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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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| March 14, 2008 |
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Juve to move for Mathieu?
Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini could be on his way to Juventus next season, according to English reports. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is refusing to alter the club’s wage structure for the Frenchman, who wants the same salary as Cesc Fabregas and William Gallas. The Bianconeri have long been admirers of Flamini and are reportedly ready to meet his demands. “Juventus have been interested for a long time, knowing they can offer him close to what he believes he is worth, and the pressure in on Arsenal,” said a source close to Flamini’s agent.
Frey admires Toffees
Fiorentina goalkeeper Sebastien Frey has revealed he has nothing but admiration for Everton, who the Viola narrowly beat in the UEFA Cup this week. The Frenchman had a magnificent game with his block on Phil Jagielka’s penalty kick in the shoot-out being one of the highlights. “Everton proved they are a very good team,” he said. “We were under pressure for the whole game. It really felt like the final whistle would never come. For Jagielka’s penalty, I just chose the right direction and dived with confidence and determination.”
Milan duo salute Prem
Milan midfield star Kaka and his teammate Alessandro Nesta have admitted that the Premiership is the best competition in the world. After the Rossoneri were knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal, the pair agreed that the Premier League has the best players. “You can say that the Premier League is not only the best for this season but for what its teams have done over the last few years in both Liverpool and Arsenal reaching the Final,” said Kaka. “At the moment, only the top three clubs in Italy can compete in financial terms with teams from the Premier League,” said the Azzurri defender. “They have the best players and, as a consequence, the best League.”
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| March 13, 2008 |
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Prem sides sought Simic
Dario Simic’s agent has revealed that the Milan defender was the subject of interest from several Premier League clubs during the January transfer window. However, the versatile Croatian international was told by Rossoneri Coach Carlo Ancelotti that he was still wanted at San Siro and could not leave. “In January, Ancelotti stopped Simic from moving to England,“ said Marko Naletilic. “There were offers from several British clubs, including Fulham, Everton and Tottenham.” Simic moved to Milan from Inter in 2002.
Moyes saw Fiorentina flaying
Everton boss David Moyes claims he was proud of his side despite their defeat against Fiorentina on penalties after winning 2-0 on the night. The Tuscan side now go through to the last eight of the UEFA Cup, but Moyes feels his players were easily the better team. “I am disappointed we have not made it through,” he said. “But it was some effort. Maybe it comes down to missed opportunities - we should have scored a third goal in the 90 minutes. We battered them. Their goalkeeper got lucky a couple of times and made some good saves. We did a lot more to them tonight than they did to us in Florence. The players deserve great credit. We put in a hard shift but got no reward and that is hard to take.”
Big Eck’s Kapo confidence
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is happy with the progress of former Juventus midfielder Olivier Kapo. The French ace injured his hamstring in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal in late February and could be back sooner than expected. “Olivier has made good progress and has been pushing himself hard in the gym to be fit as soon as he can,” he said. “However, it is still a hamstring problem and he could still be out for another fortnight but we are pleased with his attitude.” |
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| March 12, 2008 |
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Moyes wants real Toffees
David Moyes wants his side to show Fiorentina the real Everton when the Italian side visit Goodison Park this evening. The Toffees go into the second leg of their UEFA Cup last 16 tie trailing 2-0 and Moyes is demanding a top class showing. “It wasn’t a good performance in Italy,” he said. “We never reached the standards we have set for ourselves and we want to show we are better. I can’t deny they deserved to win but the game is not lost by any means."
Juve look at Pique
Manchester United defender Gerard Pique is being targeted by Juventus, according to Italian reports. The Bianconeri are looking for a new central defender and sources suggest that they are preparing a summer bid for the 21-year-old Spaniard, who can also play as a full-back. The youngster has only played nine games, scoring twice this season, but United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is keen on the defender and sees him as a future starter.
Trap was a wanted man
Giovanni Trapattoni has revealed that he was offered three or four other jobs before taking over as the Republic of Ireland Coach. The former Azzurri boss will start with Ireland at the end of the Austrian season after finishing with current club Salzburg in May. “I received offers from other countries and there were three or four national teams,” said the Italian veteran. “They were better projects, but more risky from a personal standpoint.”
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| March 11, 2008 |
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Strachan defends Donati
Celtic boss Gordon Strachan has defended midfielder Massimo Donati after criticism from the local media and fans. The ex-Milan winger has taken a bit of time to settle and some critics feel he is too arrogant and too fond of playing the game at his pace. “Some people might say that it has taken him time to settle at a new club in a new country, but I am not so sure,” said Strachan. “I thought he played brilliantly at the start of the season. Sure, he had a dip in form, but he did so at the same time as everybody else. I think that because he isn’t a local lad he is under more pressure than those who are. When the Press or fans or whoever give out stick they tend to be more critical of a foreign player.”
City’s cut-price Chiellini
Manchester City’s bid to sign Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini could involve a fee of around £5m. Former Lazio and Sampdoria Coach Sven Goran Eriksson will be given funds to strengthen his squad in the summer and will be hoping it will be a case of second time lucky after missing out on Chiellini in the summer. The Swedish tactician refused to pay the £10m Juve wanted in July, but sadly Chiellini has suffered a knee injury since then. Recent reports suggest that Eriksson could pick the 23-year-old up for half that price at the end of this season.
Torres expects Pool passage
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is confident that his team can beat Inter tonight and go through to the last eight of the Champions League. The Reds beat the Nerazzurri 2-0 in the first leg at Anfield and Torres is certain they can do it again. “Now we can look to the Inter game with confidence and it is a very important game for us,” said the Spanish international. “We are confident of progressing in the competition at San Siro. We had an excellent victory at Anfield and we know if we score one goal it makes it very difficult for them, already 2-0 behind. If we score first it will be difficult for them to score four times.”
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| March 10, 2008 |
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Grant warning for Sheva
Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko has been warned by Coach Avram Grant that he is not guaranteed a first-team spot with the Blues. The Ukrainian hitman has flopped at Stamford Bridge since his £30m move from Milan in 2006 and is currently struggling after injury. “Andriy was very good before he got injured,” insisted Grant. “It was a bad injury so I just want him to feel good and recover. Then, maybe, you'll see him scoring goals for us in the big games we still have. But all my players have to accept they are part of a squad.”
King Kenny blasts Inter
Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish has slammed Inter ahead of the second leg of their Champions League clash with the Reds this week, with the Premier League outfit holding a 2-0 advantage. “I was expecting more from Inter,” he admitted. “They put out a team that lacked pace. They will say that we benefited from them having Marco Materazzi sent off, but they had been made to look ordinary long before his second yellow card. They looked stunned and shell-shocked by the way Liverpool played and they couldn't do the simple things like keeping possession.”
Per reveals English struggle
Fiorentina defender Per Kroldrup has admitted it was difficult for him to settle in England after signing for Everton. However, the Danish international - who played no part in the Viola's 2-0 defeat of the Toffees in the first leg of their UEFA Cup tie - believes that he could have been a Premier League success if he had stuck it out at Goodison Park. “I was willing to stay for another six months as I thought I was good enough for the team and for the League,” he revealed. “But I got a really good offer from Fiorentina. I had big problems in adapting to the playing style in England and also the hard play.”
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| March 7, 2008 |
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Hodgson's survival hope
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has insisted that the Cottagers can still avoid the Premier League drop, despite being six points adrift of safety. “At the moment we are a top-flight club and we will hope to play and behave as one,” he insisted. “If we are lucky and play well enough, we will remain a Premier League team. Maybe 35 or 36 points might be enough, but we cannot worry about that just yet. The important thing is the next game.”
Keane to stay at Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur striker Robbie Keane expects to spend the rest of his career at White Hart Lane. The Republic of Ireland international, who spent half a season with Inter back in 2000, has been with the club since 2002 and regularly deputises as captain in place of the injury prone Ledley King. “I can't see myself going anywhere or playing for anyone else now, that is why I signed a long-term contract,” he insisted. “If I keep doing well and the club want me, then I am happy to stay here for the rest of my career.”
Moyes: Viola deserved it
Everton boss David Moyes believes that Fiorentina were better than the Toffees in last night's UEFA Cup game. The Serie A side beat their Premier League counterparts 2-0, but Moyes expects a much improved performance in the second leg. “They were better than us,” he admitted. “It could have been worse, but it's game on. The result keeps it alive at this time, but we will need to play much better in the second leg. We need to score goals and stop giving them opportunities like we did.”
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| March 6, 2008 |
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Brady joins Trap team
Liam Brady has confirmed that he will be linking up with new Republic of Ireland Coach Giovanni Trapattoni. The director of Arsenal’s youth academy played under the Italian tactician at Juventus back in the 1980s. “The board of directors and Arsene Wenger are quite happy for me to do this and to keep my job at Arsenal,” Brady insisted. “I will be with Giovanni and assist him in all he does. He needs to get to know the players and I can help him with that.”
Moyes eyes bigger meeting
Everton boss David Moyes believes that tonight’s UEFA Cup clash with Fiorentina could be replicated next term in the Champions League. Both sides are currently in the running for fourth place in their respective domestic Leagues, which would be enough to earn a spot in Europe’s premier club competition. “I see it being a game between two sides who, in the future, are going to be in the Champions League,” said Moyes. “Fiorentina are a very good team and I think there are a lot of similarities to Everton.”
Capello gives Becks hope
England Coach Fabio Capello has told David Beckham that he will win his 100th cap against France – if he can prove his fitness. The friendly takes place in Paris on March 26, with Becks currently playing a series of exhibition matches for LA Galaxy as they prepare for the new MLS campaign. “He’ll get his 100th cap if he is fit and in form,” revealed the Italian tactician. “I hope David will play that 100th game and get the cap. However, I understand from reading his last interview that at this moment his fitness isn’t good.”
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| March 5, 2008 |
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Hart defies Don Fabio
Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart believes that England boss Fabio Capello has plenty of options between the sticks - despite the Italian lamenting the fact that he had to revert to 37-year-old David James as his No 1. “I keep hearing that we do not have that many top 'keepers in this country,” insisted the U-21 ace. “But I could reel off five or six names. I feel English goalkeeping is in decent shape.”
Fab eyes double glory
Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas believes that the Gunners are capable of winning both the Premier League and the Champions League after seeing off Milan in the second round of Europe's premier club competition. Late goals by the Spaniard and Emmanuel Adebayor handed the North London outfit a memorable victory at San Siro last night. “We are top of the Premier League and through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League,” said Fabregas. “We beat the holders at home, so why can't we win them both?”
Moyes praises Viola
Everton boss David Moyes believes that their UEFA Cup clash against Fiorentina at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Thursday will be their hardest in Europe to date. “They had a really good result on Sunday against Juventus so they'll have a lot of confidence - it'll be a really tough tie,” he said. “I think that Fiorentina will push us hard and this will be a real test.” The two sides are both among the favourites for Europe's secondary club competition.
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| March 4, 2008 |
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Fab: No Milan fear
Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has insisted that the Gunners are not scared of Milan ahead of their clash in the second leg of their Champions League second round tie, despite the first leg at the Emirates Stadium finishing goalless. “We are young, but we are not scared and we will play our game,” insisted the Spanish ace. “You have always seen if we are winning or losing, we will never go to defend. We will always want to attack.”
Oba slams fickle fans
Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins believes that Inter fans are far more fickle than their English counterparts. The Nigerian ace spent much of his early career at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza before switching to the Toon Army in 2006. “When I was at Inter the supporters were with you when you were at the top,” he said. “But when it was going wrong they were right in your face and could get very angry. Newcastle fans are different. They are the best ever and always behind you even if things aren't going right.”
Sven eyes Lazio repeat
Manchester City Coach Sven Goran Eriksson believes that he can repeat his success with Lazio at the City of Manchester Stadium. “Everything is possible,” said the Swede. “When I joined Lazio they had a good team, but after the President spent we were fighting for the Scudetto for three years and won it in the third year. We won titles in Europe too, and it would be very nice to replicate that at City.”
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| March 3, 2008 |
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Juve admit Lampard link
Juventus official Gianluca Pessotto has revealed that the Serie A giants are poised to move for Chelsea ace Frank Lampard. The England international is highly rated by the Old Lady and reports suggest that the Italians will make an offer for the midfielder in the summer. “He is an excellent player,” said the former defender. “I believe that the club has the potential to work in the market in a determined and strong way and buy players of that level at the end of the season.”
Nerazzurri wanted Fergie
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has confirmed that Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was offered the hot seat at Inter before he made United a force to be reckoned with. Hodgson took over at Inter in 1995 for two seasons and recalls that Fergie was approached before him. “I’m pretty sure that before I went to Inter he could have had that job,” said Hodgson. “Inter played United in the first pre-season I was there and Alex told me he had been contacted by Inter previously. He is not one of those guys who go out making it clear to newspapers that he has been offered a job. When you are at Manchester United, you don’t need to go to Inter or Barcelona, but I’m absolutely convinced that, had he expressed a desire to go into international management or work abroad, the suitors would have been a list as long as your arm.”
Hleb ignores Inter
Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb has denied reports linking him with a potential move to Inter in the summer. Italian and English sources claimed last week that the Serie A champions were ready to make a big-money offer for Hleb at the end of the season. However, the Belarus international, who is enjoying his best ever season with the Gunners, claims he knows nothing about any move and that he is happy at Arsenal. “All I can say from my side is that there is nothing going on,” he insisted. “I am very proud to play for Arsenal.” “I can understand why clubs like Inter would be interested in Alex,” added his agent Niki Spilevski. “But Alex loves life at Arsenal. He feels he is at the best club in the world.”
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