║║ Serie A Season 2012-13 ║║

[Zlatan Ibrahimovic]

Serie A wrap: AC Milan grab much-needed win

28 October 2012

Stuttering AC Milan eased the pressure on under-fire manager Massimiliano Allegri with a 1-0 win over Genoa at the San Siro on Saturday.

A late strike from youngster Stephen El Shaarawy earned Milan three valuable points and ended their three-game losing streak in all competitions.

The home side, bruised after their Champions League defeat to Malaga, started by dominating control of the ball across the pitch, with Genoa afforded few touches as they defended from deep.

Despite early possession, however, chances were few and far between for Milan and they were fortunate not to fall behind after Cristian Zapata was caught dawdling on the ball.

The Colombian defender was robbed by Luca Antonelli who tried to find Ciro Immobile in the middle. Marco Amelia's attempted clearance hit the forward and the ball finishing agonisingly wide of the left post.

Milan continued to take the game to Genoa without creating anything clear-cut but they eventually found the breakthrough courtesy of El Shaarawy on 77 minutes.

El Shaarawy, celebrating his 20th birthday, pounced on a square-ball from Ignazio Abate and made no mistake from close range for his sixth goal of the season.

The win temporarily lifts Milan to ninth position in the Serie A, with 10 points from their first nine fixtures.

Meanwhile, the match between strugglers Siena and Palermo lived up to its tag as both sides failed to find the back of the net in a scoreless draw.

Siena remains at the foot of the table, four points adrift of Palermo, who have drawn their last three games.

 

[Zlatan Ibrahimovic]

Serie A wrap: Vidal goal angers Catania fans

29 October 2012

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Arturo Vidal's second-half goal handed Juventus a controversial 1-0 victory over Catania in the Serie A on Sunday as Napoli also won.

In Siciliy, home side Catania were left feeling hard done by after Gonzalo Bergessio's effort in the first half was wrongly ruled out for offside.

And the locals were further aggrieved when defender Giovanni Marchese was sent off for a second yellow after Vidal's goal.

To make matters worse for Catania, Nicklas Bendtner appeared to in an offside position in the build-up to Juventus' 57th-minute winner.

The win maintains Juventus' lead at the top of the table with 25 points and extends their unbeaten run in the league to 48 games.

The only goal of the game arrived in typically controversial circumstances when Mario Vucinic picked out Bendtner only for the Danish striker to shoot tamely at Mariano Andujar.

Vidal pounced on the rebound but the home crowd were soon incensed when the replay showed Bendtner was in a clear offside position.

Inter Milan, meanwhile, stretched their winning streak to five matches with a 3-1 victory over Bologna.

Goals from Andrea Ranocchia and Esteban Cambiasso either side of Diego Milito's strike were enough to render Niccolo Cherubin's 58th-minute header for the home side inconsequential.

Ranocchia headed in Cambiasso's cross on 27 minutes before the Argentine provider turned goal scorer to put the visitors 3-1 up six minutes after Cherubin's reply.

Bologna would eventually pay for their wastefulness in front of goal as a string of long shots missed their mark in an entertaining encounter.

Inter moved ahead of Lazio into the top three with the win as the capital side were defeated 2-0 at Fiorentina.

Adem Ljajic put the hosts a goal up on the stroke of half-time with a lovely strike from outside the box before Luca Toni wrapped up the scoring in second-half stoppage time to make it 2-0.

But Napoli remain second on the table after Marek Hamsik scored the only goal in a 1-0 triumph over Chievo in Sunday's late encounter.

In Rome, Udinese fought back from two goals down to beat Roma 3-2, with Antonio Di Natale scoring the winner from the spot in the 88th minute.

Erik Lamela scored twice in three first-half minutes to get Roma off to a brilliant start but a goal to Udinese from Maurizio Domizzi ensured the scoreline read 2-1 at half-time.

Di Natale equalised for Udinese in the 50th minute and then clinched victory when he converted a penalty after Leandro Castan fouled Roberto Pereyra in the box.

Parma defeated Torino 3-1 with a late flurry of goals from both sides as Nicola Sansome, Amauri and Aleandro Rosi scored inside the last 20 minutes for the winners.

Daniele Dessena scored the only goal of the game for Cagliari as they won 1-0 at Sampdoria, while Pescara and Atalanta could not be separated in a goalless draw as both sides picked up handy points.

 

[Zlatan Ibrahimovic]

Moratti: No controversy between Inter & Juventus
The Nerazzurri chief is eagerly anticipating Saturday's game versus their arch-rivals, and hopes his side can continue their impressive run of form

Matri turns down Dynamo Kiev
The Ukraine outfit had set their sights on the powerful Juventus striker, but they will have to look elsewhere as the former Cagliari player is reluctant to leave Italy

Pato: El Shaarawy can do very well at AC Milan
The Brazilian attacker is confident his team-mate will be successful with the Rossoneri, and is determined to get back on track after a poor start to the season

Lamela says Roma are 'angered' following Udinese defeat
The attacking midfielder scored twice to put the Giallorossi two goals to the good on Sunday, but the visitors came back to emerge victorious - much to the Argentine's fury

Bendtner pleased to assist Juventus winner against Catania
The Dane fired in the shot which led to Arturo Vidal scoring the match-winner on Sunday, and he is delighted to have got his Bianconeri career going at last

Prandelli hails Italian presence in Ballon d'Or candidates
Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo and Mario Balotelli were all named in the running for the individual accolade, and the Azzurri boss has reacted with delight to their inclusion

Manchester United and Chelsea tracking Genoa right-back Sampirisi, claims agent
The former AC Milan youth team player has been impressing during his performances for the Rossoblu, and is now being scouted by some of the Premier League's top clubs

Allegri: AC Milan moving in the right direction
The under-fire coach insists the Rossoneri demonstrated an improvement in their slender victory over Genoa at the weekend, while revealing that Pato will start at Palermo

Kevin-Prince Boateng's poor form is not my responsibility, says girlfriend
The midfielder's other half has dismissed suggestions that their relationship is having a negative impact on the Ghanaian's performances

Toppling Juventus will be a difficult task, says Napoli sports director
The Partenopei chief has commented on the challenge his side will face in beating the Bianconeri this season, but tipped them for a successful campaign

Sneijder unlikely to feature against Juventus, admits Stramaccioni
The midfielder recently returned to the training pitch after a one-month layoff, but next Saturday's encounter might come too soon for him to make his comeback

Yepes: Palermo could trouble AC Milan
The veteran defender has warned that a tough test awaits against the Rosanero, and feels his side must take things one game at a time

Juventus can progress in Champions League, says Bendtner
The Denmark international is not too worried about the Bianconeri's results in Europe so far, and has praised head coach Antonio Conte

Zanetti: Inter not thinking about Juventus yet
The Nerazzurri skipper is focused on their upcoming game against Sampdoria as he feels it is crucial to take things one step at a time

Zeman: It's been a bad weekend for referees
The Giallorossi coach expressed his frustration at the official's decisions during his side’s loss to Zebrette, claiming it was key in dictating the result

Stramaccioni: It was a great performance against Bologna
Stefano Pioli's side could do nothing to prevent the Nerazzurri from continuing their fine form as the Milanese outfit keep in touch with Juventus

The Juventus bench 'badgered and harassed' the linesman into changing his decision, claims Catania president
The Old Lady won in controversial fashion after Bergessio's strike was incorrectly ruled out for offside, leaving the Rossazzurri infuriated at the final whistle

I could have been playing for Inter, claims Marco Di Vaio
The 36-year-old attracted interest from a number of clubs including the Nerazzurri over the summer before opting to play in the MLS

Baggio: Inter can fight for Scudetto alongside Juve and Napoli
The Italian legend believes the Nerazzurri are more than capable of rubbing shoulders with the best teams in Serie A, and bemoaned AC Milan's decline

Juventus' owners responsible for Serie A's slump, says Zeman
The flamboyant Czech has once again launched a scathing attack against the Bianconeri, insisting that the big wigs at the Old Lady are guilty for the Italian league's decline

El Shaarawy: I have benefited from Ibra's exit
The Italy international is of the opinion that the departure of the Swede to Paris Saint-Germain has given him the opportunity to showcase his talents more effectively

Allegri: AC Milan's issues are results, not performances
The Rossoneri coach has defended his side's recent showings, maintaining that critics have been too harsh in evaluating their form of late

Cassetti: Luis Enrique was arrogant at Roma
The Italian believes the former Roma boss was unprepared for life in Serie A, but thinks current coach Zdenek Zeman as being the right man to take over from the Spaniard

Petkovic not worried by Lazio conceding late goals
The Biancocelesti coach says there is no cause for alarm despite their concerning trend and also admits that Fiorentina have the advantage in their upcoming game

Stramaccioni: I am the proof that dreams can become reality
The Nerazzurri boss says he was devastated after an injury brought a premature end to his playing career, but is thrilled with his new life on the other side of the white line

Unbeaten streak not on Juventus' mind, says Alessio
The Turin powerhouse remained unbeaten all season in 2011-12, and they are determined to keep up their good run of form against Catania

 

[Zlatan Ibrahimovic]

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[Zlatan Ibrahimovic]

Moggi: Juventus referee should have been locked in the dressing room

The ex-Italian football administrator has claimed his former club were victims on Sunday, despite having won the controversial match

Oct 29, 2012 5:55:00 PM

By Chris Kvesa

Luciano Moggi has attacked referee Nicola Rizzoli for disallowing a Catania goal against Juventus in Sunday's Serie A encounter.

The Old Lady secured a 1-0 win over the Rossazzurri at the Stadio Angelo Massimino, leaving the hosts empty-handed after a 'goal' by striker Gonzalo Bergessio was wrongly ruled out for offside.

"The refeeres didn't act in bad faith, they just made mistakes. The assistant, [Luca] Maggiani, validated the goal and then Rizzoli confused him," the Italian told Radio Kiss Kiss.

Much controversy has followed the clash and Moggi has given his full support to Catania chairman Antonio Pulvirenti, who claimed after the game he had just witnessed "the death of football".

"Catania chairman Pulvirenti should have locked Rizzoli in the locker room," he blasted.

"The real problem is that the referees are now insufficient and want to do more than usual and this is the case with Rizzoli. The goal that was disallowed is something that has no real logic. Rizzoli should be punished."

Moggi concluded his assessment of the afternoon by defending the Bianconeri, stating that they did nothing to influence the decisions made.

"Juventus didn't ask for favours. They are victims."

Meanwhile, Juve chairman Andrea Agnelli agrees with former football administrator Moggi that the Old Lady did nothing wrong during the match.

"Yesterday Juventus showed absolute professionalism recognising immediately the errors of the referee. It makes you think there's a conspiracy against us. Yesterday our executives were insulted and forced to leave the Massimino Stadium almost in a state of siege," he said.

"It's unpleasant having to be involved in the matter concerning referee nominator Enzo Braschi. At this point, the same pressure should be put on every mistake in every match."

 

[Zlatan Ibrahimovic]

Emir of Qatar considers buying AC Milan

The club's current owner feels he is not the right man to get the Rossoneri back on track, and could be tempted to cash in if a good offer is made

Oct 30, 2012 11:08:00 AM

EXCLUSIVE
By Gaia Brunelli

AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi is ready to sell the Serie A powerhouse to Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the ruling Emir of the State of Qatar, as he feels the time has come to say farewell to his beloved club, Goalcom understands.

The Rossoneri are being plagued by financial problems and were forced to cash in on star players Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva in the summer transfer window, while experienced servants such as Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso and Clarence Seedorf were also waved goodbye in an attempt to lower wage costs.

Milan continue to struggle, though, and Berlusconi is unsure if he is the right man to help the San Siro side back on track, as his priorities currently lie elsewhere.

The former Italian Prime Minister was recently sentenced to 12 months in prison for his part in a tax fraud scandal, and his attempts to have the ruling overturned on appeal will take most of his time.

Therefore, he is ready to sell the club if a good offer comes in, and Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is sitting in pole position to purchase the Italian giants.

Berlusconi could be tempted to sell Milan for a fee in the region of €500 million.

Companies such as Gazprom and Ferrero have also been linked with Milan, but the Emir of Qatar seems to have the edge for now.

 

[Zlatan Ibrahimovic]

Italian Serie A preview

Monday 29th October 2012 16:51

Juventus are looking to move on from the controversy which surrounded their weekend victory at Catania and preserve their lead at the Serie A summit.

Juve were 1-0 winners in Sicily, although Arturo Vidal's goal should have been disallowed for offside against Nicklas Bendtner while the hosts had an effort incorrectly ruled out in the first half.

Juve admitted their fortune afterwards but chief executive Giuseppe Marotta denied suggestions player power had forced the referee to cancel out Gonzalo Bergessio's 25th-minute strike.

"I agree that yesterday there was a refereeing error," Marotta said in remarks reported by Gazzetta dello Sport.

"But I categorically deny the notion of a conspiracy, that Juve affected the result. Our club behaved itself well. Moreover, even if the goal hadn't been ruled out, no one can say that the match would have finished that way."

Juve go into the midweek clash with Bologna in Turin three points clear at the top of Serie A with closest challengers Napoli facing a trip to Atalanta, who have taken four points from their last three games.

Improving Inter Milan moved up to third with their seventh successive win - a 3-1 triumph at Bologna - and defender Andrea Ranocchia is hoping to continue their wonderful run when they host Sampdoria on Wednesday.

He said of the Bologna game: "I'm very pleased with the three points because they were important and very difficult to earn.

"We knew it would be tough. We ran like mad and the forwards gave us a big hand.

"We were excellent and we have to continue like this. We played a great match and now we need to focus on the midweek game."

Under-fire AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri enjoyed some respite with Saturday's victory over Genoa and he is hoping the Rossoneri can kick on at Palermo tomorrow night.

He said at today's press conference: "The team's performances have been comforting and we have to persevere with what we're doing.

"We need to be more lucid in the final third and I'm sure we'll get out of it. The players believe in what they're doing on the pitch and I'm sure that we'll get the win tomorrow.

"We have to improve in certain situations but I can't complain about our intensity and application. I have to improve more than anyone."

Lazio, in fourth, will look to bounce back from their defeat to fifth-placed Fiorentina when they host Torino while Roma go to Parma.

Also on Wednesday, Catania will use their sense of injustice as a spur to win at Udinese, Cagliari host rock-bottom Siena and strugglers Chievo and Pescara meet in Verona.

Thursday's match sees Fiorentina go to Genoa.

 

[Zlatan Ibrahimovic]

Serie A: Palermo 2 Milan 2

31 October 2012

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri may have earned a stay of execution after his side fought from behind for a 2-2 draw with Palermo.

The embattled coach has been under severe pressure after a lacklustre start to his side's Serie A campaign and the Italian giants appeared headed for more misery after trailing 2-0 in Tuesday's clash with Palermo at the Stadio Renzo Barbera.

The hosts scored through a Fabrizio Miccoli penalty and Franco Brienza's goal either side of half-time.

However, Milan fought back late in the second half, earning a hard-fought draw through late goals from Riccardo Montolivo and in-form youngster Stephan El Shaarawy.

Although Palermo enjoyed most of the early possession the opening-half was a dour, defensive affair as both sides tested each other out.

But just as it appeared they would head to half-time without a goal being scored, Ignazio Abate was penalised for his handball in the area, allowing Miccoli to fire his side into the lead from the spot.

Within 90 seconds of the re-start, Brienza doubled the advantage, stunning AC Milan with a long-range strike from 25 metres.

But Allegri's decision to bring Bojan Krkic off the bench proved a masterstroke as he tested Palermo stopper Samir Ujkani in the 58th minute before teeing up Montolivo for Milan's first goal 11 minutes later.

With 10 minutes remaining in the match, El Shaarawy saved Milan's blushes with a classy turn and strike for goal from 10 metres, the ball creeping in to score, possibly saving Allegri's position for one more week.

The result sees AC Milan climb to eighth on the table as Palermo remain 16th.

 

[Zlatan Ibrahimovic]

It was a good comeback, says AC Milan boss Allegri
The under-fire trainer was pleased that the Rossoneri were able to salvage a point after his team fell behind in the first half of their Serie A fixture on Tuesday evening

Sirigu: I'm glad I left Palermo for Paris Saint-Germain
The Italian goalkeeper has expressed his delight in his choice to swap Serie A for Ligue 1, and believes that the capital club can look forward to a bright future

 

[Zlatan Ibrahimovic]

AC Milan start search for Allegri replacement

The club's hierarchy are not impressed by their side's poor start to the season, and have already drawn up a list of candidates to take the 45-year-old's job

Oct 30, 2012 3:15:00 PM

EXCLUSIVE
By Elijah Raimondo

AC Milan's poor start to the Serie A season could cost Massimiliano Allegri his job, and owner Silvio Berlusconi has already created a shortlist of coaches to replace the 45-year-old.

After a turbulent summer which saw big names such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic leave San Siro, the Rossoneri have been in poor form, losing five of their first 10 Serie A matches, and speculation is rife that the former Cagliari boss will soon be sacked.

Top of the shortlist is Pep Guardiola, who resigned as Barcelona boss last summer, citing exhaustion, but is unlikely to make a move to the club due to their financial situation.

Next on Berlusconi's list is Zenit St Petersburg trainer Luciano Spalletti, due to his vast experience in Serie A, having coached Udinese and Roma for a number of years.

The rest of the contenders are Rafa Benitez, who was sacked by Inter in December 2010 after just six months in charge, and Roberto Mancini, who is currently under pressure at English champions Manchester City, but has won three Scudetti.

Filippo Inzaghi could also be in contention to replace Allegri. The former Italy international ended his playing career last summer, but has been working with the club's youth ranks, and would be a popular choice amongst fans.

 

[Donor]

Former Inter Milan goalkeeper Julio Cesar has defended Juventus amid the refereeing controversy currently engulfing Serie A, saying decisions that favour the Bianconeri are often placed under too much scrutiny.

This past weekend saw a Catania goal against the champions chalked off for an incorrect offside call before the Bianconeri themselves netted a winner with Nicklas Bendtner clearly in an offside position.

However, Julio Cesar - now of QPR - was able to put his dislike of the Turin club aside and tell TV programme Undici that decisions never only favour Juve.

"Whoever takes charge of Juventus games is under a lot more pressure than anybody else," he said. "Referees make mistakes with all teams, but when they do so in Juventus' favour then people are going to think of the worst because of what happened in the past.

"I hate Juventus, but only on a sporting level because they are the side who made me the craziest in Italy. I hardly ever beat them and that drove me mad!"

He added that he was disappointed to have left Inter but bore no resentment towards club president Massimo Moratti and believes Andrea Stramaccioni can lead the club to success.

"I won't hide it: I'm saddened with how Inter treated me," he said. "I was left upset as I expected something else but that is now in the past and I have cleared the matter up with Massimo Moratti in person.

"I see a touch of Mourinho in Stramaccioni, they have the same hunger to win. Jose is a very intelligent guy who gets his players to give 110%. He knows how to transmit his desire to win games."

 

[Battle Mech]

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[Zlatan Ibrahimovic]

Allegri: I don’t change the formation for fun
The Italian boss says that he does not mess about with the team's tactics lightly, and is optimistic that a win will take the Rossoneri closer to fourth place in Serie A

Corini: We can give AC Milan a game
The Gialloblu head coach has pointed out that his side have nothing to fear when they come up against the Rossoneri in the Italian top flight this weekend

Stramaccioni: We are going for the win against Juventus
The Nerazzurri coach says that his side will go on to the pitch in tomorrow’s clash with the Italian champions knowing that three points will not be good enough

Mourinho has won it all whereas Stramaccioni has only just started, says Milito
The experienced attacker is reluctant to compare the young Inter boss to the Madrid trainer, and is keen to remain at his current club for now

Handanovic: Juventus clash a game like any other
The Slovenia international believes this weekend's game will not be decisive in the title race as the Giuseppe Meazza side aim to close the gap on their rivals

Pogba: Conte can become like Ferguson
The young midfielder has voiced his admiration for the Bianconeri coach, and is determined to secure regular first team action at Juve

AC Milan not giving up on third place yet, says Constant
The Guinea international has targeted Champions League qualification with the Rossoneri, and has stressed that he will always give his all for the club

Cambiasso: Hats off to Juventus
The holding midfielder has underlined the importance of Saturday's encounter, and feels it is too soon to talk about the Nerazzurri's title chances

Barzagli: I am afraid of Milito
The Italy defender has spoken of his admiration for the Argentine striker and Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni ahead of Juventus' clash with the Nerazzurri on Saturday

Zeman not giving up on third place
The veteran Roma trainer believes his side can turn around their poor recent form before the end of the season and qualify for the Champions League

Giaccherini: Juventus play the best football in Italy
The 27-year-old believes the Old Lady are on another level to their rivals, and voiced his pleasure with Wednesday's victory

Totti: Juventus out of Roma's reach
The experienced attacker is determined to help the Giallorossi get back on track and has set his sights on third place in the standings

Guarin: We will fight to beat Juventus
The Colombia international has stressed the Nerazzurri will do their utmost to get the full three points, while Javier Zanetti has praised the club's attackers

Pogba: I still need to improve
The promising midfielder remains humble after his man-of-the-match performance, and has stressed that he is determined to become an even better player

Mazzarri: Napoli had enough chances to win
The coach had "no complaints" with the Partenopei's display in Bergamo and said that goalkeeping heroics and wayward finishing allowed Atalanta to claim their surprise scalp

Stramaccioni delighted by Inter fightback
The Nerazzurri coach saluted his team's appetite and desire as they prepared for Saturday's clash at Serie A leaders Juventus with a 3-2 defeat of Sampdoria

Quagliarella lauds spirit shown by Juventus to grab last-minute winner
The 29-year-old was delighted after his goal helped the Bianconeri to victory over the Rossoblu, with Paul Pogba notching the crucial second after Saphir Taider had equalised

Lotito prepared to sell Zarate
The Lazio president says he will consider any offers for the Argentine star after the 25-year-old fell out of favour with club coach Vladimir Petkovic

Lisandro Lopez: I have never had any contact from Fiorentina
The Argentine forward has moved to deny rumours that he is on the verge to a move to the Florentine outfit, and stated that he is committed to seeing out his contract

Abete demands change in sporting laws
The president of the Italian Football Federation has questioned the current rules of the game and suggest they need to be revamped to maintain development and passion

Juventus not getting favourable treatment, says Stramaccioni
The Nerazzurri trainer does not believe in conspiracy theories claiming the Turin giants are being favoured by referees

 

[Zlatan Ibrahimovic]

Serie A preview: Inter, Juve in top-of-the-table showdown

2 November 2012

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Inter Milan head to Juventus in a battle of Serie A's top two looking for a ninth straight win and to end the leaders' 49-game undefeated streak.

Juventus head Inter by four with 28 points from a possible 30 to start the season but many feel the visitors are best primed to end the staggering sequence as Juve eye AC Milan's 58-game record league streak.

Andrea Stramaccioni's Inter will arrive at Juventus Arena in ominous form on Saturday with the latest triumph - a 3-2 result against Sampdoria - perhaps the most promising sign on their path of development.

"The best thing to emerge from this is that we're improving," Stramaccioni said after the Sampdoria result.

"Tonight I saw our best performance yet in terms of the football we produced.

"When it comes to (Juventus) on Saturday, I'm lucky because I'm relatively calm, perhaps I'm not aware of the significance of it."

Struggling AC Milan will look to climb out of the bottom half of the table with victory over Chievo on Saturday after only one win in their past five clashes.

Injury-plagued striker Alexandre Pato could return for Massimiliano Allegri's side to lessen the load on Italian starlet Stephan El Shaarawy, who leads the league with seven goals.

Pescara boss Giovanni Stroppa may be salvaging the remains of his job if his side falls to another defeat at home to a Parma side who have won three straight matches, in the early game on Saturday.

Third-placed Napoli will look to get back on track after their defeat at Atalanta as they host Torino on Sunday.

Roma are also in action on Sunday at home to Palermo having let in more goals than any other side (19) in the opening 10 games, but still sit seventh after back-to-back losses.

In other clashes on Sunday, Atalanta eye a third win in four games on their travels to injury-ravaged Sampdoria and Bologna try to escape the bottom three at home to Udinese.

Catania welcome Lazio, Fiorentina host Cagliari while bottom side Siena entertain Genoa.

 

[Zlatan Ibrahimovic]

Juventus hero Pogba shows why Manchester United were so angry to lose him

The teenager carried the Bianconeri to a win over Bologna, leaving Red Devils fans to once again rue his Old Trafford exit

Nov 1, 2012 9:00:00 AM

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COMMENT
By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer

With his latest excellent performance, complete with match-winning injury-time goal, Juventus fans are beginning to realise that in Paul Pogba they now have a fourth central midfielder ready to play regular first-team football. Manchester United supporters, however, are perhaps cursing the fact he was ever allowed to leave Old Trafford.

For those who had previously seen the 19-year-old at close quarters, his recent impact has come as no great surprise. At a club famous for its ability to nurture players through its youth ranks, Pogba stuck out among United’s budding youngsters for some time, before making his controversial switch to Juventus Stadium this summer.

His supreme ability on the ball, excellent balance, power, great passing range - off either foot - and tall frame, made him stand out for United's youth teams, and if anything, the one drawback was that he would switch off when games became a little too easy for him. Even at international level, Pogba found the going rather simple, and for those who followed him it was obvious he was already primed for first-team football.

But, when United failed to offer him that on a regular basis last season, he jumped ship. “I didn’t renew with them because I didn’t find a deal with Sir Alex Ferguson,” Pogba explained after his winner against Bologna on Wednesday. “So I decided to accept the offer from the one team that was really interested in me, that being Juventus, and now I am very happy to be here.”

Ferguson himself saw it differently. “Pogba signed for Juventus a long time ago as far as we’re aware,” the United boss told MUTV shortly after the transfer. “It’s a bit disappointing because I don’t think he showed us any respect at all. To be honest, if they carry on that way, I’m quite happy that he’s away from me anyway.”

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Rare opportunity | United did not give Pogba many chances and paid the price

Yet with each passing performance, he must be making United increasingly unhappy, just as he is bringing joy to Juventus. Pogba is the first youngster in decades that the Red Devils really wanted to keep but failed to do so and their folly in inviting the Bianconeri to Gary Neville’s testimonial in May 2011, three weeks after Pogba had turned in a Man of the Match display for United’s Under-18s against Juve’s youth side, simply came back to bite them.

Add in their hardball stance during contract negotiations, and if Juventus’ transfer committee did indeed get to Ferguson’s prized asset, it was not as though United had done their utmost to keep the Frenchman out of their reach. They did not protect him, they flaunted him, and for that they paid the ultimate price.

Whatever the truth behind the move, Antonio Conte is fast coming to terms with the fact he has a twice-weekly selection headache to contend with. He may only be 19, but Pogba has a bit of everything talent-wise, and is clearly ready for first-team football. If he does not get it at Juventus Stadium, his agent Mino Raiola will ensure he finds it elsewhere, and with the qualities he possesses, he has every right to be impatient.

Now he will surely see more football. For the opening two months he has been largely used as an occasional alternative to Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal, but his recent increased exposure to the first XI must be the catalyst for a potential rethink. At the very least, he is already the fourth man in a genuine rotation, and he has enough in him to eventually upset the order and make a starting shirt his own.

While Ferguson's men come to terms with having to make the most of their weakest midfield in a generation, the ‘one that got away’ is only getting started in his potentially glittering career with the Old Lady.

 

[Zlatan Ibrahimovic]

Serie A wrap: Juve´s unbeaten run ends at 49

4 November 2012

Inter Milan underlined their title credentials by overcoming Juventus 3-1, ending the defending champions' 49-game unbeaten run in the Serie A.

Andrea Stramaccioni's side had found themselves a goal down after just 19 seconds, with Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal turning in Kwadwo Asamoah's shot-cum-cross.

However, Inter maintained their composure and more than played their part in an absorbing first half before taking control of proceedings after the interval.

The visitors deservedly drew level just before the hour-mark courtesy of a penalty from Diego Milito and the Argentine struck again with 15 minutes remaining after following up Fredy Guarin's drive.

Juventus went in search of an equaliser, but they were punished for pouring forward when Rodrigo Palacio stabbed the ball home to secure a victory which saw Inter move within a solitary point of top spot in the Serie A.

Meanwhile, AC Milan recorded their second victory in three games after hammering helpless Chievo 5-1 on Saturday.

Milan defeated Genoa before being held to a 2-2 draw by Palermo midweek and they continued their unbeaten run courtesy of Urby Emanuelson, Riccardo Montolivo, Bojan Krkic, Stephan El Shaarawy and Giampaolo Pazzini.

Emanuelson opened the scoring on 16 minutes with a powerful half-volley before Sergio Pellissier headed home the equaliser just moments later.

The home side restored their lead through Montolivo and Bojan extended the advantage four minutes before the half-time break.

Exciting youngster El Shaarawy netted his eighth goal of the season from close range and Pazzini put the icing on the cake deep into injury time.

 

[Zlatan Ibrahimovic]

Serie A wrap: Napoli held, Lazio thumped

5 November 2012

Napoli conceded late to drop points in a 1-1 draw at home to Torino on Sunday, as Catania registered a surprise 4-0 win over Lazio.

Hosts Napoli had led through a goal from star striker Edinson Cavani in the sixth minute of the Serie A match at the Stadio San Paolo.

Despite failing to add to their tally, Napoli appeared on course to record all three points, before Gianluca Sansone netted in the 91st minute to earn a share of the spoils for the visitors from Turin.

The draw leaves third-placed Napoli five points behind top side Juventus, and four back from Inter Milan, who inflicted a first defeat in 50 league matches on the leaders in the Derby d'Italia a day earlier.

Elsewhere on Sunday, fourth-placed Lazio were comprehensively beaten away to mid-table Catania, who led 3-0 by half-time thanks to a brace from Alejandro Gomez and Francesco Lodi's penalty.

Pablo Barrientos added further gloss to the scoreline when he struck on 69 minutes.

Lazio slip to fifth after the defeat, with Fiorentina moving fourth courtesy of a 4-1 win at home to Cagliari.

The hosts led through Gonzalo's fourth-minute effort the Stadio Artemio Franchi, with Federico Casarini equalising for Cagliari three minutes before half-time.

It was all Fiorentina in the second half, as goals from Stevan Jovetic, Luca Toni and Juan Guillermo Cuadrado wrapped up the win for Vincenzo Montella's men.

In other matches, Antonio Di Natale's leveller saw Udinese manage a 1-1 draw at Bologna, while Giuseppe De Luca bagged the winner as Atalanta beat Sampdoria 2-1 away from home.

Bottom side Siena recorded their first win in five matches, and just their third in the league this season, beating Genoa 1-0 at home thanks to Massimo Paci's goal.

Pescara also enjoyed a rare triumph, goals from Elvis Abbruscato and Vladimir Weiss sealing a 2-0 victory over Parma, the first win in four attempts for the home team.

And Roma thumped Palermo 4-1 as Francesco Totti, Pablo Daniel Osvaldo, Erik Lamela and Mattia Destro all got their names on the scoresheet.

 

[Zlatan Ibrahimovic]

AC Milan & Napoli chase Brescia's Salamon
The Rossoneri are currently leading the race to sign the young Pole, but other clubs, including Walter Mazzarri's side, remain firmly in the hunt for the midfielder's signature

Juventus keeping tabs on Pescara midfielder Quintero
The Delfini starlet has caught the eye in Serie A following a series of promising displays since his summer arrival, and the Old Lady believe he could one day replace Andrea Pirlo

Ranocchia: I would take Cassano over El Shaarawy
The centre-back has nothing but praise for the his Inter team-mate, and feels coach Andrea Stramaccioni is the right man to lead the Nerazzurri to success

Juventus are feeling Conte's absence, says Marotta
The Bianconeri director has insisted that the reigning Serie A champions will come back to full form once their coach's ban is over and he is restored to them

Allegri: Give me time to get results
The Rossoneri coach has pleaded with the club's fans to have patience with him and the squad and stressed that points will eventually come

Chiellini: Inter deserved to win
The defender says Juventus did not do enough to continue their unbeaten run and paid tribute to the efforts of Andrea Stramaccioni's side

Baldini: Roma will listen to offers for De Rossi
The sporting director has admitted he would consider enquiries for the experienced midfielder, after he was linked with a move away from Rome over the summer

Mazzarri: Napoli not Scudetto contenders
The 51-year-old is not too surprised that his side have fallen behind in the title race as he believes they're not among the favourites for the Italian top flight

El Shaarawy not leaving AC Milan for Manchester City, insists Galliani
The Rossoneri CEO has stressed that the young forward is not going anywhere, and has once more voiced his admiration for Citizens striker Mario Balotelli

Moratti: Serie A referees must improve
The Inter president is not impressed with the way referees have been performing this season, but is adamant that he does not hold anything against Juventus

Walter Mazzarri slams 'naive' Napoli after Torino draw
The 51-year-old was quick to praise the visitors for their peformance at Stadio San Paolo, but believes his charges should have put the result out of sight early on

Buffon blasts poor Juventus attitude
The Old Lady lost their 49-match unbeaten streak in Turin and the goalkeeper was quick to question the performance of his colleagues, while complimenting Inter's conviction

Milito: Anger at offside goal motivated Inter comeback
The Argentine was left fuming at the decision to allow Arturo Vidal's opener, but ultimately it spurred the Nerazzurri on to end the Bianconeri's 49-game unbeaten streak

Pazzini relieved to end eight-game goal drought
The 28-year-old striker says he needs to improve his record in front of goal, and believes a change in formation helped him to score

'AC Milan deserved a night like this' - Allegri revels in Chievo triumph
The 45-year-old spoke of his delight at being able to choose from a full squad after the Rossoneri completely outclassed the Flying Donkeys en route to a dominant win at San Siro

Cassano launches half-time rant at referee Tagliavento
The Nerazzurri striker remonstrated with the match official during the interval following a controversial first period, while Javier Zanetti labelled the 3-1 win as "historic"

Marotta rues Juventus' lack of 'clinical striker' against Inter
The general manager was disappointed with the Bianconeri's unbeaten run coming to an end at 49 games, and said that with an extra forward things may have been different

Moratti: Inter reacted to injustice of opening Juventus goal
The supremo has praised his side for beating their previously-unbeaten rivals, while highlighting that they responded to a controversial first strike in Turin

I was complimenting Stramaccioni, insists Marotta
The Inter coach was angered by comments concerning his tactics before Saturday's clash in Turin, but the Bianconeri director has dismissed suggestions his remarks were derogatory

Inter boss Stramaccioni slams Juventus for 'lack of respect'
The coach was thrilled with his side for ending the Bianconeri's 49-match unbeaten run, but was riled by pre-match comments from Saturday's opponents regarding his tactics

Galliani: AC Milan have the option to sign Bojan on a permanent deal
The Rossoneri chief has revealed the club has agreed the right to buy the 22-year-old, currently on loan at San Siro, should he impress during his spell with the side

Zeman: Barcelona never change and neither will we
The 65-year-old head coach says that he will not change his tactics after some recent disappointing results because that is the philosophy that the Spanish giants follow

Mazzarri: Napoli are on par with the best teams in Europe
The 51-year-old head coach hits back at critics and believes that the Partenopei are doing just as well as the top sides, but he admits their next game will be tough

Di Natale apologises after making 'instinctive gesture' at supporters
The Italian international has said sorry to any Bianconeri fans that he may have upset during their last Serie A game and says he cares a lot about the club as well as the city

Bojan could be spectacular for AC Milan, says Allegri
The Rossoneri head coach has talked up the abilities of his loan signing despite the fact that the 22-year-old has failed to secure a starting role since arriving at the club

 

[Zlatan Ibrahimovic]

Inter end Juventus' 49-match unbeaten run to blow Scudetto race wide open

The Nerazzurri put a stop to the Bianconeri's fabulous 18-month streak and ensured they are now taken seriously as title contenders

Nov 3, 2012 10:00:00 PM

COMMENT
By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer

The half-century beckoned for Juventus, but they could not quite get over the line. After 49 games unbeaten it was their big rivals Inter, of all teams, that brought their dreams of a record streak to an end. But more than that, the Nerazzurri appear to have opened up what was threatening to be a one-horse race for this season’s Scudetto.
With easily their most impressive win under Andrea Stramaccioni, and the one that puts down a marker like no other since their Champions League success in Madrid in May 2010, Inter are now just a point behind Juve and are real title hopefuls once more. On a night when they could have bowed their heads and cried foul after feeling the rough end of a big offside call just a quarter of a minute into the game, they instead fought back like tigers to get the result they deserved.

Arturo Vidal’s opener just 18 seconds into the game should undoubtedly have been ruled out after Kwadwo Asamoah strayed offside, but the very fact the Ghanaian was allowed so much space immediately from the kick-off suggested it may be a long night for the Nerazzurridefence. And, as the Old Lady constantly threatened to extend their lead over the next 10 minutes, a landslide home win could easily have been on the cards.

[TABLE="width: 286"]
<tbody>[TR="bgcolor: black"]
[TD="colspan: 4, align: center"]MATCH FACTS | Juventus 1-3 Inter[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="colspan: 4"]

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 40%, align: left"][/TD]
[TD="width: 30%, align: center"]JUVENTUS[/TD]
[TD="width: 30%, align: center"]INTER[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 40%, align: left"]Shots[/TD]
[TD="width: 30%, align: center"]14[/TD]
[TD="width: 30%, align: center"]14[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 40%, align: left"]On Target[/TD]
[TD="width: 30%, align: center"]7[/TD]
[TD="width: 30%, align: center"]5[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 40%, align: left"]Possession[/TD]
[TD="width: 30%, align: center"]49%[/TD]
[TD="width: 30%, align: center"]51%[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 40%, align: left"]Corners[/TD]
[TD="width: 30%, align: center"]3[/TD]
[TD="width: 30%, align: center"]3[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 40%, align: left"]Bookings[/TD]
[TD="width: 30%, align: center"]4[/TD]
[TD="width: 30%, align: center"]2[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE]
But that is where Stramaccioni has built a very different kind of Inter side. This Beneamata is one which makes the most of what it has. And by midway through the first half they were arguably the better side. They again seemed to be shortchanged as Stephan Lichtsteiner – already booked – went in late and high on Rodrigo Palacio, but received nothing by way of reprimand. Once again they stood strong and continued the fight, and in the second half they dominated large spells of the game.

First, Claudio Marchisio pulled back Diego Milito as he moved to mop up Esteban Cambiasso’s miskick from a free-kick, with referee Paolo Tagliavento quickly pointing to the spot. Milito’s conversion levelled the scores, and soon after he was celebrating again. Substitute Fredy Guarin ran powerfully into space left behind by Giorgio Chiellini and sent in a fierce shot which Gianluigi Buffon could only palm to the onrushing Argentine, who finished with deadly aplomb.

The game was so stretched by the end that Juve looked likely to be punished as they sought to preserve their magnificent 18-month-old record, and when Rodrigo Palacio made the most of a breakaway that Yuto Nagatomo somehow managed to keep alive, it was party time for the visiting supporters.

It is Inter’s ninth successive win in all competitions, a club record bettered only by the Nerazzurri of Roberto Mancini’s era, but it also shows that Stramaccioni’s men mean business. They have a very flexible squad, creative movement up front, and a resilience as a unit that few in Serie A can match.

Juventus are still top of Serie A tonight, and rightly remain favourites to carry away the title at the end of the season. But Inter have ensured that a Scudetto race is on the cards this season, and if they continue to put in performances like the one at Juventus Stadium tonight, they could well become champions this term.

It is game on now.

 

[Zlatan Ibrahimovic]

Moggi: Inter are bad winners

The former Bianconeri director has voiced his dismay with the behaviour of Andrea Stramaccioni's side in the aftermath of their Serie A win last weekend

Nov 6, 2012 1:05:00 PM
By Stefan Coerts

Luciano Moggi has taken a dig at Inter in the wake of their 3-1 victory over Juventus in the Derby d'Italia, accusing the Nerazzurri of being "bad winners".

The 75-year-old, who was handed a lifetime ban from football for his role in the Calciopoli scandal, feels the Milanese outfit showed a lack of respect towards their opponents, whereas his former club were gracious in defeat.

"On Saturday night, Juventus showed that they are able to lose with class and even recognised that Inter deserved to win," Moggi was quoted as saying by Libero.

"Inter, on the other hand, proved to be bad winners. Perhaps they're not really used to winning...

"[Andrea] Stramaccioni had hardly left the stadium and was already talking about how Juventus have won only 28 titles. People should remind him that he hasn't won anything yet and that Juve remain first in the table."

Inter closed the gap on Juventus to one point following their triumph, while also ending the Serie A champions' 49-match unbeaten run in the league.