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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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| November 30, 2007 |
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Massimo ready for Milan
Massimo Donati’s last minute goal for Celtic against Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday night also helped his old club Milan go through into the next round of the Champions League. With both sides almost guaranteed to be in the next round, the former Atalanta midfielder is looking forward to Celtic’s return tie in the San Siro, but feels he may have to buy his own tickets. “Getting the three points here was terrific because now we know what we need to do in Milan,” he said. “Now I am playing against them for second time and I have the chance to gain qualification from the group. It’s perfect. I will need to buy a lot of tickets for all my friends and family and I’m going to have to pay for them out of my own pocket.”
Sven backs Mourinho
Former Lazio boss Sven Goran Eriksson has backed Jose Mourinho, rather than Fabio Capello, for the vacant England hot seat. “Mourinho has already shown that he is great with Porto and Chelsea, so if he has been winning trophies for them, he can do it in England as well,” the Manchester City tactician explained. “Knowing the players gives him an advantage of course. He knows all the Chelsea players and he worked with them for three years in the Premier League, so that would help him, especially in the beginning.”
Sad Sheva stays silent
Chelsea’s ex-Milan marksman Andriy Shevchenko remains unsettled at Stamford Bridge as he struggles to hold down a regular place in the side, but he insists that he won’t air his grievances. “We got good results last week, so it’s difficult to complain,” he told Spotske Novosti. “I’m not happy, but what can I do? I keep working and being quiet.”
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| November 29, 2007 |
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Sven sees Latin influence
Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson claims that English clubs are following a Latin tradition of having little patience with managers. The former Lazio and Sampdoria Coach believes the pressure on chairmen, due to the financial demands of staying in the Premiership, has made the dismissal of six managers almost inevitable. “I’m not surprised by the recent departures because I’ve been working in Italy for many years and it’s very normal there,” Eriksson explained. “But I am surprised because it’s happening in England. What I always thought was that English fans and directors are more patient than the Latin part of the world but we are becoming Latin here as well.”
Naka fighting back
Celtic ace Shunsuke Nakamura is still out with injury and missed last night’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk. However, his manager Gordon Strachan claims that the former Reggina playmaker can overcome his problem. “If he is there next week then absolutely fantastic, if he is not there then we will deal with it,” he said. “He played on with his knee ligament injury, being the lad he is. It got to the point where it was affecting his mobility. Being a smaller type of player you need that mobility. He has hit a bit of a plateau and we have to deal with that. He will tell us when he is fit. He’s a special type of player and he can do things that other players can’t.”
Gareth will miss Mido
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate has revealed that former Roma hitman Mido is unlikely to return to action before the New Year. The Egyptian international is suffering from a groin injury and hasn’t responded well to treatment from three specialists. “We were recommended to try a course of injections, but unfortunately these have failed to improve his symptoms,” Southgate explained. “It’s very difficult to put a timescale on a recovery, but what Mido needs now is a rest from playing football or training from the team. The most important thing is that we resolve the problem, even if it takes longer than we would like.”
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| November 28, 2007 |
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Napoli deny Bianchi swoop
Napoli sporting director Pierpaolo Marino has ruled out a move for Manchester City’s former Reggina striker Rolando Bianchi. “He'd be a good signing for Napoli,” he said. “But I think he wants to prove himself in England.” Marino also denied that Manchester United had made an approach for 20-year-old playmaker Marek Hamsik. “I'm delighted with the way Marek played, particularly after all the press reports about his possible departure. To date, no approach has arrived,” Marino concluded.
Juve seek Christanval aid
Juventus have been linked with a move for Fulham defender Philippe Christanval. The French stopper cost Barcelona £7m in 2001 but arrived at Fulham from Marseilles on a free transfer two seasons ago. Italian reports claim that Juve transfer supremo Alessio Secco has already informed the West London side of their interest last week. The Serie A giants see the 29-year-old, who is currently sidelined with injury, as an alternative to Aston Villa centre-half Olof Mellberg.
Fabio stumped by failure
Former Juventus Coach Fabio Capello claims he can’t understand England’s failure to qualify for Euro 2008. “We Coaches cannot understand how England, with the players they have, could miss out on the European Championships,” he said. “How could players of such a high level perform so differently with their national team to the way they perform with their clubs? It is clear that they suffer a mental block. How else can you explain England getting knocked out? Wearing the England shirt clearly weighs heavily on their shoulders, even though they are champions with their clubs. In situations like this, the Coach has a fundamental role to play, one that is more psychological than technical or tactical.”
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| November 27, 2007 |
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Nolan hopes to keep Nic
Bolton Wanderers captain Kevin Nolan hopes that star striker Nicolas Anelka will stay at the Reebok Stadium, instead of being lured by one of Europe’s giants such as Milan. “We don’t want him to go,” Nolan stated. “Nic loves it here and maybe this is a club where he can settle. We know everyone fancies Nic, who wouldn’t? But we want to keep him and, if he went, we would have to buy Wayne Rooney or Carlos Tevez to replace him.”
Pool give up on Kakha
Reports suggest that Liverpool have shelved a bid for Milan defender Kakha Kaladze due to internal unrest t the club. The 29-year-old was seen as a possible January swoop to provide added defensive options for the Reds. “The manager has a few transfers that we wants to get done, one in January and two Bosman deals in the summer but it looks like he is going to miss out on the first one now,” a source told the Liverpool Daily Post.
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| November 26, 2007 |
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Silva fixed on Turin
Arsenal’s Brazilian star Gilberto Silva continues to eye a move to Juventus. The Old Lady are struggling for reliable options in the midfield with speculation that Sergio Almiron and Tiago Mendes may leave after failing to settle. Gilberto Silva is struggling to find playing time at the Emirates Stadium and seems to have his heart set on relocating to Turin. “I would adapt well to Italian football,” he insisted. “Talks need to be held with Arsenal, but an agreement should be reached easily.”
Inter in Carvalho link
Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho is being linked with a move to Inter. The 29–year-old Portuguese star is one of the players who was closest to sacked manager Jose Mourinho and reportedly still feels the loss. Inter are said to be eyeing an exchange deal involving him and Walter Samuel and according to Italian sources Samuel is interested in a switch.
Capello considers Zola role
Former Juventus and Roma Coach Fabio Capello is believed to want Azzurrini boss Gianfranco Zola as his assistant if he takes the England job. Capello is the favourite to take over from the dismissed Steve McClaren and feels that the ex-Chelsea legend would command the respect of England's under-performing stars. The 41-year-old former Cagliari ace speaks fluent English, and was popular with his fellow players during his days in the Premier League.
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| November 23, 2007 |
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Silva’s Old Lady enthusiasm
Arsenal’s Brazilian star Gilberto Silva continues to eye a move to Juventus. The Old Lady are struggling for reliable options in the midfield with speculation that Sergio Almiron and Tiago Mendes may leave after failing to settle. Gilberto Silva is struggling to find playing time at the Emirates Stadium and seems to have his heart set on relocating to Turin. “I would adapt well to Italian football,” he insisted. “Talks need to be held with Arsenal, but an agreement should be reached easily.”
Rolando staying put
Ex-Reggina hitman Rolando Bianchi won’t be heading back to the peninsula in January, according to agent Tullio Tinti. The Atalanta youth product hasn’t had a chance to shine at Manchester City and has hinted that he would leave England in January if he doesn’t receive more playing time. “Bianchi is happy where he is,” Tinti insisted. “There’s no truth in what certain newspapers are reporting regarding a possible move to Napoli or any other team. Rolando wants to stay in Manchester for a long time and grow as a player in this team.”
Mellberg taking time
Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill is giving Swedish international Olof Mellberg time to consider his future as rumours continue to link him with Juventus and Milan. “We have had discussions and I have agreed to leave Olof for a while,” O’Neill explained. “There has been a bit of too-ing and fro-ing, so we will talk about things later on. It would be unfair of me to say what is causing the impasse.”
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| November 22, 2007 |
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Angry Jens eyes exit
Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann claims he has been the subject of several offers from other clubs. The former Milan shot-stopper is no longer seen as first choice at the Emirates Stadium with manager Arsene Wenger preferring Spanish international Manuel Almunia. “I would like to be in the thoughts of my Coach,” he said. “You can boil it all down to one question - is the other goalkeeper better than me? If not, why am I not playing? I’ve shown I can win matches and titles. Even if he is just as good as me, I should be playing. There have been concrete offers. There have been some calls. But it’s possible that I’ll stay at Arsenal.”
Papin wants Prem
Former Milan striker Jean-Pierre Papin has admitted he would love to work in the Premiership and revealed that he once rejected an offer from Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson to join the club’s coaching staff. “My father was a Manchester United fan and I have been since the age of 10,” said the Lens Coach. “Besides, Ferguson gave me the chance to experience an internship when I passed my coaching diplomas. He offered me the job of strikers’ Coach, but I refused it because someone was already doing the job and I wouldn't steal a position. At the moment I manage a big French club in Lens, but I hope that the next step will be in the Premier League.” |
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| November 21, 2007 |
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Inter in for Jussi
Inter are reportedly targeting Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen as the talented Finn is out of contract at the end of the season. It appears that the towering custodian is ready to leave on a free transfer this summer and the San Siro giants are interested, according to his agent. “There are no talks planned with Bolton and various agents and clubs have been in touch with me from abroad, so we will assess it in January,” said Peter Harrison. “I think he will be leaving at the end of the season, I doubt that he will leave midway through the season.”
Bianchi backs Bojinov
Rolando Bianchi believes his Manchester City teammate Valeri Bojinov will return as strong as ever from his knee injury. “Valeri was very unlucky,” explained the former Reggina striker. “I have experienced a similar injury in the past. I know how difficult it is to recover from and how much he is suffering at the moment. He just has to be patient and I'm sure he will come back stronger than before.”
Hoops hope for Coco
Former Inter defender Francesco Coco is reportedly set to sign for Championship side Queens Park Rangers. The ex-Italian international has arrived at Loftus Road for a trial after the club’s owner Flavio Briatore persuaded him to try his luck in England. Coco retired from football this summer to pursue a career as an actor in Hollywood following a series of injuries. However, the player appears to want to play again and the Hoops’ former Siena Coach Luigi De Canio seems happy to accommodate him.
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| November 20, 2007 |
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Adri in Gunners’ sights
Newspaper reports continue to link Inter striker Adriano with a loan move to Arsenal. The international hitman has returned to Sao Paulo for treatment at a specialist clinic for depression and La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that the Premier League leaders have been in contact about taking the striker on a temporary basis in January. There are also whispers that unsettled midfielder Gilberto Silva could move the other way as part of the deal.
Hutton earns Christian praise
Azzurri hero Christian Panucci feels that Rangers defender Alan Hutton could easily adapt to Serie A football. The Roma veteran is aware that city rivals Lazio have shown interest in the right-back and believes that the Biancocelesti would be making a wise investment. “Hutton is a great player and so quick,” said the 34-year-old. “He has a good future ahead of him. I know that for many foreign players it is hard to play in Italy, but I think Hutton has the right mentality and it would be good if a team sign him.”
Samaras looks to Lazio
Manchester City striker Georgios Samaras has revealed that he would jump at the chance to join Serie A giants Lazio in the January window. Samaras has played in just three games for the Citizens this season and it is reported that Biancocelesti transfer guru Walter Sabatini has asked about his availability. “I don't know if Lazio have made an offer to Manchester City,” he said. “I can say that I feel good in England. But I must be honest, should Lazio show an interest towards me, I’d be really happy. I would be proud to play for one of the greatest European sides."
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| November 19, 2007 |
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QPR eye Gallipoli ace
Serie C outfit Gallipoli’s star striker Francesco Di Gennaro insists that Queens Park Rangers are lining up a bid for him. “It would seem that QPR are interested, but I don’t know whether President Vincenzo Barba will let me go,” the Giallorossi marksman told La Gazzetta Lucchese. "I think that there has been contact between Flavio Briatore and my agent Donato Di Campli, but I don’t know any more than that.”
Rino’s Scottish praise
Azzurri star Gennaro Gattuso was full of praise for Scotland after Italy’s tight 2-1 win at Hampden Park on Saturday. “I remember Scotland two years ago when Berti Vogts was the manager, but now they are a different team with good young players and a good chance of qualifying for the World Cup,” the Milan midfielder stated. “For me it’s important that the Coach comes from the same country and has the same mentality as his players – it’s the same with Italy.”
Big Eck gracious in defeat
Scotland boss Alex McLeish believes that his side were unlucky to lose to Italy, but has no hard feelings after Saturday’s defeat at Hampden Park. “For the last 10 or 15 minutes, we had the Italians on the ropes,” he insisted. “My life flashed before me when James McFadden had that chance and I thought we were going to Austria and Switzerland. But it’s a fine line and Italy got a little bit of luck – we wish them all the best.” |
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| November 16, 2007 |
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Benji in Juve link
Portsmouth striker Benjani Mwaruwari is a target for Juventus, according to his manager Harry Redknapp. However, the Pompey boss doesn’t want to let him leave and is ready to offer him a new contract. “It's good that people are talking about Benji and they are saying clubs are interested in him,” he said. “It shows you how well he's doing. Even when he wasn't scoring he was playing well for us, but people see the goals. The fact is he's enjoying it here and we are not selling him.”
Gareth denies Mido trouble
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate has angrily rejected reports that former Roma striker Mido went missing last week. Following a short visit home to Egypt, the player has been back in training working on recovering from an injury, which has kept him out since last month’s game with Chelsea. “There have been stories about Mido going back to Egypt without permission, which is nonsense,” said Southgate. “He had an injection for his injury and we told him to go home because he had to rest for a week. Most things are a bit of truth, a bit of fabrication and a bit of gloss.”
Lorenzo sees Miller time
Former Rangers and Blackburn defender Lorenzo Amoruso claims that if Scotland can hold Andrea Pirlo and release Kenny Miller then they have a good chance in the Euro 2008 qualifier against the Azzurri. “If I were Alex McLeish, my main aim would be to stop Pirlo playing. I’d ask one of my midfield players to take him out of the game,” he insisted. “Everyone knows how much I love Gennaro Gattuso, but let’s be honest, he is not the kind of player who can break down defences. Rino will run and tackle all day but he doesn’t make things happen. Kenny is the biggest threat to Italy. He is the kind of striker who will cause problems for any defender.” |
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