| | | |  With so many Italian players based in Britain and around the world, Football Italia updates you on the latest happenings |
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| February 15, 2008 |
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United eye Lazio’s Gaby
Lazio midfielder Gaby Mudingayi is reportedly being monitored by Premier League champions Manchester United. The Belgian international’s agent Didier Frenay has revealed interest from England and the 26-year-old says he is flattered with the link. “I’m charmed by the interest,” he said. “It motivates me to keep working hard. I feel good in Rome. I have a contract here next season but, by that new law, you can still leave after three seasons with a lump payment. This season, I would like to concentrate on Lazio, first and foremost. Thereafter, we will see.”
Juve’s Lamps link lingers
Juventus have allegedly stepped up their attempt to sign Chelsea’s Frank Lampard. The long-term future of the midfielder has been the subject of much speculation after talks over a new contract were put on hold until the end of the season. Italian reports claim Juventus are prepared launch a serious bid for the player, who Coach Claudio Ranieri brought to Stamford Bridge from West Ham while he was in charge of the London side. It has been suggested that the Bianconeri are willing to pay as much as £10m for the England ace.
Sheva wants Carling chance
Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko is back in training after returning from injury and is desperate to play in the Carling Cup Final, according to a source close to the ex-Milan ace. “Andriy is ready,” he said. “He has been working very hard and he is feeling good now. He has been very frustrated. He was in good form before he got injured, so it was unfortunate. He has been working very hard on his fitness. It was an awkward injury and it took longer to get right than we thought. Andriy wants to be a part of things at Wembley, though he knows he will almost certainly be starting on the bench.” |
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| February 14, 2008 |
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Liam expects Trap talk
Liam Brady is ready to talk to new Republic of Ireland Coach Giovanni Trapattoni about the possibility of becoming his assistant. “I’d need to talk to Giovanni a bit more,” said the former Juve ace. “I haven’t actually spoken to him face-to-face.” Meanwhile, Trap is looking forward to Brady joining him. “I asked the Federation if it was possible for Liam to work with me because he speaks good Italian and he knows the players,” the experienced tactician said. “I think we can work together - but not full-time because Liam has a very good job with Arsenal.”
Bojinov is back
Valeri Bojinov celebrated his return to action with a goal for Manchester City reserves this week. The former Fiorentina forward has been out with a cruciate ligament injury since last August, but his Coach says he is not quite ready for senior duty yet. “Bojinov is not ready for the first team yet,” said Sven Goran Eriksson. “It’s like having a new signing but I doubt very much that he would be ready for Everton. Nonetheless, he’s got a big smile on his face now as he’s very happy.”
Donati’s massive month
Celtic midfielder Massimo Donati is desperate to catch Rangers at the top of the Scottish League. However, he also feels that the Bhoys’ Champions League clash with Barcelona is a massive game for him. “We are now in February, the end of the season is nearing and it is so important that we win every game,” said the former Milan winger. “Rangers are four points ahead of us, so we can't make any mistakes. It’s an exciting time and, personally, I’m also really looking forward to the Barcelona game in the Champions League. It’s probably the most important match of my career. However, we are focused on winning the League and the Scottish Cup. Anything else will be a bonus.” |
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| February 13, 2008 |
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Lucas reveals Inter offer
Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva claims he turned down the chance to move to Inter before signing for the Reds in the summer. The former Gremio youngster has many friends in the Nerazzurri squad and says he is also looking forward to the Champions League clash between the two clubs next week. “I was made a lot of very interesting offers and it’s true I also had an enquiry from Inter,” Lucas revealed. “I have friends from the international team at Inter. Julio Cesar and Douglas Maicon are great players and I will enjoy playing against them. But I would much rather play for Liverpool than Inter. That was my decision then and it would be the same if I had to make it again.”
O’Neill denies Olof issue
Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg will not be pushed out of the side following his decision to sign for Juventus in the summer. The Swedish international was subbed at half-time in the game with Newcastle, but manager Martin O’Neill claims the decision was purely tactical. “Has there been a change in Olof since he signed for Juventus? Not at all,” insists O’Neill. “His attitude has been really good and the change was all about trying to get bit more creativity down the right-hand side. Olof has been brilliant for us and we will be disappointed to see him go in the summer.” Mellberg will move to Italy on a Bosman free transfer following his seven years at Villa Park and has signed a three-year deal with the Serie A giants.
Naka welcomes Barry battle
Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura admits that he faces a fight to retain his place in the side after new boy Barry Robson scored a hat-trick on his debut. The Scottish international was playing in Naka’s playmaker role on Saturday and the former Reggina ace says it is good for him to have competition. “Ever since I came to Celtic, I’ve not had a trial for my place on the right side of midfield,” said the Japanese ace. “But now Barry has come here and he can definitely play out there and cut inside on his left foot, as I have done in the past. It’s good to have competition, good for the team and for the individuals involved and I must now fight for my place.” |
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| February 12, 2008 |
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Zampa thinks of England
Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini is allegedly looking at two of English football’s youngest managers to take over from struggling Coach Francesco Guidolin. Following the Sicilians’ 3-1 defeat by Torino, the fiery owner is said to be eyeing either Sunderland boss Roy Keane or MK Dons manager and ex-Inter midfielder Paul Ince. Zamparini has been heavily critical of Guidolin recently and is convinced that either Keane or Ince could get the best out of his underperforming squad.
Branca sees Pool threat
Inter sporting director Marco Branca insists that his team will not underestimate a struggling Liverpool when they face them in a Champions League clash later this month. The former Nerazzurri striker is well aware that the Merseysiders reached two of the last three Finals and came back from 3-0 down to beat Milan in 2005. “Objectively, Liverpool seem to be underachieving,” he said. “But you have to take into consideration the historical passion of the club and their fans and the English spirit, which comes to the fore, we’ll have to be at 110 per cent in the match.” The first leg will be played at Anfield on February 19 with the return at San Siro on March 11.
Trap set for Eire
Former Azzurri Coach Giovanni Trapattoni has agreed to take over the Republic of Ireland job in May when his contract with current club Salzburg ends. The Football Association of Ireland is also ready to appoint Liam Brady - a former charge of Trap’s at Juventus - as his assistant. “The intention is we will have a meeting on Wednesday to ratify Trapattoni and he will be announced officially as the new manager on Thursday night,” a senior FAI source said. “Brady will have a role in the backroom staff. What that role is will of course be up to the new manager. This appointment raises the bar for future Irish managers and sends a signal the FAI was bold enough and had the money to get a top-class candidate.”
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| February 11, 2008 |
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Sven wants offside review
Manchester City manager Sven Goran Eriksson says that the offside rule is out of date and needs changing. The former Lazio and Sampdoria Coach has urged FIFA to change the rules and bring it to an international level to stop any misinterpretations. “Now the offside rule is in need of clarification,” he said. “When even the referee is telling you it is grey, something is wrong. Make it black and white - don’t make it grey. I don’t think you can do anything about it in England. You have to do it at a FIFA level. If you are the Premier League or Serie A or La Liga, you have to follow them and that is it. It is more an international question than a national one.”
Cesc’s Milan warning
Arsenal midfield ace Cesc Fabregas has started a war of words with Champions League opponents Milan. The Gunners play the holders in the last 16 of the competition and the Spanish international insists that the Londoners are more than capable of beating the Rossoneri. “We are young, impudent and in the past have knocked out Real Madrid and Juventus,” he smirked. “We like to attack and we will play without fear."
Orobici’s Fabio fury
Atalanta are furious with the way Newcastle signed striking starlet Fabio Zamblera. The young hitman was cherry-picked by the Premier League underachievers during last month’s transfer window, much to the annoyance of Orobici youth Coach Mino Favini. “I don’t like having to comment on this because we have been powerless to prevent it happening,” he raged. “I feel demoralised by the actions of these foreign clubs who come here and harvest our crop of young players. I'm convinced that rules exist that could be applied to prevent this from happening. But at the moment, unfortunately, young players are being attracted by the God of money.” |
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| February 8, 2008 |
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United await Mirko news
Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Roma striker Mirko Vucinic as Italian reports claim the Giallorossi are having second thoughts about taking up their option to buy the striker’s full rights from Lecce. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is said to be a long-term admirer of the 24-year-old Montenegrin international, who scored against United when the two clubs met in last season's Champions League quarter-final.
Spurs’ Serie A interest
Tottenham are eyeing two Serie A goalkeepers, according to reports in the peninsula. Spurs boss Juande Ramos is believed to be interested in Udinese No 1 Samir Handanovic, who has also been linked with Milan. Meanwhile other reports claim Spurs have asked about Livorno’s Italian international stopper Marco Amelia, who was also linked with Sven Goran Eriksson’s Manchester City last summer. Amelia has recently signed a new contract with the Tuscan side and is expected to command a sizeable fee.
Crouch welcomes Fabio effect
England striker Peter Crouch claims Fabio Capello’s Italian style of football will help the Three Lions become a better side. Following England’s 2-1 win over Switzerland on Wednesday, the Liverpool forward is convinced it is irrelevant where their new boss hails from. “He understands football and it doesn’t matter which country you come from,” explained Crouch. “There are a few things he does that show he is Italian, such as the way we defend and the use of man-to-man marking. Previously we have used zonal marking, but the Italian way is man-to-man and that is something which has been incorporated.” |
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| February 7, 2008 |
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Spurs’ Viareggio pride
Tottenham were pleased with their youth team’s performances at the Viareggio tournament after drawing 3-3 with Genoa and beating Australian side APIA 9-0. “It was a fantastic exercise and ideal in terms of the lads’ football education,” said development Coach Clive Allen. “It gave a real insight into what tournament play is all about and pitting yourselves against foreign opposition. Losing to Cisco Roma in the last minute really cost us in terms of progressing, but the Italians told us that the 3-3 draw against Genoa was as good an opening game as they’ve seen.”
Goran relishes Blades chance
Inter starlet Goran Slavkovski says he is looking forward to playing in England with Sheffield United while on loan for the rest of the season. The 18-year-old striker comes highly recommended by Nerazzurri Coach Roberto Mancini and hopes to play a vital role in the Championship side for the rest of the season. “I’ve always liked English football because it’s very fast,” said the Swedish teenager. “It’s physical and I’m looking forward to it. I’m tall and strong and good with my head so hopefully I will play well.”
Faubert hopes for Trap
West Ham’s Julian Faubert told a French radio station yesterday that he would welcome Giovanni Trapattoni if he came to the Premier League club as Director of Football. According to the French ace, the former Juventus and Fiorentina Coach has held talks with the Hammers over the vacant role. “There is an Italian at the club who speaks French and helps me with translating and he told me that his arrival is possible,” Faubert revealed. “Trapattoni would be a huge boost for our tactics because we have gaps in that area of the game.” The 69-year-old tactician is currently managing Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg and is also favourite to land the Republic of Ireland job. |
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| February 6, 2008 |
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Valeri’s comeback trail
Former Fiorentina forward Valeri Bojinov is making good progress at Manchester City following his recent return from injury. The club’s assistant Coach Hans Backe feels the 21-year-old’s eventual return to the first-team will be a massive lift. “He is so hungry and you can see it in each session he’s done in the gym, training with the reserves and the first time back with us, because he’s so lively,” admitted Backe.
Palla’s Prem temptation
Juventus forward Raffaele Palladino says he would like a move to the Premiership and would consider any offers from England. The 23-year-old, who was also wanted by Napoli, is reported to be unsettled and feels underappreciated by Coach Claudio Ranieri. “Napoli contacted me, but it did not appeal to me to move in January,” he said. “I will happily stay, but we will wait for June. England and Spain fascinate me and you can never say never.”
Eriksson tips Filippo
Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson believes new loan signing Filippo Mancini from Inter has a big future ahead of him. The 17-year-old forward was recommended to Eriksson by his father, Beneamata boss Roberto. “I haven’t seen him play but Roberto wanted him to come here into our academy,” revealed the former Sampdoria and Lazio Coach. “How good he is, I don’t know but if he is only half as good as his father it will be enough.” The Nerazzurri starlet made his first-team debut for Inter in January’s 3-0 Coppa Italia win over Reggina.
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| February 5, 2008 |
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Wilkins applauds Fabio spirit
Former Milan ace Ray Wilkins played under England boss Fabio Capello in the 1980s and went to visit him yesterday in Soho Square. After discussing football and life in London with his former boss, he claims that Capello was in good spirits. “When I walked into the office, they were glued to the television studying videos of the Swiss,” said Wilkins. “He said it was probably the fourth one he’d seen that day. The mentality of an Italian is to win and he will treat every game in the same fashion. He was in fine form and really looking forward to it. He has had a lot of interesting jobs, but this is a very different challenge.”
Emre falls for Kev
Newcastle midfielder Emre Belozoglu feels that Kevin Keegan has given the team a lift and says he is happy that he has at last linked up with his new boss after first meeting him while playing for Inter. “I’ve played for Galatasaray and Inter and I know what sort of atmosphere there is in the dressing room,” said the Turkish international. “Everyone is laughing and smiling again because we believe in Keegan. When he came to see me play for Inter he was at Manchester City and he told me he wanted me then and that’s important for me. That was four years ago, but we are together now.”
Paolo’s heart’s with Hammers
Former West Ham legend Paolo Di Canio says his dream is to manage his old club one day. Still playing for Serie C2 side Cisco Roma at 39-years-old, the Italian ace insists that English football is the very best. “My dream would be to manage in the Premier League because English football is the best in the world and my dream in particular would be to manage at West Ham - that would be perfect,” he revealed. “I spent four seasons there and I would love to go back and win something with them. The fans are fantastic and the atmosphere at Upton Park was always so special. Every weekend I watch all the English games on TV but I always look out for the West Ham score, I have a special place for them in my heart.“
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| February 4, 2008 |
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Inter ponder Gerrard
Inter are being linked with a huge swoop for Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard. Italian reports claim that Roberto Mancini has asked Italian agent Giorgio de Giorgios to make inquiries about the possibility of tempting Gerrard to San Siro at the end of the season. Mancini allegedly sees Gerrard as the final piece of the jigsaw needed to conquer Europe. The Nerazzurri are convinced that the midfield ace is unsettled at Anfield and should Liverpool fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League a move would become much more likely.
Luigi faces Hoops axe
Queens Park Rangers boss Luigi De Canio is reportedly facing the sack after club officials found out he held talks with Lazio about becoming their boss. The former Palermo Coach took over at Loftus Road in October, but reports suggest he has struggled to adapt to life in England and has yet to learn English. Last week De Canio flew home on a free weekend and reportedly spoke to the capital club’s officials. De Canio then asked for permission to return to Italy during the week and returned despite a refusal, before missing Saturday’s game due to a family funeral.
Paolo warns England stars
Paolo Di Canio has claimed that boss Fabio Capello will not put up with partying England players. Capello was the Lazio legend’s boss at Milan and Di Canio believes that things will change in the England set-up. “What I can tell you is that Capello will not allow the England players to lead their celebrity lifestyles and go out partying,” said the Italian maverick. “Capello will have studied the mentality of the players and will come down hard on that. When I played for him at Milan he used to say that too much drinking and clubbing was not good for the concentration.”
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| February 1, 2008 |
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Goran joins Blades
Inter youngster Goran Slavkovski joined Championship side Sheffield United on loan. The 18-year-old Swede spent several days training with Middlesbrough, but following doubts over an injury ‘Boro have allowed him to move to Bramall Lane. Beneamata boss Roberto Mancini is hoping that regular first-team football will provide Slavkovski with valuable experience. The Nerazzurri have links with the Blades since playing a friendly against Sheffield FC in November and have also sent Mancio’s son Filippo to Manchester City for six months.
Pearce sees ‘tough’ Fabio
Stuart Pearce believes there is no room for sentiment in Fabio Capello’s England squad. The former Milan, Roma and Juve boss made his first England selection yesterday and his assistant Pearce feels Capello won’t be a soft touch. “Fabio is a very driven man and very professional in his outlook,” he revealed. “He doesn't suffer fools gladly. In the short time I’ve been working with him, it has become apparent he wants to win every game and will always pick his strongest squad to do that. I've talked to him at length about the players who might be available for selection. He has asked for my opinion about certain individuals and I’ve filled him in with my views. But Fabio is his own man, a very strong man and the squad he has named is his choice alone.”
Toon sign Orobici starlet
Newcastle United have signed Atalanta teenage hitman Fabio Zamblera. The 17-year-old was expected to travel to the Viareggio youth tournament, but he has instead agreed a four-and-a-half year contract at St James’ Park. The fee for the transfer has not been disclosed.
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