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AC Milan will be keen to not drop further behind Juventus at the top of Serie A when they take on Chievo Verona on Tuesday.On Saturday, Fiorentina's Carvalho Amauri scored in the 89th minute to hand Milan a shock 2-1 defeat, which allowed Juventus to take over as Serie A leaders when they knocked off Palermo 2-0.
Milan had 64 percent possession against Fiorentina and had 21 shots for the match, but only five of them were on target, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic scoring the home side's goal from the penalty spot. Manager Massimo Allegri will want his side to improve their efficiency in front of goal against Chievo as Milan have scored just two goals from 40 shots in their last two Serie A matches.
Milan have been the most prolific goal-scoring side in the league this season, but have only scored three goals in their last 360 minutes of football, including the two legs of their Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona. Juventus remain undefeated this season but will face a tough test on Wednesday when they host third-placed Lazio.
If Juventus fail to win they will give Milan a chance to go top of the Serie A again. Juventus only lead Milan by a point.Udinese and Roma will continue their respective quests to play European football next season when they clash on Wednesday.The hosts are just a point behind Napoli in the race for Italy's second Europa League spot, while Udinese are three points behind Lazio, who currently hold Serie A's third Champions League ticket.
Genoa and Parma can build seven-point gap between them and the relegation zone if they beat bottom-two clubs Cesena and Novara respectively.But if they slip up, 18th-placed Lecce could move within a point when they travel to Catania. In other games on Wednesday, Fiorentina host Palermo, Inter Milan take on Siena and Napoli face Atalanta, while on Thursday Bologna take on Cagliari.
Juventus' Marotta dismisses Nesta reports
The Bianconeri official says that his side have not discussed the possibility of signing the experienced defender, who is entering the final months of his contract
Pirlo: AC Milan are not in crisis but the title is in Juve's hands now
The Rossoneri are reeling after their Champions League exit in Barcelona and Saturday's shock loss to Palermo, but the veteran playmaker is refusing to write off his old side
Lazio coach Reja tips Juventus to win Serie A title
The Biancocelesti boss feels that Antonio Conte's men must now be considered favourites to land the Scudetto, even though they are just a point clear at the top of the table
Stramaccioni: Balotelli is an asset to football but he is a Manchester City player
The striker has been linked with a return to San Siro after his current boss, Roberto Mancini, admitted that the English club will probably try to sell the player in the summer
Quagliarella thanks Conte for show of faith
The 29-year-old striker struggled for a long time to shake off the physical and mental effects of a serious knee injury but has now netted twice in his last two games
Conte: Juventus are proud to be AC Milan's rivals
The Old Lady had gone into the current league campaign on the back of successive seventh-placed finishes but they are now just seven games away from glory
Chivu's agent: We will talk to Inter first before listening to other offers
The Romanian defender has an expiring contract with the Nerazzurri, but is keen to stay at the Giuseppe Meazza beyond the expiry date of his current deal
Juventus ponder swoop for Seedorf - report
The Dutchman looks certain to leave the Rossoneri in the summer transfer window, and the Bianconeri have joined the list of suitors who are interested in his services
Luis Enrique slams Roma players in the wake of Lecce loss
The Spanish coach has expressed his dismay with the Giallorossi's performances in recent weeks, and has demanded a reaction in the match against Udinese
Inter & AC Milan have made official offers for me, says Luis Muriel
The young attacker has been in impressive form on loan at Lecce, and his good performances have supposedly earned him the interest of the Serie A giants
Buffon's agent reveal there are no contract talks yet with Juventus
A number of recent reports suggested that the Bianconeri are ready to offer the goalkeeper a new deal, but they have yet to open negotiations with the Italy international
Balotelli will end his career in Italy but will stay at Manchester City for now, claims agent
It had been thought that the 21-year-old played his last game for the club after his red card against Arsenal but his representative claims he will stay in England
Juventus' good form down to hard work, says Simone Pepe
The 28-year-old reveals that his side are working harder than ever before, and says that he is grateful to score in the 2-1 win over Lazio having missed an earlier chance
Bonucci suffers broken nose against Lazio
The Italy international has picked up a facial injury in Wednesday's victory, and will possibly have to go under the knife in the upcoming days to correct the broken bone
Zanetti: Inter not giving up on third place
The Argentine has insisted that the Nerazzurri will continue to do their utmost to book a place in the Champions League, and was pleased with his side's display against Siena
Del Piero: Dropping points would have been 'football suicide' for Juventus
The experienced attacker has expressed his delight with his strike against Edy Reja's side, and added that it would have been "suicide" had the Old Lady spilled points
Seven hundred down but only seven more to go? Del Piero proves why Juventus must keep him for another season
The club captain came off the bench to great effect once more, and it's no surprise that a born winner is leading the Bianconeri's title charge. Now it's time for a new contract
Chiellini thanks Del Piero but warns Juventus must be more clinical
The towering defender has stressed that the Bianconeri cannot afford to keep missing chances and relying on their veteran talisman to bail them out in the Scudetto race
Stramaccioni: We believe we can finish third
The 36-year-old coach says that the entire team believes that a top-three finish is possible but urged his players to think one match at a time
Conte: Del Piero is an asset to Juventus
The 42-year-old coach heaped praise on match-winner Del Piero after he scored his side's winner, but believes they should have put the game beyond the Biancocelesti earlier
Moratti denies interest in re-signing Balotelli
The Nerazzurri supremo has said that the club will not try to buy the striker back from the Citizens, admitting he is not surprised by the player's recent problems
Juventus' Marotta: We are not interested in Nesta or Seedorf
The Bianconeri chief has intimated that the Milan duo are not on the club's wishlist as they do not ticks all the boxes for what Antonio Conte wants for his team
Rui Costa: Witsel ready for a top club
The former Portugal international is in no doubt that the 23-year-old midfielder is destined for great things, arguing that he would fit in at any elite team
Walter Samuel urges Inter to improve
The Argentine defender believes that the entire team needs to up the ante in order to finish in the European qualification zone
Santos reportedly preparing bid to sign Robinho on loan
The Brazilians are apparently willing to offer the forward a monthly pay rise of €200,000 in order to return to Vila Belmiro, where he spent three years before moving to Europe
Ismaily approve Ahmed Hegazi’s €1.5 million move to Fiorentina
Ismaily have agreed to allow Egyptian Olympic team defender Ahmed Hegazi to complete a €1.5 million transfer to Italian Serie A side Fiorentina
Gattuso: Just playing again is like winning the Champions League for me
The veteran midfielder has just returned from career-threatening ocular problems and he has admitted that his experience has given him a whole new perspective on life
Maggio's agent dismisses Chelsea link
It had been claimed that the English club were readying a bid for the Italy star after being impressed by his performances in their Champions League tie with the Partenopei
Juan denies contact with Flamengo
Rumours concerning the veteran's return to Rio de Janeiro have persisted for months, but the player himself insists that they are a media invention
Chievo ball boy initially refused Muntari shirt due to club policy
The child in question tried to hand the jersey back to the Rossoneri midfielder because of directives not to bother players after games at the Marc'Antonio Bentegodi
Zanetti set to move into third place in Serie A appearance charts
The Argentine veteran will make his 570th Serie A appearance if he features in Inter's league match at home against Siena on Wednesday evening
AC Milan will continue to pressure Juventus, warns Nocerino
The midfielder was delighted to see his side's positive reaction against Chievo, and stressed that the Rossoneri will keep pushing the Old Lady in the Scudetto race
Gattuso: I'm on 10-15 tablets a day and my wife has to remind me to take them
The experienced midfielder was pleased to be part of AC Milan's win over Chievo, but laughed off questions regarding the future of he and the other Rossoneri veterans
Allegri: The media had already prepared a funeral for us, but we demonstrated that we're not dead
The Italian coach feels that his side have been the victim of a negative campaign started by the media, and maintains that he has the backing of the president
Allegri: The media had already prepared a funeral for us, but we demonstrated that we're not dead
The Italian coach feels that his side have been the victim of a negative campaign started by the media, and maintains that he has the backing of the president
Apr 10, 2012 10:33:00 PM
By Luis Mira
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has expressed his delight with his side's 1-0 win over Chievo, and feels that the Rossoneri demonstrated that they're still serious title contenders with Tuesday's victory.
The Rossoneri received plenty of criticism after collecting only one point from their previous two games, and Allegri was pleased to see his side respond on the pitch.
"The media said that we were dead and they had already prepared a funeral for us, but we demonstrated that we're not dead," Allegri said to reporters.
"The criticism of Milan has been excessive. Everyone expected us to fall, but fortunately we were able to pick ourselves up. Even when we were four points ahead, the media started a campaign against us.
"Tonight [Tuesday] we played a very important match. We did not play well, but if we had not won, then we would have said goodbye to the Scudetto.
"We have picked up an important result which provisionally puts us at the Serie A summit, and we were missing so many players."
Allegri then went on to stress that he enjoys a good rapport with president Silvio Berlusconi.
"I often speak with Berlusconi," Allegri told Sky Sport Italia. "I spoke with him this morning and there are no problems.
"He wished us all good luck for the game and he believes we can win the Scudetto."
Milan currently sit first in the Serie A table, but will drop to second spot again if Juventus beat Lazio on Wednesday evening.
Luis Enrique warns Roma not to underestimate Fiorentina The former Barcelona B boss has told his team to be cautious of Delio Rossi's men, who have enjoyed a good week despite struggling near the bottom of the league
Allegri's constant comments about the ghost goal are boring, says Conte The Bianconeri trainer is of the opinion that his Rossoneri counterpart should let bygones be bygones and forget the accident from the match between the two teams in February
Inter to move for France coach Blanc after Euro 2012 - report The Serie A outfit have sacked both Gian Piero Gasperini and Claudio Ranieri this season, and are allegedly interested in making the 46-year-old their next trainer
Game against Inter will be crucial in race for third place, says Udinese's Guidolin The Zebrette coach expects a difficult match against the Nerazzurri, and says he is very wary of the goalscoring threat posed by Argentine striker Diego Milito
We are distracted by Coppa Italia final against Juventus, says Napoli's Cannavaro Walter Mazzarri's men have endured a setback in their quest for a Champions League spot over the last month, and the defender cited the cup's showpiece as the reason for this
Conte's contract extension talks will be easy, says Juventus director Marotta The former Bianconeri midfielder has taken the Turin club to the top of Serie A in an unbeaten campaign thus far, and will be offered a new bumper deal
Del Piero prefers LA Galaxy or New York Red Bulls, says Montreal Impact's Nick De Santis The experienced striker has allegedly chosen which clubs he prefers to join in case he moves to the MLS, with the player apparently uninterested in signing for the Canadian side
AC Milan's Robinho wants to return to Santos, says president Luis Alvaro Ribeiro
The president of the Copa Libertadores champions says that the Brazilian attacker is interested in returning to the club after enduring a disappointing spell in Italy this season
Inter are yet to see the real me, says Forlan
The Uruguayan striker says that he has not been able to perform to the best of his abilities at San Siro but insists that he is not thinking about leaving the club
Prandelli: Scudetto is 50-50 between Juventus and AC Milan
The Azzurri coach believes that the title race is wide open and does not see either club having the edge at the moment
Udinese confirm Inter approach for Cuadrado
According to the Zebrette, the Nerazzurri made contact with them about signing the Colombia international, who is currently on loan at Lecce
Marchisio: I'd like to stay at Juventus forever
The 26-year-old has been a key component in the Bianconeri's midfield this season and he has confessed that he would like to end his career in Turin
Allegri still believes AC Milan will win Serie A title
The Rossoneri have slipped one point behind Juventus in the standings but their coach remains confident that his troops can overhaul the Bianconeri before the season's end
Stramaccioni: When you are with Inter winning is a must
The former Primavera boss has revealed that it was made clear to him during a two-hour meeting with the Nerazzurri supremo that success is all that matters to the club
Moratti: Appointing Stramaccioni as coach was slightly crazy but he's got talent
After sacking Claudio Ranieri last month, the Nerazzurri supremo surprised many by electing to turn to a man with no previous Serie A experience
Inter join Juventus in race for Verratti - report
The promising midfielder has long been linked with a move to the Old Lady, but the Nerazzurri have now shown an interest in signing the €3 million-rated youngster
Panucci rules out Capello arrival at Palermo
The former England boss had been a surprise candidate to replace Bortolo Mutti at the Renzo Barbera, but the new Rosanero team manager has backed the current coach to stay on
Del Piero is the history of Juventus, says Nedved
The former Bianconeri star has voices his admiration of the iconic attacker, and added that the forward has worked hard down the years to become a symbol of the club
Zanetti is a living legend, says team-mate Alvarez
The Argentine midfielder has nothing but praise for his illustrious compatriot, and has voiced his opinion that the defender is one of football's great players
Juventus' Bonucci undergoes surgery on broken nose
The defender has undergone an operation on the facial injury he sustained in the 2-1 Serie A win over Lazio, and could miss this weekend's match against Cesena
Nagatomo looks to recapture place in starting line-up after game-winning assist on Wednesday
The Inter defender watched the first two matches of Andrea Stramaccioni's reign from the bench, but earned a penalty kick as a substitute in Wednesday's win over Siena
Palermo president Zamparini coy on Capello appointment stories
Speculation was rife that the 65-year-old's friendship with general manager Christian Panucci might lead to the experienced coach taking charge of the Sicilians
Moratti: No one expected Juventus success
The Nerazzurri chief says that the Turin-based club are performing better than anyone had expected, while saying that his side can still finish third in the league
Muntari: I am confident that Milan can still win Serie A
The African midfielder is upbeat about the club's chances of winning the league title this season and says that the defeat to Fiorentina is now behind the team
No club in Italy can afford Hamsik, claims agent
The Slovakian was reportedly on the verge of joining AC Milan last summer but his representative insists that his client is even out of the Rossoneri's price range
Lazio youth team player loses battle for life
The 17-year-old spent six days in the intensive care unit after being knocked from his scooter last week but his condition never improved and he passed away on Thursday
CSKA Moscow rejected Napoli offer for Doumbia last summer, claims agent
The player's representative reveals that a bid for the Ivory Coast international was refused due to the Russian club's healthy financial situation
Inter's Samuel ruled out for three weeks
The 34-year-old picked up a muscle strain in the 2-1 win over Siena and is now set to miss half of the Nerazzurri's remaining Serie A fixtures
Livorno's Piermario Morosini dies after suffering heart attack during Serie B clash against Pescara
Livorno midfielder Piermario Morosini has died in hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest during his team's Serie B match at Pescara this afternoon.
By Telegraph staff and agencies
4:40PM BST 14 Apr 2012
The 25 year-old collapsed in the 31st minute and received treatment on the pitch - reportedly including a heart massage in a bid to resuscitate him - before being rushed to hospital. The match was abandoned and the players left the field in tears.
Lega Serie B then confirmed on their website: "Tragedy on the field. After suffering a cardiac arrest during the match between Pescara and Livorno, Piermario Morosini has died. "The 25-year-old player, who came through the youth ranks with Atalanta, arrived at Livorno from Udinese in January and played nine times for the Amaranto."
All matches in Italy this weekend have been called off in memory of Morosini.
The Lega Serie A said in a statement on their website: "The football world mourns the tragedy that occurred this afternoon in Pescara, where during the game between the hosts and Livorno, the player Piermario Morosini slumped to the ground suffering from a heart attack. Transported to the hospital, the young midfielder was put into an induced coma, but died at around 1700.
"The FIGC has suspended, in memory of Piermario, all games scheduled over the weekend."
The ambulance came onto the field in Pescara to take Morosini away, with both sets of players standing by in distress. The tragedy comes four weeks after Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest during his team's FA Cup quarter-final at Tottenham. The former England Under-21 international was given extensive treatment on the field before being carried off on a stretcher and rushed to the London Chest Hospital.
It took 78 minutes for Muamba's heart to start working on its own again, but he has made incredible progress since. The Muamba incident invoked memories for many of Cameroon international Marc-Vivien Foe, who collapsed during a Confederations Cup semi-final against Colombia in 2003 and died in hospital.
There have been two similar tragedies with players suffering heart attacks on the pitch in Spain in recent years - Sevilla's Antonio Puerta in 2007 and Espanyol's Dani Jarque in 2009 - while Motherwell's Phil O'Donnell died after suffering a cardiac arrest against Dundee United in 2007. Roberto Baronio, a former team-mate of Morosini at Udinese, expressed his disbelief to Italy's Sky Sport 24 at the death of his friend.
"He was such a very unfortunate person," he said. "A few years ago, he lost his parents and his brother in such a short space of time. I got to know him when I was at Udinese and there are no words to describe such a chilling feeling. It is absurd - he was just 25 years old. "When I was at Udinese, he was just coming through the youth ranks and he made his debut that year against AC Milan. You could see he was a hot prospect."
Baronio believes that, given the number of tests professional footballers are subjected to, the tragedy could not have been avoided. "I think it is just destiny," he said. "It is not down to the lack of (health) checks because we have so many check-ups and tests nowadays. "It could happen to anybody. What surprises me is that it happens to a professional footballer. Last year, we had the number of tests increased - every two months we have them. How can this happen? Like (Fabrice) Muamba. We cannot understand why. It is destiny which has taken him away."
Baronio also welcomed the decision by the Italian Football Association (FIGC) to postpone all the remaining games scheduled for this weekend. "Piermario has played in many different clubs and I think there are lots of his former team-mates who are in mourning," he said. "I played in Udine with him and I think there is no chance people can play tomorrow serenely. It would not be right to play and would have seriously affected many players."
Udinese owner Giampaolo Pozzo was understandably shocked and saddened by the news, and said his club's players would have been in no fit state of mind to contest tonight's scheduled Serie A game against Inter Milan. Speaking at a press conference in Udine, he said: "It is one of the saddest days in my career in football. I cannot remember a tragedy like this in my 26 years in the game.
"He was at Udine from 2005, so he was here for six years. "I remember him as he was a very serious lad, very professional, and he played often away on loan but he was always back here punctually for pre-season. "This year, we kept him here until January and then we had a large squad so we loaned him out to Livorno. "This news has hit us hard. The team, when they heard the news, they refused to play today - they said they could not play.
"Ten minutes later, we got the announcement from the FIGC to call off all games. Credit goes to the association for taking this decision so quickly - otherwise we would have taken that decision [not to play], accepting the consequences. There was no way we could have played today after this." Bergamo-born midfielder Morosini started his career in the youth ranks at his hometown club Atalanta before moving to Udinese in 2005.
A loan spell with Bologna followed before a 2007 switch to Vicenza, where he stayed until returning to Udine two years later. He had further loan stints with Reggina, Padova, Vicenza and finally Livorno.
Abel Hernandez signs new Palermo deal until 2016
The Uruguay international has opted to sign a three-year contract extension with the Serie A side, and has made it clear that he's very happy with life in Sicily
Lazio keen on Bayern's Breno - report
The Brazilian defender is no longer needed at the Bavarian powerhouse, and appears to be on his way to Serie A in the summer transfer window
Maldini urges AC Milan to stop moaning about Juventus 'phantom goal'
The Rossoneri legend has voiced his opinion that the reigning champions should stop complaining about previous incidents, and has urged them to move on
Book blurb suggests Del Piero is poised to leave Italy in the summer
The experienced striker has been strongly linked with a challenge abroad, and the summary of his soon to be released book gives a strong indication he will leave his country
Palermo president Zamparini critical of Serie A fixture postponements
The 70-year-old believes that the matches should have gone ahead as planned to honour Piermario Morosini, but admitted he was not surprised with the decision by the FIGC
Blatter: No words to describe Morosini's death
The leader of football's governing body was in shock after the 25-year-old collapsed and died on the pitch during a Serie B match on Saturday afternoon in Pescara
Damiano Tommasi to hold AIC meeting following Morosini's death
The president of the players' union was devastated by the 25-year-old's death and confirmed that players in amateur divisions rarely get tested for heart problems
Juventus to offer Cavani €4.5 million a year - report
The Old Lady are keen to add a world-class striker to their ranks ahead of next season, and reportedly are willing to double the Uruguayan's salary to bring him to the club
Serie A matches rescheduled for April 25 following Morosini death - report
The FIGC announced on Saturday that the weekend's matches would be suspended but, according to reports, they are now to be played out in a fortnight's time on Wednesday
Italian cardiologist claims there is 'insufficient monitoring' for footballers after Morosini death
Following the passing of the Livorno midfielder, Dr. Carla Manzara of San Camillo Hospital gave her take on why there has been a sudden increase in heart problems to Goal.com
Udinese president Pozzo devastated by Morosini tragedy: 'It's one of the saddest days of my career'
The 70-year-old admitted that he had never encountered such sad news prior to the passing of the former Zebrette midfielder, but commended the FIGC for their quick-thinking
Galliani, Zanetti, Marchisio among Serie A figures leading Morosini tributes
Top names from AC Milan, Inter and Juventus are among those who have paid their respects to the ex-Italy Under-21 international, who sadly passed away on Saturday
Piermario Morosini: The tragic soul whose death football must learn from
The Livorno player collapsed on the field against Pescara on Saturday and never recovered, plunging football around the world into mourning
Apr 15, 2012 9:00:00 AM
COMMENT
By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Editor
Saturday was meant to be just another day in the Italian football calendar, but instead it became one of the most distressing the game in the bel paese has ever experienced.
While two Serie A fixtures were scheduled for the evening, eight more from Serie B had been selected for afternoon kick-offs. At 15.00CET, 176 footballers went about their weekly job of delivering a result for their fans, but within two hours, one of them was tragically taken away.
Piermario Morosini was no different to many Italian youngsters growing up in Bergamo, where he was born on July 5, 1986, in that he did so harbouring the desire to become a professional footballer.
He was lucky in that his talent would help him to achieve his dream, but was unlucky in the backdrop of personal tragedy against which he would battle his way to the top. Having lost both parents when he was young, his younger brother recently committed suicide and he had two handicapped siblings. But it was from them that he gained his drive.
A hard-working, tough, mobile, intelligent midfielder, he spent 10 years in the youth system of his local club Atalanta – winning a Scudetto at Allievi level – before being taken up on a co-ownership deal by Udinese, where he would make his Serie A debut.
Having appeared for the Zebrette in a Uefa Cup round of 16 clash versus Levski Sofia, the midfielder continued to climb his way up the Italian national youth structure while spending loan spells at Serie B sides Bologna and Vicenza.
Having represented his country at every level from Under-17 up, he would finish with 18 caps for the U21 side, with whom he travelled to the 2009 European Championship in Sweden, appearing in the narrow semi-final defeat to eventual winners Germany as a replacement for the suspended Claudio Marchisio.
In his Reggina days | Morosini went out on several loan spells to Serie B clubs
In recent years he had struggled to make an impression at Udinese, instead spending further time out on loan with Reggina, Padova and again with Vicenza before, in January, Livorno picked him up until the end of the season. It was for the Amaranto that he made his 150th club appearance against Padova last week, but little did anyone know at the time that it would be the last match he would ever complete.
His collapse on the Stadio Adriatico pitch in the 33rd minute of Livorno’s clash with Pescara started as a harrowing reminder of recent events surrounding Bolton’s Fabrice Muamba and Sergio Granero of Puerta Bonita, but Morosini wasn’t to be as fortunate. He was pronounced dead shortly before 16.45CET, with the ambulance having been blocked on its way into the ground by a stationary police car which wasted a minute in the recovery battle.
Doctors insisted that it would have made no difference. After he suffered three cardiac arrests in quick succession, there was no chance of them keeping him alive. Tributes immediately began pouring in, with friends, colleagues and former employers all rushing to pay their respects for a man who had made a significant mark on those around him. He was a “great professional” according to Udinese president Giampaolo Pozzo, while former Azzurrini team-mate and current Italy star Marchisio called him an “amazing guy”.
Morosini was an unspectacular player, it is fair to say, but was a key figure at every side he represented. He left friends behind with every club he departed, however short-term his spell. His life may have been short, but he didn’t let circumstances stop him living it, fulfilling his talent right down to his final moments.
But to be left referring to a 25-year-old in the past tense is nothing less than a tragedy. Whether a footballer, a builder or a butcher, for anybody to lose their life so young is incomprehensible, and many are already asking the same question that was uttered after the deaths of the likes of Marc Vivien Foe, Antonio Puerta and Daniel Jarque. Why are young men in the prime of life and at their physical peak dying on football fields?
Morosini collapses | Doctors and medical staff did everything possible to revive him
This is not motorsports, or boxing, or any other activity in which there is a significant element of risk. Injuries are widely accepted as the worst thing that can happen to a footballer out on the field, but over the last decade there has been a noticeable rise in the number of players leaving the dressing room shortly before kick-off and never making it back.
A top Italian cardiologist explained yesterday that there is a serious concern over a lack of monitoring being performed on players. That this remains an issue despite the deaths and other collapses witnessed in recent times is a scandal. At a time when players are asked more than ever before to push their bodies to great lengths in a bid to sustain peak fitness, such blatant neglect should not be tolerated.
Morosini left a great impact on those who knew him. His name will be remembered by fans of the clubs he represented for the great effort he put in every week. But his legacy to the game must be the realisation that football needs to change for the better. There is no guarantee that more adequate testing would have saved Morosini, but there is clearly an issue to be addressed, and there will always be the fear that not enough was done in this case.
Players at every level of the sport, in every single country in the world, must be given regular physical examinations. It is enough that footballers go onto the pitch to risk their livelihoods, they must not be left to risk their lives too.
Every possible measure must be taken to avoid a repeat of what happened on Saturday. There had already been too many occurrences and now one more has been added, it is time for action to be taken. Fifa, as the world’s governing body, must drive forward with an initiative in this regard. It is the least they owe Piermario Morosini.
Serie A matches rescheduled for April 25 following Morosini death - report
The FIGC announced on Saturday that the weekend's matches would be suspended but, according to reports, they are now to be played out in a fortnight's time on Wednesday
Apr 14, 2012 9:00:00 PM
The Italian FA (FIGC) will reschedule Round 33's Serie A fixtures for April 25 after they were postponed due to the death of Piermario Morosini, according to Sky Sport 24.
AC Milan and Inter were busy preparing for their respective clashes with Genoa and Udinese on Saturday, but the Livorno midfielder's tragic passing earlier in the afternoon resulted in the FIGC suspending the weekend's matches.
It seems the games will now be played in two weeks' time, but it is expected that they will all be afternoon kick-offs to avoid overlapping with the Champions League semi-final second-legs later in the same evening.
However, the FIGC have yet to comment on a schedule change.
Lazio's Klose insists he's not putting country before club It has been claimed that the German's priority is being fully fit for Euro 2012 but he insists he is desperate to aid his club's attempts to qualify for the Champions League
Fundraising for Morosini's sister suspended
The Stadio Friuli outfit have decided to call off the initiative to raise funds after the Atalanta chief promised that the sister of the deceased midfielder will be looked after
Ibrahimovic: My future is at AC Milan
The 30-year-old striker is happy with life at San Siro and stated that the Rossoneri must avoid mistakes in the home stretch if they want to win the race for the Scudetto
Del Piero surprised at Agnelli's refusal to grant him Juventus extension
The experienced striker said that he does not know what he will do in the future and revealed that this has been the most difficult period of his career
Ibrahimovic does not want to leave AC Milan, says agent
The striker's representative insists that the player does not want to leave San Siro, but noted that his future will not be simply decided by the years left on his contract
Hamsik: I love this shirt and want to stay at Napoli
The Slovakia international has not lost faith in the club's project and stressed that he is looking to remain at the Stadio San Paolo for the foreseeable future
Udinese reportedly interested in signing Flamengo's Willians
The South American player's agent has declared that the Zebrette have been in contact over a potential move to the Serie A club in the next transfer window
Del Piero set for Australian swansong in Juventus tour - report
The unbeaten Serie A leaders are set to take on an A-League club in a friendly on May 27 in what could be the talismanic forward's final appearance for the Old Lady
Sneijder set to resume Inter training
The Netherlands international has spent the past four weeks on the sidelines due to injury, but is closing in on his comeback as he prepares to return to regular practice
Juventus give Pogba an ultimatum to make decision on summer move
The Serie A side have grown tired of waiting for the 19-year-old to decide on a move to Italy, and have told the midfielder he has until the end of the month to make up his mind
Giovinco will play for a big club next season, declares agent
The Italy international, who is co-owned by Juventus, is attracting the interest of several top Italian and European sides, according to his representative, Andrea D'Amico
Juventus and Real Madrid both wanted to sign Cavani from Danubio, claims ex-Palermo director Foschi
The much-coveted forward arrived in Sicily five years ago but he could easily have ended up in Turin or the Spanish capital, according to the Padova official
Villas-Boas recommended me to Inter, reveals Guarin
The Colombia international has explained that the ex-Chelsea boss, who has been linked with a switch to San Siro himself, advised the Serie A side to sign him
Maxi Lopez will stay at AC Milan, claims agent
The Argentine striker's representative believes that his charge has done more than enough to impress, despite not featuring regularly for the Rossoneri
Roma reportedly keen to extend Kjaer loan deal
The Giallorossi want to extend the Denmark international's stay for another season before they decide whether to sign him on a permanent basis
Ranieri: Experience is not a requirement for a coach
The 60-year-old thinks that a coach can succeed even if he does not have much experience, but insisted that Villas-Boas took the wrong approach at Chelsea
Games in Italian third and fourth tiers will no longer be played without defibrillators present, says Lega Pro chief
The man at the helm of Italy's minor competition has said that he wants proper medical equipment to be readily accessible in the wake of the Piermario Morosini tragedy on Saturday
Balotelli: Morosini's death has taught me to respect life
The Manchester City attacker was shocked to hear about the Livorno midfielder's tragic death, and added that the tragic event has puts things in perspective
Conte to sign Juventus contract extension until 2015 - report
The Serie A leaders are very satisfied with their head coach's work and are hopeful of holding on the former Italy international for several more seasons
Moussa Sissoko on Inter radar - report
The Frenchman has supposedly caught the attention of the Serie A giants as the Nerazzurri are looking to add some fresh blood to their squad for the 2012-13 campaign
Di Natale: Udinese will look after Morosini's sister
The Zebrette captain has expressed his sadness with the unexpected death of his former team-mate, and added that the club will make sure his sister is looked after
I want to be Fiorentina's Totti, says Jovetic
The Montenegrin has pledged his loyalty to the Viola after making known that he wants to become club captain one day, while also being remembered as their very own 'Er Pupone'
Reja: Klose's season may be over
The Biancocelesti coach has admitted that the Germany international could be out of action for the remainder of the 2011-12 campaign due to injury
The Stadio Friuli outfit have decided to call off the initiative to raise funds after the Atalanta chief promised that the sister of the deceased midfielder will be looked after
Apr 17, 2012 6:30:00 PM
By Luis Mira
Udinese have announced that they will no longer be accepting donations for the severely disabled sister of Piermario Morosini.
The Serie A club had set up the fund on Monday with the hopes of raising enough money to provide support to Maria Carla Morosini, who is in a nursing home in the province of Bergamo.
However, the initiative has been suspended after Atalanta president Antonio Percassi personally pledged to look after Maria Carla for the rest of her life.
All those who have already donated will be contacted by Udinese to find out whether they want to be reimbursed or send their money to Maria Carla anyway.
They will also be invited to watch the rescheduled Serie A match between Udinese and Inter at the Stadio Friuli on Wednesday, April 25.
Morosini died after suffering a suspected heart attack in the Serie B match between Livorno and Pescara on Saturday.
A minute's silence in honour of the midfielder will be held in every match that takes place until the end of the week in Italy.
Di Natale: Udinese will look after Morosini's sister
The Zebrette captain has expressed his sadness with the unexpected death of his former team-mate, and added that the club will make sure his sister is looked after
Apr 16, 2012 7:44:00 AM
By Stefan Coerts
Antonio Di Natale has revealed that Udinese will provide the proper financial and emotional support to the sister of former team-mate Piermario Morosini.
Morosini, who was on loan at Livorno, collapsed on the pitch in his side's Serie B game against Pescara on Saturday and died on his way to the hospital at the age of 25.
The player's sister relied on Morosini for financial support following the death of their parents, and Di Natale has assured that Udinese will now look after her.
"We know the situation of his sister and we as a team, the club, and Udinese for Life have decided to help her because she is in real need," Di Natale told Udinese channel.
"It is essential to stay by the side of Piermario’s sister for her entire life. She needs us and we want to help, both for her and for Mario.
"When I saw the scene on the TV it was immediately clear that it was something serious. It was a very bad moment. He was an exceptional lad, so full of life. Despite all the problems he had, he was always at the disposal of the team and every day he gave us all strength."
The Italian Football Association (FIGC) opted to cancel all Serie A fixtures in the wake of Morosini's tragic death.
Games in Italian third and fourth tiers will no longer be played without defibrillators present, says Lega Pro chief
The man at the helm of Italy's minor competition has said that he wants proper medical equipment to be readily accessible in the wake of the Piermario Morosini tragedy on Saturday
Apr 16, 2012 2:39:00 PM
By Alex Mott
Lega Pro director general Francesco Ghirelli says that the coming weekend's games will not go ahead if defibrillators are not present at every stadium in the competition.
Ghirelli hopes to tackle the issue of cardiac-related health issues head on after the tragic death of Livorno's Piermario Morosini on Saturday, and wishes to ensure that all fixtures played at the 90 venues in the third and fourth tiers are well stocked with medical supplies.
"By Thursday, we want all of the club's presidents to have put out a written statement, saying that they will have defibrillators at the side of the pitch," Ghirelli told Calciomercato.com.
"If not, we should not play this weekend. We want better organisation, medical training and intervention.
"This should never happen again."
Ghirelli's announcement comes on the back of calls for defibrillators to be more widely available across all leagues in Italy following Morosini's death after suffering a cardiac arrest on Saturday during Livorno's Serie B clash with Pescara.
The Amaranto have said they will will retire the number 25 shirt in his honour, a step which the midfielder's former club Vicenza similarly announced on Sunday.
Hamsik reportedly signs new Napoli contract until 2016
The Slovakia international has put an end to speculation about his future at the San Paolo by penning a new deal with the Partenopei
Mutu: I will only join Dinamo Bucharest if they qualify for the Champions League
The Cesena forward admits there is a good chance that he will return to his former team next season, but only if they secure a place in Europe's most elite club competition
Muntari slams Inter technical director: No one can stand Branca
The midfielder believes that he deserved an explanation for his lack of playing time at the club and says the entire Nerazzurri squad dislikes the Italian
Moggi: It would be a mistake if Juventus let Del Piero go
The experienced attacker is expected to leave the Bianconeri once his contract expires at the end of the season, but the former director feels they should keep him at the club
'I've shown that I'm good enough for AC Milan' - Maxi Lopez
The Argentine joined the Rossoneri on a six-month loan deal in the January transfer window, and feels he is deserving of a permanent move in the summer
Zoff: Football could do with more people like Zanetti
The former goalkeeper has nothing but positive words for the veteran Argentine, and believes that the Nerazzurri star still has plenty to offer despite his age
Juventus monitoring Iker Muniain
The Turin giants are closely tracking the young Spain international and they are also believed to be keen on strengthening their squad with two defenders and a midfielder
Inter's Nagatomo believes both Kagawa and Kawashima could find success in Serie A
The Inter defender reacted positively to Italian media reports that AC Milan has expressed interest in fellow Japan national team regulars Shinji Kagawa and Eiji Kawashima
Italy boss Prandelli coy on potential call-ups for Totti and Del Piero
Both players are now well into their thirties but there is a growing clamour for at least one of them to be included in the Azzurri squad for Poland and Ukraine
Juventus will not allow Del Piero to slip away, argues Allegri
The legendary trequartista has been rolling back the years in recent weeks and the Rossoneri boss suspects that the World Cup winner will now remain in Turin
Zanetti keen for Stramaccioni to continue as Inter coach
The trainer has been appointed on an interim basis until the summer, but his skipper believes that he has shown enough to suggest he can restore the club to their former glory
Vialli: Maybe Del Piero's presence intimidates Juventus' other strikers
The Bianconeri's all-time record goalscorer is out of contract in the summer but the club's supporters are now calling for him to be offered a new deal in light of his good form
Del Piero would excel at Udinese, says Pozzo
The president of the Stadio Friuli outfit believes that the forward would be a quality addition to his side, but admitted that his wage demands might scupper a potential deal
No Napoli contact for Chivu, says agent
The Romanian's representative has affirmed that the Partenopei have not yet come knocking for his client, but admitted that southern Italian club is an appealing destination
Nesta: I will never join Juventus
The Italian defender has said that he will not join the Turin outfit at the end of the season, but conceded that he does not yet know what his future holds
Materazzi hits out at Juventus over Del Piero treatment: Gratitude in football is dead
The former Inter defender believes that his countryman should be given a new deal by the Bianconeri that would allow him to complete his 20th year in Turin
Corinthians reportedly give up on signing Forlan
The Brazilian club do not agree with the Nerazzurri's valuation of the player and have dropped out of the race for the 32-year-old
Berlusconi knows and understands football, says Allegri
The Rossoneri coach has spoken of his good relationship with the controversial 75-year-old, and stressed that he does not have a problem with Alexandre Pato
I'd love to see Robben and Benzema at Juventus - Fabio Cannavaro
The former Bianconeri defender has advised the Serie A leaders to add two big stars to their squad, and believes that the current team reminds him of Fabio Capello's Juve
'Juventus will be like Real Madrid and Barcelona in two years' - Tacchinardi
The retired midfielder stated that the Turin club will soon be on top of the football world and was full of praise for the work of the Bianconeri directors
Totti: I want to play until I am 40
The veteran says that he would love to feature for the Giallorossi as long as he is fit and healthy, and has backed Luis Enrique to deliver some silverware to the Italian capital
AC Milan's Galliani tight-lipped over Balotelli rumours
The Rossoneri official refused to say whether his side are planning a move for the gifted striker, who has been linked with a return to Italy in recent weeks
San Siro to switch to artificial pitch
The home ground of Inter and AC Milan will convert to an artificial turf during the off season, and is expected to be ready in time for the 2012-12 campaign
AC Milan to offer Ambrosini, Gattuso & Nesta new contracts - report
The experienced trio's deals all expire at the end of the season, and the Rossoneri are keen to retain the services of the three players, suggests reports from Italy
Agent: Acerbi keen on AC Milan move
The centre-back's representative has stated that his client would be open to a transfer to San Siro, even if a deal is not currently in place at the time being
Juventus set sights on Van Persie
The Bianconeri are keen to add a high-profile name to their attack in the summer transfer window, and have earmarked the Dutchman as a priority in their shopping list
Juventus' Padoin: We believe we can win the Scudetto
The midfielder is confident that the Bianconeri have what it takes to stay ahead of rivals AC Milan for the remainder of the season and win the league title
Kawashima admits interest in Milan, would relish opportunity to fight for a role in the team
After two years with Belgium's Lierse, the Japan international will be a free agent in June and has set his sights on joining a Serie A club in the summer transfer window
Brescia's Omar El Kaddouri interested in Lazio but dreaming of Barcelona
The former Anderlecht midfielder has been linked with several Serie A sides in recent months and he freely admits that he now feels ready for the top flight
Forlan wants to stay at Inter, insists agent
The Uruguayan has endured a poor debut season in Serie A and has been linked with a return to South America, but his representative claims he will remain at San Siro
Roma set to recall Heinze for Juve clash - report
The Argentine defender was demoted to the bench for last weekend's clash with Udinese, but lined up alongside Simon Kjaer in training on Thursday
Albertini: Italy must consider Di Natale for Euro 2012
The former Azzurri midfielder believes that the Udinese forward is 'one of the eligible candidates' for a place in Cesare Prandelli's squad because of his goals record
AC Milan tried to sign Criscito prior to Zenit move, claims agent
The player's representative has left the door open for his client to move to San Siro, despite affirming that the defender is happy with life in Russia
Ambrosini: Ibrahimovic can lead AC Milan to another Scudetto
The experienced midfielder insisted that his side are still in the race for the league title and praised the leadership skills of the Sweden international
Mazzarri stopped me from joining Napoli, reveals Trezeguet
The former France international thought that his experience would be an attractive asset to the southern Italian club, but the transfer was vetoed by the 50-year-old
Apr 20, 2012 1:25:00 PM
David Trezeguet revealed that he was poised to join Napoli, only for Partenopei coach Walter Mazzarri to veto the deal.
The Frenchman, currently plying his trade in Argentina with River Plate, endured an unhappy stint with Baniyas after leaving Hercules last summer.
The 34-year-old has now disclosed that he was on the verge of joining the San Paolo club, but was prevented from doing so.
"It could have been a positive experience, not only for the city, but also because Napoli were competing on three fronts, and had little experience in Europe," he told Sky Italia.
"I thought I might be able to bring something extra to an already competitive team, but they told me that their coach didn't agree."
Napoli are currently six points adrift of Lazio, who occupy the final Champions League place.
The home ground of Inter and AC Milan will convert to an artificial turf during the off season, and is expected to be ready in time for the 2012-12 campaign
Apr 20, 2012 12:58:00 PM
The playing field at San Siro will be relayed this summer as a hybrid pitch combining synthetic and natural layers will replace the current turf, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports.
Barcelona filed an official complaint about the state of the pitch at San Siro after their Champions League quarter-final against AC Milan, while Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger also criticised the conditions of the Rossoneri's home ground earlier this season.
The work on the pitch is expected to start in June after the 2011-12 campaign is concluded for both Milan and Inter, and should be finished in time for the Trofeo Berlusconi encounter between the Rossoneri and Juventus in August.
The pitch in the Giuseppe Meazza has been in poor condition ever since a third tier was added to the arena for the 1990 World Cup.
Napoli climbed to fifth with a 2-0 win over Novara in Serie A on Saturday while Parma and Catania also recorded victories.Without a win in their last five league fixtures, Walter Mazzarri's side finally broke through for a victory thanks to a dominant first-half performance.
Uruguayan Edinson Cavani opened the scoring after 21 minutes, converting Swiss midfielder Blerim Dzemaili's assist.Cavani then turned provider eight minutes before the break, setting up Paolo Cannavaro for Napoli's second.And that was all they needed as Novara - almost certain to be relegated - saw their winless streak extend to five.
Parma scored two second-half penalties as they cruised to a 3-0 rout of Cagliari. Italian Sebastian Giovinco netted the opener after 24 minutes before Sergio Floccari and Stefano Okaka scored from the spot in the latter stages of the contest. Alejandro Gomez and Felipe Seymour netted in Catania's 2-0 victory over Atalanta.
Udinese's hopes of securing a Champions League place were dealt a blow after they could only manage a goalless draw at Chievo. A win would have put them level with Lazio on points but they were lacking skill throughout the match. French forward Cyril Thereau missed a penalty on 43 minutes for Chievo.
