| | | |  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 31, 2007 |
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Spurs eye Stendardo
Want-away Lazio defender Guglielmo Stendardo is considering an offer from Tottenham Hotspur, according to the ‘News of the World.’ He is set for a January move after his furious row with Coach Delio Rossi, although other clubs in Italy and Europe are also showing an interest.
Berbatov alerts ‘big clubs’
Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov has alerted several Serie A sides – including Juventus and Milan – to his availability in the January transfer window. “Dimitar wants to fulfil his potential and win trophies now,” agent Emil Dantchev told the BBC. “Time is running out for him to play for a club that can match his ambition. I would like to stress this is not about money. This is about sporting ambition.”
Roy rejected Inter return
New Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has admitted he turned down a backroom staff job at Inter – the club he had coached from 1995 to ’97 and again in 1999 – to take over at Craven Cottage. “The job with Inter would have been a lot easier and lot less pressure,” Hodgson told ‘The Daily Mirror’. “But the Finnish job had gone so well and, as the day approached for me to hang up the boots, I got cold feet on the subject.”
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| | December 30, 2007 |
| Deco eyes Barca exit
Portuguese midfielder Deco has alerted the likes of Chelsea, Inter and Manchester United after revealing that he could leave Barcelona at the end of the season. The former Porto star has been linked with the Nerazzurri on numerous occasions in recent years, but it appears that he’d favour a switch to the Premier League. “This is my fourth season here and it has been a fantastic period in my career, but if things don't go well I will be leaving,” he revealed. “The English League is somewhere I'd like to play. You can compare Manchester United to Barcelona.”
Al Fayed backs Hodgson
Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed has backed Coach Roy Hodgson to take the club to the next level after naming the former Inter boss as Lawrie Sanchez’s replacement. “It is my vision to combine the best of the fantastic traditions of the Premier League with the flair and innate professionalism of the continental game – which I hope will return Fulham to its tradition of playing attractive, passing football,” he insisted. “I believe that Roy has immense experience in all areas of football and can drive this club forward for the long term.”
Strachan blocks Naka exit
Shunsuke Nakamura will not be leaving Celtic any time soon, according to boss Gordon Strachan. The ex-Reggina ace has been linked with a switch back to Japan and his first club Yokohama Marinos are showing plenty of interest. However, Strachan has insisted that the attacking midfield ace will remain at Celtic Park for the foreseeable future. “No, I want to get rid of the one of the best players in Britain! January and December, it's propaganda time,” he joked.
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| | December 28, 2007 |
| Lehmann on way to Dortmund
Milan flop Jens Lehmann looks set to return to Germany to rejoin Borussia Dortmund after losing his place as Arsenal's first choice goalkeeper. Lehmann was photographed buying a car from a dealership near Dortmund over the Christmas period and representatives of the 1997 European Cup winners have been in London for talks. "I cannot rule anything out," said Dortmund director of sport Michael Zorc. "It is logical that the name Lehmann is linked to us."
Eriksson deflates Elano rumour
Manchester City Coach Sven Goran Eriksson has calmed talk of a move by Inter for his Brazilian midfielder Elano. The former Lazio tactician's message came as a denial to suggestions that Inter have asked the Eastlands club to set a price for the £8m summer signing. "If Inter wanted one of our players, I am sure Roberto Mancini would have telephoned me straightaway," Eriksson said. "I know him and we speak regularly with each other. He would be the first one to tell me if Inter wanted Elano. So I don't think they do."
Chelsea Maicon a move
Inter right-back Douglas Maicon has apparently hit the top of Chelsea's shopping list. According to The Independent the Stamford Bridge outfit will make a move for the Brazilian as part of a £50m cash splash in January that will also include Bolton Wanderers forward Nicolas Anelka, Croatian young gun Luka Modric and Sevilla full-back Daniel Alves. Given that Alves is also a right back it would seem that it is one or the other of the two Samba Stars who will be heading to West London.
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| | December 27, 2007 |
| Seedorf: Arsenal are the best
Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf has hailed Arsenal as the best team in Europe ahead of their Champions League clash. The two sides will meet in the last 16 of the competition and the Dutch international knows the Rossoneri will have to be on top form against the Gunners. “I have watched several Arsenal games this season and they have been outstanding,” said Seedorf. “You’d have to say that on their best form they are the best team in Europe, we can’t take any risks by letting our standards slip against them.”
Bianchi learns the lingo
Manchester City’s ex-Reggina striker Rolando Bianchi says things have been improving as he gets to grip with the English language and thinks that watching television could help him become fluent. “In two months I have learnt to speak a little bit,” explained the former Azzurrini man. “I watch films with the subtitles on but I also watch a lot of sports programmes on Channel Five. I don’t watch English shows like Eastenders or Coronation Street, but maybe I should start.”
Ollie denies Juve deal
Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg has denied reports that he has agreed a deal to join Juventus at the end of the season. The Swedish international’s contract is due to expire in the summer and there had been claims in the Italian Press that he had already signed with the Bianconeri for 2008-09. “It is definitely not true that I have signed a pre-contract with Juventus,” insisted Mellberg. “For this season I am focussing on my performances and what I have got to do here and now.”
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| | December 21, 2007 |
| Jesper didn’t fear Fabio
Former Milan and Manchester United midfielder Jesper Blomqvist claims that the new England Coach Fabio Capello’s temper is nothing compared to United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. “Capello is a really tough guy,” said the 33-year-old Swedish international. “He is not afraid to take people on. It is basically his way or you are out. But saying players will fear him is a bit strong. Capello can be fiery but he’s not as forceful as Fergie.”
Juve eye Pool raid
Juventus are set to raid Liverpool in the transfer window, according to Press reports. The Bianconeri are believed to be preparing a bid for unsettled midfielder Mohamed Sissoko, but there are also suggestions that the Old Lady could make an approach for Spanish star Xabi Alonso. Juve are looking to strengthen their midfield as summer signings Tiago Mendes and Sergio Almiron have failed to settle in their new surroundings.
Robins on Selva trail?
Serie C striking star Andy Selva is being linked with a move to England. San Marino’s football idol has struck nine times for promotion-chasing Sassuolo this term and sources in the peninsula suggest that he is attracting interest from several League One sides, including Cheltenham Town. The 31-year-old hitman has made 30 international appearances and his seven goals make him the leading goal scorer in San Marino’s history.
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| | December 20, 2007 |
| Donati sees Golden Aiden
Former Milan midfielder Massimo Donati claims his Celtic teammate Aiden McGeady could be a future winner of the Ballon d’Or award. “I think a lot of him,” said the Italian winger. “The other day I was joking with Aiden and saying to him, ’When will you pick up the Golden Ball like Kaka?’ What I meant was that I think he has the potential to do that some day. He is only 21 and with his age, style of play and potential, I think he can go very far in the game.”
Vito’s Gunners deal
Ex-Atalanta youth goalkeeper Vito Mannone has been handed a new contract with Arsenal. Although the 19-year-old stopper has yet to play in the first team since his move from the Orobici in July 2005, the Gunners obviously feel that he has what it takes. “Arsenal can today confirm that goalkeeper Vito Mannone has signed a new contract,” said a club official. “Everyone here wishes Vito continued success in his time at the club.” Mannone spent two months on loan at Championship side Barnsley last season before an injury cut short his time at Oakwell.
Carlo backs Capello
Chelsea ‘keeper Carlo Cudicini has backed Fabio Capello to succeed in the England job. The former Castel di Sangro custodian also has a high opinion of Capello’s backroom staff. “I hope for England that he is going to be successful. I think he could be the right man as he is a great manager and has such experience,” he said. “Everywhere he went he won trophies, but he has a big difference with the way he has to manage the team, but I think he has the experience and the right staff around him - I am sure they will do very well.”
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| | December 19, 2007 |
| Les’ Oba objection
Former Newcastle United striker Les Ferdinand blames ex-Inter hitman Obafemi Martins for the Magpies’ recent struggles. The retired marksman believes that Martins hasn’t adapted well to boss Sam Allardyce’s 4-3-3 system. “I think that every time we have watched Newcastle play 4-3-3 it hasn’t worked because of the simple reason that Martins is not comfortable playing out there,” he said. “He is drifting all the time, so when you want to use space out wide and to leave a man down the centre that doesn’t happen because he is there too early.”
Coco’s Flavio feud
Former Milan stopper Francesco Coco is locked in a war of words with Queens Park Rangers owner Flavio Briatore. The wing-back retired from football last summer to pursue a career in film, but has made a U-turn and is looking for a club to invest in him. However, his recent meetings at Loftus Road didn’t go well. “In my brief time in London I didn’t see a real project,” he moaned. “Briatore is the best in the world at Formula One and a great businessman, but for now he certainly isn’t in the world of football.” Briatore reacted furiously by labelling Coco “rude” and “thuggish”. Coco’s search for a club continues with Salzburg, PSG, Brescia and Bologna in the frame.
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| | December 18, 2007 |
| O’Neill denies Olof deal
Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill claims that Swedish international Olof Mellberg has not agreed terms with Juventus, despite reports in the Italian media that the deal is complete. The talented defender is believed to be one of Claudio Ranieri’s main targets in the transfer window, but O’Neill insists that the switch is by no means a formality. “Olof has not told me that he has agreed to go to Italy,” the Villa tactician bellowed.
Harry rejects Sulley talk
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has emphatically rejected speculation linking former Udinese midfielder Sulley Muntari with a move to Liverpool. According to reports in the English Press, Rafa Benitez sees the Ghanaian star as a replacement for Javier Mascherano should the Reds fail to secure the Argentine’s services on a permanent basis. However, Redknapp has labelled such talk as ‘complete rubbish’ in the Portsmouth News.
Gunners track Elefanti
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Catania pair Juan Vargas and Jorge Martinez after a Gunners scout watched the pair during the Elefanti’s 2-0 win over Udinese last weekend. The two both played important roles and have impressed so far this term. Peruvian defender Vargas can play in several positions and has also attracted interest from Liverpool, Juventus and Roma – who saw a £3m bid rejected last summer. Uruguayan forward Martinez provides attacking menace and has hit the net five times in this campaign.
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| | December 17, 2007 |
| Pool see Sulley
Liverpool are reportedly eyeing Portsmouth midfielder Sulley Muntari if they fail to sign Javier Mascherano permanently in January. The former Udinese player has been a revelation this season for Pompey since his club-record £7m move from Italy and has already declared that he would be happy to move to a bigger club. “I want to end up at one of the biggest clubs - that is every player’s dream,” he said. “Of course I will try my best here and help Portsmouth win many things, and maybe qualify for Europe, but eventually I would like to play for a giant.”
Franco’s ‘keeper challenge
Former Roma goalkeeper Franco Tancredi, now England’s goalkeeping Coach, has revealed that he is worried about the lack of credible English shot-stoppers in the Premiership. “It will be a very difficult but fascinating adventure,” he revealed. “In England there are real problems with the goalkeeper role and the big clubs all have foreigners, sometimes in the reserves as well.”
Sven’s Bianchi belief
Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson believes Rolando Bianchi is at last settling down in the Premier League. The former Reggina striker scored his fourth goal of the season against Bolton on Saturday and Eriksson feels there is more to come. “Rolando has behaved extremely well,” he said. “He has not played many games for us but he has always worked hard in training and does what he is supposed to do. He always has a smile on his face and today he scored an important goal. It is more difficult for strikers coming into the Premier League. They are not used to the pace or the strength of the central defenders. But I think we can see now Rolando is coming on very well.”
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