrorist' - The story behind the bad blood between Zeman & Juventus
Roma's Czech coach has become notorious when pointing the finger at the Bianconeri in what escalated into a huge drugs debate, and hostilities have continued ever since
Sep 29, 2012 8:00:00 AM
By Kris Voakes | Italian Football WriterIt started with a broad statement on the state of modern football, but ended with one of the most eye-opening trials in the sport’s history. When Zdenek Zeman called into question the use of extensive medicinal practices at the top of the game, his use of Juventus as an example opened the door for a long-lasting rivalry which will reignite when his Roma side visit the Old Lady in Serie A on Saturday night.
In a 1998 interview with L’Espresso, Zeman – then, as now coach of the Giallorossi – addressed the issue of doping in sport on the back of the infamous Festina case of that year’s Tour de France, and in doing so expressed concern over the thought processes of players and clubs in relation to the use of supplemental substances in football.
The 65-year-old stated that he felt a certain unease about players’ reliability on some medicines, claiming: "I’m sure that many players in Serie A, probably even in my own Roma side, have difficulty giving up on certain substances."
However, he went on to apportion part of the blame on the nature of the sport under the increasing glare of the wider world, adding: "Football today is more an industry and less and less a game … Football must get out of the pharmacy."
His interviewer then asked a question which would light the blue touchpaper under calcio, requesting Zeman to relate that point to Juventus, over whom he had previously raised eyebrows as to their “muscular explosion”.
“My amazement starts with Gianluca Vialli and goes all the way to Alessandro Del Piero,” he replied.
"Zeman is a terrorist. He doesn't deserve to stay in football"
- Gianluca Vialli
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Those observations were greeted with disdain by all at Juventus, Vialli going as far as to call Zeman “a terrorist”, while coach Marcello Lippi asked that Zeman be suspended from football for five years, and the club sought advice over the possibility of libel action.
However, Zeman’s words were pounced upon by Turinese public prosecutor Raffaele Guariniello, an apparent Juventino, who opened a two-year investigation which would result in the Bianconeri going on trial for alleged ‘sporting fraud’ and ‘illegal use of medicines’.
At the crux of the matter was the misuse of legal substances for unusual purposes, including the administering of anti-depressants and pills generally used to treat heart trouble and issues relating to the brain. It was discovered that the Juventus medicine cabinet stocked as many as 281 different substances, with trial judge Giuseppe Casalbore claiming: “The State Attorney’s consultant has suggested that, in truth, 281 medical specialities of various type and nature, like those kept by Juventus, represent the normal stock of a small-sized hospital.”
After an exhaustive process which would see countless Juventus players including Zinedine Zidane, Vialli, Del Piero and current coach Antonio Conte take the stand, director Antonio Giraudo was cleared but club doctor Riccardo Agricola was given a suspended prison sentence after being found guilty of administering illegal substances including the banned EPO.
While Coni (the Italian Olympic Committee) asked that the FIGC hand down a two-year ban on Agricola, the nation’s footballing body wanted to wait for the legal process to bear its course and refused to act before the doctor’s appeal had been heard. In the meantime, Juve kept Agricola on their staff and stood shoulder to shoulder in their defence of him.
Putting his name to the cause | Zemen signs a shirt emblazoned with 'I hate Juve'
The FIGC also decided against launching an investigation into how pharmaceuticals were being administered within football in general, instead deciding to go along with whatever the trail verdict decreed without exploring the moral angle any further.
Agricola was later cleared on appeal, but Zeman believed he had been justified in his earlier conclusions, asserting that Juve had circumvented the ethics of sport in order to become as successful as they had under Lippi in the mid-1990s.
"People think I have found myself ostracised by the football community but the truth is that the vast majority of people in this world are with me on this issue," he told ESPN’s Paddy Agnew. "For me, sport has its own morality. If you want to improve your performance, you do an extra lap of the pitch or an extra circuit in the gym. You don’t take a pill and sit in the sun for an hour. That’s the morality of sport."
In a memorable TV stand-off, Lippi and Zeman came head-to-head in a show which highlighted the bitterness developing between the Old Lady and the Czech.
"Players like Angelo Di Livio, Moreno Torricelli, Fabrizio Ravanelli and Massimo Carrera are still winning, even with their new clubs," observed Lippi. "They were said by their coaches to be model players for their professional attitude. That’s why my Juventus won a lot. That side had extraordinary mental and moral strength."
"I find it sad that Juventus consider themselves clean when they stock 281 different types of pharmaceutical products"
- Zdenek Zeman
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Lippi, by then Italy head coach, went on to claim that Zeman too had presided over clubs which had used similar practices in regards to medicines. “Yes, we used restorative products at Lazio, but only for a month and only at a dosage of three grams per day, not the 20 grams that Juventus used.”
During the entire process, which would last around eight years from the time of Zeman’s original L’Espresso interview to the end of Agricola’s appeal, there were questions asked of other top clubs, and of football as a whole. It emerged that, as Juventus had claimed throughout, their practices were relatively commonplace throughout the upper echelons of the sport, and to an extent both sides were justified in their arguments.
"I find it sad that Juventus consider themselves clean when they stock 281 different types of pharmaceutical products," claimed Zeman in 2004. "Sports disciplinary bodies, which ought to have moral and ethical guidelines that go far beyond the penal code, ought to have looked into the case, investigating not just Juventus but all Italian football at that time. Instead, they did nothing."
While Juve have had a fall and rise of a very different type since those days, Zeman has spent the majority of his time in the lower leagues. However, promotion with Pescara last season earned him a second call from Roma, and, whichever club he leads, he remains as honest and open when asked for an opinion on the Bianconeri as he was in 1998.
Conte | Zeman claimed: "A coach who is suspended for a long time should not coach at all"
He contributed to the rhetoric around the Calciopoli proceedings by calling former Juve director general Luciano Moggi "the greatest puppet master in football", claiming that the transfer guru was complicit in several of his hasty dismissals, including at Napoli and Salernitana. The Czech believed that Moggi held enough power to carry out a vendetta for his sullying of the Old Lady's name.
“I think a coach who is suspended for a long time should not coach at all,” said Zeman recently when inevitably questioned on the validity of Conte’s current touchline ban, enforced due to his alleged knowledge of match-fixing at former club Siena. "If you can’t coach on a Sunday, you should take yourself out. If it was me I would resign, then return if I was asked.”
His path appears forever destined to cross theirs. That is just the way of the Italian football world: a scandal happens, there is mention of Juventus, and Zeman is questioned. So often these days, football matches are billed under a different heading: Ronaldo v Messi, Suarez v Evra, or Mourinho v Mancini. But in the grand scheme of things, there is perhaps nobody who has affronted an entire institution in the way that Zeman did with Juve 14 years ago.
Rightly or wrongly? That is still debated to this day, and each public meeting increasingly becomes a game of one-upmanship in the never-ending argument. On Saturday night at Juventus Stadium, they meet again, for the first time in Serie A since 2000, and this morning'sLa Gazzetta dello Sport headline says it all about the match-up that really counts: "Juve v Zemen"
The match itself is just a battle though. The war will continue unabated.
Napoli maintained the pressure on Serie A champions Juventus with a 1-0 win at Sampdoria, while Lazio prevailed at home to Siena.
Edinson Cavani scored the decisive goal for Napoli in the 68th minute of Sunday's clash after Marek Hamsik was brought down by Daniele Gastaldello in the Sampdoria box, resulting in a penalty.
Gastaldello was sent off for receiving a second caution and had barely left the pitch as Cavani fired the ball past Sampdoria goalkeeper Sergio Romero, who had little chance of making a save.
Like Juventus, Napoli have five wins and a draw after six games, though Antonio Conte's side remain on top with a superior goal difference.
Inter moved up to third place on the table following a 2-1 victory over Fiorentina at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
Diego Milito opening the scoring from the penalty spot in the 17th minute before Antonio Cassano doubled the hosts' advantage 15 minutes later.
Romulo pulled a goal back just before half time, but Fiorentina's hopes of salvaging anything from the match were effectively dashed when Gonzalo Rodriguez was sent off following his second yellow card in the 62nd minute.
Elsewhere, Ederson and Cristian Ledesma got on the scoresheet as Lazio clinched a 2-1 victory at the Stadio Olimpico.
The win saw Lazio climb to fourth with 12 points, while Sampdoria dropped to fifth on 10 points.
Fabrizio Miccoli netted a hat-trick as Palermo recorded their first win of the season by beating Chievo 4-1 at home.
Cagliari remain rooted to the bottom of the table without a victory after going down to Pescara 2-1 at home.
Meanwhile, Bologna accounted for Catania 4-0 at home, Torino thumped Atalanta 5-1 away and Udinese and Genoa played out a 0-0 stalemate in Udine.
Juventus striker Matri relieved to end goal drought
The Old Lady frontman has admitted he was happy to bag his first league strike of the season in a 4-1 victory over Roma to help extend his club's remarkable unbeaten run
Montella: Individual errors cost Fiorentina dear
The Italian coach refused to criticise his side after their loss, but admitted that his players made a number of errors which ultimately cost them the game
Stramaccioni: Adversity has made Inter stronger
The Nerazzurri boss has admitted to being delighted with the application of his troops following a hard fought 2-1 victory over Fiorentina
Italy squad will be renovated for World Cup 2014, warns head coach Prandelli
The Azzurri - despite reaching the Euro 2012 final - must try and evolve their team as well as achieve results and play good football, according to the national side boss
'Many players don't deserve to wear the shirt' - Sabatini blasts Roma side after Juventus thrashing
The 57-year-old insisted that the team must "immediately change trajectory" if they are to gel as a unit and get their Scudetto campaign back on track after defeat to the Old Lady
Juventus' Giovinco proud of 'convincing performance' against Roma
The 25-year-old spoke positively about his Bianconeri team-mates after the big win over the capital outfit on Saturday, claiming they can be pleased with their efforts
Shambolic Roma allow Juventus time to breathe ahead of return to Champions League duty
The Giallorossi suffered a nightmare start to proceedings in Turin, meaning the Italian champions could ease off the gas before Tuesday's clash with Shakhtar Donetsk
De Rossi: Aiming for Scudetto would be wrong
The midfielder was visibly disappointed and frank when reacting to his side's heavy defeat on Saturday, insisting that the Giallorossi must re-assess their objectives
Juventus' Filippi: Bendtner he will get his chance
The coach maintained that the summer signing's opportunity will come, and stated that Roma remained close challengers for the title despite their defeat on Saturday
Sep 29, 2012 11:05:00 PM
By SW Lim
Juventus goalkeeping coach Claudio Filippi, who took over the press conference after the Bianconeri's 4-1 victory over Roma, spoke of his belief that Nicklas Bendtner will get a chance to prove his worth.
The trainer was quick to praise the Old Lady's collective spirit and togetherness and gave credit for the win over the Giallorossi to head coach Antonio Conte, who is currently serving his suspension.
"Nicklas Bendtner will eventually have his chance," stated Filippi at the post-match press conference.
"Juventus have a great group of strikers this season. Right now, we have several forwards that give us guarantees. They are rotated according to how they perform in training.
"We work hard during the week with Conte, so this victory belongs to him."
Despite the manner in which the Italian champions sent Zdenek Zeman's Roma packing, Filippi is refusing to dismiss the Giallorossi's title credentials.
"It's true we got off to a splending start, but we fought against a side who will nevertheless continue doing important things this season, continuously challenging for the top places."
Juventus now turn her attention to their Champions League fixture against Shakhtar Donetsk, after earning a credible opening day draw against fellow Group E heavyweights, Chelsea.
Juventus have rediscovered taste for Champions League, says Chiellini
The Bianconeri have returned to Europe's premier competition after two seasons in the wilderness, and the defender is eager to make up for lost time
Fiorentina performance was Inter's best yet, says Moratti
Goals from Diego Milito and Antonio Cassano for the Nerazzurri to record their first home win of the new season, and the club's president was pleased with what he saw
Ibrahimovic: PSG already better than AC Milan
The towering attacker feels the Ligue 1 side have more quality than the 2011 Serie A champions, and is confident the Parisiens can go big
Marchisio: I want to remain at Juventus my entire career
The Italy international is not interested in leaving his current club, and feels the Bianconeri have one of the best midfields around in the game
Zanetti: Serie A table starting to look like it should
The Argentine skipper was quite pleased with his side's win, while Esteban Cambiasso was equally happy with the Nerazzurri's performance
Manchester United target El Shaarawy not for sale, insists AC Milan chief Galliani
The 19-year-old midfielder has enjoyed a bright start to the season for the struggling Serie A giants, fuelling speculation that the Red Devils hold an interest
Oct 1, 2012 5:30:00 PM
By James McManus
AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has reaffirmed the club's commitment to keeping hold of midfield starlet Stephan El Shaarawy amid reported interest from Manchester United.
The 19-year-old winger, who joined the San Siro outfit from Genoa in 2011, has already scored four Serie A goals in six appearances this term.
But Galliani says that, whilst it is encouraging that El Shaarawy is being admired by such a big club, Milan are not contemplating selling him at any point in the near future.
"Let's hope [Sir Alex] Ferguson will stay in love with him, but it's not in our thoughts to sell him," the Italian told reporters."I'd like to give peace of mind to supporters, considering we have recently renewed his deal until 2017."
The player's agent, Roberto La Florio, also recently deniedthat he had been in contact with the Red Devils and is adamant that his client is happy in Italy.
"I have had no contact with the United. The player has been secured by AC Milan and he is happy to play for them. He has always dreamed it," La Florio told tuttomercatoweb.com.
"He has to keep both feet on the ground, thinking about this club which trusted in him, and that he is paying off with these performances."
Van Bommel: I hope AC Milan win Derby della Madonnina
The former Netherlands international is hoping that his former side will bag the full three points on Sunday as he is still closely monitoring their performances
Coutinho: Inter want victory over AC Milan
The Brazilian attacker has set his sights on the full three points against the Rossoneri, and believes his spell at Espanyol has helped him improve
El Shaarawy reminds me of Neymar, says Ancelotti
The former Milan trainer is impressed with the young attacker's good start to the season, and has likened him to the Brazilian wonderkid
Guidolin joyous after 'magical' evening at Anfield
The Italian tactician was overjoyed with his side's triumphant display away to the English giants and is hoping it will boost their confidence ahead of their clash with Napoli
I have not had another bust-up with Lamela, insists Roma's Osvaldo
The Giallorossi striker has denied rumours suggesting he has again been involved in an altercation with his team-mate following their loss to the Bianconeri last Sunday
Milan favourites for derby despite Inter's win over Neftchi, insists Stramaccioni
The young Nerazzurri boss was encouraged with his team's win in the Europa League though played down his side's chances of beating the Rossoneri this weekend
James Rodriguez came close to Juventus move, says agent
The Colombian winger almost made the move to Turin according to Bruno Carpeggiani, but the representative admitted he could leave his current club soon
Pato hands AC Milan a timely boost with return from injury
The former Internacional star is one step closer to a comeback after joining his team-mates for a full session on Thursday morning
Stramaccioni: Inter want to win Serie A, Coppa Italia & Europa League
The young coach has set his sights on glory in every competition the Giuseppe Meazza side compete in in the 2012-13 campaign
Agnelli: Juventus to close the gap with rest of Europe
The Bianconeri supremo is determined to further help the club forward by developing the area around their stadium in order to generate more funds
Abbiati: My arm still hurts from Hulk's shot
The veteran keeper spoke of his man-of-the-match performance in Wednesday night's game, and hopes that his side can embark on a good run of form
Emanuelson: Abbiati was amazing and I can only applaud him
The Dutchman had nothing but positive words for the veteran glovesman following his impressive performance against the Russian champions
Manchester City turn their attentions to Juventus star Vidal
Roberto Mancini has spoken to the club's owners about the Juventus star but may find it difficult to prise the Chile international away from the Serie A champions
Allegri: We are going into the Inter-AC Milan derby with a good win
The under-pressure coach hailed his side after their first Champions League victory of the season and looks ahead to the big domestic fixture taking place on Sunday
Galliani no longer talking to Ibrahimovic
The Rossoneri vice-president has revealed that the Paris Saint-Germain striker is giving him the silent treatment after the Swede switched San Siro for Parc des Princes
Zanetti: I do not care if this is one of my last Milanese derbies, I want to win
The veteran does not want to dwell on the fact that it could be one of the final times he faces the Nerazzuri's city rivals and instead focused on taking the three points
Baldini pledges Roma stay amid Tottenham interest
The Italian general manager reaffirms his commitment to the club at a press conference, though Spurs remain keen to recruit the former England coach to aid Andre Villas-Boas
Llorente open to January move to Juventus, says agent
The towering striker was involved in a bust-up with coach Marcelo Bielsa earlier this week and his representative has revealed that the player is ready to jump ship
Zeman keen on luring €30m-rated Dzagoev to Roma
The experienced coach has asked his board of directors to sign the versatile attacker if he manages to guide the Giallorossi to the Champions League
Montolivo: AC Milan can replicate Italy's Euro 2012 revival
The versatile midfielder believes the San Siro outfit can use the Champions League to get back on track after a poor start to the season
Heartbreak with Sampdoria fuels Mancini's Champions League dream
In the first part of Goal.com's serialisation of Roberto Mancini - A Footballing Life, Luca Caioli recalls the 1992 European Cup final and the impact it had on the Italian
Tottenham confident of appointing Baldini to director role next year
Spurs remain in the hunt for Roma general manager even though he is expected to distance himself from a switch to London at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon
I have total faith in Galliani, says Berlusconi
The owner of the Italian club has issued a strongly worded statement surrounding the position of his second in command, who has been linked with an exit from the Rossoneri
Cassano: I am going to get very fat when I retire
The Italy international feels he still has plenty of room for improvement, and is looking forward to locking horns with his former employers in the Milanese derby
Pirlo: Juventus can go far in Champions League
The Italy international is eager to make an impact in European club football's elite competition, and has set his sights on making it to the final at Wembley
Cavani: I want to reach Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo's level
The Partenopei forward is determined to improve his game, and has revealed that no serious bids came in for him during the summer transfer window
Pirlo must only play once a week if Juventus want to make a real Champions League challenge
The midfielder's sluggish start to the season should provoke the Bianconeri to rethink their policy on how they use the ageing Italian around their European campaign
Manchester United target El Shaarawy not for sale, insists AC Milan chief Galliani
The 19-year-old midfielder has enjoyed a bright start to the season for the struggling Serie A giants, fuelling speculation that the Red Devils hold an interest
Fiorentina performance was Inter's best yet, says Moratti
Goals from Diego Milito and Antonio Cassano for the Nerazzurri to record their first home win of the new season, and the club's president was pleased with what he saw
Ibrahimovic: PSG already better than AC Milan
The towering attacker feels the Ligue 1 side have more quality than the 2011 Serie A champions, and is confident the Parisiens can go big
Marchisio: I want to remain at Juventus my entire career
The Italy international is not interested in leaving his current club, and feels the Bianconeri have one of the best midfields around in the game
Zanetti: Serie A table starting to look like it should
The Argentine skipper was quite pleased with his side's win, while Esteban Cambiasso was equally happy with the Nerazzurri's performance
Juventus striker Matri relieved to end goal drought
The Old Lady frontman has admitted he was happy to bag his first league strike of the season in a 4-1 victory over Roma to help extend his club's remarkable unbeaten run
Montella: Individual errors cost Fiorentina dear
The Italian coach refused to criticise his side after their loss, but admitted that his players made a number of errors which ultimately cost them the game
Stramaccioni: Adversity has made Inter stronger
The Nerazzurri boss has admitted to being delighted with the application of his troops following a hard fought 2-1 victory over Fiorentina
Tottenham confident of appointing Baldini to director role next year
Spurs remain in the hunt for Roma general manager even though he is expected to distance himself from a switch to London at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon
Oct 3, 2012 6:25:00 AM
EXCLUSIVE
By Wayne Veysey | Chief Correspondent
Tottenham remain confident of luring Franco Baldini to White Hart Lane even though he will tell a press conference on Wednesday that he is committed to Roma, Goalcom can reveal.
Spurs have been tracking the former England No.2 since early summer and are hopeful he will take on a technical director role at the club next year.
Although Baldini is expected to distance himself from a switch to Spurs at a scheduled media briefing in Rome on Wednesday afternoon, sources have told Goal.com that the two parties remain in contact.
The likelihood is that the 51-year-old will leave Roma in either January or at the end of the season, and his destination is expected to be Tottenham.
Baldini's powerbase at the Serie A club has been weakened in recent months following a series of recruitment decisions that backfired at the start of his second spell in Rome.
Manager Luis Enrique, goalkeeper coach Franco Tancredi and head of communication Daniele Lo Monaco were all appointed on Baldini’s recommendation and have since left the Olimpico Stadium.
The Roma general manager had little input in the club’s summer transfer strategy, which was overseen by sporting director Walter Sabbatini, and his relationship with the club’s Boston-based owners is said to have deteriorated considerably.
Nevertheless, Baldini is the only Roma executive who speaks fluent English and the American owners, who have flown in to Italy for a board meeting later this week, want him to front the club’s winter training camp in Orlando, Florida.
Baldini’s €600,000-a-year Roma contract runs until 2014 but Tottenham’s interest is likely to pave the way for his departure at some point next year.
As revealed by Goal.com last month, Spurs have targeted Baldini as they look to overhaul their recruitment operation and create a new senior executive position.
Chairman Daniel Levy wants to re-introduce a continental-style set-up to aid manager Andre Villas-Boas four years after abandoning the director of football model when Damien Comolli was sacked in October 2008.
Villas-Boas, who held talks with Baldini about taking the Roma manager's job in the summer, has confirmed he would be comfortable with the introduction of a technical director at Tottenham.
"I have worked with one at Porto and Academica and had no issues with that and I certainly promote that," Villas-Boas said.
Senior Spurs officials are prepared to bide their time and wait for Baldini to become available, even though club sources insist there are other names in the frame for the role.
Ian Broomfield, who was brought to the club from Portsmouth in 2009 by ex-boss Harry Redknapp, was sacked as chief scout last month, which followed the departure of scout Peter Senior from the academy set-up.
Baldini is well known to English audiences for his four years with the England national team working alongside Fabio Capello before his departure last year to return to Roma for a second spell.
The former midfielder became director of football at Roma in 1999 and, with Capello he helped to bring Walter Samuel, Gabriel Batistuta and Emerson to the club. Baldini resigned in March 2005 and joined Capello at Real Madrid a year later.
Exclusive: Buffon close to signing four-year deal at Juventus
The 34-year-old is nearing an agreement on a deal that will prolong his 11-year association with the club
Oct 5, 2012 12:30:00 PM
By Romeo Agresti
Gianluigi Buffon is close to signing a contract extension which will see him remain with Juventus until 2016.
The goalkeeper remains the world’s most expensive shot-stopper following his €40.5 million move from Parma in the summer of 2001.
Negotiations neared a conclusion last week when club president Andrea Agnelli offered Buffon a €4.5m a year deal.
The Bianconeri faithful will be delighted with the news that one of the club’s star players has been tied down to a new contract; following speculation that Claudio Ranieri's Monaco were interested in making a move for the player.
Contact had been made between Giorgio Pellizzaro (Ranieri’s goalkeeping coach) and Buffon, in which he tried to tempt the Juventus number one with a move to the Stade Louis II.
But it is now understood that he will snub that interest and pen a new deal at Juventus Stadium, which will ensure he ends his career at the club.
Serie A preview: Juventus, Napoli aim to extend lead at top
5 October 2012
Juventus and Napoli will look to extend their unbeaten starts to the Serie A season this weekend.It has been a tough week for the Naples side.
On top of a 3-0 loss at PSV Eindhoven in Thursday night's Europa League fixture, they head into Sunday's home clash with Udinese having to deal with the club's offices being raided by Italian police during the week as part of an investigation into player contracts.
Despite the issues, Napoli remain unbeaten in Serie A this campaign with five wins and a draw to their name, just behind table-topping Juventus on goal difference.
It would seem unlikely, though, that those positions will change too much this weekend as both sides should take maximum points, with Udinese sitting in 15th on the Italian table while Juve's opponent Siena is 19th.
Siena's position is somewhat misleading, however, as the Tuscan club was stripped six points heading into this season due to last year's betting scandal, with the club having lost just twice so far this term.
However, despite drawing their midweek Champions League clash with Shakhtar, the Bianconeri have been in impressive form in the domestic competition, most recently routing Roma 4-1 last weekend.
Outside of the top two, substantial interest will also be in the Milan derby this weekend as Inter look to keep track of the table leaders when they take on the struggling AC Milan.
Last weekend, Inter held on for a 2-1 victory over Fiorentina that saw them stay in third on the table, while AC Milan dropped to 11th following a 1-1 come-from-behind draw over 15th-placed Parma.
Inter are coming off a tough Europa League road trip to Azerbaijan where they beat Neftchi 3-1, but if they are feeling the jet lag and do slip up, fourth-placed Lazio will be looking to take advantage.
The Roman club are even on 12 points with Inter heading into Sunday's trip to 13th-placed Pescara but they are also under some pressure from Sampdoria (fifth) who travel to Verona for Saturday's clash with Chievo.
This clash shapes as no easy task for Sampdoria as Chievo's players will be looking to hit back following the sacking of coach Domenico Di Carlo on Tuesday and the appointment of Eugenio Corini as his successor.
Fresh off a 5-1 win over Atalanta last weekend, sixth-placed Torino will take the competition's worst side, the winless and 20th-placed Cagliari.
Seventh-placed Fiorentina take on a Bologna side that should be fired up by last week's 4-0 thrashing of Catania.
Genoa (eighth) will play Palermo (17th) after the Sicilian club climbed out of the relegation zone through a 4-1 thrashing of Chievo last weekend, a result that cost Di Carlo his job.
Tenth-placed Catania will be looking to rise up the table when they play Parma (14th), while Roma (11th) will be looking to hit back hard after last week's thrashing by Juve, when they face Atalanta (16th).
Ogbonna: The Premier League is a fascinating world
The Toro defender is satisfied in Italy, but admits that he would like to to ply his trade in a different country one day, possibly in England
Colomba: Cassano and El Shaarawy will decide Milan derby
The Italian coach believes the big clash will hinge on whichever side's star striker has the more successful game, and says both teams are on the rise after difficult starts
Derby win could kick-start AC Milan's season, says Antonini
The Rossoneri full-back believes that a victory in this weekend’s clash against arch-rivals Inter could transform a disappointing campaign to date
Prandelli: Pirlo wants to play in 2014 World Cup
The Italian coach has said that he expects the 33-year-old playmaker to guide the team to the tournament in Brazil in two years' time
Juventus coach Conte has ban reduced by six months
The Italian could now make his return to the Bianconeri touchline as soon as December 9 having seen his match-day ban slashed from 10 months to just four months
Oct 5, 2012 2:54:00 PM
By Miles Chambers
Juventus head coach Antonio Conte has seen his match ban reduced from 10 months to four months, meaning he will return to the touchline as soon as December.
The Italian had originally been handed the long punishment for his part in the match-fixing scandal while in charge of Siena in the 2010-11 season.
The 43-year-old former Italy international was specifically convicted of failing to report an alleged attempt to fix a match during his one-year tenure before he left for the Bianconeri.
Conte has been able to help train his players this season but has been banned from any touchline activity and is unable to influence decisions during matches, which has instead been overseen by Massimo Carrera.
However, the coach’s lawyers - having failed at getting Conte acquitted - were able to convince the TNAS court that the ban should be reduced.
This means he will now be able to return to action for Juve’s clash with Palermo on December 9, one day after his ban expires and 16 match-days into the 2012-13 campaign.
Chievo snapped a five-match losing streak with a 2-1 home win over Sampdoria in Saturday's Serie A action.
Eugenio Corini's side had fallen into the relegation zone as a result of their slow start to the campaign and faced an in-form Sampdoria, who could have moved to third with victory.
But the hosts managed to turn things around, much to the delight of the crowd at Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi, as Frenchman Cyril Thereau converted Luca Rigoni's assist and netted on the stroke of half-time.
Sampdoria responded just after the hour when Enzo Maresca scored his first goal for the club but Chievo would not be denied.
David Di Michele, a close-season acquisition from Lecce, bagged the winner for Chievo, with his first Serie A goal of the season coming with just three minutes to play and sparking wild celebrations.
Chievo moved up to 16th as a result of their victory while Sampdoria remained in fifth.
In Saturday's other match, Genoa and Palermo played out a 1-1 draw.
Palermo took the lead after 15 minutes through Luigi Giorgi but Marco Borriello's strike seven minutes into the second half ensured both sides would share the spoils.
Serie A wrap: Samuel header helps Inter beat AC Milan
8 October 2012
Veteran defender Walter Samuel scored the only goal of the game as Inter defeated AC Milan 1-0 at the San Siro on Sunday.
The Argentine headed home from Esteban Cambiasso's cross with one of the first attacks of the match and Andrea Stramaccioni's charges shrugged off the expulsion of Yuto Nagatomo to keep their rivals at bay and take all three points.
Needing a victory to move within four points of league leaders Jventus, Inter could not have asked for a better start. Barely four minutes ticked by when Cambiasso's free-kick eluded Christina Abbiati and found its way to Samuel at the far post.
Nagatomo was sent off for a second bookable offence three minutes into the second-half but Inter held on for bragging rights in the derby and condemned Milan to their fourth defeat in seven league games.
Juventus made their second-half dominance pay with a late Claudio Marchisio strike securing a 2-1 win over a stubborn Siena side at the Artemio Franchi.
Juventus took the lead 14 minutes in courtesy of a free kick from Andrea Pirlo, however the two sides went in level at the interval, with Emanuel Calaio heading home just before the half-time whistle.
The win consolidates Juventus' lead atop of the table alongside Napoli who defeated Udinese 2-1.
Following their 3-0 drubbing at the hands of PSV in the Europa League midweek, Napoli were keen to return to winning ways and they were put on the right track courtesy of Marek Hamsik.
The Slovakian found the back of the net on 30 minutes before Giampiero Pinzi drew Udinese level with two minutes left in the half, which ensured Napoli's unbeaten start to the season.
However Macedonian striker Goran Pandev converted the match winner just seconds before the half-time whistle.
Under-fire Roma responded to last week's humbling 4-1 loss to Juventus with a 2-0 win against Atalanta, courtesy of strikes from Erik Lamela and American Michael Bradley.
Roma boss Zdenek Zeman got the response he was after having dropped the likes of Daniele De Rossi, Nicolas Burdisso and Pablo Daniel Osvaldo for the clash with veteran Francesco Totti starring for the home side.
German international Miroslav Klose scored a brace and Hernanes added a third in a 3-0 win for Lazio at Pescara.
Catania scored in the opening two minutes and profited from a silly red card to defeat Parma 2-0 at home.
Papu Gomez was played through and fired home while Gonzalo Bergessio doubled Catania's lead 10 minutes from time after Parma's Yossi Benalouane received a second yellow for a mindless slap on Gomez.
Nene scored a second-half penalty that lifted Cagliari to a 1-0 win over Torino and talented Montenegrin Stevan Jovetic's cheeky flick from a corner piece was enough to hand Fiorentina a 1-0 win over Bologna despite a host of wasted chances for the home side.
Stramaccioni dedicates Milan derby win to Ultras
The Italian coach devoted their win to the fervent group of supporters who held a banner out in San Siro in support of him following Siena defeat
Massimiliano Allegri blasts referee after derby loss to Inter
The Milan boss was left furious by numerous decisions which he felt went against his men, believing they were denied a legitimate goal while he lamented their defensive mistakes
Ambitious Petkovic says Lazio must go far
The Biancocelesti boss was pleased after his side continued their good start and spoke of how the team must keep their winning mentality and finish high up in the league
Juventus lacked ruthlessness - Carrera
The Old Lady's caretaker boss was not happy with the teams lack of a clinical edge and believed the side could have secured the win a lot earlier if they took their chances
Zeman prepared to wield Roma axe after dropping star trio
The Giallorossi coach explained that he left out three big name players on Saturday because they are not part of what he considers to be his best starting XI at the present time
Zaccheroni: Coaches will be the difference between AC Milan and Inter
The 59-year-old knows all about managing in the Derby della Madonnina and he thinks that the result will be down to the men in the dugout as the teams are equal on paper
Borriello: I would love to get a second chance with Italy
The Rossoblu striker was pleased with his performance in his side's draw against Palermo and is aiming to earn a recall to the national side
De Jong: Milan's problems revolve around inexperience
The former Man City midfielder believes that his knowledge of how to win matches can be crucial for the Rossoneri, and that the midfield is set to be key in the Milan derby
Bojan: It is a dream to play in the Milan derby
The 22-year-old attacker, who has already sampled big games such as El Clasico and the Rome derby, is hugely excited to be part of the high-profile Serie A clash
Rummenigge sees the Bundesliga as a model for Serie A
The official has asked for the Italian league to follow in Germany's footsteps, pointing out what is necessary for the nation's football infrastructure to advance
Manchester City prepare €30 million Jovetic move
The Premier League champions are ready to make a fresh attempt to sign the Montenegro international in the January transfer window, but face competition from Juventus
Shevchenko: El Shaarawy reminds me of myself
The Ukrainian legend is of the opinion that the striker has a very bright future ahead of him, and was joined by other Rossoneri veterans in singing the youngster's praises
Abbiati: Allegri is handling the squad well
The veteran goalkeeper has assured everyone that the team have a strong relationship with their coach and wished the former Cagliari boss stayed on for a long time
Dissatisfaction all round: Conte's ban reduction is a compromise with no winners
The Juventus coach has had his 10-month suspension reduced, but the whole case has demonstrated the ineffectiveness of a system that cannot be adjusted, reformed or fixed
Agnelli: Conte's ban remains an injustice
The Bianconeri supremo was not impressed with the decision to reduce Conte's ban, and feels the coach should have been acquitted instead
Milan problems are due to inexperience, says Nigel de Jong
The combative midfielder cites the introduction of unseasoned player to the Rossoneri fold as the reason for their stuttering season start, but insists the team will improve
Prandelli recalls Balotelli, El Shaarawy and Gilardino to the Azzurri
The Manchester City ace returns to the national set-up as the Italian coach also calls up the in-form Milan striker and others for the double header with Armenia and Denmark
Oct 7, 2012 8:20:00 PM
By Frank Tigani
Coach Cesare Prandelli has recalled Mario Balotelli, Alberto Gilardino, Stephan El Shaarawy,Andrea Ranocchia, Antonio Candreva and Domenico Criscito to his squad for Italy's upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
The Euro 2012 finalists travel to Armenia on October 12 before entertaining Denmark at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium on Tuesday October 16.
Balotelli will make his return after missing Italy's first round of qualifiers due to eye surgery while Milan's El Shaarawy has been rewarded for his fine form of late.
Zenit's Criscito is also back in the fold since being excluded on the eve of Euro 2012 while World Cup winner Gilardino is also included after two years out as is Candreva who has not appeared for La Nazionale in three years.
Chiellini: Napoli clash not decisive in title race
The Juventus defender anticipates an interesting encounter versus the San Paolo side, and has insisted that he is in fine form physically
Savic: Fiorentina can qualify for Europe
The Viola defender is enjoying life at the club and is targeting an improvement on last season's disappointing campaign
Montella tips Juventus and Napoli to battle it out for Serie A title
The Viola boss says the division's early pacesetters have the character to continue their impressive form and praised the respective qualities of both sides
Ibrahimovic: If AC Milan need help they know where to find me
The Swedish international says that the Italian club will always have a special place in his heart and hopes that they return to winning ways after a disastrous campaign so far
Italy must not be complacent, says Maggio ahead of Armenia test
The Napoli right-back is anticipating a difficult encounter against Vardan Minasyan's side as the Azzurri look to extend their lead at the top of Group B
Bojan content with life at AC Milan despite goalscoring drought
The former Barcelona forward is delighted with his first steps at the Rossoneri and has no regrets at his decision not to go to Euro 2008
Arsenal keeper Mannone wants to join AC Milan in the future
The Gunners' goalkeeper has spoken of his desire to return to Italy and play at San Siro, but first he wants to take Wojciech Szczesny's starting spot on a permanent basis
Buffon: Inter can challenge Juventus for Scudetto
The experienced shot stopper has voiced his opinion that the Giuseppe Meazza side are title contenders, while not ruling out Napoli and Lazio either
Inter keen on Dinamo Zagreb full-back Sime Vrsaljko
The Serie A side are looking to add some fresh blood to their defence, and they have earmarked the Croatian defender as a potential reinforcement
Juventus no longer after Jovetic, says Marotta
The Turin powerhouse have no intention of making a move for the creative forward this winter, while they did not make a move for Edinson Cavani last summer either
AC Milan to tempt Chelsea with January bid for Ashley Cole
The controversial defender's contract is set to expire this summer and, with the Blues only willing to offer a year extension, he could be tempted by a move to Serie A
Petkovic: Zarate must earn his place
The Argentine forward was not in the starting XI for Lazio's weekend fixture and his coach believes this will give the player an incentive to fight for his position
Valero: Fiorentina let me express myself
The 27-year-old had many offers on the table during the summer but elected to choose the Serie A outfit because of the freedom they allow him to play with
Bojan stresses AC Milan improvement following derby defeat
The forward took to Facebook to reassure fans that the Rossoneri's performances are getting better after being beaten by 10-man Inter on Sunday
Mirko Vucinic hails Juventus' never-say-die attitude
The forward took to his personal website to praise the character shown by the Scudetto champions on the back of a gruelling week of fixtures
Ogbonna flattered by Liverpool transfer talk
The Torino defender is happy to be linked with a move to Anfield and adds he is interested in a move to the Premier League, but insists he is happy at his current club
Juventus keeping tabs on Osvaldo
The prolific striker has caught the attention of the reigning Italian champions, and could be on the move halfway through the season
Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone targeted by Napoli
The Serie A club are in the market for a new shot-stopper and have pinpointed the 24-year-old Gunners player as a potential target
Stramaccioni: Derby victory worth three wins
The Nerazzurri boss has stressed that Sunday's game was vital, while also taking the time to praise Colombian midfielder Fredy Guarin
'I only think about the next game' - Totti coy over retirement plans
The Giallorossi talisman is heading into the twilight of his career, having turned 36 last month, but he is not contemplating the idea of hanging up his boots just yet
Balotelli must show he can become a champion, says Italy head coach Prandelli
The Azzurri manager has admitted he was "upset" with the timing of the forward's recent eye operation and hopes the 22-year-old can boost his country's performances upon returning
Criscito: Italy recall a form of recognition not revenge
The left-back returned to the Azzurri squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers after being excluded from Euro 2012 following his alleged involvement in Scommessopoli
Stramaccioni proud of Mourinho comparisons
The Nerazzurri coach has welcomed his club president's words of praise, but insisted that he has a long way to go before he matches the Portuguese
Galliani slams 'technically inadequate' referee after AC Milan's derby defeat
The Rossoneri vice-president became the latest to criticise Paolo Valeri's performance at San Siro after he felt a number of important decisions went against his side
Marchisio: Winning more important than scoring
The Juventus midfielder has stressed that victory is all that matters for him, and is quite pleased with his side's recent run of good results
Vidal: I would gladly remain at Juventus for the rest of my career
The versatile midfielder is not interested in a move to Spain or England, and is determined to win more silverware with the Bianconeri
Montolivo: Derby was AC Milan's best game so far
The Italy international was satisfied with his side's display, but was quite disappointed with the outcome of the game as he feels the Rossoneri deserved more
Stramaccioni shares similarities with Mourinho, claims Moratti
The Nerazzurri chief was full of praise for his club's young coach following their derby victory over AC Milan and believes he can emulate the Portuguese at San Siro
Italian police reveals anti-corruption initiatives
There have been a string of scandals in Serie A of late, but plans to rid the game of betting are in place to help end the problem once and for all
Oct 10, 2012 2:15:00 PM
By Paul Gorst
Rome’s chief of police Antonio Manganelli has revealed plans are afoot to ban betting on the outcome of football matches in Italy.
Serie A has been wracked with betting scandals in recent years with high-profile names such as Juventus coach Antonio Conte and Lazio midfielder Stefano Mauri both facing allegations of match-fixing in recent months.
However, as part of the on-going investigations into Scommessopoli, Manganelli has explained the tactics to try and rid the game of corruption.
“There are [to be] no bets on the final result since this would envisage the involvement of too many team members, or even both teams," he told reporters.
“People now bet on everything, including the first team to allow the ball to leave the pitch, the first to play a corner, the first to play a header.
“These are events that have nothing to do with the outcome of the match but provide opportunities for making a great deal of money.”
Conte recently had his 10-month ban for his part in the affair reduced to four months.
