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Back for Milan & ready for Italy: Cassano has already hit the ground running ahead of Euro 2012 The striker had an ischemic stroke in October and looked set to be out until July, but just a few weeks after returning early he looks set to lead the Azzurri line at the Euros
Juventus keeping tabs on Ivanovic - report The Old Lady are believed to be interested in signing the Blues defender in the summer transfer window, and are also monitoring the progress of two Brescia youngsters
Allegri admits retaining Serie A title will require 'something extraordinary' from AC Milan The 44-year-old is under no illusion as to what is needed for his side to lift another Scudetto, but insists they must not rest on their laurels in the hope Juventus lose
Baldini hints Roma will give Luis Enrique 'at least another year'
The Giallorossi director has dropped his biggest indication yet that the Spaniard will be retained by the club after admitting he was encouraged by the performance against Napoli
Zamparini is a tyrant, claims Panucci in wake of Palermo departure
The former Italy defender was scathing in his assessment of the 70-year-old after revealing the details behind his surprise exit from the Rosanero last week
Inter to offer €15 million and three players to Napoli for Lavezzi - report
The Nerazzurri are keen to bounce back from their disappointing season and see the Argentine as the perfect man to kickstart their summer transfer campaign
Stramaccioni tips Pazzini to shine against Cesena
The coach has warned that a difficult challenge awaits the Nerazzurri on Sunday, and backed the misfiring striker to make the difference against the already-relegated club
Palermo's Zamparini announces Dybala signing: He is the new Aguero
The Serie A side have allegedly secured the services of the promising Argentine, who has been linked with a move to a top European club in recent months
Conte: I believe Juventus can win the Scudetto
The 42-year-old coach trusts his side's chances of lifting the Serie A crown this term and highlighted the growth of the team since the start of the season
We will discuss the issue of Juventus' third star, says FIGC president Abete
The president of the Italian football federation will not comment on the matter for now but insisted that the organisation will act according to the rules
Flamini: I do not know why I am not playing at AC Milan
The France international guaranteed that his knee problems are behind him and admitted that he is eager to play again after several months on the sidelines
Maxi Lopez: It will be hard for AC Milan to win the Scudetto
The Argentine striker is refusing to write off his side's chances of topping the pile but admitted that the team's busy schedule played a role in the their downfall
Inter to offer €15 million and three players to Napoli for Lavezzi - report
The Nerazzurri are keen to bounce back from their disappointing season and see the Argentine as the perfect man to kickstart their summer transfer campaign
Apr 28, 2012 6:15:00 PM
Inter are willing to offer three players and €15 million to secure the services of Napoli strikerEzequiel Lavezzi, according to La Gazzetta Dello Sport.
The Argentine has caught the eye of plenty of clubs across Europe, with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City reportedly hot on the trail of the forward.
Lavezzi reportedly has a €30m exit clause in his contract, but the Nerazzurri are reportedly in no position to activate the option.
Inter are planning to include Goran Pandev, Joel Obi and Marco Faraoni in a potential deal. However, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is reportedly not willing to accept such an offer, but has not closed the door to negotiations.
Lavezzi has been one of the Partenopei's best performers this season, bagging nine goals in 26 Serie A appearances.
Platini looking forward to Juventus' return to the Champions League The Bianconeri legend is relishing the prospect of seeing the Old Lady compete with Europe's elite once again, and reserved special praise for midfielder Andrea Pirlo
Fit-again Guarin finally feeling 'of use' to Inter The Colombia international arrived at Appiano Gentile during the January transfer window but a calf problem has restricted him to just four Serie A appearances to date
AC Milan's Galliani laments long absence of Cassano and Gattuso The pair have only just returned to action after career-threatening conditions and the Rossoneri director has admitted that they have been sorely missed by the team
Cassano's miraculous Milan magic not enough as Juventus juggernaut closes in on Scudetto The Italy international returned to the starting line-up and steered the Rossoneri to victory, but they once again made no ground in the title race as the Bianconeri march on
Coppa Italia final will be my last game for Juventus, confirms Del Piero The Bianconeri great says nothing has changed in regards to him possibly prolonging his stay in Turin and thus is still on course for a departure after May 20's showpiece event
We are all happy for Cassano, says Abbiati after AC Milan's victory over Siena
The Rossoneri forward was in imperious form against Giuseppe Sannino's men on Sunday, scoring one and assisting another two, and his display has delighted his team-mates
Vidal 'proud' of Real Madrid interest but insists he is happy at Juventus
The Chilean admits he is pleased to form part of the Blancos' reported transfer wishlist in the summer, but says he wants to continue representing the colours of the Old Lady
Zarate reveals desire to stay at Inter after win over Cesena
The Argentine attacker admits he would rather remain at San Siro on a permanent basis than return to parent club Lazio after converting the winner on Sunday afternoon
Impenetrable defence one of the secrets of this Juventus side, claims Bonucci
The Italy defender has heaped praise on the Bianconeri's rearguard after a run in which Antonio Conte's troops have conceded just one goal in their last eight Serie A games
AC Milan's Allegri slams media persecution
It has been reported that the 46-year-old coach will be axed if the Rossoneri do not manage to hold onto the title he claimed in what was his first season at San Siro
I have my 12 agents negotiating a pay rise, jokes Inter's Stramaccioni
The former Primavera coach has only been appointed as boss until the end of the season but the Nerazzurri are now six games undefeated since he took charge last month
Juventus' Conte: We are masters of our own destiny
After their impressive victory at the Silvio Piola, the Bianconeri know that if they win their next two games, against Lecce and Cagliari, they will be champions of Italy
Juventus' third star is not Uefa's concern, says Platini
The Bianconeri have enraged their rivals by effectively claiming that they have won 29 Scudetti - and not 27, as the official record books now state because of 'Calciopoli'
Inter president Moratti will only move for Lavezzi if the price is right
The Argentina international has been in fine form for the Partenopei this season and has been heavily linked with the Nerazzurri for the best part of a year
I have no definitive position on my Roma future, admits Luis Enrique
With the Giallorossi in real danger of failing to qualify for the Champions League, the 41-year-old Spanish coach is rumoured to be heading for the exit door
Luis Enrique deserves respect, says Roma's Taddei
The Spanish trainer has come under fire, following the Giallorossi's disappointing performances in recent weeks, but he still has the full support of his players
Buffon: Juventus deserve Serie A title
The Italy international feels that the Old Lady are worthy of winning the Scudetto, but stressed they are not there just yet with four more games to be played
Conte: Winning the Scudetto would be comparable to Hellas Verona's success in 1985
The 42-year-old has stated that if his side win the league this term, it would be a similar feat to when the unfashionable Italian outfit won the title 27 years ago
It's not fair to blame Allegri for AC Milan's problems, says Eranio
The 45-year-old is refusing to use the Rossoneri's current trainer as an excuse for their faltering campaign, with Juve on the verge of winning the Serie A title
Lucio, Maicon and Sneijder have proven they are not finished, claims Stramaccioni
The youngest coach in Serie A has been buoyed by the performances of all three players since he succeeded Claudio Ranieri in the Nerazzurri hotseat at the end of March
Juventus are Leandro Damiao's first choice ahead of Real Madrid, says agent
The 22-year-old has been linked to a host of Europe's elite clubs and his representative has declared that he would prefer a move to the Bianconeri over Real Madrid
I advised AC Milan to sign Jovetic six years ago, says Dejan Savicevic
The former Rossoneri forward alerted Ariedo Braida to his compatriot's potential but his tip-off was ignored and the youngster ended up moving to Florence in 2008
Juventus mulling over move for Kalou
The Ivorian is out of contract at the end of the season and has attracted interest from around Europe but the Bianconeri are still not sure whether to bring the forward to Turin
Juventus remain Verratti's 'first choice', insists agent
Inter have reportedly expressed their interest in signing the 19-year-old playmaker, but the youngster has his heart set on a move to the Old Lady, according to his representative
Ibrahimovic: I'm like a fine wine because the older I am, the better I get
The 30-year-old striker feels that he is playing the best football of his career and he believes that he has done a 'fantastic job' for the Rossoneri this season
Inter and Lazio set for Zarate talks
The Argentine appeared certain to return to the Stadio Olimpico but he has been reborn under new coach Andrea Stramaccioni and could yet end up staying at San Siro
Allegri hopeful Thiago Silva will return for Milan derby
The Brazil international has been out of action for just over a month with a niggling thigh problem and is expected to make his comeback against the Nerazzurri on Sunday evening
Cagliari-Juventus could be moved - report
The Bianconeri would like the match to be moved so it kicked off in the evening, the same time as the Rossoneri's fixture against Andrea Stramaccioni's men
Lazio set to lose Stadio Olimpico for European football next season
The Roman club could be without a ground for European football in the 2012-13 campaign after failing to come to an agreement with the stadium's owners before the deadline
Mazzarri calls on fans' support in push for Champions League spot
The 50-year-old believes the Partenopei faithful can help the team in their efforts to secure qualification for Europe's elite competition for the second season in a row
Juventus interested in Aalborg's Laursen
The Danish side's representative has admitted the Turin club are interested in the 17-year-old, but has refuted claims a deal has been struck between the two teams
Cristiano Ronaldo: Never say never to Italy move
The Portuguese attacker has refused to rule out a switch to the Italian top flight, while also claiming that Jose Mourinho is the best coach in world football
Figo: Stramaccioni is a quality coach and Moratti is number one
The former winger heaped praise on the young trainer and the supremo for leading the club back into contention for a place in next season's Champions League
Marchetti and Dias suspended for rest of season
The Biancocelesti pair have been banned for the remainder of the Serie A campaign following their clashes with match officials in the aftermath of the 2-0 defeat to Udinese
Prandelli: If Cassano is ready for AC Milan then he is ready for Italy
The 54-year-old has confirmed that the Rossoneri forward is virtually assured of his place at Euro 2012 after a scintillating performance against Siena on Sunday
Luis Enrique: I will talk to Roma at the end of the season
The former Spain international will speak with the Giallorossi at the conclusion of the current campaign regarding his future, but claims he knows for certain what he wants to do
Quagliarella pens new contract with Juventus
The former Napoli man, who suffered a serious knee injury last season, has started to look like his old self again in recent weeks and has been rewarded with a new deal
Allegri '100 per cent sure' of AC Milan stay
It has been reported that the former Cagliari boss will be shown the door if the Rossoneri do not overhaul Serie A leaders Juventus over the course of the next three games
It would be a dream to play in the Olympics for Brazil, admits Thiago Silva
The highly-rated defender has only just returned from a thigh injury and is hoping to be included in Mano Menezes' squad for the Summer Games, which gets under way in July
Lazio players set to face punishment after altercation with referee in Udinese game - report
Federico Marchetti, Lionel Scaloni and Andre Dias could all receive bans after clashing with officials while the Zebrette coach has denounced the ugly incidents
Lazio set to lose Stadio Olimpico for European football next season
The Roman club could be without a ground for European football in the 2012-13 campaign after failing to come to an agreement with the stadium's owners before the deadline
Apr 30, 2012 10:40:00 PM
By Luke Matthews
Lazio look set to be without Stadio Olimpico for European competition next season after failing to come to an agreement with Coni, the company that owns the stadium.
The Biancocelesti needed to come to an arrangement with Coni by Monday, so they could be granted a licence by Uefa to host European football at the ground next season.
However, with the deadline having now passed, Coni president Gianni Petrucci has confirmed an agreement was not reached between both parties.
"The more time passes, the more I realise that with some people it is impossible to get along," Petrucci told news agency ANSA.
Lazio are currently sixth in Serie A but only on goal difference as they are level on points with Napoli in third spot.
Napoli interested in Ramirez, claims Bologna vice-president
The Rossoblu official has revealed that the southern Italian club are keen to secure the services of the talented youngster ahead of their meeting on Sunday afternoon
Schelotto dreams of Euro 2012 call-up for Italy
The 22-year-old admits he is working hard to become part of Cesare Prandelli's squad for this summer's European Championship in Poland and Ukraine
Zambrotta keen to remain at AC Milan, reveals agent
The 35-year-old's current contract with the Rossoneri expires this summer and his representative has admitted that his client would find it difficult to leave the club
Roma close in on Villas-Boas after Luis Enrique tells club he wants to quit
The former Chelsea manager has held talks with the Serie A club, who have been informed by their current boss that he will leave at the end of the season
Chivu considering extending stay at Inter amidst interest from France, Spain and Germany
The former Romania international, who arrived at San Siro from Roma in 2007, will be a free agent in the summer but he has been offered a new two-year deal by the Nerazzurri
Pirlo key to Juventus' revival, claims Conte
The Italy international was surprisingly released by AC Milan last summer but has proven his worth this season by inspiring the Bianconeri to a surprise Scudetto challenge
We want Luis Enrique to stay but he feels he's weighing down the players, reveals Roma's Sabatini
The former Barcelona B team coach has come under intense pressure in recent weeks and he now suspects that he is no longer the solution, but the problem
Acerbi: I feel ready to join AC Milan
The defender has set his sights on a move to the San Siro giants this summer, and feels he can only improve by training alongside better players
Ranocchia wary of Giovinco threat
The towering defender has admitted that the Parma forward could cause him problems in Wednesday's game, and added Inter have to defend as a unit
Cosmi: Lecce will give Juventus a game
The flamboyant coach has nothing but praise for the Serie A leaders, but has stressed that his side will do their utmost to cause an upset in Turin
Inter celebrate Hodgson's England appointment
The Nerazzurri have sent their best wishes to the 64-year-old, who previously had two spells as coach of the Italian giants, after he was announced as Fabio Capello's successor
Diamanti: I would be worth €40 million if my name was Diamantinho
The 28-year-old has suggested that Italian clubs are willing to spend more money on foreigners than they will to purchase domestic players
Destro: It would be an honour to play alongside Klose at Lazio The in-demand forward has admitted that he would love to play with the veteran Germany international, whilst claiming he came close to joining the Biancocelesti in the past
Juventus, Inter & AC Milan target Muriel to return to Udinese The Colombian forward has attracted interest from some of Serie A's biggest clubs in recent weeks yet the Zebrette's representative claims the player will return to Udine
Stekelenburg denies Roma exit rumours The former Ajax custodian has denied talk that he is looking to leave the Serie A side in the summer and has also spoken of his injury woes which may leave him out of the Euros
Gandini: AC Milan will not speak with Seedorf and nine other out-of-contract players until the season is over The 36-year-old Dutch midfielder has featured only sporadically this season and is now mulling over a move to Brazil after falling-out with Rossoneri boss Massimiliano Allegri
Wide open title race makes Milan derby all the more beautiful, admits Antonini The Rossoneri's hopes of retaining the Scudetto looked bleak but Juventus' shock 1-1 draw with relegation-threatened Lecce allowed them to move within a point of the Bianconeri
Zoff backs Buffon to put Lecce error behind him The former Bianconeri No.1 does not believe that the Azzurri captain will be affected by the poor touch which cost his side two precious points in their bid to land the Scudetto
Vincenzo Guerini appointed new Fiorentina coach as Rossi is banned for three months The 51-year-old will be forced to take a break from the game after the Italian football authorities concluded that his attack on Adem Ljajic was inexcusable
Inter will have to do Juventus or Milan a favour, says Moratti The 66-year-old supremo concedes that his side will have to give a helping hand to one of their two bitter rivals, while refused to rule out a top-three finish for his club
Stramaccioni believes Inter's Champions League dream is not over yet The young coach is hopeful that the Nerazzurri can save their season by climbing into third place in the table and qualifying for the play-offs of Europe's top club competition
Muntari not giving up on Serie A title The Ghanaian midfielder remains optimistic that the Rossoneri can leapfrog Antonio Conte's team in the league table in their two remaining fixtures of the season
Marchisio: Juventus must remain calm The influential midfielder has urged his side not to start panicking after Wednesday's draw, and stressed that the Old Lady still have everything in their own hands
Juventus use up their Get Out of Jail Free card as Buffon gifts AC Milan Scudetto lifeline The Bianconeri's hold on the title race was loosened thanks to the goalkeeper's bizarre late mistake, allowing the reigning champions to close the gap to a single point
Juventus reject chance to sign Balotelli The Italy international's agent has offered the flamboyant attacker to the Old Lady, but they have no intention to make a move for the former Inter starlet
Causio approves AC Milan's pursuit of Acerbi The former winger believes whoever wins the race for the Chievo stopper will have conducted a shrewd piece of business after describing him as a "great" player
Juventus are still in control of Serie A, says Allegri The Rossoneri boss has stressed that the Old Lady still have everything in their own hands, but added that anything's possible in the last two games
Fiorentina fire coach Delio Rossi after his attack on Adem Ljajic
The Viola boss has been dismissed after punching the Serbian midfielder after an early substitution in Wednesday evening's Serie A game against Novara that ended 2-2
Conte: Juventus must win remaining two games now to clinch the title
The Bianconeri coach has stressed that his side cannot afford to spill any more points in the remainder of the season following Wednesday's draw
Vidic agent dismisses Juventus links
Rumours surrounding the Manchester United man and a potential move to the Serie A club continue, but the player's representative has again rubbished reports of a transfer
Lavezzi is 'Neapolitan born and bred' and should stay at Napoli, declares De Laurentiis
The flamboyant Partenopei supremo feels that the much-coveted striker should ignore the temptation to accept a big-money offer from elsewhere and stay at the San Paolo
May 3, 2012 7:15:00 PM
By Mark Doyle
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has claimed that Ezequiel Lavezzi is “Neapolitan born and bred” and warned the Argentine against the perils of a move away from his adopted home.
The winger was one of the stars of the Partenopei’s stirring debut in this season’s Champions League and his fine form is rumoured to have attracted the interest of Europe’s elite, with Inter, Chelsea, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain all said to be considering summer bids for the player.
However, De Laurentiis believes that Lavezzi would be well advised to resist the lucrative contracts on offer elsewhere and remain in Naples, where is loved and adored.
“Although nobody knows this, he is a Neapolitan born and bred; the virus has entered his blood,” the Napoli owner is quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport. “If he goes or doesn’t go elsewhere, he will remain a Neapolitan.
“If he plays elsewhere, they will not recognise many of his characteristics that are viewed positively here.
“If he chooses to go, it could be worse for him. Seriously, I just want Ezequiel to do well. He has given me some terrific days in Serie A.”
De Laurentiis went on to pay tribute to Napoli for the way in which they recovered from their devastating European exit at the hands of Chelsea by propelling themselves back up the Serie A standings and into contention for an immediate return to Champions League football next season.
“In my opinion, we have great players and I am very satisfied with them,” he enthused. “I want to thank them for their professionalism.
“After the disappointment in London I did have to intervene, because I didn’t want to see sad faces - I understand their state of mind, they are young.
“However, they must be content to stay with us - the club is strong, wages are paid regularly - I’m still paying players who are no longer with us even.”
Galliani: I have a picture of Muntari's 'ghost goal' on my phone
The Ghanaian looked to have doubled the Rossoneri's lead in their clash with the Bianconeri earlier this year but match officials failed to spot his header had crossed the line
May 3, 2012 3:21:00 PM
By Mark Doyle
AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has revealed that he carries around a picture of Sulley Muntari's infamous 'ghost goal' against Juventus on his phone.
Muntari looked to have put the Rossoneri 2-0 up in their Serie A showdown with the Bianconeri in February but the match officials failed to notice that the midfielder's close-range header had travelled at least a metre over the line.
Given that Juve subsequently snatched a draw at San Siro and are currently in possession of a one-point lead over Milan with just two rounds of the season remaining, Galliani remains bitter not only about Muntari's goal that never was, but also a similar incident involving Robinho in Milan's draw at Catania in March.
"We'll talk calmly about Muntari's goal until the end of the championship," the Rossoneri director told Sky Sport Italia.
"I carry the photos of Muntari's goal and Robinho's goal on my phone, but I look more often at Muntari's.
"It's a very private picture and I don't show it on TV."
Having stuck to his recent superstition of leaving his seat in the stand before the full-time whistle in Milan's 2-0 win over Atalanta at San Siro, he admitted that he had been one of the last to know that Lecce had netted a late equaliser in Turin.
“I was just walking around in the dressing room and I didn’t believe it,” he confessed. “I thought it was a joke that Lecce had equalised, but it was true.
“It’s three or four games now that I have decided to stop watching Milan matches with about 10 minutes left.
“I can’t predict the future; all I will say is that we are having a great season. We have 77 points with two games left.
“Let’s just look ahead and we did well to not give up on the Scudetto when everything seemed lost.”
Meanwhile, Galliani revealed that in spite of their enthusiastic pursuit of Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez in January, the Rossoneri are not planning to make any major additions to their frontline during the summer.
"We’re not thinking about changing our attack,” he declared. “We’ll stay as we are.
“There will be time from May 14 until August 31 to think about the transfer market. Our thoughts for now are just on ending the season well.”
Up next for Milan is a mouth-watering derby against Inter at the Giuseppe Meazza on Sunday.
Di Natale: Breaking homosexuality taboo in football will be almost impossible
In response to Cesare Prandelli's calls for gay footballers to come out publicly, the Udinese forward has disagreed with the Italy boss on the grounds that it would be difficult
May 2, 2012 6:40:00 PM
By Livio Caferoglu
Antonio Di Natale has stated that the taboo of homosexuality in professional football will not be broken any time soon after admitting that the issue is a complicated one.
Earlier in the week, Italy coach Cesare Prandelli stated that gay footballers should come out publicly, but according to the Udinese forward, it would cause a severe backlash from the footballing world.
"Professionally, I admire Prandelli and am fond of the man, but I disagree with him [on homosexuality]," Di Natale was quoted as saying by La Repubblica.
"Breaking the taboo of homosexuality in football is difficult, almost impossible. I wonder how the fans would react?
"I'm sorry, but I disagree with the choice to go public, at least in football because privacy is very important. Our world, in some respects, is very complex."
However, one supporter of Prandelli's beliefs is Inter striker Diego Milito, who claimed that football fans would admire a player for not making their private life such a delicate matter.
"I agree with Prandelli. Personally I would not ever feel that my partner was living with a secret.
"But if so, it would be wrong to remain silent. I'm sure the fans, team-mates and sponsors would love a player not caring about his private life."
Zamparini: Things have only got worse since Calciopoli
The Palermo supremo has voiced his frustration with the standard of refereeing in Italy, and feels things are even worse now than during the scandal
May 2, 2012 8:35:00 PM
By Stefan Coerts
Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has expressed his anger with the standard of refereeing in Serie A, and feels that the Sicilians are being treated unfairly.
Zamparini added that things are even worse than during the Calciopoli scandal, and used Palermo's 2-0 loss against Napoli as an example.
The Partenopei got a controversial spot kick in Tuesday's game after Milan Milanovic involuntarily handled the ball inside his own area, and the Palermo chief was not amused.
"By influencing the outcome of the game, the referees are influencing the entire competition. Things are even worse now than during Calciopoli," Zamparini stated to Radio Radio.
"At least during Calciopoli the institutions controlled the refereeing system. Now they are independent and can do whatever they like.
"I am pretty sure the referees hate me. If it weren't for the affection of the Palermo fans, I'd already have left the game, and I'm again considering doing so."
Palermo currently sit 15th in the Serie A table with 42 points from 36 games.
Luis Enrique refuses to discuss his future at Roma The Giallorossi have suffered a dip in form, which has seen them slip out of the race for Champions League places, but the trainer insisted he is solely focused on the next game
Galliani: Ibrahimovic will not be moving to Real Madrid Rumours in the Spanish press have stated that the Santiago Bernabeu trainer has been in touch with the Swede, but the AC Milan vice-president is not too worried
Vidal: Juventus cannot afford any more mistakes The Bianconeri have a slender lead over AC Milan in the race for the league title with two games remaining, and the Chile international knows the Old Lady need to win both fixtures
Montreal Impact confirm Marco Di Vaio contract offer and hope to add Michael Ballack General manager Nick De Santis revealed that his team has offered the Italian an 18-month contract while ending interest in Alessandro Del Piero
We are interested in Lavezzi, says PSG scout Ciaschini The Ligue 1 giants have already splashed the cash in the past year and are believed to be readying themselves to make a big summer move for the Argentina international
Villas-Boas already has something in his hands, says Valencia spokesperson
The press officer of the Spanish outfit has revealed that the former Chelsea manager may be close to finding new employers, with Roma a potential destination
Balotelli has a fantastic career ahead of him but it all depends on him, says Inter director
The Serie A side's representative has spoken positively of the much-derided forward, claiming that the Italy international can go on to become a top player in the future
Injury rules De Ceglie out of Juventus’ last two Serie A fixtures
Juventus have announced that the Italian player will not take part in the title run-in as he picked up a muscular injury to his thigh on Wednesday
Hurt Mexes denies bust-up with Allegri and wanting to leave Milan
It had been alleged that the France international had become the latest player to have a falling out with the Rossoneri boss, but the centre-back insists otherwise
Boateng: AC Milan deserve Serie A title
Kevin-Prince Boateng hailed his side for staying in the Serie A title race, despite Muntari's disallowed goal against Juventus in February, which seemed to have sealed the title
I'll stay at Inter for as long as I'm wanted, reveals Milito
It appeared that the Argentine might be heading for the exit door at San Siro midway through the season but he has rediscovered his scoring touch and is now keen to stay put
Robinho plays down Santos rumours: I'm happy at AC Milan
It has been claimed that the Brazil international is open to rejoining his old side on loan for a year but the former Real Madrid and Manchester City man says he is going nowhere
Stankovic to undergo Achilles operation
The 33-year-old midfielder, who has struggled for form and fitness this season, requires surgery, meaning his campaign is over
Di Vaio confirms Bologna exit
The veteran striker has decided to part company with the Rossoblu after four incredible seasons at the Renato Dall'Ara, during which he netted 65 times in 135 Serie A games
Thiago Silva to miss Inter v Milan derby - report
The Rossoneri defender looks set to miss Sunday's Derby della Madonnina against the Nerazzurri as his thigh problems from earlier in the season continue to plague him
Juventus are arrogant and lack respect, says Cagliari president Cellino
The Sardinian club's supremo has hit out at the Old Lady for their perceived negative attitude against referees, while claiming that they have an inflated opinion of themselves
Delio Rossi: Attacking Ljajic was wrong but justifiable
The former Fiorentina coach has admitted that he made a mistake to punch the Serbia international, but reasoned that the midfielder went too far with his remarks
Stramaccioni: My future at Inter has already been decided
The 36-year-old reckons president Massimo Moratti already knows the trainer's fate, and took time to discuss the team likely to take to the pitch for the Milanese derby
'Zanetti was my idol' - Inter's Obi
The Nigerian midfielder has voiced his admiration for the Nerazzurri captain as well as Dejan Stankovic, and expressed his desire to keep on developing as a footballer
Berlusconi: Allegri will remain AC Milan coach
The Rossoneri supremo has denied rumours that the club is considering dismissing their current trainer at the end of the season if they don't win the Scudetto
Juventus could wrap up the Serie A title this weekend with a win against Cagliari - if second-placed AC Milan lose their derby with Inter.The current league-leaders only managed a 1-1 draw against Lecce on Wednesday after an error from goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon in the 85th minute gifted Lecce an equaliser. Juve, who are unbeaten in the league in 2011/12, need to regroup against Cagliari on Sunday to ensure Milan do not overtake them at the top of the table.
Antonio Conte's side are on 78 points, with Milan just one behind.Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani could not believe Juve let them move within a point of the top of the table."I was just walking around in the changing rooms and I didn't believe it," Galliani said."I thought it was a joke that Lecce had equalised, but it was true." AC Milan are up against city rivals Inter Milan on Sunday knowing that a loss could hand Juventus their first legitimate title since 2002/03.
At the other end of the table, Lecce, on the back of their late draw with Juventus, can move to the verge of Serie A-survival with a win on Saturday against Fiorentina.Lecce are currently in 18th position on the Serie A table with two games to go, just three points behind 17th-placed Genoa, who are outside the relegation zone. If Lecce defeat Fiorentina and Genoa lose to fourth-placed Udinese on Sunday, the two sides will swap spots.
Lecce coach Serse Cosmi wanted his side's game to be moved to Sunday to be played at the same time as Udinese's clash with Genoa."We want it changed because we want the championship to be decided in the right manner," Cosmi said. But on Thursday, Serie A officials rejected the request. Napoli can further strengthen their hold on Italy's third Champions League place with a victory in Bologna on Sunday.
But Udinese and Lazio, who travel to Atalanta, are ready to pounce if Napoli fail to win. In other matches on Sunday, Siena host Parma, Novara play Cesena and Chievo take on Palermo, while on Saturday Roma are up against Catania.
Roma's chances of playing in Europe next season took a hit after they drew with Catania on Saturday as Fiorentina also beat Lecce. At the Stadio Olimpico, however, Francesco Totti's 77th-minute goal helped Roma come from behind to earn a 2-2 draw with Catania, although the result sees the Giallorossi needing a miracle to earn a place in next season's Europa League.
In the second-last game of a disappointing campaign, Roma needed to win to climb into sixth on the table, and be just one point adrift of fifth-placed Lazio, who occupy Italy's final qualifying place for the Europa competition.But the draw sees the capital club remain seventh with 53 points, three points adrift of fifth and two points shy of sixth-placed Inter Milan.
Roma now need both those sides to lose their last two matches to have any hope of making Europe. It was hardly the result club skipper Totti deserved in his 500th league appearance for Roma, although the draw could be partially attributed to him after he saw his ninth-minute penalty saved to the left by Catania goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carizzo.
Totti also embarrassingly blazed the rebound from that spot-kick way over the bar as he blew the chance to give his side an early advantage, although he went some way to making up for it by opening the scoring for Roma in the 52nd minute with a left-footed strike.
Catania hit back six minutes later, however, as Gabriel Heinze brought down Pablo Barrientos in the area, allowing Franceso Lodi to equalise from the spot before Lodi produced a fine cross for Giovanni Marchese to fire home in the 67th minute. But Totti gave his side some hope of playing in Europe as he slotted Miralem Pjanic's cross with 13 minutes remaining, with the draw seeing Catania stay in 10th on the table.
Fiorentina, meanwhile, have climbed to 12th as they ended a terrible week on a high with a 1-0 victory at Lecce. Fiorentina headed into this match under a cloud after a 2-2 draw with Novara in mid-week, a result that saw the club sack coach Delio Rossi after he attacked midfielder Adem Ljajic in the dug-out.
But with team manager Vincenzo Guerini in charge for his first match in 14 years, Fiorentina proved too good for Lecce as Alessio Cerci's 35th-minute goal sealed the result and ensured the Tuscans are in no danger of being relegated. The same cannot be said for 18th-placed Lecce, however, now three points adrift of 17th-placed Genoa, who will relegate Lecce with one round remaining if they earn a draw in Sunday's clash with Udinese.
AC Milan have been unfortunate with injuries but the table does not lie, argues Lippi The Rossoneri have been forced to make do without key players for large parts of the campaign but the ex-Italy boss still feels that the Bianconeri will make for worthy champions
The destination of the Scudetto is in Inter’s hands, but would they rather Juventus or AC Milan win it? The Nerazzurri are in a unique position going into tonight's derby Della Madonnina as they could have the final word in the title race, or allow their neighbours to keep dreaming
The only team with something to lose are Juventus, claims AC Milan boss Allegri The Rossoneri coach is trying to turn up the heat on the Bianconeri, who allowed the reigning champions right back into the Scudetto race with a draw at home to Lecce
Julio Cesar hopes to atone for Inter's 'horrible' season with derby win After a difficult campaign, in which two coaches have parted company with the club, the Brazil international is desperate to give the supporters something to smile about
Milan derby will decide Serie A title race, says Rivera
The former Italy midfielder expects the outcome of the Derby della Madonnina to prove decisive in the Scudetto chase, and remains confident the Nerazzurri will be fired up
Cordoba announces he will leave Inter at the end of the season
The former San Lorenzo defender has revealed he will exit the Italian club at the end of the current campaign after spending 13 successful seasons at the Nerazzurri
Conte full of pride at Juventus Scudetto challenge
The former Siena trainer believes his team have done brilliantly to compete for the Serie A title and claims they have put the disappointing 1-1 draw against Lecce behind them
Eriksson denies holding talks with Fiorentina
The experienced Swede has dismissed reports that he is interested in rejoining the Viola who are without a trainer after sacking Delio Rossi earlier in the week
Allegri: It would annoy me if we end on the same amount of points as Juventus, let's hope that it doesn't happen
The former Cagliari trainer has spoken of how he would be disappointed if his side finished on the same points as the Bianconeri, meaning they would miss out on the Scudetto
Stramaccioni: I am the Inter coach and I want to stay here
The former Primavera trainer has reiterated that he would like to remain in charge of the Nerazzurri at the end of the current campaign ahead of the Derby dello Madonnina
Cavani: I feel good at Napoli
The Uruguay international has been a key part in transforming Walter Mazzarri's men into one of Italy's top teams over the last two seasons, and is not thinking about a move
AC Milan's Muntari eager to defeat Inter in Derby della Madonnina
The Ghana international, who is on loan at Massimiliano Allegri's side from the Nerazzurri, is eager to help his team to victory as the Rossoneri aim to defend the Scudetto
The trainer, who was dismissed by the Florence-based outfit after punching the Serbia international during the draw against Novara, has shed more light on the incident
May 5, 2012 12:15:00 PM
By Gareth McKnight
Delio Rossi has revealed that he attacked Adem Ljajic after the midfielder insulted his mother.
The Serbian was clearly upset about being substituted in the Viola's 2-2 draw with Novara on Wednesday, and taunted his boss over the decision.
Rossi in turn responded by attacking the player on the bench and this resulted in the coach being sacked shortly after the game.
"As Ljajic was entering the dugout, he turned to me and offended me in Serbian," Rossi told La Repubblica.
"But I have coached many Serbian players, and I understood what he said, he said 'f*** your mother'," he stated.
Rossi has been replaced at Fiorentina by Vincenzo Guerini.
Serie A wrap: Juventus clinch title, Inter win derby
7 May 2012
Juventus secured their first legitimate Serie A title since 2002/03 with a 2-0 win over Cagliari as AC Milan lost to Inter Milan on Sunday.A goal to Mirko Vucinic and an own goal from Cagliari defender Michele Canini clinched Juventus' victory away from home.Juventus went into Sunday knowing that a win could give them the league title and went for it from the start.
Vucinic gave the visitors the lead in the sixth minute, running onto a long ball out of defence to finish smartly from a tight angle.Despite the fact that the Montenegrin striker looked offside, the goal stood and Juve celebrated as if they already had the title wrapped up.
But the league-leaders had to wait almost 70 minutes to make sure of the three points against Cagliari.Martin Caceres' right-wing cross in the 74th minute was meant for Marco Borriello but Canini got his foot to the ball first and it looped over goalkeeper Michael Agazzi into the net.That goal sealed Juventus' 28th Italian league title as AC Milan went down 4-2 to cross-town rivals Inter.
The title race was on the way to continuing for another week with the scores tied at 2-2 with just over 10 minutes remaining but Inter foiled their city rival's hopes thanks to a penalty from Diego Milito and a thumping strike from Maicon. Milito gave Inter the lead after 14 minutes but Zlatan Ibrahimovic brought AC Milan back level with a penalty in the 44th minute and then a second goal a minute after the break.
Milito levelled the scores again with a penalty before completing his hat-trick with his second goal from the spot, while Maicon gave Inter fans even more to celebrate with his great goal in the 87th minute. In another thrilling match, Palermo secured a 4-4 draw with Chievo thanks to an 89th-minute goal from Matias Silvestre.
Udinese moved into third spot thanks to a 2-0 win over Genoa, replacing Napoli who lost 2-0 away to Bologna. Napoli's slip up also allowed Lazio to take fourth spot with a 2-0 victory against Atalanta. In other Serie A results on Sunday, Parma won 2-0 away to Siena and Novara triumphed 3-0 over Cesena.
Juventus success proves I am still number one, claims Pirlo
The Italy playmaker feels he has been fully vindicated in his decision to swap Milan for Turin last summer, after playing a pivotal role in the side's Serie A triumph this season
Ibrahimovic vows to stay at AC Milan after losing Serie A title to Juventus
The Swede has committed his future to the Rossoneri despite their failure in the race for the Scudetto, which he apologised for after the defeat to Inter on Sunday
Del Piero happy to end trophy drought with Juventus
The legendary forward says that winning the Serie A title has left a special taste in his mouth, but insists that it is not the right time to discuss his future
Massimiliano Allegri: AC Milan will be back next season
The Rossoneri coach concedes that Juventus were the better side over the course of the 2011-12 campaign but warns that they will come back stronger next year
Juventus are back, says Bonucci after clinching Serie A title
The Bianconeri defender is overjoyed after his team got the better of Cagliari on Sunday to win the Scudetto with one more round of games remaining in Serie A
The miracle of San Antonio: Juventus Scudetto success would have been impossible but for Conte's magic
The rookie top-flight coach has wowed the whole country with his magnificent approach, which has now been rewarded with the Serie A title
Conte eyes Serie A dominance with Juventus: It is Scudetto number one for me
The Bianconeri boss reveals that he hopes Sunday's title success is the first of many while he is at the helm in Turin, and congratulates the players and the fans for their triumph
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's eight-year winning streak comes to an end after Juventus Scudetto success
The Swede had chalked up an incredible run of eight successive domestic championships, but the Bianconeri's title win has ended his magnificent record
The Old Lady is back: Juventus are Italy's best again as they roar to Scudetto glory
The Bianconeri have returned to the top of the Italian game, and their magnificent 37-match unbeaten run proves they are deserving champions
Reja: Lazio now want to beat Inter
The Biancocelesti coach was over the moon with his side's victory on Sunday, and is hopeful of winning the last game of the season in order to finish third
Sabatini: Luis Enrique remains Roma's first option
The Giallorossi's director of football has stressed that the club are not looking at other coaches as they are hopeful that their current trainer will stay in the Italian capital
Shevchenko backing for under-pressure AC Milan boss Allegri
There is mounting speculation that the 44-year-old coach will be dismissed if the reigning Italian champions are pipped to this season's title by Juventus
I never insulted Rossi's mother, insists Fiorentina's Ljajic
The former Palermo coach has been fired by the Viola after assaulting the 20-year-old Serb, but he maintains that he was the victim of strong provocation on Wednesday
AC Milan's draw in the derby della Madonnina gives the Turin side an unassailable lead at the top of the league with one round still to play
May 6, 2012 9:42:00 PM
By Kris Voakes
Juventus tonight clinched their 28th Serie A title thanks to a 2-0 win over Cagliari, with AC Milan's 4-2 defeat to Inter sealing the crown. The two results combined served to send the Turin side four points clear of the Rossoneri with one game remaining.
Juve picked up their first official title since 2003 thanks to goals from Mirko Vucinic and Marco Borriello in Trieste, while the Nerazzurri earned the spoils in front of 80,000 fans at San Siro.
Antonio Conte's men have led the way in Serie A for much of the season, but a run of draws led to Milan gaining the advantage heading into the final 10 games. However, just as the Rossoneri slumped, the Turin side hit their best run of form all term, racking up eight successive wins before their draw with Lecce on Wednesday.
They also remain unbeaten so far in the league this season, with their 37-match run the longest ever in a single Italian campaign. Their total of 38 successive league games without defeat stretches back to their defeat at Parma on May 15, 2011, since when they have won 22 games and drawn 16.
While the title is the Bianconeri's first official crown in nine years, their continued fight for the return of their revoked 2004-05 and 2005-06 titles means that the club may well go ahead with plans to sew a third gold star to their shirts next season in recognition of a 30th success in total.
The triumph coincides with a number of firsts, as this has been their debut season at the new Juventus Stadium, while coach Conte has never previously taken charge of a Serie A club for a full campaign.
Vasco confirm Allan transfer to Udinese
The Brazilian side reveal the versatile youngster will join the Serie A club in the summer for €3m and will travel to Italy next week to finalise the terms of his contract
AC Milan to offer Flamini new deal until 2014 - report
The French midfielder appeared to be on his way out of the Rossoneri this summer, but might remain with Massimiliano Allegri's men after all if he accepts a pay-cut
Vidal: I'm not thinking about Real Madrid
The Chile international has insisted that he is happy with life at the Bianconeri, and is not thinking about a summer move to the newly-crowned Spanish champions
Van Persie is one of 'the most complete players' around, admits Juventus director Marotta
The 57-year-old Italian is a huge fan of the Dutchman but he hinted that whether the Bianconeri move for the forward could hinge on the future of Marco Borriello
Dede: AC Milan's Thiago Silva is the best defender in the world The Vasco favourite makes no secret of his admiration for the Italy-based player, but insists he has no desire to join him in Serie A
Bologna place €20 million price tag on Ramirez The Uruguay international is almost certain to leave the Renato Dall'Ara during the upcoming transfer window but the Rossoblu are prepared to dig their heels in over the fee
Fiorentina's Behrami: Rossi lied about Ljajic attack The Italian coach was fired by the Viola for assaulting the Serbian in the dugout during last week's draw with Novara but he has since claimed that the striker insulted his mother
Roma's Krkic uncertain of his future The Spanish striker is still uncertain as to which club he will be playing for next season in the wake of a disappointing campaign in Italy
Nancy's Traore announces AC Milan move The Malian midfielder has confirmed that he will ply his trade at San Siro next season and stressed that he is confident about his chances of making an impression in Italy
Forlan dismisses Atletico Mineiro link The Uruguay international is in the dark about a reported meeting between the Brazilian club and his father, but insists that formal negotiations have not yet taken place
I should have skipped Barcelona game, says Pato The Brazilian forward believes he never should have played against the Spanish giants and remains hopeful that he will feature for Brazil at the World Cup
Gattuso wants to stay at Milan, says agent The experienced midfielder is apparently keen to prolong his stay at San Siro and continue playing for the foreseeable future despite hinting on Monday that he could retire
De Sanctis: Champions League race is not over The veteran custodian expressed his hopes that the Partenopei can still qualify for Europe's premier club competition despite their recent setback against Bologna
Gianluigi Buffon is new AIC vice-president Following his Scudetto triumph the 34-year-old goalkeeper has been selected to represent the union of Italian football players despite continuing to play professionally
Eljero Elia: I want to leave Juventus The Netherlands international is desperate to move on after a rather disappointing season at the Bianconeri as he wants to secure regular first-team action elsewhere
Platini: Juventus could struggle in Champions League The Uefa president has expressed his joy with the Bianconeri's Serie A success, but warned them that playing in Europe's elite competition is something completely different
Moratti: Hopefully Juventus won't continue to 'cause controversy' The Inter supremo has congratulated the Serie A champions for their Scudetto triumph, but added that he hopes the Old Lady won't stir up any more contentious issues
Juventus was an option for Giuseppe Rossi before his injury, claims agent Federico Pastorello said his client could have ended up in Turin after the summer's European Championship, but the recurrence of his ailment put the switch on ice
Berlusconi confirms Allegri will stay at Milan
The Rossoneri supremo has assured the Livorno native that his job in charge of his team remains intact, despite surrendering to Juventus in the Serie A title race this season
Agnelli confident over third star: Juventus fans will be in for a nice surprise
The Bianconeri president echoed the sentiments of club stakeholders, stating that the team won all 30 Scudetti on the pitch and that he is expecting a positive outcome
Di Natale coy over retirement plans
Quotes from the Udinese striker claiming he would retire after Euro 2012 had surfaced, but he has since put the record straight and insists that his sole focus is on the Friuliani
Manchester United's Pogba accepts Juventus offer
The French teenager has spent over a month considering his future at Old Trafford but he is now poised to sign a four-year contract with the newly-crowned champions of Italy
Buffon: AC Milan players 'laughed in my face' when I told them Juventus would win the title
The Italy captain has explained that he knew that the Bianconeri's new stadium, which officially opened last September, would propel them towards the Scudetto
Gattuso: I need to play in order to feel alive
The midfielder explained that he will not sign a new deal if he is going to be sitting on the bench every week, but admitted that the ageing Rossoneri need freshening up
I have never received an official offer from PSG, insists Pato
The Brazilian has dismissed the claim that he was on the verge of joining Carlo Ancelotti's side during the January transfer window and reiterated that he is happy at San Siro
Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva will remain at AC Milan, declares Galliani
Both men have been linked with moves to Spain, with the Swede allegedly keen on working with Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho again, and the Brazilian still of interest to Barcelona
AC Milan's season has been one big failure, claims Ibrahimovic
The Sweden international was distraught after failing to collect a league winners' medal for the first time in eight years and bemoaned the Rossoneri's injury problems this term
Stramaccioni deserves permanent Inter job - back him & Moratti can enjoy more Milan maulings
The former Primavera coach has been given the go-ahead to take the club into the new season, but if he is to take the Nerazzurri forward he must be handed a fair crack of the whip
Ibrahimovic vows to stay at AC Milan but wants assurances over club's transfer plans
The Swede insists that he is happy where he is, but is now hoping that the Rossoneri implement their plan to bring in some world-class players during the off-season
Stramaccioni will continue as Inter coach, confirms Moratti
The Nerazzurri supremo has revealed that the young coach's services will be retained in the first team beyond the 2011-12 campaign following the derby win over Milan
Intercepting his passes is like stealing the Mona Lisa from the Louvre - If Pirlo was still at Milan, Juventus would not be champions
The former AC Milan man has come back to haunt his former side, with their decision to release him leading to the Bianconeri winning back the Scudetto
Marchisio: I’ve been waiting for this Scudetto since I broke into the first team
The Italy international has voiced his satisfaction with his side's long-awaited league success, and is confident that the team will continue to grow next season
Conte: Juventus want to finish the season unbeaten
The Bianconeri boss has hailed his team's Scudetto win as extraordinary, but now wants his side to complete the Serie A term undefeated in what he hopes will be a "historic feat"
Roma eager to send Bojan back to Barcelona - report
The Catalans are obliged to re-sign the attacker in the summer of 2013, but his current club are keen to part company with the forward ahead of the 2012-13 campaign
Redemption starts here: Juventus' Scudetto success ends years of hurt, but could be just the beginning
The Bianconeri's wonderful season has taken them back to the top of Italian football, but now they must kick on to regain their place as the dominant club of calcio
Milito: Stramaccioni deserves Inter job
The Argentine attacker has voiced his opinion that the caretaker boss deserves the position on a permanent basis following the side's good results in recent weeks
AC Milan's Abate: Juventus deserve Serie A title
The Italy international has admitted that the Bianconeri are the worthy champions this term following Sunday evening's results as he played down Sulley Muntari's ghost-goal
Marotta: Juventus' '30th title' down to Conte
The club's sporting director has insisted that they consider the 2011-12 title to be their 30th Scudetto win in the club's history, and praised the team coach for the success
