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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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| May 15, 2008 |
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Bruce to make Kapo call
Wigan manager Steve Bruce is looking to raid former club Birmingham City for former Juventus midfielder Olivier Kapo. The French ace has a £3.5m release clause in his contract and is expected to leave after the Blues’ relegation to the Championship. Bruce, who left St Andrews in November, is a big admirer of the Ivory Coast-born 27-year-old and brought him to Birmingham from the Old Lady in June 2007.
Martins’ Gunners link fades
Former Inter striker Obafemi Martins will not be leaving Newcastle to move to Arsenal, according to United boss Kevin Keegan. Asked if the Magpies had received a bid for Martins, Keegan said: “No, I haven’t and I want to keep all my players, adding to them if I can. Anyone that goes will be a bit of a blow, especially if something like that happens late on in the summer. However, Arsenal have definitely not approached me.”
Fabio sees Serie A boom
England Coach Fabio Capello feels the exciting finale to the Serie A season is raising the image of Italian football in his new country. “This thrilling end of the season is the best possible showcase for Italian football,” said the former Juventus tactician. “Normally they would care only about the FA Cup final and now there's also the English Champions League final. But at the moment there is a lot of interest in Serie A, which means our football is winning people over.”
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| May 14, 2008 |
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Hammers hungry for Lanzafame
West Ham United are reportedly in talks with Juventus over a loan deal for highly rated youngster Davide Lanzafame. The striker has spent the season on loan at Bari, under the guidance of former Juve legend Antonio Conte, who claims the young gun can become as good as Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo. “Lanzafame has improved tactically,” he said “He is explosive. He sniffs out the goal and uses his speed outside the area. If he improves and learns, he can become like Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Vieri on road to Hull?
Fiorentina veteran Christian Vieri is being linked with a shock move to Hull City. The former Inter marksman has fallen out of favour at the Stadio Artemio Franchi and is expected to leave this summer. According to the Daily Mirror, Hull manager Phil Brown is willing to commit £1m to try and lure Vieri, who will be a free agent. The move depends on whether Hull can triumph in the play-offs and earn a place in the Premier League. The Tigers take a 2-0 lead into their play-off semi-final second leg against Watford with the winners facing Bristol City, who triumphed over Crystal Palace last night.
Momo rubbishes Gerrard talk
Juventus midfielder Mohamed Sissoko claims that there is no chance Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard would move to Inter. The former Pool player insists that the England ace is in love with the Anfield outfit and would never leave his hometown club. “He is the best central midfielder in the world,” he said. “I can’t see Inter being able to sign him. He has been with Liverpool since he was a kid and is now a standard-bearer for the club.”
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| May 13, 2008 |
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Figo praises Cristiano
Inter ace Luis Figo claims that fellow Portuguese international and Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has no limit to his potential. The Nerazzurri midfielder lavished praise upon the Premier League’s top scorer, insisting that the youngster has the ability to reach the very top. “He has enough quality to do whatever he wants in the game,” he effused. “I think if I had his quality, I wouldn’t have had to work so hard in my career! He’s fast, good in the air, strong, technically perfect ... he is very complete.”
Olof’s generous gesture
Juventus new boy Olof Mellberg thanked Aston Villa fans for all their support by spending over £40,000 on 3,200 club shirts for the travelling fans at West Ham last Saturday, all personally signed. “I wouldn’t be here, making the money I have from football if it was not for those supporters, so the cost was not an issue,” said the defender. Meanwhile, the Swede moves to Turin with the full backing of Villa boss Martin O’Neill. “Olof has been a splendid professional footballer over the years I have known him - and a lot longer than that. He goes to Juve with our best wishes,” said the Irish tactician. “It was a lovely gesture from him regarding the shirts. I’m not sure I would have done it - I wouldn’t have the same money!”
Toon target Davids
Former Juventus, Milan and Inter midfielder Edgar Davids could make a shock move to Newcastle, according to English reports. The former Holland international midfielder left San Siro in 2005 to spend two seasons with Tottenham Hotspur before returning to Ajax last year. The 35-year-old was considering a move to the Qatar League but will put the move on hold if he can agree terms on a pay-as-you-play deal at St James’ Park under Kevin Keegan. Sampdoria have also shown an interest in Davids, who is out of contract this summer.
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| May 12, 2008 |
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Boji to quit City?
Former Fiorentina forward Valeri Bojinov could follow Sven Goran Eriksson in leaving Manchester City this week, according to his agent. The Bulgarian international made it clear when he arrived last summer that he came to work under the Swede and now his representative feels he may also leave. “At Manchester City there is a strange situation,” said Gerry Palomba. “We need to know if Eriksson will remain or not because he is the Coach who wanted Valeri. After the tour in Thailand, the fate of many players at City will be decided.”
Hugo thinks of England
Sampdoria defender Hugo Campagnaro has revealed he wants a move to the Premier League. Both Newcastle United and Fulham have been linked with the Argentine in the past and it appears he would welcome any interest. “If I had to leave Italy, I would like to play in the Premiership,” said the 27-year-old former Piacenza right-back. “A couple of years ago my agent presented an offer from England to me, but it was nothing concrete. I’d really like to play there.”
Olof wants Villa reunion
Olof Mellberg will join Juventus from Aston Villa next week and claims it would be a dream to play against Villa in the Champions League. The Swedish defender feels Juve are a massive club and always expected to be in the running for honours. “I read somewhere that worldwide they have 140 million supporters, so the expectation is huge and they are a big, big club,” he enthused. “I have signed for Juventus for three seasons and I would be delighted if we played Villa in the Champions League during that time.”
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| May 9, 2008 |
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Inter fail in Gerrard bid
Inter have had a £25m bid for Steven Gerrard turned down by Liverpool, according to The Sun. The Serie A champions reportedly want to make Gerrard their main signing as they begin their centenary celebrations, but they seem to have met with fierce resistance from Anfield. “We need to make a big signing for next season and Gerrard was at the centre of our thoughts,” an Inter official is quoted as saying. “Liverpool gave us the most emphatic response that he was not for sale. We have drawn up a list of alternatives. But if Liverpool decide to sell, Gerrard is our top priority.”
Behrami poised for Prem
Liverpool have intensified their interest in Lazio defender Valon Behrami, according to Swiss media reports. The Premier League giants are reportedly preparing to approach the Biancocelesti with a formal bid for their Swiss international full back. Other Premiership clubs interested in the highly rated 22-year-old include West Ham, Portsmouth and Manchester City. Behrami’s agent Alessandro Beltrami was due to meet with Lazio President Claudio Lotito to discuss his client’s future yesterday, but there are reports that he cancelled the appointment.
De Canio out at QPR
Queens Park Rangers have announced the departure of former Palermo Coach Luigi Di Canio, despite his protestations yesterday that he knew nothing about a dismissal. The Championship club hired the Italian to replace John Gregory last October and he signed a three-year deal with the Loftus Road outfit. “Queens Park Rangers Football Club have parted company with De Canio by mutual consent with immediate effect,” read a club statement. “The club would like to place on record its gratitude to Luigi for his contribution to QPR and wish him all the best for a successful future.”
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| May 8, 2008 |
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De Canio calms quit talk
Queens Park Rangers boss Luigi De Canio has rejected claims in the Italian Press that he will leave England at the end of the season. The former Siena man is under huge pressure to deliver at the nouveau riche Shepherd’s Bush outfit, but he maintains that he is up to the challenge. “I really have no idea where this speculation about me leaving comes from,” he groaned. “There was one occasion when I missed a game after my father died and I had to return to Italy and it was suggested that I might be leaving. That was never my intention. I’m happy here and I am looking forward to next season.”
Naka stays at Celtic
Celtic ace Shunsuke Nakamura will be staying with the Glasgow giants for another year after utilising his option to stay on for another season. The former Reggina playmaker arrived from Serie A in 2005 and is confident that he made the right choice at the time. “You can never really know what the future holds for you in football from year to year,” said the 29-year-old Japanese international. “So I was delighted when Celtic said they wanted me again. I didn’t know what to expect because I’ve had injuries this year and haven’t had the chance to show my best form, so it’s good to be wanted. I want to be here too. I enjoy life in Scotland and life at Celtic under Gordon Strachan. I made a choice to come here three years ago and it proved to be the right one.”
Kapo’s happy with the Blues
Former Juventus midfielder Oliver Kapo has promised to stay with Birmingham even if they are relegated from the Premier League. The French winger joined the Blues last summer after finding himself surplus to requirements in Turin and is happy to stay at St Andrews for the foreseeable future. “I like the project that the gaffer has in mind,” he said. “I signed a three-year contract at Birmingham and I want to stay here. I think next year we could have a very good team. I like it here and my family like Birmingham so I am staying here.”
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| May 7, 2008 |
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Pool eyes on Udine
There are reports that Liverpool are lining up a summer raid on Udinese. Sources suggest that Friulani representatives have been in England to discuss the future of in-demand stars Gokhan Inler and Andrea Dossena. Midfielder Inler has excelled in his 10 substitute appearances and has a bright future at the age of 23 and stopper Dossena has been in Juventus’ sights. Udinese are reluctant to sell their assets, but the club’s finances may make the sale inevitable.
Sven’s City pride
Sven-Goran Eriksson is proud of the achievements he has made at Manchester City in his first and possibly last season. The former Lazio Coach is reportedly set to be axed by City owner Thaksin Shinawatra but has shrugged off the speculation and insists his players and staff have been magnificent. “I don’t know whether the players felt they had a point to prove to the owner or anyone else in the game at Liverpool but what I would say is that myself, the coaching staff and everyone who works at the Carrington training ground are a close unit and it has always been like that,” he said. “I’m very proud of them and what we have achieved. This is not the toughest time I have had in football. Speculation in football whether it is to do with managers, players, business or politics is always there amongst fans today.”
Inter close to Hleb
Inter are closing in on Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb, according to English reports. The Guardian reports that the Nerazzurri have tracked the Belarus international for some weeks and are prepared to offer him a big increase on his £50,000-a-week Arsenal wage. The former Stuttgart man has the option under Article 17 of FIFA’s transfer regulations to buy out the remaining two years of his Arsenal contract and leave for less than the £11.2m that the club paid for him in 2005. It has been suggested that Arsenal may reluctantly negotiate a transfer fee with Inter to prevent that happening.
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| May 6, 2008 |
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Kamara focused on Fulham
Former Modena striker Diomansy Kamara hopes he can stay with Fulham next season, whether or not they avoid relegation to the Championship. “It’s a very nice club with a family feel, even though it’s in London,” he said. “I like Fulham and I’m not thinking about leaving. If the team don’t stay up I’ll see, but I am focused on staying in the Premier League.”
Grant follows Arrigo example
Chelsea boss Avram Grant believes that he can have the same sort of success at Stamford Bridge that Arrigo Sacchi had with Milan. “It’s not a one-way process between a manager and his players,” said the Israeli tactician. “They may have had doubts about me but I had doubts about some of them as well. The history of every big club starts with doubts. That was the case at Arsenal when Arsene Wenger came or Manchester United at the start under Sir Alex Ferguson and even the great Milan team. When Silvio Berlusconi decided to take Sacchi from the Second Division everyone wanted to kill him - but he changed the history of the club. Every change takes time.”
Milan’s Drogba doubts
Milan seem to have accepted defeat in their bid to capture Chelsea striker Didier Drogba. Having lured Mathieu Flamini to San Siro, they had hoped to make it a Premier League double but sporting director Ariedo Braida is not confident that the Ivory Coast international will arrive in Italy. “Drogba is a very interesting player that many clubs would want to have but he is under contract at Chelsea,” he stressed. “I believe that he will remain at Stamford Bridge next season.”
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| May 5, 2008 |
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Gazza back in hospital
Former Lazio star Paul Gascoigne is in hospital once again following an incident in a London hotel. Although no details have yet emerged, the 40-year-old ex-England international has been in and out of hospital in the last few years after battling against alcohol problems. Police were called to the Knightsbridge hotel, but have now confirmed that no crime had taken place. Gascoigne was previously held at Middleton St George hospital for two weeks under the Mental Health Act.
Arsenal eye Martins swoop
Newcastle United's ex-Inter striker Obafemi Martins is reportedly on Arsene Wenger's summer shopping list at Arsenal. With Mathieu Flamini set for Milan and Alexander Hleb rumoured to be close to a move to Inter, Wenger is reportedly planning to spend big on reinforcements. At the top of his wanted list is Martins, who has impressed since swapping San Siro for St James' Park. It is thought that the Gunners will need to make a bid of around £15m to prise the Nigerian international away from the Magpies.
Cech wants Nedved return
Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has urged Juventus veteran Pavel Nedved to reconsider his international retirement and star alongside him for the Czech Republic at Euro 2008. “Pavel is part of the team, he's always made an important contribution to it. We're in real need of a player with such experience and blessed with such skills,” said Cech. The 35-year-old winger has been in good form for Juve this season, but is rumoured to be considering hanging up his boots this summer.
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| May 2, 2008 |
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Smith’s UEFA pride
Rangers manager Walter Smith was delighted after his side robbed Fiorentina of a place in the UEFA Cup Final. The Scots were under pressure for almost the entirety of last night’s semi-final second leg, but they held on to 0-0 and triumphed 4-2 on spot-kicks. “We were put under quite a bit of pressure as the game wore on, but there were few clear-cut opportunities during the game,” Smith told BBC Sport. “I’m delighted for everyone connected with the club that we’ve managed to get to the Final. It has been a fantastic achievement.”
Prem possible for Claudio
Juventus Coach Claudio Ranieri has not ruled out a return to the Premier League and when asked about managing in England again the former Chelsea boss replied: “Why not?” He also complimented Chelsea manger Avram Grant on taking his old club to the Champions League Final. “I still look out for Chelsea’s results and I am happy they made the European Cup Final,” he grinned. “It is the first time in Chelsea’s history, going to Moscow, and it’s fantastic for Grant. He’ll be very, very proud. It’s a great achievement for English football.”
Roma for Malouda move?
Roma have reportedly joined Inter in the race to sign Chelsea winger Florent Malouda. The Giallorossi are thought to see the French international as a possible replacement for contract rebel Amantino Mancini, who could head for the exit door this summer. However, that the capital club’s transfer plans are likely to depend on a successful takeover in the boardroom.
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| May 1, 2008 |
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Sheva sees Chelsea contribution
Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko concedes that he has not had the best of seasons, but believes that he has contributed to the club’s success in a small way. Despite struggling since his move from the San Siro over the summer of 2006, the former Milan hitman has still scored a respectable 20 goals in 68 games. “I haven’t managed to play much this year, whether for physical problems or technical reasons,” he said. “But in the games I have played in I managed to make a small contribution with seven goals. The language? I manage to communicate, I manage to speak to my team-mates, but I am a long way from perfect.”
Drogba refutes Inter link
Didier Drogba has rejected reports linking him with a move to Inter from Chelsea over the summer. The Ivory Coast international striker recently claimed that he wanted to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season but now insists that his only consideration is Chelsea. “There are a lot of rumours linking me with a number of clubs, but I have two years remaining on my contract,” he stressed. “At the moment, I am focused on Chelsea and our run-in until the end of the season. The rumours concerning me moving to Inter with Jose Mourinho? I have heard these reports and although it is flattering it’s not topical.”
Ally expects frenzied Florence
Rangers assistant Coach Ally McCoist believes that the fans will lift their UEFA Cup opponents Fiorentina when the two teams clash in Florence this evening. Following the 0-0 draw at Ibrox last week, Rangers need to score at the Stadio Artemio Franchi if they are to reach next month’s final in Manchester and McCoist knows it will be hard. “It’s going to be tough,” he admitted. “They are a side who will have a right go at home. They scored two at home at the weekend but they also lost two. We will have to defend well but we have players who can nick a goal. These opportunities don't come around all that often so there is a real excitement in the squad.” |
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