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 With so many Italian players based in Britain and around the world, Football Italia updates you on the latest happenings |
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| April 15, 2008 |
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Pool possible for Valon
Lazio wide man Valon Behrami still isn’t ruling out a move to Liverpool, according to the player’s father. The Reds have reportedly been watching the Swiss international and are believed to be one of several sides considering a summer swoop. “Maybe Liverpool will make a move for him,” Ragip Behrami told Tuttomercatoweb. “And possibly their interest will start a rush for him.”
Juve ponder Flamini offer
Reports in the peninsula suggest that Juventus will present Arsenal’s French midfield star Mathieu Flamini with a provisional contract offer within the next month. The former Marseille man’s contract at the Emirates Stadium expires this summer and he has refused to pen a new deal, allowing him to leave on a free transfer at the end of the season. “We have not yet made him an offer, but we are thinking about it,” Juve sporting director Alessio Secco admitted.
Kewell cool on Juve
Liverpool’s Harry Kewell has been linked with a move to Juventus, but a source at Anfield insists that he is staying put. Claudio Ranieri is looking to expand his midfield horizons this summer and is in need of a left-sided player as Pavel Nedved ponders retirement. But the Merseysiders deny reports that the Old Lady are ready to swoop for Kewell. “Harry and his family are really happy in the North West and they don’t want to move,” a source is quoted as saying in the Daily Mirror. “All Harry is concentrating on is getting fit and doing his best for Liverpool.”
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| April 14, 2008 |
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Prem pair eye Ascoli ace
Both Manchester United and Everton are following Ascoli midfielder Stefano Guberti, according to his agent. The 23-year-old made his Serie A debut for the Woodpeckers last season and is making waves in the Cadetti this term. “I haven’t had direct contact, but last year Guberti was in the sights of Manchester United, who are a great club,” said Claudio de Nicola. “And recently, I learned that a scout from Everton also watched him.”
Davis's Viola respect
Former Rangers defender Harold Davis recalls his club’s defeat to Fiorentina in the 1961 European Cup-Winners’ Cup Final as the two sides prepare to meet in the UEFA Cup semi-finals. The veteran insists that the modern Viola will be just as dangerous as they were when the Glasgow side lost 2-0 at Ibrox and 2-1 in Florence. “This will put Rangers to the test,” he warned. “Once you come up against the Italian sides, you find they’re a bit special. You don't get an easy game against the Italians. It was a good time for us when we reached the Final. We were a bit unlucky against Fiorentina. There was plenty of luck involved in that game, and it went for them.”
Naka keeps the faith
Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura says his team have not given up on winning the Scottish Premier League title. The former Reggina playmaker, who was injured in the Hoops’ 1-0 defeat by Rangers on Saturday feels if they beat their Glasgow rivals in their next two clashes they will be back in the race. “We will never give up hope,” said the Japanese international. “We must now win both home games against Rangers. Gordon Strachan said to me after the game that I hadn’t played badly, so I think that is why he kept faith with me for the 90 minutes. Now I have to see what the doctors say because I picked up a foot injury. It’s sore at the moment but I don’t know exactly what the problem is or if it will stop me training.”
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| April 11, 2008 |
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Hammers eye Valon
Lazio midfielder Valon Behrami could move to Liverpool at the end of the season, according to Italian reports. The 22-year-old Swiss international has been a big player for the Biancocelesti in recent seasons but with the club suffering financially, if Liverpool agree to his £8m price tag he would be allowed to leave. West Ham have also been linked with Behrami as manager Alan Curbishley admits that the club will be active in the Italian transfer market under new technical director Gianluca Nani.
Carlo has injury blues
Chelsea’s Italian goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini says he does not know when he will play again. The former Castel De Sangro custodian suffered a hamstring injury during Tuesday’s Champions League win over Fenerbahce and admits that he is frustrated. “Of course it’s disappointing,” he said. “But I don’t know how bad the injury is yet. We will have to wait and see. I don’t want to say anything yet - we will find out.”
Adri’s Chelsea call
Inter striker Adriano claims he would welcome the chance to play for Chelsea next season. The unsettled Brazilian is back home on loan with his local club Sao Paulo and has been linked with Chelsea in an exchange deal involving Didier Drogba. “It would be a pleasure to play for Chelsea,” he admitted. “They are a great team in England and Drogba is an idol for them, but Inter own my rights and President Massimo Moratti is the one who must decide what will be done.”
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| April 10, 2008 |
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Valeri close to comeback
Valeri Bojinov may be ready for Manchester City’s first team before the end of the season, according to his manager Sven Goran Eriksson. The former Fiorentina forward only played one game before suffering a cruciate ligament injury last August but has progressed in training recently. “If you had asked me a week ago, I would have said maybe, but now I believe he will play before the end of the season,” said the ex-Lazio Coach. “It’s looking much better for him, although he’s still far away from being 100 per cent.”
Gaizka gets Boro boot
Former Lazio flop Gaizka Mendieta will be leaving Middlesbrough at the end of the season, manager Gareth Southgate has revealed. The Spanish midfielder has rarely featured in the side over the last 18 months and Southgate expects him to leave when his contract expires in July. “Mendi wanted to stay and work with us, but we won’t be offering him a new deal in the summer,” said Southgate. “He had some interest from America early in the season and a couple of other countries, but nothing that appealed to him at the time. I don’t know what his thoughts are towards next season.”
Kapo’s back for Blues
Birmingham midfielder Oliver Kapo is set to return to action for this Saturday’s game against Everton. The former Juventus midfielder has settled in well at St Andrews but has been out for six weeks with a hamstring injury, which took longer than normal to heal. “Kapo has taken maybe a week or two longer than we would have liked but you don’t want to rush these injuries back,” said Blues boss Alex McLeish. “He has been training this week and looks on course to be available for selection.”
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| April 9, 2008 |
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Gigi ponders future
Queens Park Rangers boss Luigi De Canio has yet to confirm that he will stay with the Championship club next season. Reports suggest that the former Palermo tactician will make a decision on his future in the next few weeks, but De Canio does insist that he is enjoying working in England. “Coming back to Italy? I’ll only say that I like to be a Coach and I will exercise my profession wherever I can,” he said. “But it’s true that coaching abroad enriches you from the human and professional point of view. Let’s see how the season finishes at QPR and then we will see. Here in England there is the right atmosphere of enthusiasm and joy. There is pressure as there is in Italy, but football is experienced in a different way.”
Lippi hails United
Italy’s World Cup winning Coach Marcello Lippi claims that Manchester United are the best team in the world. Talking about Roma’s chances in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash against United, the Viareggio-born tactician revealed that he believes the Red Devils also have the world’s best player. “If Roma have luck on their side to score an early goal and if the players give 150 per cent, who knows?” he said. “But Manchester United are the strongest team in the world and Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player on the planet.”
Berba dreams of Diavolo
Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov has sensationally revealed that he would jump at the chance to join Milan, if they made a bid for him. The Bulgarian international has been linked with several top clubs recently and in his two seasons with Spurs has scored an impressive 30 goals in 70 games. “If any conversations with the Rossoneri start, I will be flattered,” Berbatov admitted. “My head will boil again in the summer from the transfer speculation. I know the price Tottenham want but I won’t tell you.”
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| April 8, 2008 |
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Spurs mad for Marco
Livorno goalkeeper Marco Amelia is still a major target for Tottenham manager Juande Ramos. Reports suggest that the Premier League side almost signed the Italian international during the January transfer window but ran out time to complete the deal. Ramos is still sending scouts to watch Amelia and has allegedly put him at the top of his wanted list this summer. One stumbling block for the deal could be the fee. Spurs are believed to be ready to offer £7million for the 26-year-old stopper, but Livorno are expected to demand somewhere in the region of £10m.
Turks taunt Carlo
Chelsea custodian Carlo Cudicini has once again been ridiculed by Fenerbahce, following taunts from the Turkish club’s Coach Zico last week. This week, striker Deivid has hit out at the former Castel Di Sangro ‘keeper ahead of the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tonight. “Mateja Kezman told me Cudicini would have problems if we shot and the ball curled away from him,” said the Brazilian. “He stood nearly over the goal-line, so he had difficulty reacting when the ball went too far from him. That is what I tried but I never imagined the ball would go where it went – I don’t think Cech would have been able to save it either.”
Oba’s happy Toon
Former Inter striker Obafemi Martins insists he is committed to Newcastle under new boss Kevin Keegan, despite reports claiming he wants to leave in the summer. The Nigerian international utterly rejects talk of a move and is delighted to be part of a new-look trident front line, alongside Michael Owen and Mark Viduka. “It’s not just me, all the players want to stay for next season,” revealed the 23-year-old. “We are playing together very, very well. We are pleased that we are scoring great goals and if we continue to play like that we will score more.” |
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| April 7, 2008 |
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Roberto eyes Blues post
Former Chelsea midfielder Roberto Di Matteo is hoping he can get a job working with his former side. The ex-Italy international is currently taking his coaching qualifications and is reportedly in talks with the Premier League side over a future position. “I have been doing my UEFA badges and am looking forward to getting back into the game,” he said. “I would rather start coaching in England than Italy - I am doing the courses here in England with the FA. I can’t say too much more, but I am talking to Chelsea at the moment.”
Alex gives Ronaldo backing
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed Roma’s complaints about Cristiano Ronaldo after last week’s Champions League clash between the two clubs and insists his winger will carry on regardless. The Portuguese ace was the star man and scored a fabulous goal only for the Giallorossi to brand him disrespectful due to his tricks. “The most important message Cristiano is giving out is that he is a great player who is not afraid to take the ball and beat a man,” Ferguson said. “In this modern day it’s a breath of fresh air and he will not be afraid to do it. Ronaldo is a winner. They cannot kick him out of the game. It will not worry him if Roma come looking for him in the second leg. He will always get up and carry on playing.”
Big Kev admires Emre
Emre Belozoglu could be a key figure for Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan next season, as he believes the former Inter midfielder possesses unique qualities. The Turkish international has suffered a series of niggling injuries since his arrival from the San Siro in 2005 and with recent speculation linking him with Milan or a return to his old club Galatasaray, Keegan claims he wants him to stay. “He is different to any other player I’ve got at the club,” said Keegan. “That’s what you need. You can’t have all the same kind of players at a football club. Different games will require different players at times. And he’s outstanding as he has the ability to unlock defences and do something other players can’t do.”
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| April 4, 2008 |
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Fergie gives Roma respect
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists that his team will not underestimate Roma’s potential to fight back after their Stadio Olimpico defeat last Tuesday. The pair meet again in the second leg of the Champions League quarter finals at Old Trafford next week and, despite their 2-0 win, the United manager refuses to be complacent. “At this moment it is a fantastic result for us, but probably on the day of the game I will start to worry about it,” he said. “The first thing we have to do is prepare properly for the match. We cannot take anything for granted with a place in the semi-finals at stake.”
Mido on comeback trail
Middlesbrough striker Mido has promised to be ready and raring to go in time for the start of next season, following an operation on a hernia. The former Roma hitman has suffered a nightmare season with injuries and hopes to be back in training before the end of the current campaign. “I have been unlucky with injuries this season,” said the Egyptian international. “I have missed about 10 full games so I am looking forward to being fit next term and I will be ready for it. I will be out for five or six weeks and then be back in training.”
Sheva for Roma?
Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko could make a shock move to Roma, according to Italian reports. The former Milan hitman has revealed that he wants to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season and would welcome a return to Italy. Although Rossoneri president Silvio Berlusconi has admitted that he wants the Ukrainian international to come back to San Siro, Coach Carlo Ancelotti is against the move. The Giallorossi have declared their interest and if Chelsea allow him to leave for a reasonable fee then the capital club could seal the switch.
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| April 3, 2008 |
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Ronaldo’s Roma response
Cristiano Ronaldo has hit back at David Pizarro after the Roma star’s verbal attack on him following the Champions League clash between the Giallorossi and Manchester United on Tuesday. Speaking after the Premier League champions’ 2-1 victory, the winger says he has total respect for all of his opponents and has rejected claims of needless showboating. “I’ve not been taking the mickey or playing the fool with anybody,” he said. “On the field I respect my opponents. If someone thinks my moves are mockery then they are wrong. If I’ve a certain attitude it’s simply because I have always had it and will continue to do that.”
Evra’s Italian affection
Manchester United stopper Patrice Evra claims he felt very happy when he was playing in Italy. Following his time in Serie C, he has never forgotten the strength of Italian football and feels that his team have to be wary of Roma in the Champions League quarter-final second leg. “One of my happiest memories is playing in Italy, even if I play for Manchester United,” said the former Marsala and Monza defender. “That was my first professional contract at the age of 17 and the people in Sicily were so warm, like a big family. I have many Italian friends still and my agent is Italian. We had a great deal of respect for our opponents, even if some people said we had already qualified before playing the first leg. Roma are a wonderful team that eliminated Real Madrid and play better away from home and Francesco Totti could be back too."
Sulley wants sweet FA
Former Udinese midfielder Sulley Muntari is determined to lift the FA Cup with Portsmouth this season. The Ghanaian failed to win anything with the Bianconeri and wants to make up for lost time with Pompey. “I have never won a trophy in my career and it would be nice to change that,” he said. “I am a winner and I do not like losing, so I want to win the game on Saturday and go on to lift the FA Cup with Portsmouth. It is important for this club to win something and we now have the chance to go and do that. The only trophy I have won as a professional is a pre-season one and I think it is time I changed that. I won cups when I was playing football back in Ghana and I now want to win honours with this side.”
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| April 2, 2008 |
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Flamini may stay put
Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini’s move to Juventus is by no means cut and dried, despite claims the deal was almost done. The French star insists he would prefer to stay with Arsenal and is confident that the Gunners can also win a trophy this season. “I am talking with the club and we’ll see what happens,” he said. “But I hope to stay at Arsenal. I am very happy here. Every game I give more than 100 per cent and I love playing for this team. I believe that I can achieve things here and we have the spirit and belief to win a trophy this term.”
Camp likes Italian way
QPR goalkeeper Lee Camp believes that his club is profiting from being coached by an Italian. The England Under-21 star has been impressed by the training methods of Hoops boss Luigi De Canio and England Coach Fabio Capello. “You hear a lot of things said about Capello and the way he likes to do things,” he revealed. “Italians are very organised they want things done in a certain way and it’s certainly rubbing off on us.”
Zico questions Carlo
Fenerbahce Coach Zico claims that Chelsea’s weak point is their Italian goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini. The former Udinese and Brazil ace believes Cudicini’s shaky display against Middlesbrough will allow his team to pile on the pressure in tonight’s Champions League game. “As Coaches, we analyse the opponents and know individual strengths and weaknesses,” he revealed. “We pass that on to our players to exploit and Cudicini was nervous against Middlesbrough.” |
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| April 1, 2008 |
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Spurs seek Santana
Fiorentina ace Mario Santana has been linked with a move to Tottenham, according to his agent. The Argentine star has married an Italian woman and now has an Italian passport, allowing him to and play in England without a work permit. "I have had contact with Spurs, but at the moment I have not asked the player," said Filippo Casadini. "I don’t know if they have talked to Fiorentina. Santana is often followed by scouts from the Premier League as he will become a member of the European Community and will be even more attractive.”
Lazio to return Rozehnal
Lazio defender David Rozehnal is set to return to Newcastle at the end of the season after his failure to make a splash in Serie A. The 27-year-old Czech Republic international joined the Biancocelesti on loan in January, but his agent believes any potential move will depend on a statement from the Serie A side. "So far Lazio have not told us their plans,” said Viktor Kolar. “The Italians have a clause which says that they can use the option of a permanent move until May. Then we will know the whole situation at Lazio and we can make further steps regarding David’s future.”
Silvio set on Sheva
Milan President Silvio Berlusconi has admitted he would love to bring Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko back to San Siro. The former Rossoneri hitman has bombed at Stamford Bridge and reports from the peninsula claim that a move is completed. Despite Coach Carlo Ancelotti pouring cold water on the mooted move, his boss feels Sheva would be perfect. “It would be good for Shevchenko to return to us,” said Berlusconi. “I think regularly about Sheva and I often speak to him. The fans would understand that this would be the ideal choice for us.”
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