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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 30, 2008 |
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Grip sees Sven exit
Sven-Goran Eriksson could leave Manchester City at the end of the season, according to his assistant Tord Grip. The former Lazio Coach held talks with club owner Thaksin Shinawatra amid reports that he would be sacked at the end of the campaign and if that happens Grip believes there would be no shortage of job offers. “We have two games left,” said Grip. “They probably think we’ve done a poor job. We think we’ve done it well. It has been going a little bit worse since Christmas but there are always ups and downs in football and the Premier League is a marathon. It takes time to build a team. I’m convinced that Sven will get offers. But nothing will happen before the season is over.”
Spurs eye Iaquinta
Tottenham are again being linked with Juventus striker Vincenzo Iaquinta. The Azzurri hitman was a target for the North London side last season when he was still with Udinese and reports claim they are monitoring his situation very closely. Iaquinta has revealed that he is frustrated with his lack of first-team appearances in Turin and it is believed that he would welcome a move to England.
Carlo’s Chelsea contentment
Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini is happy at Stamford Bridge, despite reports that the Italian custodian is looking for first-team action and would consider a move. The former Castel Di Sangro No 1 has been linked with a move to Juventus but according to his agent he wants to stay. “Carlo has never said that he would leave Chelsea, where he has another year on his contract and a strong attachment to the club and fans,” said Federico Pastorello. “At the end of the season, after the commitments of the Champions League and Premiership, we'll have a meeting with the club to evaluate the future.” |
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| April 29, 2008 |
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Lorenzo backs Rangers
Former Rangers and Fiorentina defender Lorenzo Amoruso believes the Scottish giants can beat the Viola in the UEFA Cup semi-final. The ex-Ibrox captain, who arrived in Glasgow from Tuscany in 1997, believes that the Scots will proceed into the Final if they score first. “It will be tight and one goal could be enough,” he said. “Whoever scores first can sit back, defend and rely on counter-attacks and both teams are capable of doing that. If I have to choose, I think Rangers are better suited to that style as Fiorentina don’t really have forwards and midfielders who can defend.”
Lippi on English woes
World Cup winning Coach Marcello Lippi claims that England boss Fabio Capello has a big job on his hands because of the lack of homegrown players in the Premier League. The former Azzurri tactician cites the lack of space for local players as the reason why England failed to qualify for Euro 2008 and why they are still suffering. “Problems for a Coach occur when he only has a few good players at his disposal,” Lippi said. “Italy Coach Roberto Donadoni has a problem of abundance, while for Capello it’s completely the opposite. Capello will have more problems fielding a strong English national team because only 38 per cent of Premier League players are British.”
Ancelotti’s Andriy affection
Milan’s Carlo Ancelotti insists that Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko would be made to feel very welcome if he returned to San Siro in the summer. Recent speculation has seen the former Rossoneri hero linked with a return, but the fee could be a stumbling block. “If he came back, we’d all be happy,” Ancelotti said. “If he doesn’t, it means we have failed to find an agreement with his club. He was and still is a great striker.”
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| April 28, 2008 |
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Wenger in Inter attack
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has sensationally accused Inter Coach Roberto Mancini of unsettling his midfielder Alex Hleb and wants to report the Italian champions to FIFA. “If Inter are interested in Hleb they should call us,” raged the French tactician. “We have heard nothing. The way they proceed is absolutely disgraceful.” Last month Hleb met Inter middleman Claudio Vigorelli after the Gunners’ Champions League clash with Milan - a meeting that was later explained as "two friends having an ice cream."
Carletto’s fond of Flamini
Milan Coach Carlo Ancelotti admits that he is an admirer of Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini. The French international has also been heavily linked with Juventus of late and with Ancelotti showing interest it could start an auction. “He is an excellent player,” admitted Carletto. “When he played against us, he showed great dynamism and ability. Someone like him would be of use to any side. And, seeing as he will be out of contract, that would be an excellent signing for us.”
Fabio’s final test
England manager Fabio Capello admits that the Three Lions’ job is the most difficult of his career. The Italian tactician took over in January and sees the position as his ultimate test. “This is my toughest job and is hard to understand why things happen and to solve the problems,” he said. ”I’m hoping I will be able to understand the issues and rectify them. I have enjoyed every post I have had. I have great memories of my time at Roma, Juventus, Milan and Real Madrid. Each one of them has been a challenge. But I look at this as my last, my final challenge.”
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| April 25, 2008 |
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Henry: Gunners or nothing
Barcelona striker Thierry Henry has insisted that he won't be returning to the Premier League unless he receives an offer from former club Arsenal. “I'm happy here and I still have three years left on my contract,” said the former Juventus player. “Since I arrived here there has been a lot of speculation from day one but, hey, go back where? There's only one team in England for me. Everybody knows the love and affection I have for Arsenal. I was so into it, I became a fan.”
Gers eye Viola victory
Rangers Coach Walter Smith is confident that his side can overcome Fiorentina in the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup. The Scottish outfit were held to a 0-0 draw in the first leg in front of their own supporters, but Smith has backed his men to grab a crucial away goal in Florence. “I think if you don't concede the away goal, you're always in with chance when you go away,” he insisted. “If you look at the Champions League, we managed to score away from home in Lyon and Stuttgart and also at Lisbon and Panathinaikos.”
Drogba set for Real?
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba could be on his way to Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants seemingly overtaking Milan in the race to sign the Ivorian hitman. “Contact with Drogba's agent has been made and a possible deal could go through as long as Madrid come up with the right asking price,” revealed a source close to Drogba in the Daily Star. It is thought that the former Marseille striker will replace Ruud Van Nistelrooy, who is reportedly being chased by the Rossoneri.
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| April 24, 2008 |
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Ibrox to intimidate Viola?
Former Rangers and Fiorentina winger Andrei Kanchelskis expects the Viola to receive a hostile reception at Ibrox in their UEFA Cup semi-final first leg. The Russian believes the Glaswegian crowd will act as a 12th man for the Scottish giants. “With all due respect to Italian crowds, the fans in Scotland are something else. At Ibrox, they're closer to the pitch and create an incredible amount of noise.” Nevertheless, Kanchelskis is convinced Fiorentina can weather the storm. “If they get through the first 20 minutes and quieten the crowd, I think they have a real chance.”
Maggio flattered by Villa
Sampdoria wing-back Christian Maggio has welcomed interest shown in him by Premiership outfit Aston Villa. The 26-year-old has been revelatory for the Blucerchiati this season, scoring six times and attracting interest from Italy's biggest clubs. “It's a strange feeling to read these things. I never knew it had happened, not until this point at least,” Maggio explained. “But it's nice knowing that such an important club are following me as it's a demonstration that your work is being appreciated.”
Chelsea have Cudicini priority
Carlo Cudicini is fully committed to Chelsea according to his agent. The Italian goalkeeper has recently been linked with a move to Juventus, where he would link up with former mentor Claudio Ranieri. “I cannot say much until the end of the season,” insisted agent Federico Pastorello. “The fact is his contract expires in 2009. But we will give priority to Chelsea because London has become a second home to him after 10 years at the Blues.” Cudicini, who moved to Stamford Bridge from Castel Di Sangro in 1999, is also thought to be wanted by several Premiership clubs.
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| April 23, 2008 |
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Mat finished at Arsenal?
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has admitted that he is uncertain whether contract rebel Mathieu Flamini will still be at the Emirates Stadium next year. The Frenchman's current deal expires this summer and he has a whole host of admirers, including Juventus. “We have made what we think is a pretty generous offer and we are waiting to hear whether he will accept,” Hill-Wood told the Daily Star. “You just don't know nowadays. You think players have a pretty good life, but then someone persuades them the grass might be greener somewhere else.”
Durrant praises Viola
Glasgow Rangers reserve-team Coach Ian Durrant has praised Fiorentina ahead of Thursday's UEFA Cup semi-final first leg at Ibrox, but he has backed Gers to give the Viola a run for their money. “I've watched them twice and they are a good team,” he said. “They're very exciting to watch. But we have players who can combat their weaknesses. There are no mugs in the semi-final of a top European tournament and we are looking forward to it.”
Boj reveals new strength
Manchester City striker Valeri Bojinov believes that he is a much stronger player after recovering from a serious knee injury. “At the beginning, the only thing I could do was become mentally strong, get focused on the things I needed to do to come back stronger,” admitted the ex-Fiorentina ace. “I have been at home on some weekends because of my injury so I have been watching both Italian and English football and it is extremely noticeable the difference in pace between the two.”
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| April 22, 2008 |
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Rooney learns Italian
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is taking Italian lessons. According to The Sun newspaper, the 22-year-old is looking to raise his international profile rather than move to Serie A. The exercise is also helping Rooney communicate with England's new Italian boss Fabio Capello. The Croxteth-born forward drives to training, listening to a Teach-Yourself Italian CD and is said to share his fiancées passion for all things Italian.
Cudicini to tempt Juve
Juventus sporting director Alessio Secco is in London this week with a view to reinforcing the Bianconeri ahead of next season. The Turin giants' interest in Mathieu Flamini is well documented, but Secco also intends to cast an eye over Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini. The 34-year-old joined the Blues from Castel Di Sangro in 2000 and has, in recent years, proved an excellent stand-in for Petr Cech. Juve No 1 Gigi Buffon has had a troubling back problem this year, influencing Secco's decision to look for a more reliable replacement than Emanuele Belardi.
Inter show Hleb interest
Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb is a transfer target for Inter. The Daily Mirror has today revealed that Arsene Wenger fears he could lose the player, who has been outstanding for the Gunners this term. The Belarus international is believed to have a clause in his contract allowing him to leave the Emirates Stadium only two years after moving to London. The Nerazzurri are keen for a player of Hleb's versatility, with the 26-year-old comfortable behind the strikers or on either flank.
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| April 21, 2008 |
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Juventus closer to Flamini
Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini is edging ever closer to a deal with Juventus. The former Marseille youngster, whose contract runs out this summer, is set to be offered a five-year-deal worth £3.5m per annum. The Bianconeri's director of football Alessio Secco has been monitoring Flamini's situation at the Emirates Stadium for some time and is ready to pounce if the versatile French international decides to leave the Gunners. Milan have also been linked to the Frenchman.
Bobby blasts Capello call
Former England boss Bobby Robson has called into question the appointment of Fabio Capello as Three Lions Coach. The 75-year-old slated the former Real Madrid, Juventus and Milan tactician, highlighting his lack of fluency in the English language. “Well, Capello can't speak the language can he?” lamented Robson. “At half-time, how can you communicate tactics to a player if you can't talk to him?” Capello has coached England to a 2-1 victory against Switzerland and a 1-0 defeat in France since replacing Steve McClaren on the bench.
Sven to scupper Milan
Former Lazio Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson wants Manchester City chairman Thaksin Shinawatra to do everything in his power to sign Milan target Ronaldinho. The Brazilian fantasista, currently out injured at Barcelona, is expected to be sold this summer. “I don't think there is a manager in the world who would say no to him,” said Eriksson. With Rossoneri Vice-President Adriano Galliani cautious over the proposed transfer fee involved, it is rumoured that City could snatch the deal from under Milan's noses.
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| April 18, 2008 |
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Chelsea watch Giovinco Jnr
Chelsea are reportedly targeting Sebastian Giovinco’s younger brother, 17-year-old Giuseppe, who plays for Juventus’ schoolboy squad. Giuseppe plays in a similar role to his elder sibling and Chelsea are said to be impressed by him and considering poaching him from the Old Lady before he signs his first professional contract. “So far I have not received offers,” said Giuseppe’s agent Andrea D’Amico. “However I am not surprised if Giuseppe has been followed by Chelsea and other English clubs as they observe all the youth Leagues of our country in a systematic manner.”
Silvio addresses Sheva doubts
Milan President Silvio Berlusconi admits that Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko will need to win over the fans if he returns to San Siro. “He had to bow down to a decision that his wife considered essential for the good of their children and so I supported him,” Berlusconi said. “Among the fans there is a confrontation between those who believed he was a traitor and those who want him back. However, he did not cheat on Milan, he had to put his family first and I understood his decision. Now I believe that if he came back, we would welcome him with open arms. I am the first to support a return and hope he does.”
Carlo ponders Chelsea exit
Chelsea’s Italian goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini is considering leaving Stamford Bridge. The 34-year-old has played just 23 Premier League games since Petr Cech arrived in 2004 and may opt to leave to seek first-team football, despite his four-year contract. “There will be another meeting with Chelsea to decide what is best for the club and Carlo,” a source close to the custodian revealed. “There is interest from Aston Villa and also Manchester City.”
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| April 17, 2008 |
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Zdravko ignores Arsenal link
Fiorentina midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic is not interested in a move to Arsenal, according to his agent. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is a fan of the Swiss-born Serbian international and had scouts watch him in Fiorentina’s UEFA Cup win over PSV last week. “There has never been any contact with Arsenal and the boy is happy to stay in Florence,” insisted Marco Naletilic. The 20-year-old ace is happy in Italy and also says he is not interested in moving. “Talk about the market doesn’t interest me,” he said. “I only want to do well for this team.”
Zola waits for Prem
Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola had revealed that he recently turned down offers from his old club and Newcastle. The Italian Under-21 assistant Coach claims he is not ready for club work at the moment but he would like to return to England one day. “Mr Abramovich tried to bring me back,” said the Magic Box. “He was very nice to me, but I said it is maybe something for the future. Right now I don’t feel ready to work for a club that I care so much for. I haven’t spoken to Dennis Wise but somebody else contacted me and asked if I wanted to do something with Newcastle. But I am committed to the Italian Football Federation and I would like to carry on what I am doing. Coming to work for an English club is something I would really like to do, but right now I am busy.”
Gunners’ Amauri aspiration
Palermo striker Amauri seems to be set for Juventus, but there are rumours that Arsenal could hijack the deal. The Brazilian, who is looking to play for Italy after moving to Europe in 2001, is close to joining Juve, but several other major European clubs are also reportedly interested. The Sicilian side are said to want almost £20m for the 27-year-old, a fee that the Old Lady aren’t able to match but Arsenal are capable of paying. |
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| April 16, 2008 |
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Alex’s Italy link fades
Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb will not be moving to Italy at the end of the season, according to his agent. However, Nikolai Shpilevski did reveal that he has had contact with Juventus, while reports suggest that Inter will table a £12m bid for the Belarus international at the end of the season. “I’m often approached about Hleb,” said Shpilevski. “Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid are also interested in him. But there are no official offers. I can’t imagine what kind of offer we would accept.”
Nani’s peninsula praise
West Ham’s new technical director Gianluca Nani has the backing of a host of leading figures in Italian football, who insist that he is the right man for the job. After praise from Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo and Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola, the former Brescia sporting director has been lauded by Azzurri hitman Luca Toni. “I would like to send my best wishes to Gianluca, who I had the good fortune of knowing during my time at Brescia,” Toni said. “I am sure he will approach his new adventure with the enthusiasm and professionalism that has always been his trademark.”
Avram doubts Sheva switch
Chelsea boss Avram Grant has played down reports that striker Andriy Shevchenko is set to leave Stamford Bridge and return to Milan in the summer. Italian reports claim that the Ukrainian flop is on the verge of returning to San Siro following his £30m transfer from the Rossoneri two seasons ago. “We want to keep the same squad for next year,” said the Israeli Coach. “I have not spoken to Andriy. He has had a very strange season but at the moment we are concentrating on the end of the season and his contribution to the team. I think he will stay.”
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