Serie A Season 2011/2012

[Arturo Vidal]

Napoli's Walter Mazzarri calls for fans to give Eduardo Vargas time to prove himself in Serie A

The ex-Sampdoria boss has urged his team's supporters not to expect too much too soon from the incoming Chilean forward, but was more hopeful about Britos and Pandev

Jan 7, 2012 9:15:00 PM

Getty Images​

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri has called on his club's fans not to place a heavy burden on the shoulders of new signing Eduardo Vargas.

In a press conference ahead of Sunday's trip to Palermo, the 50-year-old admitted his knowledge of the Universidad de Chile hitman remains sketchy, but demanded supporters to give him a fair crack of the whip at the San Paolo.

"[We need to be] calm," said Mazzarri. "He is only young and has just arrived, [the fans] must give him time to grow and settle into his new surroundings.

"First impressions? He's a smart guy but I am yet to see him at work, having seen him on DVDs is something else. In a few days we will all have a better idea of him."

However, Mazzarri was contrasting in his assessment of former Bologna defender Miguel Britos, who is in the squad after spending the first part of the season on the sidelines, and forward Goran Pandev, who the coach expects to be an able deputy for the injured Ezequiel Lavezzi.

"I hope to have Britos available, we will see how he is in the afternoon," continued the trainer.

"I have faith in Goran, he is a great player. I hope he is in great shape and plays a great game against Palermo."

Kick-off at the Renzo Barbera is scheduled for 20.45CET.

 

[Arturo Vidal]

Introducing Brescia's Nicola Leali - the man Juventus want to replace Gianluigi Buffon

Picked out as the most natural successor to the Italy skipper, the youngster seems to have his future set out for him, with the Bianconeri looking to pounce

Jan 8, 2012 9:30:00 AM

Internet​

PROFILE
By Simone Gambino
[TABLE="align: center"]
<tbody>[TR]
[TD]NAME: Nicola Leali[/TD]
[TD]POSITION: Goalkeeper[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]PLACE OF BIRTH: Castiglione delle Stiviere (Mantua)[/TD]
[TD]HEIGHT: 190 cm[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]DATE OF BIRTH: February 17, 1993[/TD]
[TD]WEIGHT: 80 kg[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]NATIONALITY: Italy[/TD]
[TD]CLUB: Brescia[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE]





You seemingly only need travel from Carrara to Castiglione delle Stiviere (a little under three hours by car) to find the future goalkeeper of the Italy national team. The heir to Gianluigi Buffon's throne comes from the province of Mantua, is just 18 years of age, and Juventus seem to have plans for him already. In Brescia, Nicola Leali's star is shining bright.

BORN WITH GLOVES ON - Raised in Cavriana (a little town of around 4,000 inhabitants, around six miles from his native Castiglione), Leali started his football career with his local team. There he was mentored by Sergio Girardi, the ex-Mantova, Inter, Palermo, Genoa and Ravenna goalkeeper, and it was he who taught the youngster the basics of the trade, helping to demonstrate exactly what it means to play between the sticks.

After primary school, he was spotted by a Brescia scout, who took him to Voluntas, the branch of the Rondinelle which once boasted a young Andrea Pirlo. By the age of 12, his path to the club's first team was already being marked out, and at 16 he made his debut for their Primavera side. At this stage, his name became known across the country as a star of the future, but this had no effect on Leali's growth, who continued to behave off the pitch with a sense of professionalism, humility and studiousness.

In 2010 there came an approach from AC Milan, the team he had supported growing up. The Rossoneri offered Brescia €2 million for 50 per cent of the goalkeeper's rights, but Rondinelle president Gino Corioni turned down the bid. By November of the same year, Leali sat on the bench in Serie A for the first time, and the following month, ahead of the clash with Sampdoria, he was awarded the title of Best Goalkeeper in the Primavera championship for season 2009-10.

Taking over | Leali is tipped to become one of Italy's great goalkeepers

In January 2011, Juventus showed their first serious interest, with Napoli also linked to a potential move, but Leali remained in Brescia and went on to make his Serie A bow against Cesena, aged just 18 years and three months. A near-perfect debut (featuring a superb save from a Marco Parolo free-kick) was spoiled by a single goal - through no fault of Leali's - and a defeat for the Biancoblu. It emerged afterwards that one of the watching parties in the crowd was a scout working for Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola.​

FLIRTING WITH THE OLD LADY - In the summer, Corioni rejected all of the proposals which arrived regarding Leali. Napoli and Juventus were once more at the front of the queue for the man now able to boast occupation of the No. 1 shirt for the Italy Under-19 team. Instead, Leali was entrusted with the starting role in Brescia's Serie B campaign, and he has grabbed the opportunity with both hands, despite the club's struggles. The youngster has become one of the Rondinelle's best players so far this season, justifying further the attentions of the country's bigger clubs.

In the autumn, Sporting CP added their name to the list of admirers, requesting information on Leali and team-mate Bartosz Salamon. Also in the mix were Udinese, but Juventus remained favourites, with talk of a €5m transfer fee and a contract until 2016 set to be offered. Recently there has also been interest from Catania, who are on the lookout for backup for first-choice shot-stopper Mariano Andujar. But, as confirmed by his agent Graziano Battistini, the future of Leali seems to be strictly tied to the Bianconeri.

HIGH PRAISE – "I have the new Buffon in my hands," gloats Corioni. No less flattering is the opinion of former Juve and Brescia coach Gigi Maifredi: “We're talking about goalkeeping royalty here. He has had an extraordinary education [he went to the prestigious Istituto Don Milani di Montichiari]. You will see him make history in Italian football. In fact, watching him play helps you to understand just how special the 18-year-old is. With a slender body, an assuredness between the posts, a great sense of positioning, excellent elasticity and catlike reflexes, he is very reminiscent of the young Buffon. It seems Leali is destined for big things.

 

[Alessandro Matri]

Serie A wrap: Wins for Udinese, Milan, Juve

9 January 2012

​

Udinese, AC Milan and Juventus all notched victories in the Serie A on Sunday.The league's top three sides resumed after the winter break with wins, with Udinese kicking off the day's action with their 4-1 home triumph over Cesena in the early kick-off.

Francesco Guidolin's side entered the match on the back of a seven-match unbeaten streak in all competitions and they took the lead inside the first minute as striker Antonio Di Natale found the back of the net.The relegation-threatened Cesena mounted an impressive response though, and they managed to draw level when Brazilian forward Eder scored his first goal of the season.

With the score 1-1 at the half-time break, Ghanaian Kwadwo Asamoah restored Udinese's lead nine minutes into the second half before the match swung in the hosts' favour when Maurizio Lauro received his second yellow card on the hour mark.

Late goals from Serbian defender Dusan Basta and Di Natale added polish to Udinese's victory.But Udinese remained two points behind both AC Milan – who top the table – and Juventus after they both won.Goals to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Kevin Prince-Boateng helped Milan to their 2-0 win at Atalanta while Juve also won on the road as Alessandro Matri's first-half strike saw them defeat Lecce 1-0.

A pair of Francesco Totti penalties saw Roma defeat Chievo 2-0, Stevan Jovetic also scored twice as Fiorentina won 3-0 at Novara and Bologna toppled Catania 2-0.In other results, Cagliari cruised to a 3-0 home success against a 10-man Genoa, and goals to Marek Hamsik, Edinson Cavani and Goran Pandev helped Napoli to a 3-1 win away to Palermo.

 

[Alessandro Matri]

Napoli's Walter Mazzarri tells players to 'keep going' after Palermo victory
The 50-year-old trainer expects his side to continue producing this same level of displays and pointed out the improvements that have occurred in the last two years

Roma's Daniele De Rossi: I have very clear ideas about my future
The Italy international star was very enigmatic about his future and only said that he has already made up his mind regarding what he will do at the end of the season

Juventus' Fabio Quagliarella suffers fractured cheekbone against Lecce
The Italy international sustained a facial injury in Sunday's Serie A encounter and could be out of action for a while

 

[Alessandro Matri]

Fiorentina agree to sell Santiago Silva to Boca Juniors - report
The Uruguayan forward only arrived at the Artemio Franchi last summer but the Viola are reportedly ready to cut their losses on a player who has netted just once in 12 appearances

AC Milan's Stephan El Shaarawy set for Koln switch - report
The Italian youngster could look to the Bundesliga for first-team opportunities, with Carlos Tevez's imminent arrival likely to send him further back in the pecking order

Francesco Totti: I know Daniele De Rossi wants to stay at Roma
The Giallorossi skipper insists that his vice-captain is keen to put to paper on a new contract with the club despite reported interest from Manchester City

Inter’s Marco Faraoni’s dipping volley or Dusan Basta’s long-range strike? Pick your Goal of the Week
With five more strikes to choose from, pick your favourite and tune into this week's episode of the Goal Show on Wednesday

Granada agree deal for Audax Italiano's Matias Campos Toro
The Spanish club just need to agree personal terms in order to complete a deal for the young Chile international, while team-mate Bryan Carrasco is headed for Udinese

AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic: If Manchester City's Carlos Tevez arrives we'll score plenty of goals between us
The attacker has stressed that he doesn't mind who scores as long as the Rossoneri win, and added that the Argentine will find the net regularly at San Siro as well if he joins

Juventus to complete signing of Sevilla's Martin Caceres this week - report
The Bianconeri are believed to be close to completing the signing of the versatile defender, and could finalise his transfer back to Turin in the upcoming days

AC Milan's Massimiliano Allegri delighted with 'important' win over Atalanta
The Rossoneri coach underlined the importance of resuming the league on the right footing after the winter break, and was full of praise for Dutch midfielder Urby Emanuelson

AC Milan & Inter hit form at perfect time to set up mouthwatering derby
The two giants have awoken from early slumbers, and all of a sudden this coming weekend's clash at San Siro has become one of the most eagerly-awaited in recent years

Juventus' Antonio Conte: We can do better than what we showed against Lecce
The Bianconeri coach stressed that his team must improve in closing out matches after their slender win over Lecce, but praised his players for their work ethic

 

[Alexandre Pato]

​

Cambiasso relishing 'thriller' Milan derby
Inter Milan midfielder Esteban Cambiasso is looking forward to this weekend's derby match against AC Milan.

​

Juve's De Ceglie linked to Roma
The agent of Juventus left-back Paolo De Ceglie, Carlo Pallavicino, reveals his client could soon be on his way to Serie A rivals Roma .

​

Lazio make contact with Prodl
Werder Bremen utility Sebastian Prodl reveals Serie A outfit Lazio have contacted him with regards to a summer move to the Stadio Olimpico.

​

Reja pleased as Lazio flip Verona
Lazio coach Edy Reja was pleased by certain aspects of his side's 3-2 Coppa Italia victory against Hellas Verona at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday.

​

Conte: Inter better equipped than Juve
Juventus coach Antonio Conte is refusing to rule out Inter Milan from the Serie A title race.

​

Borriello vows to put himself in spotlight
Marco Borriello is hoping to show off his true potential at Juventus after a disappointing spell at Roma.

​

Mazzarri pledges future to Napoli
Walter Mazzarri has pledged his future to Napoli after revealing he plans to see out the remainder of his contract at the San Paolo stadium.

Cana faces two-month lay-off
Lazio midfielder Lorik Cana will be sidelined for two months with a back injury.

​

Moratti confirms Tevez interest
Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has confirmed the club are keen to sign Carlos Tevez.

​

Report: El Shaarawy set for loan move
AC Milan playmaker Stephan El Shaarawy is on the verge of joining Cologne on loan, according to reports in Italy.

​

Report: Fiorentina accept Silva bid
Fiorentina have accepted an offer of €1.2 million from Boca Juniors for Santiago Silva, according to reports.

​

Totti confident that De Rossi wiill stay
Roma captain Francesco Totti claims that teammate Daniele De Rossi will be looking to stay at Stadio Olimpico despite the contract delays.

​

Vargas 'flattered' by Sanchez comparisons
Napoli's latest signing Eduardo Vargas has played down expectations after being compared to fellow Chilean and Barcelona winger Alexis Sanchez.

​

Donadoni appointed Parma coach

Former Italy boss Roberto Donadoni has been named as the new coach of Parma.

​

Udinese eye Coppa success at home
Udinese host Chievo on Wednesday with the knowledge that Serie A rivals Lazio have already booked their place in the last eight of the Coppa Italia.

​

Del Neri ignores Parma link
Luigi Del Neri brushed aside speculation linking him with the Parma job.

​

Hamsik close to new Napoli deal
Marek Hamsik has played down speculation linking him with a move away from Napoli by revealing he is close to sign a contract extension with the Italian club.

 

[Alexandre Pato]

Marek Hamsik's agent claims Napoli forward was AC Milan's 'Mr. X'
The Slovakian was heavily linked with a move to San Siro last summer and his representative has claimed that the Rossoneri had intended to make the forward their marquee signing

Bayern Munich's Christian Nerlinger slams 'childish' Manchester City & Chelsea, as well as 'violent' Italian fan culture
The 38-year-old feels the English sides are missing some key philosophical elements that his side, Barcelona & Manchester United have, and has taken a swipe at Serie A attendees

Roma co-owner James Pallotta: We'll push hard to keep Daniele De Rossi at the club
The midfielder has been linked with a move to Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, but the Roman outfit are determined to hold on to the Italy international

Inter lining up Werder Bremen's Marko Marin as alternative to Carlos Tevez - report
The controversial Manchester City striker is wanted by the Nerazzurri but if they miss out on him they may make a move for the Germany international

AC Milan still waiting for Manchester City response over latest Carlos Tevez offer
The Rossoneri have yet to receive an answer from the Premier League side, and Adriano Galliani will not be forced by rivals Inter into making a rushed improved bid

AC Milan's Clarence Seedorf & Ignazio Abate resume training ahead of Inter clash
The full-back and veteran midfielder have both recovered from their respective injuries, and could feature for the Rossoneri at the weekend in the derby encounter

AC Milan turn down Paris Saint-Germain's €28m bid for Alexandre Pato - report
The French capital club have reportedly not given up on signing the Brazilian and have had their first offer for the striker rejected by the Serie A holders

Lazio midfielder Lorik Cana sidelined for two months with back injury
The Albania captain was forced off in the capital-city side's 4-0 defeat against Siena at the weekend, and will face a thorough rehabilitation process to regain fitness

Inter's Esteban Cambiasso: Derby against AC Milan will be 'a thriller of a match'
The Argentine midfielder is eagerly anticipating the upcoming showdown against the Rossoneri, and expects an exciting encounter with both teams currently in good form

Lazio's Edy Reja: Victory against Hellas Verona boosts our confidence
The experienced coach lamented the mistakes which led to the visitors scoring twice but noted that the result is important to enhance the players' morale

Agent: Fiorentina have made an official offer for Juventus' Amauri
A representative of the striker has confirmed that an offer from the Florence-based club has arrived, while stressing that Roma are not interested in his client

'No Liverpool interest in Inter's Luc Castaignos', claims management company
The Dutch striker's representatives have assured that the Premier League side have not expressed an interest, but noted the 19-year-old has many suitors

Manchester City's Mario Balotelli: Roberto Mancini is a better coach than Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho
The Italian striker admits the Portuguese coach is one of the best around, but cites his current boss as being the best due to his effect on the team's performance

Manchester City's Roberto Mancini unsure over future of AC Milan & Inter target Carlos Tevez
The Italian is hopeful the player will be able to reach an agreement with another club in the January transfer window, but admits he is still not sure which team he will join

Marco Borriello disappointed by derogatory banner but determined to prove himself to Juventus fans
The Bianconeri faithful called the character of their new loan signing from Roma into question during Sunday's win at Lecce but the forward is confident of winning them over

Manchester City's Mario Balotelli lonely in England and would only leave the Premier League to return home to Italy
The enigmatic young forward is happy with his performances on the field but confesses that he is a little homesick and has become increasingly bewildered by press intrusion

Werder Bremen's Sebastian Prodl confirms contact with Lazio
The 24-year-old Austrian is out of contract in the summer and has admitted that the Serie A outfit are keen on signing him on a free transfer at the end of the season

Agent: Lukas Podolski is comfortable at Koln but no comment on AC Milan link
The in-demand forward is pleased to be with his hometown club, but his agent would not eliminate the possibility of a move to Italy

Juventus' Fabio Quagliarella successfully undergoes surgery on fractured cheekbone
The Italy international went under the knife on Sunday, and has been ordered by doctors to rest for a week before starting his recovery process by wearing a protective mask

Agent: Paolo De Ceglie could leave Juventus for Roma
The wing-back's representative has admitted that a move to the Giallorossi could be an option, especially if the Old Lady are to cash in on him before his contract expires

Inter offer €25m plus bonuses for Manchester City's Carlos Tevez - report
The Nerazzurri are looking to hijack their city rivals' attempts to sign the Argentine, and have tabled a bid that's closer to the Citizens' valuation of the player

Two Milan derbies in one week - how Inter & AC Milan are fighting for Carlos Tevez in the transfer market and who is likelier to sign him
The Argentine remains in limbo at the Etihad Stadium, but with three weeks left of the transfer window the two Italian giants are locked in a bitter battle for his signature

Juventus' Antonio Conte: After AC Milan, Inter have the best squad to challenge for Scudetto
The Bianconeri coach has intimated that the fight for the Scudetto is not a two-horse race and feels Ranieri's men are serious challengers along with Udinese, Lazio and Roma

Agent of AC Milan's Stephan El Shaarawy unaware of Koln interest
The representative of the Italian youngster claims he does not know anything about the interest from the Bundesliga side, who reportedly want to sign attacker on loan

Roberto Donadoni appointed as new Parma coach
The Stadio Ennio Tardini outfit have decided to switch coaches following the weekend defeat and have chosen the former Italy and Napoli trainer to guide the team

New Napoli signing Eduardo Vargas flattered by Alexis Sanchez comparison
The former Universidad de Chile man insisted he was unworthy of his illustrious compatriot, while also registering his distaste for the new nickname of 'Turboman'

Inter president Massimo Moratti: Bid for Manchester City's Carlos Tevez is not a joke
The Argentine forward is expected to sign for AC Milan but the Nerazzurri owner insists that he is intent on prising the player away from the club's city rivals

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri again denies any problem with Alexandre Pato
The Rossoneri boss was recently rumoured to have had a falling-out with the Brazil striker but he insists that there is no bad blood between the pair

 

[Alexandre Pato]

Milanese tug-of-war for Tevez turns ugly

Jan 11, 2012 10:00:00 AM

AC Milan and Inter are the two favourites to sign Manchester City's want-away striker Carlos Tevez, with a struggle between the arch-rivals to capture the forward's signature this January.

With the Scudetto holders seeing a loan bid refused by Roberto Mancini, Massimo Moratti has confirmed that his Nerazzurri side are also interested in the 27-year-old.​

With the Milan derby coming up on Sunday, the Giuseppe Meazza enemies are locking horns off the pitch as well, as it remains to be seen whether Moratti or Adriano Galliani will win the tug-of-war for the Argentina international.

[TABLE="class: cms_table"]
<tbody>[TR="bgcolor: #000000"]
[TD]Tevez tug of war
[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE]

 

[Alexandre Pato]

Juventus' Antonio Conte: After AC Milan, Inter have the best squad to challenge for Scudetto

The Bianconeri coach has intimated that the fight for the Scudetto is not a two-horse race and feels Ranieri's men are serious challengers along with Udinese, Lazio and Roma

Jan 10, 2012 8:20:00 AM

By Stefan Coerts

​

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has voiced his opinion that arch-rivals Inter are not out of the title race yet as he feels the Nerazzurri have what it takes to fight for top honours again.

Inter have climbed to fifth spot in the Serie A table after a disappointing start to the 2011-12 campaign, and currently trail joint table-toppers Juve and AC Milan by eight points.

Despite the relatively big gap between the two top teams and the Claudio Ranieri's side, Conte has refused to dismiss Inter as title candidates.

"In my opinion, after AC Milan, Inter are the best-equipped squad in the title race. They have the best team after Milan. Then there's Juventus and the other teams," Conte was quoted as saying by Tuttosport.

"There's also Udinese in the Scudetto race, and Lazio deserve to be considered as well, regardless of their loss against Siena, and Roma are still there, too."

Juventus are currently preparing for the home game against Cagliari on January 15.

 

[Alessandro Matri]

Juventus' Amauri: I am open to both Fiorentina & Roma
The towering attacker is desperate to leave his current club in the January transfer window, and is open to a move to either team as long as he is guaranteed playing time

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli is 'too big' to return to Serie A with Inter or AC Milan, claims agent
The controversial Italian's representative, Mino Raiola, suggests the forward could extend his contract at the Etihad Stadium and insists he is worth up to £60 million

From Indonesian king to Juventus, Inter & AC Milan target - Why Radja Nainggolan is set for superstardom
The Cagliari midfielder is the hottest transfer property in Italy, with Juve lining him up as their No.1 January target, and there is every reason to believe he will succeed

Agent of Napoli's Ezequiel Lavezzi dismisses Inter link
The Argentine attacker's representative has clarified that there has not been contact with the Nerazzurri and assured that is client has no intentions of leaving

Inter's Diego Milito: AC Milan have weaknesses that we can take advantage of
The Argentine is hoping that his team can exploit the flaws in the Rossoneri's game in Sunday's derby clash and promised fans that the Nerazzurri will give their maximum

Luis Enrique says Roma were 'lucky' in Fiorentina victory
The Spanish coach affirmed that his side were fortunate to win by a big margin and indicated that the result is evidence of the quality of the squad

AC Milan's Adriano Galliani to fly to Manchester to hold talks with City over Carlos Tevez - report
The Rossoneri are unwilling to wait any longer for the Premier League club's answer and have dispatched their top official to negotiate with them in person

Inter's Claudio Ranieri on weekend derby: Pressure is on AC Milan
The 60-year-old trainer tried to take some of the pressure off his side ahead of this weekend's clash and admitted that Mauro Zarate frustrates him

Kevin Constant withdraws from Guinea's 2012 Afcon team
The Genoa midfielder has alerted the Guinea FA that he will not be making it to the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations and reportedly didn't provide a reason for his decision

Novara confirm signing of striker Giuseppe Mascara from Napoli
The forward had been linked with a return to Catania but has instead ended up at the Silvio Piola, where he is likely to play alongside Andrea Caracciolo

Juventus to keep Roma's David Pizarro waiting as they begin pursuit of Cagliari's Radja Nainggolan - report
The Turin-based outfit are now said to be willing to put the signing of the Chilean on hold as they try to establish if the Rossoblu would be willing to sell their Belgian ace

Atletico Madrid interested in Real Madrid's Fernando Gago - report
The Argentine midfielder is currently on loan at Roma but the Rojiblancos' new coach, Diego Simeone, would like to bring his compatriot to the Vicente Calderon this summer

 

[Alessandro Matri]

Thursday 12th January 2012

Doni faces match-fixing questioning

Former Atalanta captain Cristiano Doni and club officials face questioning from the Court of Arbitration for Sport as part of the ongoing investigation into the latest match-fixing scandal to rock Italian football.

Doni met with state prosecutors in Cremona about his role in the affair, having been one of 17 people arrested last month in relation to the probe nicknamed "Last Bet" by investigators, who have uncovered a network linked with criminal organisations in Singapore.

Doni has been co-operating and has admitted his role in the scandal.

After speaking with Doni, prosecutor Roberto Di Martino told reporters: "Some of the questioning carried out has allowed us to confirm our suspicions about a few games at the centre of the investigation, including Serie A games."

At the end of a day of questioning, a statement on the website of the Italian Olympic Committee confirmed that CAS has now asked to speak to Doni and others at a hearing in Rome on January 18.
Doni has already received a three-and-a-half-year ban from the Italian Football Federation.

The current investigation was launched separately to another one carried out in June last year, which saw numerous players and clubs - including Atalanta - punished with bans and point deductions.

Atalanta, who gained promotion to Italy's top flight last summer, began the Serie A campaign with a six-point penalty in connection to the June probe.
​

 

[Alessandro Matri]

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli is 'too big' to return to Serie A with Inter or AC Milan, claims agent

The controversial Italian's representative, Mino Raiola, suggests the forward could extend his contract at the Etihad Stadium and insists he is worth up to £60 million

Jan 12, 2012 10:24:00 AM

By Oliver Platt

​

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli is "too big" to return to Serie A with Inter or AC Milan, the player's agent, Mino Raiola, has declared.

Balotelli recently claimed Inter president Massimo Moratti told him he would "take him back in an instant" and that he had spoken to both of the Milan giants.​

Raiola, however, finds such a deal difficult to envisage, predicting his client would be out of the price range of both clubs.

"If Inter and AC Milan have difficulties in finding £25 million to invest on Carlos Tevez, how can they pay £50m or £60m for Balotelli?" Raiola asked, according to The Sun.

"This is the value of Balotelli, he's No.1."

Raiola also suggested the Italian forward could prolong his stay at the Etihad Stadium, having recorded eight Premier League goals in 14 appearances so far this season.

"Mario is well in Manchester and perhaps he'll extend his contract," he added.

 

[Alessandro Matri]

Inter & AC Milan to enter talks with Instituto youngster Paulo Dybala
The Milanese rivals will begin another transfer showdown as they set their sights on the 18-year-old, whose agents are flying to Italy for negotiations with both clubs

AC Milan's Kevin Prince-Boateng: 'We are stronger than Inter and we want to 'kick them out of the title race'
The former Ghana international is eagerly anticipating Sunday's Derby della Madonnina, and is determined to get a good result and end the Nerazzurri's Scudetto dreams

Olympique Lyonnais' Michel Bastos: I never said Maicon would leave Inter for Paris Saint-Germain
The Brazilian winger had reportedly said his compatriot would join the Ligue 1 side in the January trade period, but has come out to deny having made such statements

Carlos Tevez deal is not a dead duck - Why AC Milan were right in their attempts to sell Alexandre Pato to Paris Saint-Germain
The Brazilian nails his colours to the Rossoneri mast on Thursday, but there are many reasons to believe that the two transfers could still be pushed through before January is out

Michele Pazienza's agent rules out Juventus exit in January
The former Napoli midfielder is out of favour at the Turin-based club but despite having received several offers, he is not considering a move away from the Bianconeri

Sebastian Giovinco rules out Juventus return in January: I am staying at Parma
An immediate move back to the Turin-based club is not on the cards for the 24-year-old, who spoke of his disappointment with his Bianconeri stint

Tommaso Rocchi backing Lazio's bid for Cesena's Marco Parolo
The Biancocelesti, who were linked with the 26-year-old midfielder last summer, are said to be readying a bid for the one-capped Italy international

Diego Maradona faces second trial in Italy over estimated €40m in unpaid taxes
The Argentine stands accused of dodging the tax man during his seven-year spell with Napoli between 1984 and 1991, yet his legal team insist that he is the victim of a witch-hunt

Inter's Marco Faraoni signs contract extension until 2016
The versatile 20-year-old winger has established himself as a regular under Claudio Ranieri and has been rewarded for his efforts with a lucrative new deal

Lazio confirm signing of Emiliano Alfaro from Liverpool de Montevideo
The Biancocelesti had faced competition from Serie A rivals Genoa for the players signature but the club announced his arrival in the Italian capital on Thursday afternoon

Flamengo's Ronaldinho could boycott Copa Libertadores opener over unpaid wages
The former Barcelona and AC Milan ace is allegedly owed five months' salary and his brother has revealed that he could sit out the upcoming meeting with Real Potosi

Reported Paris Saint-Germain transfer target Alexandre Pato insists he's staying at AC Milan casting doubt on Carlos Tevez's move to Serie A champions
The Brazilian international had been expected to sign for the Ligue 1 leaders in the coming days but he has now claimed that he will be remaining at San Siro

AC Milan's Thiago Silva: We respect Inter but do not fear them
The Brazilian defender acknowledged that the Rossoneri face a tough test on Sunday evening, but he is confident that the Italian champions will rise to the challenge

Juventus, Lazio & Wolfsburg have offered two-year contracts to Bayern Munich's Ivica Olic - report
The Croatia international has gathered interest from both the Bundesliga and Serie A, but has vowed to make his current club his first point of contact before deciding his future

Inter's Massimo Moratti conceding defeat in bid to sign Carlos Tevez with AC Milan having matched offer for Manchester City striker
The Nerazzurri president had hoped to beat the Rossoneri to the signing of the Argentine international but he believes that the player is now bound for Massimiliano Allegri's side

AC Milan's Massimiliano Allegri adamant Sunday's derby against Inter will not be Alexandre Pato's last
The 44-year-old remains convinced the hitman will not be departing San Siro anytime soon, while reassuring fans that he is also close to committing his own future to the club

Aldo Serena tips Zlatan Ibrahimovic to swing the Derby della Madonnina against Inter in AC Milan's favour
The former Italy attacker, who played for both Milanese clubs in his career, feels the Rossoneri have the edge on Claudio Ranieri's men due to the presence of the Swedish star

Anzhi Makhachkala keen on AC Milan's Clarence Seedorf - report
The veteran Dutchman will be out of contract with the Rossoneri at the end of the current term, and could be on his way to Russia to join the Champions League-chasing side

Juventus and Inter to fight for Manchester City's Aleksandar Kolarov - report
A transfer tug-of-war between the Serie A duo could be about to ignite after it emerged that both clubs have made their intentions clear in landing the Serbian full-back

 

[Alessandro Matri]

Carlos Tevez deal is not a dead duck - Why AC Milan were right in their attempts to sell Alexandre Pato to Paris Saint-Germain

The Brazilian nails his colours to the Rossoneri mast on Thursday, but there are many reasons to believe that the two transfers could still be pushed through before January is out

Jan 13, 2012 8:00:00 AM

By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Editor

It was off, then on, then off again, and all this in one afternoon. Welcome to the January transfer window!
Alexandre Pato’s decision to snub Paris Saint-Germain and stay at AC Milan has also put the kibosh on his club’s carefully laid out plan to bring Carlos Tevez to Italy, leaving everyone back at square one with 19 days of the market still to negotiate. But to rule out the deal still going ahead may be foolish.

Often, the most frantic days are those in which nothing actually happens in the end, but to say we ended with a zero sum after Thursday afternoon’s dramatic to-and-fro would be to underestimate the desire of the Rossoneri. We've seen it before with Milan - we need only look at Kaka's final days in Italy - that a declaration of love from the player is merely used to soften the blow of the eventual departure. And let us not forget what got us to this point in the first place.
​

On the one hand we have Pato, the 22-year-old ‘star of the future’, ‘jewel in Milan’s crown’, and all of the other monikers he has been given since signing for €22 million from Internacional in the summer of 2007. With a little under a goal every two games, the Brazilian has built a platform from which most strikers of his age and talent would be expected to take off.

In the blue corner there is Tevez, the 27-year-old who has been labelled as a disruptive influence and a self-centred so-and-so thanks to his conduct at Manchester City which has seen him go three months without making a single appearance. His career seemingly going nowhere at the moment, he is desperate for a move in order to get things back on track.

Pato and Ancelotti | Is there still a chance they could be reunited?​

It’s easy to see why many Milan fans were opposed to the deal, and why Twitter and various Calcio message boards were a virtual whitewash when news of the collapse broke yesterday. But CEO Adriano Galliani and the Rossoneri board knew all this before the window opened and yet went ahead fully intent on making the deal happen, and they did so with good reason.

There is clearly a concern at Via Turati that Pato’s one outstanding quality – his pace – is being compromised by the constant injury issues he has endured over the past few years. Since making 36 appearances in the 2008-09 season - his last under PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti, incidentally - he has missed far too many games with injuries, with muscle tears and similar leg troubles becoming the norm.

And these are the types of concerns which come back to haunt players all too often. With great pace comes great fragility, and the worry is that by the age of 25 Pato will need to become a very different kind of striker. Constant leg muscle injuries can only lead to an early slowdown, and Milan’s pursuit of Tevez as a replacement surely proves that this has crossed the hierarchy’s mind.

"If Pato wants to remain, then we hope he will do well with Milan ... Will we call Manchester City again? We'll see"- Adriano Galliani

<tbody>
</tbody>

Can they trust Pato to become a more consistent poacher ala Filippo Inzaghi? Do they believe he can become a domineering bully like Zlatan Ibrahimovic? Clearly not, hence the Argentine became their target. They had given up on Pato. And even when Galliani announced the collapse of the deal yesterday, he was rather dismissive of his No.7.“If Pato wants to remain, then we hope he will do well with Milan,” said Galliani, and when he later added, “I am very happy in any case that Pato has made this decision,” he quickly followed up by hinting the Tevez operation may not be dead. “Will we call Manchester City again? We’ll see.”

"With Pato, these things are going forward. There are possibilities, but not yet an agreement"- Leonardo

<tbody>
</tbody>

His words are hardly a ringing endorsement of Pato. After this month, they may never again receive a €35m offer like the one submitted by PSG for the striker. Milan wanted Tevez, a player who is already around his peak. For around €25m they knew exactly what they would be getting. But for now they still possess the player they tried to sell in order to sign the Argentine. And with Inter being the other interested party in their target, there will be an extra incentive to reopen negotiations in a bid to stop their great rivals pouncing.

Meanwhile, PSG wanted the Brazilian, and will not give up. Ancelotti and Leonardo are known admirers from their days at San Siro, and Leo’s insistence on Thursday that “things are going forward” in relation to Pato suggests that he sees this as just another twist in the road. The will is there for this deal to go ahead. If Thursday had been January 30, it may have been costly. Instead it was January 12. And with 19 whole days of business still to go, this is likely to be one transfer merry-go-round we haven’t heard the last of yet.

 

[Alessandro Matri]

Friday 13th January 2012

Allegri: Pato and I are staying at Milan

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has quashed rumours about his future at the club, as well as that of Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato.

Milan are currently preparing for Sunday's highly-anticipated derby clash with Inter Milan, and while reports in Italy have suggested Pato could be on his way out of the club this month, Allegri insists this will not be the case.

"I really don't believe that this [Sunday's match] will be Pato's last derby," Allegri told Il Corriere della Serra. And despite replacing the 22-year-old in their last game against Atalanta, the Milan coach insists he had been impressed by Pato's contribution, and that the substitution was purely out of tactical necessity. "He did well against Atalanta on Sunday, despite me taking him off because I needed a striker with other characteristics.

"He won the penalty, hit the post and was involved in two or three attacks. He made the most of his traits." Allegri also reassured Rossoneri fans that his long-term future remains with the club, and suggested he could soon sign a contract extension. "There are no problems, it's just a matter of time," Allegri added. "I have already spoken two or three times with the club and there is a willingness from both parties for me to stay.

"I think that we will resolve the matter shortly, but it will be difficult to do so before the derby." Allegri then shifted his attentions to Sunday's game, and expects Inter to pose a challenge due to their recent fine form, although he was quick to point out that Milan are not doing too badly themselves. "Unless something sensational happens, Inter will be obliged to win to get back into the race for the Scudetto.

"Inter are doing well, as can be as [in last Saturday's 5-0 win] against Parma. They are currently playing their best football of the season. "[However] we are in a good condition, as demonstrated by the results - ten wins and two draws."

Milan are currently joint-top in Serie A, above Juventus on goal difference, but Inter have recovered well from a horrible start to the campaign to return to title contention, where they are currently fifth on 29 points, eight behind the top two.
​

 

[Alessandro Matri]

AC Milan or Inter - Who will win the Derby della Madonnina?

As the countdown begins to the city rivalry on Sunday evening, Goal.com asks its readers to predict which team will come out on top

Jan 13, 2012 8:00:00 AM

On January 15 at San Siro, AC Milan and Inter lock horns for the first time in Serie A this season in what is expected to one of the most highly-anticipated city derbies in years.

Despite a slow start and coaching change, switching Gian Piero Gasperini for Claudio Ranieri, the Nerazzurri have climbed up to fifth place in the table while their rivals sit at the summit of the standings on 37 points with Juventus.

With Inter desperate to close the gap to the top and Massimilano Allegri's side eager not to lose ground in the title race, no one will be willing to give an inch to their opponents in what is set to be a mouth-watering spectacle on Sunday night.

Will Milan, who have won the last three clashes in official competitions between the two sides, extend their streak? Or will Inter reignite their slim Scudetto hopes with a crucial victory? It's worth noting that this contest has not ended in a draw since October 2004.

However, the question remains who will win the match this time?

The Rossoneri & Nerazzurri will go head-to-head

<tbody>
</tbody>

AC Milan	Inter
Latest Serie A form: W W W D W Top scorer: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (12) Serie A titles: 18​	Latest Serie A form: W W W W W Top scorer: Diego Milito (6) Serie A titles: 18​

<tbody> </tbody>

 

[Alexandre Pato]

Serie A preview: High stakes for Milan derby

13 January 2012

​

League leaders AC Milan take on cross-city rivals Inter Milan on Sunday in a match set to dominate proceedings in Serie A this weekend.

Reigning champions AC Milan defeated Bologna 2-0 when the Italian domestic campaign resumed last week.They are level on 37 points with second-placed Juventus, and will be looking to preserve their advantage in the standings by claiming bragging rights in the Milan derby at San Siro.Standing in their way are an Inter team still revelling in their biggest victory of a troubled season.

A dire start to the campaign cost Gian Piero Gasperini his job after just five matches in charge.Now coached by Claudio Ranieri, they have climbed to fifth in the table, eight points back from Milan following a 5-0 thrashing of Parma last Sunday.Transfer speculation has overshadowed the build-up to the clash, with Milan's proposed move for Carlos Tevez cancelled after Brazil forward Alexandre Pato committed his future to the club.

In other matches, Juventus will hope to keep the pressure on Milan, or perhaps regain the lead outright, when they host Cagliari in Turin.Third-placed Udinese are just two points back from the joint leaders, and may have designs of their own on top spot when they visit Genoa.Lazio will be seeking redemption at home to Atalanta - Edy Reja's fourth-placed team suffered a chastening 4-0 reverse away to Siena in their first match back after the mid-season break.

Before that, the opening match of the round takes places on Saturday, when Luis Enrique's misfiring Roma visit Catania.In the other fixtures on Sunday, bottom side Lecce are away to Fiorentina, while 15th plays 16th respectively when Parma host Siena. And in another relegation scrap, second-bottom Cesena are at home to Novara, who are level on points in 18th place.

Palermo travel to face Chievo Verona in a mid-table contest, while on Monday, sixth-placed Napoli will be confident of taking all three points in their match at home to struggling Bologna.

 

[Alexandre Pato]

Barbara Belusconi sticks with Pato & kicks Carlos Tevez to the curb

The club president's daughter made sure the buck-toothed Argentine doesn't arrive by hanging on to the better-looking Brazilian

Jan 13, 2012 1:00:00 PM

It seemed like the transfer saga that would never end. Will Carlos Tevez finally get his wish and swap Manchester City for AC Milan? Will Paris Saint-Germain get their trophy-signing and bring Alexandre Pato to Parc des Princes?

It appeared salvation had finally arrived on Thursday. Reports emerged that PSG had agreed a fee for Pato and the Italian champions had already lined up a ready-made replacement in the form of Tevez.

But then it all fell apart. Pato announced that he had no intention of leaving his 'home' in Milan, and any move Massimiliano Allegri would make for Tevez had stalled.

The powers that be stepped in. Barbara Belusconi, AC Milan board member and the daughter of Italy's mercurial politician, put the kibosh on any deal, unwilling to lose her boyfriend to Tevez, a less aesthetically pleasing alternative.

I guess we have her to blame for an inevitable 18 further days of speculation ...

Not on my watch...

<tbody>
</tbody>

​

 

[Arturo Vidal]

Barbara Berlusconi & Mrs Ibrahimovic v Katy Perry & George Clooney's ex - Who wins the AC Milan v Inter clash of the sexy female fans?

With models, singers, and footballers' wives and girlfriends, we've broken the Derby della Madonnina down to see which side is the most attractive off the field

Jan 14, 2012 9:00:00 AM

The Milan derby is certainly a serious event, and there have been a multitude of angles studied in the last week in the build-up to Sunday evening's big game. From the Tevez tug-of-war to the form guide, every possible angle has been discussed in regards to the meeting between AC Milan and Inter. Except one.

The two Milanese sides have perhaps the most notable array of female fans in football, especially when it comes to their celebrity followers. So for each side, we have chosen 11 representatives in the battle of the sexy fans, including girls from the world of showbiz as well as many of those who get to go home with the players after the match.

We've even set the two opposing teams up into a 4-3-1-2 formation. But which squad is more to your taste?
​

AC MILAN

<tbody>
</tbody>

Marika FRUSCIO Showgirl

<tbody>
</tbody>

Debora SALVALAGGIO Showgirl

Federica FONTANA Showgirl

Nena RISTIC Model

Valentina LIGUORI Mrs Zambrotta

<tbody>
</tbody>

Michela QUATTROCIOCCHE Actress Mrs Aquilani

Juliana MOREIRA Showgirl

Renata TEXEIRA Showgirl

<tbody>
</tbody>

Melissa SATTA Showgirl Mrs Boateng

<tbody>
</tbody>

Helene SEGER Mrs Ibrahimovic

Barbara BERLUSCONI Milan director Mrs Pato

<tbody>
</tbody>

INTER

<tbody>
</tbody>

Susana WERNER Ex-footballer Mrs Julio Cesar

<tbody>
</tbody>

Katy PERRY Singer

Elenoire CASALEGNO Showgirl

Luisa CORNA Singer

Adelina ELISEI Showgirl Mrs Chivu

<tbody>
</tbody>

Elisabetta CANALIS Showgirl

Nina MORIC Showgirl

Melita TONIOLO Showgirl

<tbody>
</tbody>

Yolanthe CABAU Showgirl Mrs Sneijder

<tbody>
</tbody>

Belen RODRIGUEZ Showgirl

Natalie WEBER Showgirl Mrs Zarate

<tbody>
</tbody>

 

[Arturo Vidal]

Inter's Diego Forlan dreaming of scoring winning goal in Derby della Madonnina against AC Milan
The Uruguay international has had a frustrating time since moving to the Giuseppe Meazza but is ready and keen to play on Sunday after regaining fitness and confidence

Carlos Tevez's representative Kia Joorabchian claims Manchester City and AC Milan will meet again over possible transfer
The Scudetto holders' vice-president, Adriano Galliani, stated that a deal was dead, but the 40-year-old thinks otherwise, and feels that a move to San Siro could still happen

Massimiliano Allegri aims to build on AC Milan success after signing new deal
The coach has extended his stay at the Giuseppe Meazza until June 2014 and is keen to continue the work he has started with the Scudetto holders, beginning with victory over Inter

Young Argentine striker Paulo Dybala's agent confirms meeting with Inter
The 18-year-old attacker is reportedly wanted by both sides of the Milan divide, but Claudio Ranieri's men currently have the advantage in the race for the starlet's signature

Paris Saint-Germain set to offer Carlos Tevez €10 million-a-year wages after missing out on AC Milan's Alexandre Pato - report
The Ligue 1 outfit were handed a blow in their transfer strategy after the Brazilian opted to stay in Italy, but are willing to offer a huge salary to the Manchester City forward

Barbara Berlusconi & Mrs Ibrahimovic v Katy Perry & George Clooney's ex - Who wins the AC Milan v Inter clash of the sexy female fans?
With models, singers, and footballers' wives and girlfriends, we've broken the Derby della Madonnina down to see which side is the most attractive off the field

Arturo Vidal: Juventus must focus on winning the Scudetto before thinking about Champions League
The Chile international has praised Antonio Conte and the Turin club's squad, and feels that they should concentrate on the Serie A hunt before targetting European glory

Boca Juniors waiting for Fifa's answer on Fiorentina's Santiago Silva
The Argentine giants have come to an understanding with both the player and his club, but the governing body for world football has yet to give the go-ahead for a transfer

Monaco's Marco Simone rules out signing Juventus' Luca Toni
The struggling Ligue 2 outfit have guaranteed they are not in the race to sign the Italian striker, who has been on the fringes of the action at the Turin-based club

Sao Paulo's Lucas Moura Inter's 'Plan B' should Carlos Tevez transfer fail - report
After receiving a boost in their quest to sign the Manchester City player, Inter could bet on the Brazilian teenager should their efforts to sign 'Carlitos' be in vain

AC Milan's Antonio Cassano to resume training on Saturday following heart surgery
The Rossoneri have received a positive news from their treatment table as the 29-year-old is edging closer to a complete return after undergoing heart surgery

Ezequiel Lavezzi pleads for Eduardo Vargas patience after Napoli debut
Edu suffered a disappointing first 45 minutes in the blue of the the Italian club, but 'Pocho' affirmed it is the team's duty to help him reach his best

Official: Palermo sign Emiliano Viviano from Inter
The Italy international is now fully recovered from a knee injury sustained in pre-season and has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with Sicilians

AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Thiago Silva is better than Lilian Thuram, Fabio Cannavaro, Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol
The Swedish striker believes that the Brazil international is the finest defender he has ever come across during his long and illustrious career

Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti admits defeat in bid to sign AC Milan's Alexandre Pato
The Brazil international looked set to sign for the Ligue 1 leaders but performed a dramatic U-turn on Thursday, declaring that he wished to remain at San Siro

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri signs contract extension until 2014
After months of speculation and negotiation, the 44-year-old has put pen to paper on a new deal with the side he led to the Scudetto last season

AC Milan's Gennaro Gattuso and Alberto Aquilani ruled out of Inter clash
The former Rangers midfielder has been sidelined with another worrying eye condition, while his team-mate is facing four weeks out with an ankle problem

Inter's Massimo Moratti puts Manchester City talks over Carlos Tevez transfer on hold until after Milan derby
The Nerazzurri supremo claims that he will resume talks with the Premier League leaders next week because he is currently focused on this weekend's meeting with their city rivals

Inter's Esteban Cambiasso accuses AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri of playing mind games
The 31-year-old suspects that the Rossoneri boss might be trying to encourage the Nerazzurri onto the offensive by saying their title hopes hinge on the outcome of the game

Agent reveals Porto's Fredy Guarin has held preliminary talks with Juventus
The Bianconeri were rumoured to have made a €11 million bid for the player last week but the Colombian's representative insists that the Turin club have only spoken to him so far