Serie A Season 2011/2012

[Marek Hamsik]

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Roma 3 - 1 Atalanta
All Goals & Highlights 01.10.11


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Inter Milan 0 - 3 Napoli
All Goals & Highlights 01.10.11


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Juventus 2 - 0 AC Milan
All Goals & Highlights 02.10.11


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Udinese 2 - 0 Bologna
All Goals & Highlights 02.10.11


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Fiorentina 1 - 2 Lazio
All Goals & Highlights 02.10.11


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Parma 3 - 1 Genoa
All Goals & Highlights 02.10.11


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Lecce 0 - 2 Cagliari
All Goals & Highlights 02.10.11


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Novara 3 - 3 Catania
All Goals & Highlights 02.10.11


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Palermo 2 - 0 Siena
All Goals & Highlights 02.10.11


​

 

[Marek Hamsik]

"Europe absence will benefit Juve"
Former Italy midfielder Marco Tardelli believes the lack of European football will only benefit Juventus in their bid for the Serie A title.

Boban blasts AC Milan for letting Pirlo go
AC Milan legend Zvonimir Boban has criticised his former side for allowing midfielder Andrea Pirlo to leave for title rivals Juventus over the summer.

Pioli targets survival for Bologna
New Bologna coach Stefano Pioli is confident he can guide the club away from the Serie A drop zone.

De Rossi confident of new Roma deal
Daniele De Rossi is confident he will reach an agreement with Roma regarding his contract extension.

Milan or Manchester for Javi Garcia
AC Milan will face stiff competition from Manchester United for the signature of Benfica's defensive midfielder Javi Garcia, according to reports.

Bologna appoint Pioli as coach
Serie A strugglers Bologna have appointed Stefano Pioli as their new coach after sacking Pierpaolo Bisoli.

Struggling Bologna sack Bisoli
Bologna have sacked coach Pierpaolo Bisoli after just five league games in charge, the Serie A club confirmed on Tuesday.

Cisse reveals mega Guangzhou offer
Djibril Cisse has revealed he turned down a chance to move to China this summer and joined Lazio instead in the hope of returning to the France fold.

Ranieri banned for insulting referee
Inter Milan coach Claudio Ranieri has been hit with a one-match touchline ban for insulting the referee during Saturday's 3-0 home defeat to Napoli.

Inter move on from refereeing row
Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti insists the club have moved on from Saturday's controversial 3-0 loss to Napoli in Serie A.

Lippi: Juve and Napoli good for Scudetto
Former Juventus coach Marcelo Lippi has tipped Juventus and Napoli as prime contenders to win the Serie A this season.

Ibrahimovic: My time is almost up
AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has admitted he is starting to ponder over life after football.

Napoli not thinking about Scudetto
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis insists his side are not thinking about the Serie A title, despite their impressive start to the season.

 

[E.Lavezzi]

Moratti: Inter Milan wanted Lavezzi
Inter president Massimo Moratti has revealed the club tried to sign Ezequiel Lavezzi from Napoli in the summer and turned down bids for Maicon.

Heinze focused on derby spoils
Roma defender Gabriel Heinze is refusing to get distracted as he targets three points from next Sunday's Roman derby with Lazio.

Ranieri: Mourinho deserves a statue
Inter Milan coach Claudio Ranieri believes Jose Mourinho deserves a statue for what he achieved during his time with the club.

Good news for Juve's Giaccherini
Juventus winger Emanuele Giaccherini is set to avoid a prolonged spell on the sidelines after a scan confirmed his thigh injury was not as bad as first feared.

Cannavaro praises Pirlo influence
Italy legend Fabio Cannavaro believes Andrea Pirlo has made a significant impact at Juventus since joining in the summer.

De Rossi to snub Man City, Chelsea
Roma star Daniele De Rossi admitted he is keen to stay in Italy, and reject the overtures of Manchester City and Chelsea.

Juventus keen on Carlos Tevez swoop
Juventus are keen to take Manchester City's wayward striker Carlos Tevez on loan during the January transfer window.

DiBenedetto hails Totti work ethic
New Roma president Thomas DiBenedetto has hailed the work ethic of club legend Francesco Totti.

Agent: Juventus interested in Juan
Agent of Roma defender Juan has claimed that Juventus are interested in signing the centre-back in the January transfer window.

Maicon: I am not leaving Inter
Inter Milan defender Maicon has refuted talks over a move out of the club and insists his future lies at the San Siro.

Agent: "Five more years for Zlatan"
AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will play for at least five more years, according to the player's agent.

Di Francesco gets Lecce backing
Lecce coach Eusebio Di Francesco has been given a vote of confidence despite his team's poor start to the season.

Napoli handed Pandev fitness boost
Serie A high-flyers Napoli were handed an injury boost on Thursday after it was revealed striker Goran Pandev will be sidelined for only a fortnight.

Lamela hopes to feature in Rome derby
Young Roma forward Erik Lamela is hoping he will get the chance make his debut in the upcoming derby match against Lazio.

​

 

[E.Lavezzi]

Mexes set for AC Milan debut
Philippe Mexes hopes to make his first appearance with AC Milan against Palermo on Saturday.

Klose battling to be fit for Rome derby
Lazio striker Miroslav Klose is doubtful for Sunday's derby against Roma because of injury.

Poli ready to make Inter impact
Inter Milan summer signing Andrea Poli is hoping to make his Nerazzurri debut this weekend in the Serie A game against Catania.

Bojan laments lack of Barca opportunity
Roma forward Bojan believes he was not given a fair opportunity during his time at Barcelona, which prompted him to join the Giallorossi in the summer.

Cannavaro reveals Napoli regret
Fabio Cannavaro claims the biggest regret of his career is to have retired from football while not playing for Napoli.

Allegri: AC Milan still have time
Despite a disappointing start to the Serie A season, AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri believes his side can regain their momentum.

Santon picked Newcastle over Roma
Italian full-back Davide Santon revealed he picked Newcastle United over Roma in the summer transfer window.

AC Milan tipped to move for Khedira
Reports emanating from Italy believe defending Serie A champions AC Milan could make a shock move for Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira in January.

Inzaghi: I deserve AC Milan spot
After being left out in the cold, AC Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi believes that he should be given a run in the team.

Ranieri: Sneijder is Inter's Totti
Inter Milan manager Claudio Ranieri believes that Wesley Sneijder is their version of Roma's midfield maestro, Francesco Totti.

 

[Arturo Vidal]

Juventus deny Tevez negotiations
Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has denied reports that his club have started negotiations to sign unsettled Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez.

Totti ruled out of Rome derby
Francesco Totti will miss Roma's derby with Lazio after losing his fitness battle, the club have announced.

Inter exit on the cards for Muntari
Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari is considering a move away from the San Siro, according to his agent.

Marchisio laughs off Juve exit talks
Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio insists he never came close to leaving the club in the summer, despite being linked with a move away.

Agent: Amauri not Milan-bound
The agent for Juventus striker Amauri has rubbished reports linking his client with a move to both Inter and AC Milan.

Di Natale targets 150 Serie A goals
Udinese striker Antonio Di Natale is determined to score 150 Serie A goals but insists that the focus is on the team this season.

 

[Alexandre Pato]

Ranieri: Catania loss is wake-up call
After yet another 2-1 loss to Catania, Inter Milan manager Claudio Ranieri believes his side have to react swiftly to stop the rot.

Moggi: Tevez would destroy Juve
Luciano Moggi has warned his former club Juventus against making a move for Manchester City rebel Carlos Tevez.

Juventus won't rule out Giovinco return
Juventus are not ruling the possibility of a return for Italy international Sebastian Giovinco, who is currently on the books of Parma.

Udinese, Juve seeking unbeaten run
Udinese take on Atalanta in Bergamo while Juventus meet Chievo in Verona looking to remain at the top of the standings for another week.

Parma to delay Giovinco decision
Parma striker Sebastian Giovinco's long-term future will not be decided until next summer, according to club president Tommaso Ghirardi.

Anzhi: Eto'o is going nowhere
Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala have dismissed speculation linking star striker Samuel Eto'o with a return to Inter Milan on a short-term loan deal.

 

[Alexandre Pato]

Serie A wrap: Mixed fortunes for Milan clubs

16 October 2011

​

AC Milan got their Serie A campaign back on track with a win over Palermo, but rivals Inter again fell on Saturday.

Massimiliano Allegri's men registered a convincing 3-0 victory thanks to goals from Antonio Nocerino, Robinho and Antonio Cassano.

The opener came courtesy of Italy midfielder Nocerino, who finished off some fine lead up work.

Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic found Alberto Aquilani with a long ball, and the midfielder nodded a pass across the face and into the path of Nocerino to tap in.

Robinho doubled their lead on 55 minutes when he finished off a perfectly-weighted through ball from Ibrahimovic.

After Cassano netted an Ignazio Abate cutback, the champions - now in 11th - cruised to a surprisingly comfortable win over fifth-placed Palermo.

Meanwhile, Inter Milan's struggles continued as they slumped to a 2-1 loss at Catania.

Esteban Cambiasso scored for the visitors in the first half, but Vincenzo Montella's men turned the tables with a three-minute double salvo from Sergio Bernardo Almiron and Francesco Lodi after the break, stunning Claudio Ranieri's men.

Catania moved into sixth on the back of the win, while Inter sit in 17th with just one win from their first six matches.

Elsewhere, Napoli suffered a 2-1 loss at the hands of Parma at the Stadio San Paolo.

After a rather uneventful first half, Massimo Gobbi and Giuseppe Mascara traded goals after the break.

But Francesco Modesto decided the encounter with a close-range strike seven minutes from time.

Napoli remain third despite the loss, while Parma have climbed into seventh.

 

[E.Lavezzi]

Mazzarri laments Parma loss
16 October 2011

​

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri wants his players to quickly forget their 2-1 loss to Serie A rivals Parma on Saturday.

Mazzarri’s side attempted a late comeback through Giuseppe Mascara but the visiting team ensured they bagged all three points thanks to Francesco Modesto's strike, and the former Sampdoria boss has made no bones about their poor display at San Paolo.

"Parma's approach was to defend and then go on the counter whenever we made lost the ball," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"They took two chances and made the most of them, and for that I offer them my congratulations.

We had to find a spark to open the game for us, but unfortunately we did not succeed."

He continued: "We put in many crosses, and at 2-1 we had two chances from [Marek] Hamsik and [Edinson] Cavani, but only managed to hit the upright."

"When a team has six men in defence, it is not easy to find space. I told the guys to stay calm and look for the right opportunity."

"Once we got back into the game we tried everything, but we must congratulate Parma."

The 50-year-old then discussed the possibility about being given a potential penalty when Ezequiel Lavezzi appeared to have been brought down.

"I think there was a penalty on Lavezzi, but the referee didn't give it and to me that is the same as my players lack of ruthlessness in front of goal," he stated.

"Certain refereeing mistakes do impact on the game, but in the end they all even out."

"My only major gripe is that the referee didn't book enough players, whereas he should have supported the team that is trying to play football and not just block off opponents."

Mazzarri then emphasised the need for his side to first remove the loss out of their system, rather than immediately concentrate on their upcoming Champions League Group A encounter with German giants Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

"We must now look forward," said the Italian. "On Tuesday we will play against Bayern Munich, but first we will digest the defeat tomorrow."

Napoli remain third in Serie A with 10 points from six matches but could lose that spot by the end of play on Sunday.

 

[E.Lavezzi]

Serie A wrap: Draws aplenty amid goal drought

16 October 2011

League leaders Juventus dropped points with a 0-0 draw away to Chievo on Sunday, which proved to be the day of stalemates in Serie A.
​

The scoreless encounter at the Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi was one of five 0-0 draws in Italy's top flight.

Juventus started the match brightly and looked the more dangerous.

In the third minute the in-form Claudio Marchisio tried to find Mirko Vucinic in the box only for Chievo goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino to claim the ball and clear the danger.

Chievo did have their say, as Sergio Pellissier tested Gianlugi Buffon with a free-kick from distance nine minutes in.

French striker Cyril Thereau had the ball in the net for the hosts, but his 20th-minute effort was controversially ruled out for a questionable foul on Andrea Pirlo.

The match drifted until five minutes into the second half when Marchisio almost put the visitors ahead with a powerful drive from the edge of box.

Substitute Emanuele Giaccherini also went close for Juve with a long-range effort of his own soon afterwards.

And with 20 minutes remaining, substitute Alessandro Del Pierro struck the woodwork with a header from Simone Pepe's cross.

Despite the visitors enjoying more of the second-half chances, it was Chievo who had the last opportunity to win the match.

They were denied by referee Andrea de Marco, who waived away a legitimate penalty claim when Sergio Pellissier was felled in the area by Giorgio Chiellini.

Juve remain unbeaten in the league with 12 points from six matches played so far this season.

They are level on points with Udinese, who were held 0-0 at Atalanta.

The other stalemates took place in Siena's match away to Cagliari, Genoa's home game against Lecce and Fiorentina's trip to Cesena.

It was struggling Bologna who bucked the trend with their first victory of the season.

They managed a 2-0 win at promoted Novara courtesy of strikes from Gaston Ramirez and Robert Acquafresca.

A 93rd-minute strike from Miroslav Klose gave Lazio a dramatic 2-1 win over Roma in their capital derby clash at the Stadio Olimpico.

The German striker placed a shot into the bottom corner in the last minute of added time to help Edy Reja's men move from 12th into fourth.

Pablo Osvaldo had put Roma ahead with a neat finish on five minutes before the match turned just after half-time.

Norwegian defender Simon Kjaer was given his marching orders for denying midfielder Cristian Brocchi a clear goalscoring opportunity and Brazilian Hernanes converted the resultant penalty.

Roma defended bravely after going down to 10 men as Lazio squandered several chances before Klose's late winner.

 

[E.Lavezzi]

Sneijder ready to resume

17 October 2011

​

Inter Milan coach Claudio Ranieri has received some good news, with Dutchman Wesley Sneijder making a return to full fitness.

The Netherlands international picked up a thigh injury ahead of his side's win over Bologna on September 24 and has been out of action since.

But the 24-year-old resumed full training last week, and could now feature in Inter's crunch Champions League trip to French champions Lille on Tuesday.

Sneijder sat out Inter's 2-1 loss to Catania on Saturday, but has been named in the squad for the clash at Lille's Stadium Nord Lille Metropole.

Inter sit second in Group B of the Champions League with three points from two games, one behind Turkish leaders Trabzonspor and one ahead of Lille.

 

[E.Lavezzi]

Samuel out for two weeks

16 October 2011

Inter Milan have been dealt a blow ahead of Tuesday's Champions League tie against Lille, with Walter Samuel will unavailable due to injury.
​

The centre back suffered the injury, to the flexor muscle in his right leg, during Inter's 2-1 Serie A loss to Catania on Saturday.

The 33-year-old underwent tests at the San Matteo Polyclinic after suffering pain in the rear of his leg in the match in Sicily, and he is expected to miss around two weeks.

That rules Samuel out of beleaguered boss Claudio Ranieri's squad for Tuesday's trip to Lille.

Inter sit second in Champions League Group B, one point behind Turkish leaders Trabzonspor.

 

[Marek Hamsik]

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Napoli 1 - 2 Parma
All Goals & Highlights 15.10.11


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AC Milan 3 - 0 Palermo
All Goals & Highlights 15.10.11


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Catania 2 - 1 Inter Milan
All Goals & Highlights 15.10.11


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Lazio 2 - 1 Roma
All Goals & Highlights 16.10.11

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[Marek Hamsik]

Hulk unfazed by transfer rumours

18 October 2011

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Porto forward Hulk has stated he is not paying too much attention to reports linking him with Serie A giants Inter Milan.

Italian sources claimed last week the San Siro outfit were considering a January bid for the striker as a way to solve their goalscoring problems.

The Brazil international has refused to rule out a move away from Porto, but stated he is not worried about his situation.

"What I know is there has been news saying Inter are interested in me, just like several other European clubs," Hulk told Radio Bandeirantes.

"I am focused on working at Porto. I don't know if something will happen in January, next season or in the next two or three years."

"If a deal is to happen, it will surely be something good for me and for Porto. I leave those matters to my agent and I look to do my job on the field."

Hulk then opened the door to a move to one of Europe's biggest leagues, saying: "The Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga and Serie A are where people really want to play, where the stadiums are always full."

"If I had to leave for one of those leagues, I would leave happily."

Hulk, who joined Porto from Tokyo Verdy in 2008, has a contract with the Portuguese champions that runs until 2016, with his release clause set at 100 million euros.

 

[E.Lavezzi]

Juve to dump Del Piero

18 October 2011

​

Juventus president Andrea Agnelli has announced the 2011-12 campaign will be Alessandro Del Piero's last with the Turin giants.

Del Piero's existing contract runs until the end of season, and Agnelli has revealed the veteran striker will not be offered a further deal for 2012-13.

The 36-year-old could yet join another club when his contract expires, but he is expected to call time on his glittering career, after previously stating he would not play for any team other than Juve.

"The unique link between the old Juventus and the new Juve is our captain, Alessandro Del Piero," Agnelli said at shareholders' meeting on Tuesday.

"He wanted to stay with us for one more year, and this will be his last season wearing the black-and-white jersey."

Del Piero joined Juve from Padova in June 1993 and has made over 650 first-team appearances for the Turin side.

He has won five Serie A titles and the Champions League during his time with the club.

De Piero also played in two championship-winning Juve teams who were later stripped of their 2004-05 and 2005-06 titles following the Calciopoli scandal.

He remained with the club when they were demoted to Serie B as punishment for match-fixing activities, helping Juve to win the second-tier crown in 2006-07.

 

[Alexandre Pato]

Chedjou open to Juve after Reds snub
Aurelien Chedjou claims to have received no further contact from Liverpool, but admits Juventus have expressed an interest in signing him.

Diego defends time at Juventus
Atletico Madrid playmaker Diego insists his spell at Juventus was a success, despite many panning him as a Serie A flop.

Miroslav Klose sets retirement date
The Germany international moved to Lazio this summer after four years at Bayern Munich. Lazio striker Miroslav Klose has revealed he plans to retire from football in 2014.

Udinese quash Handanovic-Milan link
Udinese have refuted claims that goalkeeper Samir Handanovic could soon be on his way to reigning Serie A champions AC Milan.

Bonucci commits to Juve future
Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has confirmed that the club rejected an offer for him from Zenit St. Petersburg in the summer transfer window.

 

[Arturo Vidal]

Juan reveals Inter Milan interest
Internacional defender Juan reveals he is aware of interest from Serie A giants Inter Milan, although he insists they have yet to make official contact.

Lichtsteiner tips Juve for success
Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner is predicting big things for the club this season.

 

[Arturo Vidal]

Friday 21st October 2011

Galliani: Milan open to Del Piero move

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has hinted at signing veteran forward Alessandro Del Piero next summer.

The 36-year-old's contract with Juventus is set to run out at the end of the season and the Turin club have announced this would be his last season with them.

The Juventus legend, who has played nearly 700 games in all competitions for the Old Lady, has yet to decide if he will retire from football next year.

Now Galliani has admitted he would consider taking him in if he decides to play on.

"Is it never too late? I have learned to define players as talented or mediocre, not young or old," he told Sky Sport Italia. "I always prefer a talent to a youngster.

"After all, many of our stars like Paolo Maldini and Billy Costacurta retired at 40. Pippo Inzaghi is 38 and still playing for us."

Galliani also revealed that Milan had tried to sign Del Piero from Padova in 1993 just before he made the switch to Turin where he has been playing for Juventus since.

"We nearly signed Del Piero in 1993 and failing to do that remains one of the great regrets of my career," admitted the 67-year-old.

"The fact remains that before he went to Juve, Milan were interested in the player."

 

[Arturo Vidal]

Friday 21st October 2011

Moratti calls for Inter improvement

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti hopes the midweek triumph at Lille will be a turning point in their season and spark the club in their bid to win another title.

The Nerazzurri won 1-0 in France in the Champions League on Tuesday and head into Sunday's match against Chievo knowing that a defeat could see them fall into the relegation zone.

"After the Champions League, we can now focus on the League at home," Moratti told www.inter.it. "Tuesday's win was an important and necessary one.

"Now we have to find some more confidence so that we can continue to do well in Europe and start putting some points on the board in the league.

"I think all this side needs is to get its confidence back and then we'll start winning." Inter are level on four points with 18th-place Bologna and have lost four of their six games in Serie A.

City rivals AC Milan also go into Sunday's game at Lecce in buoyant mood after they followed up their 3-0 triumph over Palermo with a 2-0 success over BATE Borisov in the Champions League. The Rossoneri need to show a lot of improvement if they are to win their first game on the road this season. Massimiliano Allegri's side has conceded five goals in their first two games away from home.

If Juventus slip up against Genoa on Sunday, Udinese can take over sole possession of first place with a victory over Novara at the Friuli stadium. Six games into the season and Udinese and Juve are level on 12 points and the only teams unbeaten in Serie A.

Napoli visit in-form Cagliari on Sunday looking to pick up where they left off in their 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. The result was deemed a good one by Napoli fans because Bayern had scored 25 goals and conceded just once in their previous 10 games. The Naples outfit lost last weekend's game to Parma to drop to fifth place, one point behind Cagliari.

Roma and Palermo will battle it out at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday with both sides looking to bounce back from defeats. The Sicilians lost 3-0 at AC Milan and travel to Rome looking to end their winless run away from home. Roma, meanwhile, lost 2-1 at Lazio in last weekend's city derby.

Lazio travel to Bologna inspired by Miroslav Klose's last-gasp winner against Roma at the weekend. The result was Lazio's second consecutive triumph and lifted the Biancoceleste to fourth place.

Parma look to make it three wins a row when they take on Atalanta in Bergamo. Franco Colomba's men stunned Napoli 2-1 to climb to the top half of the standings.

Bottom side Cesena travel to Siena looking for their first win of the campaign but having to do without pivotal striker Adrian Mutu, who serves his first of a three-match ban this weekend.

Fiorentina will have to show a vast improvement up front if they are to end their three-match winless run against Catania on Saturday.

The Viola have struggled in front of goal in recent weeks, scoring just once in their last three league games.

Saturday's Serie A Fixtures

Fiorentina vs Catania

Juventus vs Genoa


Sunday's Serie A Fixtures

Lecce vs AC Milan

Roma vs Palermo

Inter Milan vs Chievo

Siena vs Cesena

Udinese vs Novara

Cagliari vs Napoli

Parma vs Atalanta

Bologna vs Lazio


​

 

[Arturo Vidal]

Serie A preview: Inter host Chievo, Juve may miss Vidal

21 October 2011

​

Inter Milan are hoping to break the shackles of their difficult start to the Serie A season when they welcome Chievo to the San Siro on Sunday. Despite solid form in Europe that sees them top Champions League Group B by two points following their 1-0 win at French champions Lille on Tuesday, Inter's domestic form has been poor at best.

Last season's Serie A runners-up have taken just four points from a possible 18 so far in the league, and their start to the campaign was so bad they sacked coach Gian Piero Gasperini and brought in former Chelsea man Claudio Ranieri as his replacement. Ranieri has been buoyed by some good signs in Europe, but he is realistic about the need for more work.

"The win over Lille was important because it allowed the players to gain motivation and confidence, and now we have to continue on this path," Ranieri told La Repubblica. "We know we have a difficult match against Chievo. They are a good team who close down spaces and fight for the ball, so it will not be easy for us." "But today is a lovely day, the sun is shining (in Milan) and we hope things brighten up for the team even more against Chievo." "I am sure my team will be a tough opponent for anyone going forward."

Serie A leaders Juventus are in action on Saturday, looking to preserve their unbeaten start to the season when they host 11th-placed Genoa. But Juve coach Antonio Conte may have to do without Chile midfielder Arturo Vital, who strained a thigh at training on Wednesday.

Also on Saturday, Catania visit Fiorentina at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. Udinese, who are level with Juventus on 12 points at the top of the table, will play host to newcomers Novara on Sunday.

Defending champions AC Milan are away at Lecce. Milan have endured almost as difficult a start to the season as their cross-town rivals and are in 13th position, but successive wins - most recently a 2-0 triumph over BATE Borisov in the Champions League, on Wednesday - has them head to Lecce full of confidence.

Other Sunday matches see Roma host Palermo at the Stadio Olimpico, while Napoli will follow their 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday with a trip to Cagliari.

Promoted sides Atalanta and Siena go up against Parma and Cesena respectively, and Lazio travel to Bologna.

 

[Arturo Vidal]

Conte yet to dismiss Del Piero

22 October 2011

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Juventus coach Antonio Conte says his relationship with Alessandro Del Piero is strong despite him not being offered a new deal at the club.

The 36-year-old striker, who joined Juventus in 1993, is the club's all-time record goal scorer and games record holder with 205 goals in 495 league appearances, but he has been used as a bit-part player by Conte this season.

Despite speculation of acrimony between the pair, Conte insists they have a good working relationship.

"I have to think as a coach who has to focus both on the human and technical aspects," Conte said.

"As far as I am concerned, nothing has changed in my relationship with Alessandro. Our relationship is sincere and frank and I often speak with him."

"I've talked to him and told him that nothing will change from my side as I'll always consider him from a technical point of view."

"He knows that the minutes he spends on the pitch - which could be 0, 15, 25, 90 or 95 - depend only on his performance on the pitch, on his condition and on how he can support the team."

"I'm very happy when Del Piero comes onto the pitch in the last 20 to 25 minutes and makes an impact - it means that I have made the right substitution."

Conte, whose side are level with Udinese on top of the Serie A table, expects a difficult game when Genoa visit on Saturday.

"We know we'll be playing against a strong team with excellent players," he said.

"The team has started the championship very well. They have been at the top of the table with us, but then they have had two negative results against Chievo and Parma."

"They have regrouped to produce a good performance in the match against Lecce, therefore we expect strong opposition."