| | | |  With so many Italian players based in Britain and around the world, Football Italia updates you on the latest happenings |
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| January 31, 2008 |
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Goran chooses Boro
Inter starlet Goran Slavkovski has signed a six-month loan deal with Middlesbrough, the striker’s agent has revealed. As Boro’s approach for Brazilian striker Afonso Alves continues to stall, Gareth Southgate’s side have decided to snap up the 18-year-old Swede. “The clubs have reached an agreement and the papers are signed,” Jozo Palac explained. “The reason that he is moving is to get more playing time and he has a better chance at Middlesbrough. We have visited the club and Goran got a very good impression.”
Sheva hails great Diego
Former Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko spoke to one of his heroes this week – Napoli legend Diego Maradona. The Chelsea forward met the Argentine ace, who had come to see the Blues new signing and fellow countryman Franco Di Santo. “In the world of football Maradona is a hero for everyone, he is an incredible player,” said the ex-Rossoneri ace. “He has had a difficult life, but he is doing well now. He looks good and that’s important for him. He has lost a lot of weight and feels much better.”
Roma to steal Alves?
Roma have launched an audacious late bid to snatch Brazilian striker Afonso Alves away from Premier League side Middlesbrough. Reports from Holland claim the Giallorossi have been in touch with the Brazilian’s club Heerenveen, over his availability. However, Middlesbrough have already agreed terms with the player and are willing to pay £12m, which could put him out of Roma’s reach. One advantage that Roma have is that if Alves moved to Italy he would not need a work permit unlike Middlesbrough, who are waiting on the results of an appeal.
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| January 30, 2008 |
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Sven sees Rolando return
Rolando Bianchi could make a comeback with Manchester City after his loan spell with Lazio ends, according to City’s Coach Sven Goran Eriksson. It was thought that the former Reggina striker would be allowed stay in Italy after failing to make an impression in the Premier League, but Eriksson refuses to rule out a return. “The door is open for him,” said the Swedish tactician. “We, as a club, hope he is going to do very well in Italy. He is still on loan and after this season he might be our player again.”
Toon call for Kalouda
Newcastle are fighting Juventus for the signature of 20-year-old Brno midfielder Lubos Kalouda.The Old Lady see the Czech youngster as the long-term replacement for fellow countryman Pavel Nedved but despite several meetings they have failed to agree a fee. Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan has been alerted to the situation and is willing to pay £3.5m for the starlet before Thursday’s transfer deadline. “Considering that January 31 is getting closer, we have to negotiate,” said Brno’s major shareholder Roman Pros. “There are no further obligations to Juventus. We are awaiting their statement but in the meantime we have started talks with Newcastle who know our requirements for releasing Kalouda.”
Sheva denies Rossoneri return
Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko has once again reiterated that he will not be leaving Stamford Bridge and insists he is prepared to stay and fight for his place. The arrival of Nicolas Anelka has led to speculation that the former Milan striker would be returning to the Rossoneri but Sheva insists he won’t be leaving. “My life is at Chelsea now, I have served my time with Milan,” said the Ukrainian international. “I am at a big club and the team is doing well. Life is not only about the past. I am delighted with the mark I left behind at Milan and I love them and Italy, which is something I have always maintained.” |
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| January 29, 2008 |
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Dabo to quit City
Manchester City’s Ousmane Dabo could be the next former Serie A star to leave Eastlands after Rolando Bianchi’s move to Lazio. Following reports linking him with both Fiorentina and Siena, the former Biancocelesti midfielder has reportedly indicated that he would welcome a return to Serie A. The French international left Lazio on a free transfer in 2006 and signed a three-year deal with City, but has only made one Carling Cup game this season.
Sulley the healer
Former Udinese midfielder Sulley Muntari certainly believes in the power of his boots. Following the Ghana international’s powerful winning goal against Guinea in the African Nations Cup, he claimed the strike could inspire the sick to get well. “This is a nation that is looking up to us,” said the Portsmouth ace. “They believe in us and we have to serve them. This goal can cure someone in the hospital, it can change a lot of people’s lives. Some people in hospital don’t have any hope, but what they saw tonight can give them hope.”
Filippo on trial
Roberto Mancini’s son Filippo is on a two-week trial at Manchester City. The Inter Coach’s son has already played in the Nerazzurri first team after coming on a substitute in their 3-0 Coppa Italia win over Reggina. The 17-year-old claims that he wants to try his luck in the Premier League under City’s former Sampdoria and Lazio Coach Sven Goran Eriksson, who also managed his father Roberto at the two Italian clubs. |
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| January 28, 2008 |
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Lazio eye Gretna stopper
Lazio are being linked with a move for Gretna defender Aurelien Collin. The capital club have agreed to send defender Guglielmo Stendardo on loan to Juventus and are looking to replace the stopper for the second half of the campaign. Having already signed Romanian youngster Stefan Radu, the Biancocelesti are said to have made contact with Collin’s agent and could bring the Frenchman in within the week.
Juve’s Tiago ultimatum
Juventus have issued unsettled midfielder Tiago Mendes an ultimatum – join Tottenham or stay put. The Portuguese international has failed to find a regular starting spot in Turin since arriving from Lyon in the summer and is reportedly keen to quit Italy. Reports suggest that Tottenham have agreed a fee with Juve, but Tiago’s wage demands have caused the transfer to stall. It seems that the Bianconeri are only willing to accept Spurs’ offer, so the onus is now on Tiago to accept a pay cut if he wishes to leave. |
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| January 25, 2008 |
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Capello takes LMA post
England boss Fabio Capello has been appointed chief of the League Managers’ Association. The national side’s Coach is expected to take the position, but the LMA lobbied against Capello’s appointment by the FA, prompting doubt that he would take the post. “We are delighted that Fabio has agreed to maintain the tradition of the England manager taking the role as LMA President and we look forward to working with him and helping to develop a strong relationship with the game and the other managers in England,” LMA chairman Howard Wilkinson bellowed.
Ashley’s mad for Martins
Former Inter hitman Obafemi Martins has reportedly been offered a £26million deal to stay at Newcastle until 2013. The Nigerian star left San Siro for around £10m in the summer of 2006 but has only hit six goals in the Premier League so far this term. However, according to The Sun, Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is willing to extend his three-and-a-half year deal by two years and provide a 50 per cent pay rise to around £90,000 per week. |
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| January 24, 2008 |
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Blues give up on Stendardo
Lazio defender Guglielmo Stendardo won’t be joining Birmingham City on loan after manager Alex McLeish admitted defeat in his bid to lure the 26-year-old. “The Stendardo guy who we were looking to bring in on loan won’t be happening,” the former Scotland boss admitted. “Lazio have got a bit of an injury crisis at the moment, so he won’t be going anywhere.”
Tiago’s Spurs move stalls
Tottenham’s bid to sign Juventus outcast Tiago Mendes has hit the rocks due to the Portuguese international’s wage demands. It is reported that the clubs have agreed a transfer fee, but that Spurs are unwilling to pay £50,000 per week. While negotiations are currently deadlocked, it is possible that Tiago may accept a lower salary, as he is reportedly desperate to leave the Old Lady.
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| January 23, 2008 |
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Olof in the summer
Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg is ready to sign a pre-contract deal with Juventus in the next few days, but he won’t arrive immediately according to the Old Lady’s sporting director. The Swedish international’s contract expires this summer and despite reports that the Bianconeri want him this month, Alessio Secco maintains he will be arriving in July. “Mellberg is close to signing a preliminary agreement with Juventus,” he said. “If everything goes well, the player will become a Juve player in July.”
Lennie rates Roy
Cardiff director Lennie Lawrence insists that Roy Hodgson’s appointment at Fulham was a wise decision. The former Inter Coach took over at Craven Cottage last December and has yet to win a game, but Lawrence says that if anyone can stop Fulham being relegated it’s Hodgson. “It’s a great appointment,” he bellowed. “Roy’s one of the world’s 20 best Coaches. He’s outstanding in his single-mindedness and ability to improve players individually and collectively.”
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| January 22, 2008 |
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Juve set on Sissoko
Juventus have reportedly stepped up their bid for Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko. Bianconeri boss Claudio Ranieri knows the Mali international well from their days together at Valencia and is convinced he would be an excellent buy. “Sissoko could be on his way,” revealed Ranieri. “He is another piece of the jigsaw to add to my team.” Sissoko joined Liverpool in July 2005 but has yet to convince Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez that he is worthy of a regular starting role and Benitez has confirmed that the 22-year-old could leave for the right price. Reports in the English Press claim that Juve directors Jean-Claude Blanc and Alessio Secco have arrived in Liverpool to hold talks over a proposed £7m deal for the African ace.
Kapo happy with Blues
Former Juventus midfielder Olivier Kapo insists that he is happy at Birmingham and has refuted suggestions that he wants to leave. In recent weeks his former boss at Birmingham Steve Bruce, who paid Juve £3m last year for the French star, has been heavily linked with him along with Sunderland and Portsmouth. “I am confident about our team,” said Kapo. “We have a good manager, staff, and players. I like the city and my family is happy - there are no problems and I don’t want to move. I have signed for three years and I like it here.”
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| January 21, 2008 |
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Tottenham for Tiago
Juventus outcast Tiago Mendes looks set to complete a move to Tottenham Hotspur within the next fortnight. The former Chelsea midfielder hasn’t impressed Bianconeri boss Claudio Ranieri since arriving in the summer from Lyon and has admitted that he wants to leave. “I can’t stay here any longer,” he raged. “The best thing for me would be to leave.” Reports suggest that Spurs are close to agreeing a three-year deal for the 26-year-old who has also been linked to Portsmouth, Newcastle and Atletico Madrid.
Fulham move for Moris?
Atalanta defender Moris Carrozzieri has been linked with a move to Roy Hodgson’s Fulham. The former Inter Coach recently took over at Craven Cottage and is looking to boost his defence as his side fight a relegation dogfight. The 27-year-old would be expected to fetch around £3m should he agree to move away from the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia.
Gordon denies Donati unrest
Former Milan midfielder Massimo Donati has struggled for consistency at Celtic since moving from the San Siro for £3m last summer and there are reports that he would welcome a return to Italy. However, Celtic boss Gordon Strachan remains confident that Donati wants to stay and can play a crucial role for the Bhoys. “There’s absolutely no indication that he wants to leave,” he stressed. “Massimo enjoys it very much here and we enjoy having him here. He’s a sponge for information and he’s desperate to improve.”
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| January 18, 2008 |
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Laursen’s staying put
Former Milan defender Martin Laursen has ended doubts over his future after signing a new contract with Aston Villa until 2010. The 30-year-old Danish international was out of contract in the summer, but has always insisted he never wanted to leave and Villa boss Martin O’Neill says he could not be happier. “Martin has been playing some wonderful football and he deserves everything he gets,” he said. “He has shown great determination and the way he has overcome a serious injury is a lesson to everyone. He has removed the doubts over his fitness by playing regularly this season. I am delighted, and so is everyone at the club.”
Juve to hurry Olof
Juventus have reportedly stepped up their bid for Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg in an effort to bring him to Italy before the end of January. Italian Press reports claim the Bianconeri are favourites to pick the Swedish international up on a free transfer at the end of the season. However, after an injury to Giorgio Chiellini it appears that Juve are trying to rush the bid through early and are ready to pay a greater sum.
Rivals for Vargas duel
Catania defender Juan Vargas is at the centre of a battle between Premiership clubs Arsenal and Tottenham, according to reports in England. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has already sent scouts to watch the Peruvian international, who has previously admitted that a move is almost inevitable in the summer. “Stories about the market should not affect me,” he said. “For now will I try to do my best for Catania, even though I know that soon I might get the call from a big club.” Vargas has also been linked with Roma and Milan.
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| January 17, 2008 |
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Udinese eye Kasper
Manchester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has been linked with a move to Udinese. Italian reports claim the Bianconeri view the son of Manchester United goalkeeping legend Peter as a great talent for the future and have him at the top of their shopping list. Zebrette sporting director Pietro Leonardi is believed to be keen to meet up with City as soon as possible and will ask them to name their price. Schmeichel made an impressive start to the season, but he has lost the No 1 jersey to Joe Hart.
Rolando’s settled at City
Rolando Bianchi has rejected reports in the Italian Press linking him with a return to Italy. The former Reggina hitman feels the Premier League is the best in the world and he wants to win things with Manchester City. “This is the best competition in the world and this is where I want to play my football,” he insisted. “I don’t know where these stories have come from because I want to win things for Manchester City and it would be fantastic if we could qualify for next season’s Champions League. I have been learning English since I arrived here and see myself staying here for a long time.”
Naka’s sun craving
Celtic ace Shunsuke Nakamura has revealed that he might move to a warmer country like Spain or Brazil when his contract expires in the summer. However, the former Reggina midfielder realises that at this late stage in his career it might not be so easy. “It’s true I have thought about playing in those Leagues, but the situation is difficult,” he said. “If I was in my early or mid 20s, I could go and play in other countries. But, because I’m 29, it might not be so easy to get that kind of move. In any case, it’s not as if I’m desperate to play there.”
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| January 16, 2008 |
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Lazio look at Claudio
Chelsea striker Claudio Pizarro has been linked with a move to Lazio, according to Italian reports. The Roman side have reportedly contacted Stamford Bridge regarding the Peruvian’s availability and want to bring him to Italy during the transfer window. Pizarro has struggled in the Premiership, scoring just once in 23 appearances for the Blues and may be relieved to make a fresh start.
Milan’s Drogba denial
Milan President Silvio Berlusconi has revealed that the Rossoneri are no longer interested in Chelsea striker Didier Drogba. The African hitman reportedly wants to leave the Blues and move to Italy or Spain in the summer. In the past Milan have been seen as one of his main suitors, however, that no longer seems to be the case. “When we talk about Drogba or other potential signings, I can say we have asked ourselves if such players are better than those we have - and the answer is no,” Berlusconi stressed.
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