Serie A Season 2011/2012

[Marek Hamsik]

Serie A preview: Top two seek to retain supremacy

1 March 2012

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AC Milan and Juventus are both in action on Saturday, and will surely hope to avoid the controversy that dogged their meeting last week.The top two teams in Serie A clashed at San Siro last weekend, with league leaders Milan retaining a one-point advantage over second-placed Juve following a 1-1 draw between the two heavyweights.

Milan were aggrieved not to take a 2-0 lead in the match when the assistant referee failed to award a goal to Sulley Muntari.The Ghana international's header appeared to have crossed the line by as much as a metre, only to be clawed out by Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, subsequently fooling the match officials.

Buffon later stood by his actions, saying although he instinctively plucked the ball out of his goal, he would not have corrected the referee's mistake even if he had the opportunity to do so. Milan's displeasure with the outcome is understandable - the reigning champions may continue to top the standings, but they have played one game more than Juve, who can move into first place with victories in their next two matches.

Next up for Milan is a trip to face eighth-placed Palermo, while Juve - still unbeaten in 24 league matches this season - host 10th-placed Chievo in Turin.On Sunday, all eyes are likely to be on struggling Inter Milan and under-fire coach Claudio Ranieri.Without a victory from their last eight matches in all competitions, Inter host mid-table Catania at San Siro.

The other big match of the day takes place in the capital, when fierce local rivals Roma and Lazio meet at the Stadio Olimpico. Also on Sunday, Parma are at home to Napoli, Novara go to Bologna and Fiorentina host Cesena.Lecce await the visit of Genoa, Cagliari travel to face Siena and Udinese are at home to Atalanta.Later in the week, Juve visit Bologna on Wednesday in one of three fixtures rescheduled due to bad weather.

The other matches see Catania go away to Cesena, and Parma host Fiorentina.

 

[Marek Hamsik]

Juan: Lazio players embarrassed by racist fans
The Brazilian defender was subjected to monkey chants throughout the second half of the Rome derby but insists that he bears no ill will towards the Curva Nord - just pity

Sandro Mazzola: Andre Villas-Boas will not make a difference at Inter
The Nerazzurri legend is of the opinion that the Portuguese coach is a big gamble and hopes that Claudio Ranieri stays until the summer

Allegri: Ibrahimovic is on par with Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
The 44-year-old stated that the big Swede is among the world's three best players at the moment, and took time to praise his team and the board who helped put the side together

Out of the frying pan and Inter the fire - why Andre Villas-Boas will face exactly the same problems at San Siro that he did at Chelsea
The Portuguese is looking for work, but could face a very similar scenario to the one at Chelsea soon enough thanks to another impatient club owner

Reja ready to stay at Lazio after derby win over Roma
The 66-year-old coach has revealed his intent to remain at the club despite last month's offer of resignation as he praised his "extraordinary" group of players

Ranieri's future at Inter under threat despite Catania draw - report
The Nerazzurri supremo could be preparing a managerial change at the club, but Villas-Boas will reportedly not be installed as coach before the end of the campaign

Allegri: Arsenal will not win trophies again until they sign big players
The AC Milan boss has suggested that the Gunners' trophy drought is due to the lack of star players and insists they must spend big in order to rectify it

Collovati: Milito's goal saved Ranieri's job
The 1982 World Cup winner is of the opinion that the Argentine's equaliser against the Etnei at the weekend is the reason why the coach is still in charge of the Nerazzurri

Massimo Mauro blasts Juventus after Chievo draw: They have lost humility
The 49-year-old, who played for Juve in the 80s, believes that the Bianconeri have lost much of their fighting spirit and says Conte is also to blame for the team's dip in form

Zanetti: Inter showed great character in Catania draw
The Argentine veteran believes that his side gave a good account of themselves in the second half and revealed it was goalkeeper Julio Cesar who gave the half-time team talk

Diego Milito: Catania draw could be a turning point for Inter
The Argentine striker expects that the team will continue to improve and believes the players showed their desire to succeed in Sunday's stalemate at San Siro

Ranieri unsure about Inter future: 'I have a two-year contract and I hope to stay'
The Italian coach has cast further doubt on his role in Milan and admitted he is not sure if he will keep his job after yet another poor result on Sunday evening

Aldo Serena: I do not think Andre Villas-Boas will join Inter right away
The 51-year-old believes that the Portuguese coach is not ready to coach the Nerazzurri yet, and stated that France head coach Blanc is also a potential candidate

Andre Villas-Boas installed as odds-on favourite to replace Claudio Ranieri at Inter
Following yet another poor result for the Nerazzuri on Sunday night, the former Chelsea boss lead the way in the betting for the next permanent manager at San Siro

Lazio's Reja: Goalkeepers should not be shown straight red cards
After his team's win over their local rivals, the former Napoli trainer showed some sympathy for shot stopper Maarten Stekelenburg's sending off in the seventh minute

Luis Enrique: It would be nice to end a derby match with 11 men
The former Barcelona B trainer was left disappointed as his team suffered another defeat against their bitter foes after having their goalkeeper sent off early on

Galliani: Things would have been different if Milan had Ibrahimovic against Juventus
The club official rued the absence of the 30-year-old forward against Antonio Conte's men and believes the Rossoneri would have won if he had played in the fixture

Ranieri denies dropping Stankovic for reaction to substitution
The Serbian was unimpressed with his withdrawal in last weekend's defeat by Napoli and reportedly complained afterwards that his boss always replaces the same players

Hamsik: I admire PSG but I'm happy at Napoli
The Slovakia international, who was linked with a move to AC Milan last summer, has confessed to being impressed by the "potential" of the Qatari-owned Ligue 1 side

Inter director Paolillo: Ranieri won't be sacked
The Roman is under intense pressure after a run of four consecutive defeats which has seen the Nerazzurri drop to seventh in Serie A, nine points off a Champions League place

Juventus' De Ceglie dismayed at draw with Chievo
The Bianconeri defender gave his side an early lead in Turin but the hosts struggled thereafter and were ultimately punished for their sluggishness by Boukary Drame

AC Milan dominant, Juventus dormant - Ibrahimovic leads the charge as champions throw down the gauntlet in Serie A title race
The Rossoneri hammered Palermo thanks to the Swede's hat-trick, but Juve could only perpetuate their reputation as draw specialists as they blew two points against Chievo

AC Milan duo Emanuelson and Antonini expect to be fit to face Arsenal
Both players had to be replaced during Saturday night's win over Palermo, with the Dutchman suffering an ankle injury and the defender a thigh problem, but should recover

Ibrahimovic: I owe Galliani for bringing me back to Milan from Barcelona
The Sweden international endured a turbulent one-season stay in Catalunya as he returned to Italy to link up with the Rossoneri, for whom he has become a key player

Allegri delighted with AC Milan's 'important' victory over Palermo
The ex-Cagliari coach hailed his side for their four-star performance at the Renzo Barbera on Saturday and also reserved praise for attacking duo Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho

Conte: Juventus' progress has been a 'miracle' despite Chievo draw
The Bianconeri boss blamed fatigue for the disappointing result, but dismissed murmurs of discontent after their 12th draw of the season, stating his team still need to develop

Zamparini saddened after heavy defeat to AC Milan, admits Palermo coach Bortolo Mutti
The Rosanero trainer confessed his president was not at all happy with the side's performance against the champions, but says he is aware of the problems that need addressing

AC Milan deserved to beat Juventus, claims Ibrahimovic after victory over Palermo
The Swede, who was the hat-trick hero on Saturday, thinks the Rossoneri were unfortunate not to pick up a win last weekend, but hailed his team for making amends this time around

Luis Enrique: I have no problem with Daniele De Rossi
The former Barcelona B trainer has stated that there is no concern over the relationship he has with the 28-year-old midfielder ahead of this weekend's Rome derby

Lamela to wear Messi's boots in Rome derby
The former River Plate forward is expected to start this weekend's Rome derby and is likely to take to the field in a pair of footwear given to him by the Barcelona superstar

Gattuso ready to return for AC Milan against Lecce
The experienced defensive midfielder has overcome a serious eye injury and is ready to return to Massimiliano Allegri's side this weekend as they look to stay top of Serie A

Ranieri: Inter have many problems but Sneijder is not one of them
The former Roma trainer has defended the Dutchman, despite reports emerging that the former Real Madrid playmaker could be dropped for this weekend's game

Monzon's agent: Juventus and AC Milan may be interested but no offers yet
The Nice left-back has impressed for club and country, and the Serie A giants are thought to be ready to start a tug-of-war for the Argentina international's signature

Palermo's Mutti: No pressure on referee in AC Milan clash
The Stadio Renzo Barbera trainer has said that despite the Rossoneri's 'ghost goal' against Juventus last weekend, the officials will not face extra scrutiny on Saturday

Roma's Burdisso exceeding expectations in recovery from injury
The Argentina international picked up ligament damage in his knee earlier this campaign, but the doctors aiding his rehabilitation are confident of a return ahead of schedule

Ancelotti: PSG still want Pato
The Brazil international rejected a move to the Parc des Princes in January in favour of staying with AC Milan, but the big-spending Ligue 1 outfit have not ended their interest

 

[Marek Hamsik]

Sandro Mazzola: Andre Villas-Boas will not make a difference at Inter

The Nerazzurri legend is of the opinion that the Portuguese coach is a big gamble and hopes that Claudio Ranieri stays until the summer

Mar 5, 2012 1:25:00 PM

By Luis Mira

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Former Inter attacker Sandro Mazzola has warned the club against appointing Andre Villas-Boas as coach.

The 34-year-old is believed to be in pole position to take over at Inter if the Nerazzurri decide to part company with under-fire coach Claudio Ranieri.

Villas-Boas, wh​o was sacked by Chelsea on Sunday, was already close to the Inter hot-seat in the summer after guiding Porto to four titles in 2010-11.

But Mazzola, who played at Inter between 1960 and 1977, believes that the Portuguese coach is too much of a gamble for the Nerazzurri.

"He has just been sacked at Chelsea and there must be a reason, right? I do not think he can make a difference," he told Tuttomercatoweb.

"He is very young, he earns a lot, perhaps his agents are good, but personally I would not take him.

"I hope that Ranieri stays until the end of the season, it would mean that Inter would have recovered."

 

[Marek Hamsik]

How long will AC Milan & Juventus continue to argue over Muntari's phantom goal? Other feuds to have developed as a result of controversial refereeing

In light of the fallout from last weekend's Serie A showdown at San Siro, we have decided to take a look back at some of the most infamous cases of bad blood in football

Mar 3, 2012 9:30:00 AM

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By Mark Doyle

Everyone in football loves a good feud – the players, the coaches, the owners, the fans. Nobody wants to admit it, of course, but controversy spices things up no end.

And that’s precisely why everyone has got themselves so worked up about Sulley Muntari’s ‘ghost goal’ for AC Milan in last Saturday’s Serie A showdown with Juventus.

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It’s clear to all and sundry that we have the makings of a good old-fashioned rivalry on our hands; one based on bitterness and animosity with long-lasting potential. And, as we all know, controversy sells.

Indeed, Juventus coach Antonio Conte made the most salient point about the fallout from last weekend when he stated: "We are now trying to reduce the tension a little, but if everything was flat there would be no headlines, sports broadcasts or newspapers to sell.

"Football is show-business and we must be aware of this.”

Quite right. Barcelona-Real Madrid is the biggest game in world football at the moment – but not only because they’re the two best sides in world football at the moment. That both clubs and both sets of players seem to have a genuine dislike for one another is part of the Clasico’s appeal. We love it because they hate each other.

And, of course, their great rivalry stems out of a sense of injustice on one side, with the Catalans believing that referees were ‘conditioned’ against them during the Franco era.

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[TD="align: center"]FIORENTINA V JUVENTUS
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Our first feud is not even a classic head-to-head but rather two games played on the same day.

With just one round of the 1981-82 Serie A season remaining, Juventus and Fiorentina were locked together on 44 points at the summit of the standings.

Both sides were forced to travel on the final day, with the Bianconeri making the long trip south to Calabria to face Catanzaro and Fiorentina crossing the Tyrrhenian Sea to take on Cagliari in Sardinia.

Neither side performed anywhere near their best but ‘fortune' smiled on Juventus. With just over 15 minutes remaining in their clash with Catanzaro, they were awarded a dubious penalty which was coolly despatched by Liam Brady, who was playing his last game for the Bianconeri.

Fiorentina, meanwhile, were held to a scoreless draw by Cagliari - but only after having a seemingly legitimate goal from Francesco Graziani ruled out.

The Viola were livid and their anger never abated. Indeed, it only intensified after the sale of Roberto Baggio to Juve in 1990, a transfer which sparked riots in the streets of Florence, and they still hold a bitter grudge against the Bianconeri – or ‘thieves’ as they prefer to call them.

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[TD="align: center"]ENGLAND V ARGENTINA
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Of course, it is said that in football poor refereeing decisions eventually even themselves out. It could be argued that that was the case in our second great footballing feud: Argentina versus England.

While ‘the Hand of God’ remains one of the most infamous oversights in this fixture – and perhaps in the history of the game – it is worth noting that the bad blood between these two nations originated long before Diego Maradona’s opening goal in their 1986 World Cup semi-final or even the Falklands War.

Indeed, while much is made about Geoff Hurst’s controversial strike against West Germany in the 1966 final, England saw just as big a call go in their favour earlier in the competition when referee Rudolf Kreitlein elected to dismiss Argentina skipper Antonio Rattin just 35 minutes into their quarter-final clash at Wembley.

Rattin’s crime? Arguing with the match official. Given that a two-footed tackle was perfectly legitimate challenge in those days, a red card for dissent from a player who had no command of English seemed just a tad harsh.

Sensibly, England boss Sir Alf Ramsey moved to defuse matters afterwards by labelling the Argentina players as “animals” for their allegedly heavy-handed approach. This in spite of the fact that the South Americans had committed just 19 fouls to England's 33.

Needless to say, Argentine noses were put out of joint by the whole affair and they therefore quite enjoyed exacting revenge in controversial circumstances some 20 years later.

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[TD="align: center"]FRANCE V WEST GERMANY[/TD]
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Revenge was something that escaped the great France side of the early-to-mid-1980s. Twice they met West Germany in the semi-finals of the World Cup during that period and twice they suffered defeat.

Of course, their first meeting with the Germans featured one of the most notorious fouls in football history.

During the second half of an epic encounter in Seville, Michel Platini played in substitute Patrick Battiston. The forward dragged his shot wide before then being clattered by the onrushing West Germany goalkeeper Harald Schumacher, who had appeared to deliberately throw himself into his unsuspecting opponent.

Battiston was unconscious before he hit the ground. Platini immediately feared for his team-mate’s life. Mercifully, while the substitute had suffered damage to his vertebrae and later slipped into a coma, he ultimately made a full recovery from the sickening collision.

France’s players were understandably enraged by what they deemed an assault and demanded that Schumacher be sent off. Remarkably, the Koln man escaped without any sanction whatsoever.

Insult was added to injury for France when Schumacher went on to play an integral role in his side’s subsequent shootout success, after the game had finished 3-3.

After failing to get by West Germany again in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, France’s resentment only deepened but it has faded over time.

However, as Battiston himself admitted earlier this week ahead of Les Bleus’ friendly against Germany in Bremen, the incident has been forgiven but certainly not forgotten.

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[TD="align: center"]CHELSEA V BARCELONA[/TD]
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Of course, the referee can sometimes be the victim in such incidents. Chelsea supporters might argue otherwise but this was the case when the Blues faced Barcelona in the last 16 of the Champions League in 2005.

With the English outfit 1-0 up in the first leg at Camp Nou, Didier Drogba was sent off by referee Anders Frisk for a second bookable offence for a clumsy challenge on Blaugrana goalkeeper Victor Valdes.

Chelsea ultimately lost the game 2-1 and a furious Jose Mourinho lashed out at Frisk, claiming that the Swedish official had spoken with Barca boss Frank Rijkaard in his dressing room during the interval.

Frisk began receiving death threats from Chelsea fans and subsequently announced his retirement from the game. Mourinho, for his part, was branded an "enemy of football" by Uefa referees chief Volker Roth and was hit with a two-game touchline ban by the European game’s governing body.

The animosity continued into the second leg at Stamford Bridge, which was won by Chelsea, and never dissipated following further controversy when the sides met again in 2009, this time in the semi-finals, when the Blues felt that they had been denied a succession of clear-cut penalties by referee Tom Henning Ovrebo before the injury-time equaliser from Andres Iniesta which sent Barca through.

 

[Marek Hamsik]

Inter starlet Faraoni lists Maicon and Thiago Motta as role models
The former Lazio youngster hinted he felt the loss of the Italy midfielder to Paris Saint-Germain, but now looks towards the Samba full-back for inspiration

Marchisio insists Juventus remain confident
The Italy international was slightly disappointed with his side's draw versus Bologna, but stressed that the Old Lady are still in a great position in the Scudetto race

Prandelli hints Balotelli is in his Italy plans: 'I consider Mario to be an important player'
The Azzurri boss refused to reveal whether the enigmatic star had put himself back in contention, but praised him for recently speaking about the national team in a positive light

Paolillo: Inter will not appoint a new coach before the end of the season
The Nerazzurri director has quashed suggestions that the club will name a new trainer in the near future, but noted it is a possibility when the campaign comes to an end

'Mark van Bommel could stay at AC Milan if he is offered a new contract', says agent
The Dutchman's representative is confident that the Serie A giants will offer his client a new contract and stated that the player does not rule out staying at the club

Barbara Berlusconi: AC Milan were 'too afraid' against Arsenal
The daughter of club owner Silvio Berlusconi was disappointed with the Rossoneri's Champions League defeat to the Gunners as she felt the players showed too much fear

Conte: The more Juventus are denied a penalty, the more 'pissed off' we'll be
The Bianconeri coach was proud of his players despite yet another draw in the league as he once again vented his frustration with the standard of refereeing

Barcelona coach Guardiola: 'Messi and Ibrahimovic are two extraordinary players'
Despite a frosty working relationship, the Blaugrana trainer remains a big fan of the AC Milan hotshot and puts the Sweden international on par with his Argentine ace

Draw-obsessed Juventus set to go season unbeaten, but still fail to win Serie A
It was the same old story for the Bianconeri at Bologna, sending them another game closer to the unwanted record of being unbeatable losers, just as Perugia were 33 years ago

Conte: Juventus are not in decline, but winning Scudetto will be a miracle
The 42-year-old coach has said that his players remain as committed as ever, but conceded that his side may be unable to win the league crown

'Laurent Blanc has not been contacted by Inter', says agent
The 46-year-old coach's representative has guaranteed that the Nerazzurri have not yet come knocking, but admitted that a new challenge is possible for his client

AC Milan's Ibrahimovic: I felt out of position against Arsenal
The Sweden international has intimated that Rossoneri got their tactics badly wrong against the Gunners, while conceding that the players had been guilty of complacency

AC Milan keen on Werder Bremen's Wiese - report
The Germany international's current contract with the Bundesliga outfit expires at the end of the season and he has already expressed his desire to move abroad in the summer

Galliani glad to still be alive after Van Persie scare
The Rossoneri CEO has revealed that be became so stressed out that he had to stop watching the game after the Gunners forward squandered a gilt-edged opportunity to level the tie

Brian Laudrup: Ibrahimovic won't surpass Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo because he doesn't perform in big away games
The 43-year-old has voiced his opinion that the AC Milan striker will not become the best player in the world due to his failure to deliver when it matters most

Real Madrid attacker Higuain open to Juventus talks in May according to his agent
The Argentine attacker's representative has stressed that it's too soon to discuss a summer transfer now, but is ready to begin negotiations later this season

Forlan admits Inter struggles surprise him
The Uruguay international has conceded that he did not expect the Nerazzurri to go through the difficulties they're currently experiencing when he joined them in the summer

AC Milan's Van Bommel: Arsenal 'outclassed' us in the first half
The Dutchman was full of praise for the Gunners' sensational opening 45 in north London but he felt that the Rossoneri had also contributed to their own struggles

Inter's Cambiasso thanks fans for support after San Siro tears
The Argentine midfielder, who is one of the Nerazzurri's longest-serving players, broke down in the dugout after being jeered from the field at the Giuseppe Meazza

Udinese deny interest in Napoli's Vargas
It had been claimed that Bianconeri had offered to take the Chile winger on loan in exchange for Luis Muriel, who is set to the return to the Friuli from Lecce in the summer

Conte feels Juventus have no reason to be depressed
The Bianconeri coach has stressed that there is no reason to be down as the team have been doing well, and is eagerly anticipating Wednesday's game versus Bologna

Former AC Milan and Italy playmaker Gianni Rivera to receive Uefa President's Award
The Italian legend will become the latest football great honoured with the Uefa President's Award when he collects the prize later this month for his services to the sport

Inter's Castaignos: 'Our team is becoming old so my time will come'
The Netherlands Under-21 starlet is confident that he will get his chance at the Nerazzurri as he expects the ageing stars to make way for younger players in the near future

Novara sack coach Emiliano Mondonico and reappoint Attilio Tesser
The Biancoazzurri welcome back the trainer who guided the club back to Serie A having dismissed him just 36 days ago in favour of the veteran coach earlier this season

Juventus set sights on AC Milan's Nesta - report
The Bianconeri are interested in adding to their defensive options and have set their sights on the experienced stopper, who has featured infrequently this season

Luciani Moggi: Inter are a team in disarray & are no longer benefitting from Calciopoli scandal
The former Juventus chief feels that the Nerazzurri are past their best, and has stated that Luis Figo could become the club's new coach with Claudio Ranieri under pressure

Bologna's Zanzi: Juventus are not the only team interested in Gaston Ramirez
The Rossoblu official has warned the Old Lady that they are likely to face stiff competition from other clubs in the race to sign the talented Uruguayan attacker

Luis Enrique: I am not leaving Roma
The Spaniard is under pressure after Sunday's defeat in the Rome derby but he has guaranteed that he is not thinking about quitting amid rumours of Andre Villas-Boas' arrival

Roma defender Juan out for 50 days with knee injury
The Giallorossi have been dealt a heavy blow as the Brazilian stopper will spend most of what is left of the campaign recovering from an injury sustained in the Rome derby

Juventus' Barzagli out for 20 days while Chiellini will miss Bologna & Genoa games
The two centre-halves for Antonio Conte's side are suffering with injuries and will be out of action for at least the next two games, leaving the coach with defensive woes

Sacked Chelsea boss Villas-Boas in secret Roma talks
The fired manager met Franco Baldini at a London restaurant last month, fuelling speculation that the current coach of the Serie A side will replace Pep Guardiola at Barcelona

AC Milan's Berlusconi: I would not say no to signing Cristiano Ronaldo
The former Italian prime minister has revealed that he would not pass on the opportunity to bring the Portugal international to San Siro, but only for a fair price

Reja refuses to rule out Lazio entering Serie A title race
The former Napoli trainer believes his team could still be in with a shout for the Scudetto after their win over Luis Enrique's men left them six points behind leaders AC Milan

Galliani: Signing Van Persie a dream that may never come true
The Rossoneri official has already publicly said he is a huge admirer of the Dutch forward but he remains pessimistic about actually managing to prise him away from the Gunners

Napoli's Inler: We believe we can finish third in Serie A but we must work harder
The Switzerland international has stated that he believes his team can qualify for Europe's biggest football competition again, but will need to improve their current form

Agent: Cambiasso will remain at Inter for years to come
The Argentine midfielder has been a key cog in the Nerazzurri machine since his arrival from Real Madrid in 2004 but the club's supporters now appear to have turned on him

 

[Marek Hamsik]

Barbara Berlusconi: AC Milan were 'too afraid' against Arsenal

The daughter of club owner Silvio Berlusconi was disappointed with the Rossoneri's Champions League defeat to the Gunners as she felt the players showed too much fear

Mar 8, 2012 11:37:00 AM

By Luis Mira

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AC Milan board member Barbara Berlusconi admitted that she was left frustrated with the Rossoneri's Champions League defeat to Arsenal in the second leg of the last-16 on Tuesday.

After a 4-0 victory in the first leg on home soil, the Serie A champions almost allowed the Gunners to overturn the deficit as they suffered a 3-0 defeat at the Emirates, with all goals being scored in the first half.

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"I'm not satisfied with the way Milan played," Barbara told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "We did not see the real Milan. We were too afraid.

"My son covered his eyes with his hands during the second half and he kept saying: 'Mom, I am afraid that they will score'."

Her midweek visit to the Emirates, however, strengthened her belief that Milan need to find their own stadium.

Barbara hailed Arsenal's courage in bringing down Highbury, which boasted 93 years of history, and stated that the Rossoneri need to start making plans about their own stadium, rather than share the council-owned Giuseppe Meazza with Inter.

"What Arsenal did was something which seems impossible for us, Italians," she said. "Bringing down a piece of history like Highbury would be a heresy.

"We must congratulate Juventus for their far-sightedness shown in having their own stadium but after watching the Emirates Stadium, we must not rule out the idea of changing home.

"All of our fans are attached to San Siro, which will have new facilities installed by 2015.

"Stadiums in Italy are not made for families. A stadium like Arsenal's, with restaurants, pubs and shops, allows financial return every day of the week."

Milan are back in San Siro this Sunday when they host Lecce in Serie A.

 

[Marek Hamsik]

Sacked Chelsea boss Villas-Boas in secret Roma talks

The fired manager met Franco Baldini at a London restaurant last month, fuelling speculation that the current coach of the Serie A side will replace Pep Guardiola at Barcelona

Mar 5, 2012 11:05:00 PM

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By Wayne Veysey | Chief Correspondent

Andre Villas-Boas had a secret meeting in London with Roma general manager Franco Baldini last month to discuss him taking over at the club next season.

Villas-Boas, who was sacked by Chelsea on Sunday, is being lined up by the Serie A club to replace current boss Luis Enrique in the summer.

Goal.com understands that the talks took place in a Chelsea restaurant near the London residence of Baldini, who left the England set-up last October to join Roma.

Villas-Boas is believed to have been asked by Baldini if he would be interested in succeeding Luis Enrique, who, it is claimed by those close to the situation, is being lined up by Barcelona to replace Pep Guardiola if he decides leave the European champions in the summer.

The Portuguese coach is said to have told the former Fabio Capello No.2 that he feared the imminent axe at Chelsea and would be keen to take over at the Stadio Olimpico.

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[TD="align: center"]THE VIEW FROM ITALY[/TD]
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[TD]Vittorio Campanile
Chief Editor, Goal.com Italy:

"Roma have lost too many matches this season because of defensive errors. Some doubt that Enrique is the right person for the 'new Roma'.

"The fans are angry after the defeat against Lazio and the coach's position is being questioned. They don't want him anymore.

"There are reports from Spain that he could be the right man to replace Pep Guardiola at Barcelona. After the derby he said: "If I am not considered to be the right coach for Roma I will leave without any problems."[/TD]
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Villas-Boas was dismissed by Chelsea, who are fifth in the Premier League and teetering on the edge of elimination from the Champions League, just nine months into his reign after a record of 18 wins in 40 matches since being hired at great expense from Porto last June.

Goal.com has learned that Villas-Boas had a previous meeting with Roma before Luis Enrique was appointed and while he was still at Porto but the Serie A club were put off by the £13.3 million release clause in his contract, which was then paid by Chelsea to take him to Stamford Bridge.

Luis Enrique is not believed to be in imminent danger of losing his job at Roma, who are sixth in Serie A, but there are strong indications that he will not be in Italy next season.

Sources close to the 41-year-old Spaniard are convinced that he has an agreement with Barcelona president Sandro Rossell to take over from Guardiola if the Camp Nou coach of the last four years brings down the curtain on his reign in the summer.

Speaking after Roma's derby defeat to Lazio at the weekend, former Barcelona B coach Luis Enrique gave the clearest indication yet that his future might not lie in Italy.

He said: “If I am not considered anymore the right coach for Roma I am going to leave without any problems.”

Goal.com understands that Guardiola is the No.1 choice of both Chelsea and Inter to take over at their clubs in the close season.

 

[Marek Hamsik]

Juventus reportedly keeping tabs on Hoffenheim midfielder Sigurdsson
The Icelandic could be on the move in the summer transfer window as the Serie A giants are closely monitoring his situation with the player currently on loan at Swansea

Trapattoni slams Ibrahimovic for Allegri criticism
The 72-year-old states that teams win and lose as a collective, and that Ibrahimovic should shoulder a portion of the blame for the defeat to Arsenal earlier in the week

Emanuelson: Before Milan, Tottenham Hotspur & Roma wanted me
The 25-year-old has revealed that he chose to wait for the perfect moment to leave Ajax, and advises any fellow Dutch players to following him in doing so

Thiago Motta: I was unhappy at Inter
The Italy international made the move to the Parc des Princes from San Siro in the January transfer window and claims he feels much more at home in the French capital

Galliani stresses AC Milan will not wear 'unlucky' black jersey again
The Rossoneri director has made it clear that they will never wear the kit they wore against Arsenal again, and will return to the yellow outfit they sported previously

Chivu: Inter are suffering from a psychological dip
The Romanian defender has conceded that the 2010 Champions League winners are going through a difficult period yet claims the team will are beginning to show their pride again

Ibrahimovic's agent on Real Madrid link: 'Leave me alone with this bullsh*t!'
It was claimed on Friday that the AC Milan forward was eyeing up a move to the Santiago Bernabeu after allegedly falling out with Rossoneri boss Massimiliano Allegri

Luis Enrique: I'm staying at Roma for another four or five years
The former Spain international has laughed off an exit despite being identified by Barca as the man to replace Guardiola should the Blaugrana boss quit Camp Nou in the summer

Ancelotti hints at another Paris Saint-Germain move for Pato
The former Chelsea manager says that the Brazilian youngster will be considered along with other summer options, but has ruled out a move for Alessandro Del Piero

Napoli's De Laurentiis rules out Paris Saint-Germain switch for Hamsik
The Ligue 1 outfit have been heavily linked with the Slovakia international in recent weeks but the Partenopei owner insists that the player is going nowhere

Inter president Moratti: 'Ranieri has my full support'
The Roman is under intense pressure after a run of seven league games without a victory which has jeopardised their hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League

Former Juventus president Gigli: We nearly sold Buffon to AC Milan
The 67-year-old has revealed that the Bianconeri had agreed a deal with the Rossoneri which would have seen the Italy goalkeeper move to San Siro in exchange for Christian Abbiati

Chelsea & Manchester City on alert as Sneijder holds out for summer Premier League move
The Dutchman, who has fallen out of favour at Inter, has already rejected a "staggering" offer from Zenit, while Manchester United have put Luka Modric top of their shopping list

AC Milan CEO Galliani: Allegri not to blame for Arsenal defeat
The Italian champions came very close to blowing a four-goal first-leg lead against the Gunners in the Champions League, losing 3-0 on the night after a calamitous display

AC Milan's Gattuso considered retiring because of ocular problems
The midfielder has been out of action since last September after being struck down by two separate eye conditions which left him wondering if he would ever return

Napoli coach Mazzarri: Barcelona are 'on another level'
The Partenopei boss believes there is no stopping the Blaugrana, who completed a 10-2 aggregate win over a hapless Bayer Leverkusen side at Camp Nou on Tuesday night

Juventus duo Bonucci & Conte to miss Genoa clash due to suspension
The Bianconeri coach and defender have both received a one-game ban for the upcoming Serie A match following their dismissals on Wednesday against Bologna

Palermo president Zamparini: It's much easier to stop Totti than Ibrahimovic
The flamboyant Rosanero supremo has stated his belief that keeping the Roma legend quiet should not be too much of a problem for his defence this weekend

Fredy Guarin edging closer towards Inter debut
The Colombia international is one step closer to making his first appearance for the Nerazzurri as he has resumed squad training and could be in contention in 10 days time

Inter coach Ranieri keen to return to winning ways against Chievo
The former Roma trainer is concentrating on this weekend's game and is looking for his team to end a run of nine games without a victory and struggling for confidence

 

[Marek Hamsik]

Galliani stresses AC Milan will not wear 'unlucky' black jersey again

The Rossoneri director has made it clear that they will never wear the kit they wore against Arsenal again, and will return to the yellow outfit they sported previously

Mar 9, 2012 2:20:00 PM

By Stefan Coerts

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AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has made it clear that the Serie A champions will no longer be wearing the black jersey they wore during Tuesday's 3-0 Champions League loss away against Arsenal.

Galliani believes the black kit brings bad luck to Milan, and revealed that they will return to the yellow jersey they have worn in the past as their reserve outfit next season.

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"We will not wear that kit again. I tried everything in my powers in order to avoid that we would have to wear it against Arsenal, but the only alternative was playing nude," Galliani said to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"That was the last time that we wore that outfit. We had a yellow kit for a few years, and will return to that colour."

Milan are currently preparing for the Serie A match at home against Lecce on Sunday.

 

[Marek Hamsik]

Check out Francesco's Totti! Roma star goes out on the piste with showgirl wife Ilary

The World Cup winner enjoyed a break in the Ortisei region of the Alps with his wife Ilary Blasi

Mar 9, 2012 11:00:00 AM

By Jay Jaffa

Francesco Totti's team Roma may have given themselves a mountain to climb with a poor run in Serie A - and his best years might be behind him.

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But the 35 year-old playmaker proved that when it comes to posing and prancing on the Alps, he is at the peak of his powers.

The attacking maestro was recently seen enjoying life on top of the world with his showgirl wife Ilary Blasi at the Ortisei resort.

Totti has been married to Ilary for seven years and the former showgirl now co-hosts the satirical tv programme La Iene – a position she has thrived in since 2007. Before meeting Totti, the talented blonde attempted to break into showbiz by modelling and competing in the Miss Italia competition.

Puffed out | Francesco enjoys a well earned rest after a tiring session... on the slopes
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Meanwhile, the World Cup winner has adjusted to life as a peripheral figure for Luis Enrique's side but evidently needed some downtime. There's not a bragging right in sight after Roma's second derby defeat of the year.

Enrique bemoaned Maarten Stekelenberg's early red card but in truth he may also wish to point the finger of blame toward Totti. The 35-year-old was guilty of putting a headed chance just wide in the dying minutes, adding further pressure to Enrique's position as head coach.​

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I'm hungry - let's avalanche? | Totti delights his wife with a rib-tickling joke
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Two wins in eight games has seen the Giallorossi's hopes of Champions League qualification fade away and it's easy to suggest Totti's time may also be up.

Nonetheless, you can't keep a good man down and as these pictures show he has plenty of reasons to be in good spirits. There are worse places to be, and certainly worse people to be shackled to!​

​

 

[Marek Hamsik]

We have 12 games before the end of the season to show that we are a team with quality and personality, says Roma's Burdisso
The Argentina international picked up a knee injury earlier in the season, but he has revealed that he is close to fitness and wants to help the club have a strong end of season

Inter's Ranieri after victory over Chievo: Moratti and I are calm
The under-fire coach has restated that he has the support of the club's president, but confessed he was relieved that the team has returned to winning ways

Juventus defender Caceres targets victory against Genoa
The Uruguay international is looking forward to the Serie A game at the Luigi Ferraris, and is pleased to be back at the Bianconeri after his previous loan spell in Italy

Zanetti: It's a source of great pride to be part of Inter
The Argentine midfielder has taken the time to congratulate the Nerazzurri with their 104th birthday, and expressed his happiness to be part of the club

 

[Marek Hamsik]

Friday 9th March 2012

Laudrup: Ibrahimovic not world's best

Danish legend Brian Laudrup has criticized AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic for his inability to step up when it matters most.

Laudrup believes Ibrahimovic is equal in talent to Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, but he does not consider the Swede as the best footballer of his time because of Ibrahimovic's failure to shine in important away matches.

Despite being heralded by Rossoneri coach Massimiliano Allegri as a potential Ballon d'Or receipient, Laudrup pointed out that the Milan striker's disappointing performance against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium recently is indicative that Ibrahimovic is not quite on par with Messi.

"In Italy there's a lot of talk about 'Ibra' being able to become the best player in the world, but in order to become the best, you have to perform in the big away games, like the one versus Arsenal." the Dane said to Fotbollskanalen.

"You have to perform in the big away games. 'Ibra' didn't do that. It's one of the reasons why he won't surpass Messi and Ronaldo."

Ibrahimovic will be hoping to peform better when AC Milan resume their Serie A campaign against Lecce this weekend.
​

 

[Marek Hamsik]

Serie A wrap: Milan go four points clear

12 March 2012

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AC Milan moved four points clear at the top of Serie A on Sunday with a 2-0 win over Lecce, while Juventus were held at Genoa.Antonio Nocerino's deflected effort put hosts Milan ahead inside seven minutes at the San Siro after a neat flick from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.Swede Ibrahimovic then turned goal scorer after half-time with his fierce volley from Robinho's knock down giving Massimo Benassi no chance in the Lecce goal.

The margin flattered Lecce in the end and could have been far greater, with Sulley Muntari's deflected strike and attempted chips from Robinho and Ibrahimovic among Milan's missed chances.Juventus' goalless draw at Genoa was a baffling result given the visitors hit the bar three times.After five draws in six games Antonio Conte's injury-hit side have lost ground with the leaders and would not have been comforted by yet another frustrating result.

Simone Pepe, Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio all had efforts hit the frame, but despite pouring forward in the dying stages of the match, Juventus could not find the breakthrough.Elsewhere, Francesco Lodi scored from the penalty spot shortly before the hour mark to lift Catania to a 1-0 win over Fiorentina at Stadio Angelo Massimino.Gabriel Paletta's goal for Parma cancelled out Tomas Manfredini's fourth-minute opener in a 1-1 draw with Atalanta.

A controversial Luca Ceccarelli red card proved the turning point as relegation-threatened Cesena conceded two late goals in a 2-0 loss to Siena.Ceccarelli slid in on Siena's Emanuele Calaio in the box, drawing a penalty and a red card.Claudio Terzi's penalty was pushed on to the upright but Franco Brienza tapped in the rebound, seemingly from an offside position.Erjon Bogdani sealed the three points, scoring against his former side with a volley from Brienza's delightful pass.

Later, Bologna surprised third-placed Lazio with a 3-1 win away from home.Daniele Portanova, Alessandro Diamantia and Rene Krhin were all on target for the visitors at the Stadio Olimpico.Lazio were down to nine men as early as the 57th minute after Francesco Matuzalem and Alvaro Gonzalez both saw red.Finally, promoted side Novara, second from bottom on the table, scored an upset 1-0 win at home to fifth-placed Udinese.

 

[Marek Hamsik]

Van Wolfswinkel: 'Inter? I am not thinking about leaving Sporting'
The Nerazzurri are believed to be keeping tabs on the Sporting striker, but the Dutchman has revealed that he is not considering an exit from his Portuguese club at present

After 24 shots & no goals at Genoa, Juventus need to get moving on bringing in Higuain, Lavezzi or Van Persie for next season
With the Bianconeri again fluffing their lines in front of goal to drop four points behind in the title race, they must plan ahead to solve their striker crisis

AC Milan coach Allegri insists Scudetto race not decided yet
The Rossoneri trainer has stressed that the Serie A crown's destination has not been confirmed, as there are still many more games to be played this term

Lazio's Edy Reja after Bologna defeat: Third place would be a miracle
The experienced coach has raised doubts about his side's ability to finish in the top three, while admitting that the two red cards killed off his team in Sunday's match

Suarez and Cavani open to Paris Saint-Germain switch
The presence of national team captain Diego Lugano at the Parc des Princes club is a factor that attracts the Uruguayan pair to the French outfit, both have confessed

Massimo Ficcadenti returns to Cagliari hot-seat
The Italian coach returns to the Stadio Sant'Elia just months after being fired, with the task of keeping the club away from the relegation zone

Juventus call media silence after Genoa draw
The Turin-based club have decided that none of their employees will make comments to the press after they were held to another draw in Sunday's Serie A contest

Davide Ballardini sacked by Cagliari after Napoli thrashing
The Isolani have decided to part company with their trainer in the wake of Friday's heavy 6-3 away defeat against Napoli

Ibrahimovic on Allegri row: People don't know what they're talking about
The powerful striker has insisted there's no problem between him and the Rossoneri coach, and was very pleased with Sunday's victory

Maradona: I want to solve tax problems and hug the people of Napoli
The Argentine has voiced his desire to return to the Italian city where he enjoyed his biggest successes, and insists he never evaded taxes

Luis Enrique: Roma deserved their win over Palermo
The Spanish coach was very pleased with his side's victory over the Sicilians, and was adamant that the result was well deserved

Juventus' Bonucci denies involvement in Italian betting scandal
The former Bari defender was questioned by police on Friday, and has made it clear that he has nothing to do with the Scommessopoli investigations

Moratti wants to know if Inter fans want him at the club
The 66-year-old supremo does not know whether the Nerazzurri fans want him to continue in his current role and also feels criticism of the team has been excessive

Del Piero praises strength of Japanese people and says nobody will ever forget the March 11 earthquake-tsunami
The Juventus veteran, who raised €220,000 in donations in the relief effort following the March 11 disaster in Japan, praised the strength of the East Asian nation in recovery

Kjaer hoping to stay at Roma beyond season's end
The Dane has expressed his ambition to remain in the Italian capital for the foreseeable future after recently working his way back into Luis Enrique's plans for the Giallorossi

Palermo's Mutti rues 'being caught cold' by Roma winner
The veteran boss has spoke of his regret at seeing his side concede the winning goal in such careless circumstances, stating the deficit badly affected his side's mindset

Roma will try to win as many games as possible, vows De Rossi after victory over Palermo
The Italy international was pleased to see the Giallorossi put in an assured performance against the Sicilians, and says they must continue winning for the rest of the season

Lazio's Reja: AC Milan and Juventus are superior but we can have our say in the title race
The former Napoli boss believes his team could play an important role in deciding where the Serie A trophy ends up, especially if he has a fully-fit squad available

Allegri: I have no problems with Ibrahimovic
Speaking ahead of Sunday's Serie A encounter against Lecce, the Rossoneri trainer has denied that there is a rift between him and the 30-year-old attacker

With tears in his eyes, Ranieri holds on - Inter's late late show gives the Tinkerman another stay of execution
There was relief all round as the Nerazzurri grabbed two goals in the closing stages to beat Chievo on Friday, with the coach the most relieved man of all

Matri still confident Juventus can win Serie A despite recent draws
The Bianconeri are still unbeaten in the Italian top flight this term, but despite dropping points of late, the eagle-eyed marksman feels that they can win the trophy

 

[Marek Hamsik]

Japanese in Europe: Miyaichi MVP after game-winning assist

This week's European action saw fewer goals but plenty of excitement for the Japanese contingent as the likes of Makoto Hasebe and Atsuto Uchida notched assists for their clubs

Mar 12, 2012 3:15:00 AM

By Gyo Araiwa & Dan Orlowitz

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In the Premier League‚ Ryo Miyaichi was a big contributor in Bolton's 2-1 win over QPR as both clubs fight to avoid relegation.

Miyaichi played a full 90 minutes‚ but his shining moment came in the 86th minute when he received a long pass outside of the penalty area before holding the ball up and dishing the ball to Ivan Klasnic‚ who scored the winning goal.

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In addition to being able to celebrate his first Premier League win‚ Miyaichi was also named the MVP of the match and won praise from boss Owen Coyle.

In the Bundesliga‚ Hajime Hosogai may not have scored in Saturday evening's home match for struggling Augsburg against champions Borussia Dortmund‚ but by man marking his fellow countryman Shinji Kagawa he took the creative engine of the visitors out of the game. He therefore proved decisive for the Southerners securing an unlikely point.

While the 26-year-old former Urawa Reds man neutralised his attacking counterpart and took control of central midfield with his team-mates‚ Kagawa was substituted in the 70th minute after a frustrating match.

[TABLE="width: 271"]
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[TD="align: center"]STAR OF THE WEEKEND
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[TD="align: center"]Ryo Miyaichi
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The starlet once again showed his maturity in a clutch situation, leading some Bolton fans to suggest he would be better served staying with the club after his loan expires.​

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Augsburg held on for the scoreless draw which puts them above the drop zone. Dortmund meanwhile‚ see their comfortable lead to second-placed Bayern cut to five points.

In Eredivisie action‚ Maya Yoshida scored his team's only goal to give them an early load in VVV's 3-1 loss at Roda JC. The goal was Yoshida's fifth of the season‚ setting a new personal best.

Yoshida then went on to earn a straight red card in the 73rd minute when he was seen intentionally elbowing a Roda JC player after play had stopped.

Italy

Yuto Nagatomo (Inter): Full appearance for 2-0 away win over Chievo. Nagatomo wasn't involved in either of the two goals‚ but contributed on defence to a clean sheet and Inter's first win since late January.

Takayuki Morimoto (Novara): Came on in the 71st minute in the 1-0 home win against Udinese. Saw a late caution in his first league appearance since January 22.

Germany

Makoto Hasebe (Wolfsburg): Full appearance in the 3-2 home win over Leverkusen. The 28-year-old was fielded at right-back and while putting on a solid defensive performance‚ he also provided the assist for his side's equaliser in the 32nd minute with a cross.

Shinji Okazaki (Stuttgart): Started in the scoreless home draw against Kaiserslautern but was substituted in the 82nd minute. The left-sided attacker was lively throughout.

Gotoku Sakai (Stuttgart): Made a full appearance in the 0-0 home draw against Kaiserslautern. The German-Japanese youngster started his fifth game for the Swabians‚ and had a good game on the left.

Takashi Usami (Bayern Munich): Wasn't included in the Bavarians' 7-1 home win against Hoffenheim.

Yuki Otsu (Borussia Monchengladbach): Not included in lineup in scoreless home draw to Freiburg.

Atsuto Uchida (Schalke): Played a full 90 minutes in the 3-1 home win against Hamburg. The right-back had a good game‚ crossing perfectly for Teemu Pukki's opener in the fifth minute‚ after a neat one-two with Marco Hoger. The 23-year-old could have added another assist to his name later on if Raul hadn't missed the fine opportunity provided by Uchida.

Takashi Inui (Bochum): Played a full 90 minutes in the scoreless draw away to Paderborn. While his team deserved the point away to the league's surprise package‚ the 23-year-old looked ineffective‚ fielded as a left-sided forward.

England

Tadanari Lee (Southampton): Started in Southampton's 2-0 home win against Barnsley but was substituted in the 65th minute. Lee marked his third assist for the current Championship leaders by setting up Adam Lallana's goal in the 54th minute.

Netherlands

Robert Cullen (VVV Venlo): Came on in the 65th minute in VVV Venlo's 3-1 loss away to Roda JC.

Michihiro Yasuda (Vitesse): Made a full appearance as his team defeated Groningen 3-1 away from home.

Mike Havenaar (Vitesse): Came on in the 90th minute as Vitesse defeated Groningen. After coming on as an added-time substitute‚ put the nail in the coffin with a diving headed goal against an empty net for his fourth Eredivisie goal since joining in January.

Yoshiaki Takagi (Utrecht): Featured on the bench in his club's 1-1 draw at Feyenoord.

France

Daisuke Matsui (Dijon): Didn't feature in the matchday squad for 2-1 loss at home against PSG.

Russia

Keisuke Honda (CSKA Moscow): Started in the 1-1 home draw against Dinamo Moscow, but was substituted in the 46th minute.

Romania

Takayuki Seto (Astra Ploiesti): Astra's 26-year-old Japanese midfielder will face bottom side Dacia Mioveni on Monday evening.

 

[Marek Hamsik]

After 24 shots & no goals at Genoa, Juventus need to get moving on bringing in Higuain, Lavezzi or Van Persie for next season

With the Bianconeri again fluffing their lines in front of goal to drop four points behind in the title race, they must plan ahead to solve their striker crisis

Mar 12, 2012 9:30:00 AM

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By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Editor

Another massively dominant performance, another display of profligacy, and another two points dropped in the title race; it was the same old story for Juventus on Sunday as they drew 0-0 at Genoa in Serie A.

Their latest poor showing in front of goal has seen them slip four points behind champions AC Milan despite still being unbeaten in all competitions since May 2011. It has been their inability to turn supremacy into substance which has held them back, though, with their high pressing game having seen them take over in matches, yet their strikers have blown many of the chances that have come their way.

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The Bianconeri have now racked up over 500 shots in their 27 Serie A fixtures this season, yet they've only found the net 39 times, with their strike force of Alessandro Matri, Marco Borriello, Fabio Quagliarella, Mirko Vucinic and Alessandro Del Piero having amassed just 16 goals between them in the league. Compare that to Zlatan Ibrahimovic's tally of 19, and Antonio Di Natale's 18 strikes, and it's easy to see where Juve's issues lie.

But whereas there's nothing Antonio Conte can do to add new striking resources now, the ongoing drought should at least spark them into early action ahead of the summer transfer market. There has been a great amount of talk about possible targets for the Bianconeri, with their potential fortunes in the Champions League to be considered, and below we take a look at some of the strikers that may be available.

[TABLE="width: 590"]
<tbody>[TR="bgcolor: #e3e3e3"]
[TD="align: center"]OLIVIER GIROUD | Montpellier & France, 25
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[TD="width: 66%, align: left"][TABLE="class: team_stats, width: 350"]
<tbody>[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #001111, colspan: 2"]SEASON STATS[/TD]
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[TR]
[TD="width: 50%"]Appearances
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[TD="width: 50%"]29
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[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Goals
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[TD]21
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Assists
[/TD]
[TD]8
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[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 100%, bgcolor: #001111, colspan: 2"]TRANSFER FILE[/TD]
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[TR]
[TD]Transfer value
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[TD]€16m[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Interested clubs
[/TD]
[TD]Bayern Munich, Napoli, PSG, Lyon, Marseille
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[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE]
The Montpellier striker has drawn the attentions of a host of clubs with his excellent finishing in Ligue 1 this term, and also scored on his debut for the France national team against Germany a fortnight ago.

He has admitted to being flattered by the interest of Bayern Munich, while a trio of French giants are also keen. But it is Serie A that he took time to praise recently after he was linked to Juventus and Napoli, claiming: "I always follow the big Italian teams. They are re-emerging as major players in the Champions League."

[TABLE="width: 590"]
<tbody>[TR="bgcolor: #e3e3e3"]
[TD="align: center"]GONZALO HIGUAIN | Real Madrid & Argentina, 24
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</tbody>[/TABLE]
[TABLE="width: 590"]
<tbody>[TR]
[TD]

[/TD]
[TD="width: 66%, align: left"][TABLE="class: team_stats, width: 350"]
<tbody>[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #001111, colspan: 2"]SEASON STATS[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 50%"]Appearances
[/TD]
[TD="width: 50%"]38
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Goals
[/TD]
[TD]20
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Assists
[/TD]
[TD]7
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 100%, bgcolor: #001111, colspan: 2"]TRANSFER FILE[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Transfer value
[/TD]
[TD]€30m[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Interested clubs
[/TD]
[TD]PSG, Inter
[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE]
The Argentine has long been linked with a summer switch to Juventus Stadium, and there have been recent claims that he would be interested in speaking to general director Giuseppe Marotta about a move.

"It's a bit early now, but my son and I will be ready to open talks with Juventus in May," the 24-year-old's father said to Tuttosport.

However, his contract with Real Madrid runs until 2016, and his prolific scoring rate would not be easy for the Blancos to replace, meaning Juve may have to pay above the odds to bring him in.

[TABLE="width: 590"]
<tbody>[TR="bgcolor: #e3e3e3"]
[TD="align: center"]STEVAN JOVETIC | Fiorentina & Montenegro, 22
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[TABLE="width: 590"]
<tbody>[TR]
[TD]

[/TD]
[TD="width: 66%, align: left"][TABLE="class: team_stats, width: 350"]
<tbody>[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #001111, colspan: 2"]SEASON STATS[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 50%"]Appearances
[/TD]
[TD="width: 50%"]22
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Goals
[/TD]
[TD]12
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Assists
[/TD]
[TD]1
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 100%, bgcolor: #001111, colspan: 2"]TRANSFER FILE[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Transfer value
[/TD]
[TD]€30m
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Interested clubs
[/TD]
[TD]Man City
[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE]
The Montenegrin got off to a great start in 2011-12, clearly revelling in the opportunity to return to football after missing the entirety of last season due to knee ligament damage. Things have not gone so well for Jovetic and Fiorentina since then though, with the Viola's bad run leaving sources at the club admitting to Goal.com that they may be willing to cash in on their star man.

Unlike most of the other options, however, Jovetic is not a natural striker, having been used there at the Franchi largely due to circumstances. And, while his goalscoring rate is good, his main attribute of creating openings in between the lines might be considered a luxury Juve needn't splash out on.

[TABLE="width: 590"]
<tbody>[TR="bgcolor: #e3e3e3"]
[TD="align: center"]EZEQUIEL LAVEZZI | Napoli & Argentina, 26
[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE]
[TABLE="width: 590"]
<tbody>[TR]
[TD]

[/TD]
[TD="width: 66%, align: left"][TABLE="class: team_stats, width: 350"]
<tbody>[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #001111, colspan: 2"]SEASON STATS[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 50%"]Appearances
[/TD]
[TD="width: 50%"]32
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Goals
[/TD]
[TD]10
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Assists
[/TD]
[TD]10
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 100%, bgcolor: #001111, colspan: 2"]TRANSFER FILE[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Transfer value
[/TD]
[TD]€40m[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Interested clubs
[/TD]
[TD]Man City, Chelsea, Inter
[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE]
One of the most highly sought-after talents in world football, Lavezzi has been mentioned as a potential Juve target for 2012. His recent form has helped Napoli to regain their form of last season in Serie A, while also sending them to the verge of the Champions League quarter-finals.

However, finishing his not his strongest asset, and while his eye for providing assists is a great attribute, he would need someone converting his creative play ahead of him in order to be truly effective, making his huge transfer fee restrictive in the least.

[TABLE="width: 590"]
<tbody>[TR="bgcolor: #e3e3e3"]
[TD="align: center"]GASTON RAMIREZ | Bologna & Uruguay, 21
[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE]
[TABLE="width: 590"]
<tbody>[TR]
[TD]

[/TD]
[TD="width: 66%, align: left"][TABLE="class: team_stats, width: 350"]
<tbody>[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #001111, colspan: 2"]SEASON STATS[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 50%"]Appearances
[/TD]
[TD="width: 50%"]24
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Goals
[/TD]
[TD]5
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Assists
[/TD]
[TD]5
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 100%, bgcolor: #001111, colspan: 2"]TRANSFER FILE[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Transfer value
[/TD]
[TD]€15m[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Interested clubs
[/TD]
[TD]Inter, Fiorentina
[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE]
Ramirez has been increasingly linked with the Bianconeri over recent weeks, with the Uruguayan's agent warning the club that if they don't move fast, they could lose out to other interested parties.

However, as with Jovetic and Lavezzi, his niche is displayed more away from the six-yard box, meaning that paying out big on the Bologna man may be divisive to Juve's hopes of landing a top class centre-forward who can take them to the next level.

[TABLE="width: 590"]
<tbody>[TR="bgcolor: #e3e3e3"]
[TD="align: center"]ROBIN VAN PERSIE | Arsenal & Netherlands, 27
[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE]
[TABLE="width: 590"]
<tbody>[TR]
[TD]

[/TD]
[TD="width: 66%, align: left"][TABLE="class: team_stats, width: 350"]
<tbody>[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #001111, colspan: 2"]SEASON STATS[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 50%"]Appearances
[/TD]
[TD="width: 50%"]37
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Goals
[/TD]
[TD]32
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Assists
[/TD]
[TD]9
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 100%, bgcolor: #001111, colspan: 2"]TRANSFER FILE[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Transfer value
[/TD]
[TD]€40m[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Interested clubs
[/TD]
[TD]Man City, Real Madrid, Milan
[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE]
What Juventus really need is that clinical edge, and there are few more clinical in the world game right now than Robin van Persie. The Arsenal skipper has led from the front with almost a goal a game this season, having racked up 37 in the last calendar year.

The Bianconeri's main road block on the route to a deal for the Dutchman would be his other admirers. While the Gunners may quickly admit defeat in their bid to keep their last big star, moneyed suitors such as Manchester City and Real Madrid could well force Juve to pay through the nose to get their man.

If Van Persie should want to become one of the marquee figures of Serie A, there would also be the interest of Milan to consider. However, the Rossoneri's continued pursuit of Carlos Tevez could see the way open for Juve if they wish to break the bank to entice him to Turin.

 

[Marek Hamsik]

Agnelli: Juventus are fighting against everything and everyone
The Bianconeri supremo has indicated that the club will be more prudent in their criticism of the work of match officials, but suggested that the team is being treated unfairly

Materazzi: My heart bleeds to see Inter like this
The Nerazzurri slipped down the Serie A standings after a recent run of seven games without a win and the former Italy international now believes a top-three finish is beyond them

Inter's Stankovic: I have no problem with Ranieri
It had been claimed after the Nerazzurri's recent defeat by Napoli at the San Paolo that the Serb had accused his boss of always substituting the same players

Capello rules out ever taking charge of Inter
The 65-year-old Italian has been out of work since parting company with England last month and has been repeatedly linked with the top job at Appiano Gentile

Udinese youngster Luis Muriel: 'I like AC Milan'
The young Colombian forward has hinted that he would be open to a move to the Rossoneri in the future, but assured that he is focussed on his on-loan club Lecce at present

 

[F.Inzaghi]

Inter keen on Montpellier midfielder Belhanda - report
The Morocco international has been in fine form in the 2011-12 campaign, and could be headed for Serie A this summer as the Giuseppe Meazza outfit look to rebuild their squad

Italy boss Prandelli in the frame for Inter coaching job - report
The national team coach is believed to be one of the candidates to replace Claudio Ranieri at the Nerazzurri this summer, but Andre Villas-Boas remains in pole position

AC Milan attacker Robinho doubtful for Parma clash
The Brazil international picked up an ankle injury in training and could be forced to sit out Saturday's Serie A encounter at the Ennio Tardini

Nagatomo disappointed at Inter's Champions League exit but vows to bounce back
The Samurai Blue left back had suffered from poor form in recent weeks, with his role in Inter's pyrrhic victory against Marseille coming under heavy scrutiny

Mazzarri: Napoli lacked the experience to control Chelsea match but we must be proud
The Italian coach admitted that his side did not have the necessary experience to see out the game at 2-1 but stressed that the club must have pride in their accomplishments

Liverpool's Aquilani will join AC Milan on a permanent basis, says agent
The Italy international's agent believes that the Rossoneri will continue using his client, which will automatically trigger the buying option in the player's loan contract

AC Milan's Allegri: I hope that Cassano will be back for final games and Euro 2012
The Italian coach is confident about the striker's chances of playing in Poland and Ukraine, while expressing surprise at Juventus' criticism of referees lately

Palermo's Ilicic denies suffering from second-season syndrome
The Slovenian was lauded by the Italian press as one of most exciting young talents in Serie A during his first campaign with the Rosanero but he has underperformed this term

Totti and De Rossi sit out Roma training ahead of Genoa clash
The influential duo were both forced to pull out of Monday's session at Trigoria and are now considered doubts for the Giallorossi's next league outing against the Rossoblu

Mohamed Sissoko dreams of Del Piero move to Paris Saint-Germain
The Mali international played alongside the legendary No.10 during his three-and-a-half-year spell with Juventus and retains a great respect for the former Italy attacker

Moratti: We have to build a new Inter without thinking about immediate results
The Nerazzurri supremo has admitted that the club is in dire need of fresh reinforcements, and could be forced to sacrifice short-term success in the reconstruction process

Giovinco backs AC Milan to beat Juventus to Serie A title
The Parma attacker believes that the Rossoneri have what it takes to edge Antonio Conte's men to the Scudetto this season, with four points currently separating the sides

AC Milan veteran Inzaghi on Atalanta radar - report
The experienced striker's contract at the Rossoneri expires at the end of the season and he could be on his way back to the Orobici in the upcoming transfer window

Espanyol keen to keep Inter starlet Coutinho
The Barcelona-based club's director, Ramon Planes, has expressed his wish to extend the on-loan attacking midfielder's stay at Cornella into next season

Inter president Moratti refuses to blame Claudio Ranieri for Champions League elimination
The Nerazzurri supremo has declined to blame the Champions League elimination on the 60-year-old coach and said that luck was on Marseille's side in the tie

Ranieri: Inter could not have done more against Olympique de Marseille
The experienced coach lamented his side's lack of luck in the tie and declared that the Nerazzurri deserved to go through in the competition

Napoli's De Laurentiis: No offers for Cavani or Lavezzi
The Partenopei owner insists that despite speculation linking the pair with big-money moves away from the San Paolo, there has not been a single bid for either striker

Cristiano Ronaldo rules out AC Milan move
Rossoneri owner Silvio Berlusconi recently stated that he would love to bring the Portugal international to San Siro, but the forward insists he is happy in the Spanish capital

Caceres could miss Juventus' trip to Fiorentina - report
The Uruguay international, who rejoined the Bianconeri on loan in January, picked up a minor knee injury in Sunday's 0-0 draw with Genoa at the Luigi Ferraris

Zeman commits future to Pescara amidst reports linking him to Inter
The Czech, who has guided the Delfini to the top of Serie B, has declared his desire to stay in Abruzzo, despite rumours of a possible move to the Nerazzurri

Heinze close to Roma contract renewal - report
The Argentine's current contract expires at the end of the season, but he is expected to earn a one-year renewal if he activates a clause in his agreement

Juventus sign Verratti as they prepare for life after Pirlo - report
The Turin side are eager to add some fresh blood to their squad this summer and have reportedly secured the services of the young midfielder from the Serie B outfit

Agent claims Inter made €25m offer for Sao Paulo youngster Lucas
The player's representative has revealed that the Nerazzurri were ready to splash the cash in January, but their bid was turned down for the Brazilian wonderkid

Genoa reveal Luis Enrique interest
The director of the Serie A outfit says that personal terms were the only thing standing in the way of the Spaniard taking over at the Luigi Ferraris

Giovinco coy on Juventus rumours: I leave all doors open
The Italian youngster has refused to knock back the possibility of returning to Juventus at the end of the season and admitted that 'anything can happen'

 

[F.Inzaghi]

Italy boss Prandelli in the frame for Inter coaching job - report

The national team coach is believed to be one of the candidates to replace Claudio Ranieri at the Nerazzurri this summer, but Andre Villas-Boas remains in pole position

Mar 15, 2012 9:22:00 AM

By Stefan Coerts

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​

​

Current Italy boss Cesare Prandelli is in the frame to replace Claudio Ranieri as Inter coach at the end of the 2011-12 campaign, Il Corriere dello Sport reports.

​

​

The Nerazzurri are widely expected to part company with their current trainer Claudio Ranieri either before or at the end of the campaign, and they see Prandelli as a suitable candidate to rake the reigns at the Giuseppe Meazza.

The 54-year-old has a contract with the national side until 2014, but the Italian Football Association (FIGC) could decide to let go of their coach if the Azzurri disappoint at Euro 2012.

Prandelli enjoyed a successful spell as club boss at Fiorentina before taking over the Italy job from Marcello Lippi in the summer of 2010 after the World Cup in South Africa.

Nevertheless, former Porto and Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas remains Inter's number one option for the position, as the Nerazzurri have already opened talks with the 34-year-old coach.

 

[F.Inzaghi]

Moratti: We have to build a new Inter without thinking about immediate results

The Nerazzurri supremo has admitted that the club is in dire need of fresh reinforcements, and could be forced to sacrifice short-term success in the reconstruction process

Mar 14, 2012 1:09:00 PM

By Stefan Coerts

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​

​

Inter president Massimo Moratti has stated that it would be wise to start rebuilding the team for the future without worrying too much about immediate results.

The Giuseppe Meazza side are going through a difficult season as they were eliminated from the Champions League by Olympique de Marseille on Tuesday, are out of contention for Coppa Italia and are struggling in Serie A.

​

​

"A wise idea might be that of starting to think about the future not in immediate terms, but by building a team that is essentially young," Moratti was quoted as saying on Inter's official website.

"It depends on the realistic ambitions and habits that you want to have, though. It would be wise to rebuild from the foundation without the idea of immediately obtaining big results, and hoping the acquisitions you make will turn out to be the right ones.

"In addition to the ability of new players with fresher legs, we also need experience. Many will remain, and we'll also get some new players. It depends on the project that we put together with the coach."

Inter currently sit seventh in the Serie A table with 40 points from 27 games.