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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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| December 14, 2007 |
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Ince’s Capello rage
Milton Keynes Dons boss Paul Ince has hit out at the FA’s decision to offer Fabio Capello the England manager’s job. “It is a sad indictment on English football that we have to go to Europe for a manager,” the former midfielder raged on BBC’s Football Focus. “We have enough managers in England who could do just as good a job. In English football we say that you’ve got to get your qualifications, you’ve got to do this and you’ve got to get that. But when you build your CV up and they go out and get a foreign manager, sometimes you think ‘what’s the point?’”
Sissoko’s sick of Pool
Juventus look increasingly likely to make a move for Liverpool outcast Momo Sissoko after Rafa Benitez refused to use him in Tuesday’s Champions League tie against Marseille. “I am really disappointed because the game would have meant so much for me,” Sissoko said. “I respect the boss’ choice but now I want to discuss my future before the January transfer window. I have been thinking about it for a while and I’m not happy playing a game a month.”
Jose claims Milan link
Jose Mourinho has hinted that Milan have contacted him with a view to replacing Carlo Ancelotti. Press speculation suggested that the former Chelsea tactician refused the England job as he had already been approached by one of Europe’s giants. While Ancelotti insists that Mourinho contacted Milan, the Portuguese Coach claims he was the object of the Rossoneri’s advances. “I never contacted – directly or indirectly – any club,” he stated. “If anything, it is the other way around.”
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| December 13, 2007 |
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Kaka thinks of England
Milan’s Brazilian ace Kaka has revealed that he would like to play in the Premier League one day. Recent reports have seen him linked with Chelsea and this year’s Ballon d’Or winner claims that he would enjoy life in England. “I cannot hide my interest in the Premier League but I’ve never spoken about it before,” said the Rossoneri midfielder. “It would be great to play in the English League. In England, the stadiums are full and there is always a wonderful atmosphere.”
Kightly snubs Serie A
Wolves winger Michael Kightly has rejected the possibility of a move to Torino and pledged his future to the Championship side. Kightly has also been linked with several Premier League outfits after impressing since his move from Blue Square Premier team Grays Athletic last year. “I seem to be getting linked with a few clubs and it is a big compliment that one of them is a Serie A side,” he said. “It means I must have been doing something right.”
Sven backs Bianchi
Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson has backed former Reggina striker Rolando Bianchi to hit form after netting in the 2-1 defeat by Tottenham last Sunday. “I speak to him every day and it’s very easy to because we can both speak Italian,” said the ex-Lazio Coach. “It’s not been easy for him, but I hope that this goal will help his confidence. The English game is different and a lot of strikers who come here have problems settling in at the beginning. The pace is different and the tackling can be as well. I think he played as a lone striker at Reggina though, so he is used to that role. He seems happy and calm, he has been working very hard, so there have been no indications that he wants to leave or anything like that.”
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| December 12, 2007 |
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O’Neill denies Ollie talk
Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill claims he has no knowledge of the rumoured deal between Olof Mellberg and Juventus. The Swedish international is available to discuss a Bosman deal in January and it has been reported in Italy that the defender is close to agreeing a move to Turin. “I don’t know if there is anything in the Juventus link and Olof will tell me in his own time if that is the case,” said O’Neill. “But I still think that if we can come up with something that is reasonably suitable he might just stay here.” The 30-year-old has been with Villa for seven years but his current contract expires in June.
Sheva keen to impress
Former Milan star Andriy Shevchenko is desperate to take advantage of Didier Drogba’s time at the African Cup of Nations and secure a place in Chelsea’s starting line-up. The Ukrainian has struggled since his £30m move to West London, but is still confident he can make his mark with the Blues. “Now the manager has given me a chance to play and I want to score,” explained Sheva. “The Premier League is so different to what I was used to in Italy, but this is my second year here and everything is okay.”
Duo plot Mascherano swoop
Inter and Juventus are reportedly keeping tabs on Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano. The Argentine international is currently on loan at Anfield, with the Reds needing to fork out a fee of around £17m to make his spell permanent. With the Nerazzurri suffering injuries to both Patrick Vieira and Olivier Dacourt they are believed to be leading the race, despite President Massimo Moratti’s claims that there will be no new arrivals at the San Siro in January.
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| December 11, 2007 |
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Saha expects racist Romans
Manchester United striker Louis Saha feels that Roma fans will once again show their ugly side when the two sides meet in their Champions League clash this week in the Stadio Olimpico. The French international claimed that Italy has been slow in fighting racial abuse and a long way behind England in addressing the problem. “You will see it on Wednesday, I think,” he replied. “We are travelling to Italy and in those kind of places it seems like they are used to it. They don’t fight it, like we have done in England. They are starting to recognise it and think about it, but not very strongly, whereas England is a good example of where it has been tackled.”
When Sulley met Harry
Former Udinese midfielder Sulley Muntari has revealed that his manager at Portsmouth Harry Redknapp has been his guiding light since arriving from Italy last summer. The Ghana international also admitted that some of his teammates taunt him over his shooting, even though he found the net twice on Saturday. “Harry is a great manager and he is like a father figure to us all off the field,” he said. “He treats us well and that’s why everyone is happy and playing so well. It is much easier to do your job when you are happy. Regarding my shooting, Sylvain Distin keeps teasing me saying I shoot from every angle and I don’t pass. But I scored two this time and it was important. When I train they often go high, but this time they went lower and into the net so I’m happy.”
Toro to swoop for Kightly?
Torino have been linked with Wolves midfielder Michael Kightly and are said to be ready to make an offer in the January transfer window. Several Premier League clubs are believed to be watching the 21-year-old winger, but the Championship side are desperate to hold on to him as he is seen as a vital cog in the push to win promotion. The England U-21 ace only joined the Midlands outfit from Blue Square Premier side Grays Athletic in January, but has made rapid progress scoring nine goals in his 35 appearances so far. Reports suggest that the Serie A side will make an offer of around £3m for the player whose contract expires in June 2009.
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| December 10, 2007 |
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Fergie’s Inter regrets
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that one of the biggest regrets of his football career is never working abroad. The United boss also admitted that he rejected an approach from Inter in the past. “I would have loved to have gone abroad if I hadn’t come to United,” he said. “I was interviewed for the Barcelona job but Terry Venables stayed another year and then Inter tried to get me when I was at Old Trafford. But once you are ingrained into the place, it is hard to leave.”
Clarence backs Bhoys
Milan’s Dutch international midfielder Clarence Seedorf believes that Celtic can go far in the Champions League, if they believe in their own ability. The former Inter man insists that the Hoops are more than worthy of their place in the last 16 and were difficult opponents the last time they met. “Celtic are always a credit as they play with their hearts,” Seedorf stated. “I’m happy they have qualified - they deserve it. I wish them luck in the next stage. They always give us a hard game, particularly in Glasgow. They have made it to the last 16 and anything can happen now. There are better teams in the competition, but Celtic must have faith in their talent.”
New United for Rome
Manchester United could make sweeping changes for their Champions League clash with Roma this week. With the Premier League champions guaranteed to top Group F, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson does not want to risk his top players before the crucial League clash with Liverpool next weekend and plans to play some of the younger players. “It is a golden opportunity for us and we are not going to miss it,” he said. “Roma have qualified, so they will probably play some younger lads, as will we. I will take a lot of the first-team squad with me because I need 18 players, but it will be an almost completely different team.”
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| December 7, 2007 |
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O’Neill angered by Sven
Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill is angry with Manchester City Coach Sven Goran Eriksson for recommending his central defender Olof Mellberg to Juventus. The former Lazio and Sampdoria tactician told the Italian media that the Old Lady should look to the Swede and now reports suggest that an agreement has been reached. “I’m not sure he should be saying things like that about a player unless he’s aiming to take him himself,” O’Neill said. “Recommending him to another club is surprising. Maybe I should reciprocate and recommend some of his Manchester City players to Manchester United or Barcelona!”
Elkann denies Sheva swoop
Juventus patron Lapo Elkann claims he knows nothing about a reported move for Chelsea’s ex-Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko. “I don’t know anything about Shevchenko, only as much as you. I found out through the newspapers,” he explained. Meanwhile Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani has had a dig at the unsettled Ukrainian over his departure from the San Siro. “We cannot take him, as we only have one place for a non-EU player and that will go to Alexandre Pato in January,” he said. “He is the one who wanted to leave and we didn’t sell him willingly. He knew what it was like here, but when you change clubs it is all starting from scratch. Transfers are always dangerous.”
Fans believe in Bianchi
Rolando Bianchi is still highly popular with Manchester City fans, even though he has only started three Premier League games. The former Reggina striker is City’s second most expensive signing and many fans chanted for him at Wigan when he came on as a substitute for the last 10 minutes. However, City boss Sven Goran Eriksson says he will only pick players on their form not on their popularity. “I heard the fans chanting for Rolando and it's good that they support him so we will see what happens,” he said. “The situation is the same for him as it is for all the others - if they do not show me how good they are on the training ground then how can I know if they are ready to face Spurs or not?”
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| December 6, 2007 |
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Chelsea to steal Ivanovic?
Serbian international defender Branislav Ivanovic is the subject of a three-club fight for his signature with Milan, Inter and Chelsea all showing interest, according to his agent Marco Naletilic. The 23-year-old is currently with Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow and is reportedly most keen on a move to Stamford Bridge. “He is followed closely by Chelsea and money talks,” said Naletilic. “Inter and Milan can compete financially, but I think he will end up in England.”
Grant denies Sheva depression
Chelsea manager Avram Grant insists that ex-Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko is not depressed and says the Ukrainian will save him entering the transfer market in January. “I won’t be making any quick decisions on signings during the African Nations Cup because we have good strikers like Shevchenko here,” he said. “He is not depressed. I can only judge players by what I hear when they speak with me or what I see in training. He is happy in training and he is training very well. When you come to a big club and you have so many good strikers, sometimes there are big names that don’t play for a period of time.”
Hammers like Leonardo
West Ham United have contacted former Milan star Leonardo, who is a scout and ambassador for the Rossoneri, regarding the job of sporting director at the Hammers. English reports claim that the 38-year-old Brazilian was interviewed by West Ham’s owners who want someone to work alongside manager Alan Curbishley. Leonardo would be a surprise appointment, but West Ham could be lured by his depth of contacts in South America.
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| December 5, 2007 |
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Donati settled at Celtic
Celtic’s ex-Milan midfielder Massimo Donati insists that returning to San Siro didn’t cause pangs of homesickness, as he is happy in Glasgow. “I don’t have nostalgia for Italy,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “I would have liked to return, but I am having a great time in Scotland and I am happy at a fantastic club.” There had been speculation that Donati could be the subject of a bid from Palermo, but this now seems unlikely.
Prem duo view Fabio
Reports in the English Press state that former Juventus tactician Fabio Capello is a target for Liverpool and Newcastle. Capello has put himself in the frame for the vacant England post, but ex-Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho looks increasingly likely to take that role. Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is locked in a spat with the club’s owners and Sam Allardyce is struggling at St James’ Park leading the Daily Star and the Daily Mirror to suggest that either side could turn to Capello.
Juve eye Javier
Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano is being linked with a switch to Juventus. The Argentine star, who is owned by Iranian company MSI, could be on the market if the Anfield outfit fail to meet the £15m needed to secure his rights. The Old Lady were stalking Mascherano during the summer and are reportedly considering a January approach. However, the Cadetti champions may need to fend off competition from Barcelona.
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| December 4, 2007 |
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Mourinho’s Milan link denied
Ex-Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has denied that he is preparing to move to Milan, despite reports that he had been offered the Rossoneri post. One Sunday newspaper had claimed that the Portuguese tactician was on the brink of accepting the Diavolo post, but Mourinho’s spokesman Eladio Parames suggests otherwise. “Jose has had no approach from any club and no-one has contacted him,” he stated.
Jurgen’s Low support
Germany Coach Joachim Low has admitted that former Inter striker Jurgen Klinsmann would be great for the vacant England job. Klinsmann led Germany to the World Cup semi-finals in 2006 and Low believes he is interested in taking charge of a national team again. “I’m 100 per cent sure he will be back in football because he was so successful as a player and as a Coach,” he said. “I don't know what his plan is exactly, but if he gets a good offer from a national team, he will do that. England have not told me what they are planning, but for any big team like them he would be a good choice.”
Strachan sees tough test
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan goes into the Champions League clash with Milan tonight with the unenviable record of failing to keep a clean sheet in any of their away games in the competition. However, the Scottish tactician feels there is no easy answer and cited Milan Coach Carlo Ancelotti’s failure to win any home matches this season as an example that even the best coaches cannot solve certain problems. “Take Ancelotti at Milan and I’m not in the same league as him,” he said. “He’s a top, top Coach, but look at Milan’s home record, which isn’t very good right now. It’s not a case of Ancelotti saying, ‘I’ve just fixed that, now everything’s fine’. It’s not like that, there’s no easy answer.”
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| December 3, 2007 |
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Massimo sees Milan danger
Former Milan midfielder Massimo Donati believes that it’s too dangerous for his Celtic side to play for a draw in next week’s Champions League clash with Milan. However, he does feel that the Rossoneri will be content with a point and expects them to field a weakened side. ”I think they will pick players who don’t usually play in the Champions League,” he said. “Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani said it was very important to finish first but that a draw would be a perfect result for them. It could also be good for us too, but we can’t play for a draw because when you play for a draw you usually lose a game as you aren’t concentrated and it is dangerous.”
Samuel’s Inter affection
Inter’s Argentine international defender Walter Samuel has poured cold water on suggestions that he wants to move to Chelsea in a swap deal involving Ricardo Carvalho. Reports in both Italy and England have stated that talks have been conducted, but Samuel insists that he wants to stay at the San Siro. “I am happy at Inter and want to stay here forever,” he insisted. “The swap with Carvalho sounds like just an unfounded rumour to me.”
Chelsea set Sheva fee
Chelsea are prepared to allow former Milan striker Andrei Shevchenko to leave in January for a fee of £12m, according to English reports. The Ukrainian captain arrived from Milan for a record £31m just 18 months ago, but he has rarely featured in the first team. It is reported that he will be heading back to Italy with Milan, Juve and Inter all said to be interested. Shevchenko would reportedly take a pay cut from his £140,000-a-week wages to help secure a move back to Serie A.
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