Italian Football Thread II

Which team will finish 2nd after Milan?


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acm55

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Robben: Juve have great future
By Football Italia staff

Bayern Munich star Arjen Robben has fuelled suggestions that he could join Juventus at the end of the season.

The Dutchman has been named as a possible transfer target for the Turin giants and he didn’t exactly shut the door when asked about the Old Lady.

“The interest of a great club like Juventus is always pleasing,” he told Sky Sport Italia after Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League.

“Juventus have had a great season, they are looking to rebuild and they have a team with a great future.

“I’m very happy at Bayern, but I still haven’t signed a contract extension and you never know what will happen in football.”

The winger, born in January 1984, is only tied to the Bundesliga giants until June 2013. If he doesn’t sign this summer then Bayern will run the risk of losing him for free at the end of next season.
 

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Inler happy with Napoli move
By Football Italia staff

Gokhan Inler says he has no regrets about his decision to leave Udinese for Napoli last summer.

“I’ve had a season to remember,” stated the Swiss international. “I’m happy with the choice I made in coming here.”

The 27-year-old has played in 42 games for the Azzurri across all competitions so far this term, scoring two goals in Europe in the process.

“It’s not easy to go and play in the Champions League and leave a good impression,” added the midfielder.

“We, as a team, took on some great clubs and that is the best that can happen for us footballers.”

Napoli reached the last 16 of the European Cup before finally being defeated by Chelsea in extra-time.

The Stadio San Paolo outfit are now attempting to return to the competition by finishing the season in the top three – but they’ve collected just two points from their last five games.

“People are saying that we are tired, but we always give our maximum,” added Inler. “We have to stay united to return to winning ways and to end the campaign well.”

Napoli are six points adrift of third-placed Lazio.
 

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acm55

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Trieste will host Cagliari-Juventus
By Football Italia staff

There are likely to be more Juventus fans than Cagliari supporters when the two sides meet in Week 37 after Trieste was confirmed as the venue.

The Rossoblu have decided to play their last four home games of the season at a neutral ground because of a bust-up with the local council regarding plans to erect a new stadium.

Given that Trieste is over 600 miles away from Sardinia, Scudetto chasing Juventus are set to be heavily backed at the Nereo Rocco.

Poor Cagliari fans... :fp:
 

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Agent: Forlan not going to Brazil


Diego Forlan’s representative has again dismissed rumours that the striker is going to leave Inter in the summer.

The Uruguayan arrived in Italy last summer off the back of seven successful seasons in Spain's Primera Division, a League where he had maintained a scoring average of a goal every other game.

However, off the back of only two League strikes for the Nerazzurri during a campaign in which he has struggled for fitness and for game-time in his preferred position, reports are that he is considering a return to South American football, where he began his career.

Corinthians yesterday stated their desire to bring the forward to the Brazilian League, whilst other reports also list Atletico Mineiro as an interested party. However, Forlan’s agent has denied that there is any truth in any of these reports.

“Neither Corinthians nor Atletico Mineiro have asked me about Forlan,” Diego Bolotnicoff told reporters on Thursday.

“There is no possibility that he will return to South America at this time. He has never hidden the desire to one day play in Brazil, but for now he wants to stay with Inter because he wants to win something in their shirt.”
 

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Cellino was asked by those at the seminar for reasons as to why he has fallen out with recent Coaches Davide Ballardini and Roberto Donadoni. Sacked by Cellino in pre-season, Donadoni faces Cagliari this weekend as Parma Coach.

“The first was fired for inappropriate use of a company computer. That’s all I can say. The latter lacked style when appearing in the stands at Bergamo on the day of our defeat against Atalanta. In addition, the next day he left for New York when he was still being paid by us.

“I’m unable to tolerate this kind of behaviour, the facts determined themselves so as to warrant us not paying him the last few months of his salary that he should have received before moving to Parma.”

The President also spoke of the futures of Davide Astori and Mauricio Pinilla, claiming that if the first was sold this summer then he would resign as President whilst also saying that they are keen to redeem Pinilla from Palermo at the end of the season.

Ballardini, misuse of computer? watching porn? :lol::lol::lol::lol:
 

acm55

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‘Juve will be like Barca and Real’

Alessio Tacchinardi believes that Juventus will soon be in a position to challenge Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The Old Lady haven’t been a force in Italy or Europe since the 2006 Calciopoli sporting trial saw them demoted to Serie B.

But Tacchinardi, who won titles as a player with the Bianconeri, thinks the club now have the right management structure to evolve into a major player again.

“Director general Beppe Marotta and President Andrea Agnelli know what they are doing, their predecessors didn’t,” the former midfielder told Radio Mana Mana.

“Juventus, in the space of two or three years, will be like Barcelona and Real Madrid.”

The Bianconeri are currently leading Serie A after an unbeaten campaign which has also seen them reach the Coppa Italia Final.

“Boss Antonio Conte has superbly managed the situation because he is now backed by the club and everyone is on his side,” Tacchinardi continued.

Juve are one point clear of Milan in the standings and will face Roma at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday evening.
 

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‘Juve will be like Barca and Real’

Alessio Tacchinardi believes that Juventus will soon be in a position to challenge Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The Old Lady haven’t been a force in Italy or Europe since the 2006 Calciopoli sporting trial saw them demoted to Serie B.

But Tacchinardi, who won titles as a player with the Bianconeri, thinks the club now have the right management structure to evolve into a major player again.

“Director general Beppe Marotta and President Andrea Agnelli know what they are doing, their predecessors didn’t,” the former midfielder told Radio Mana Mana.

“Juventus, in the space of two or three years, will be like Barcelona and Real Madrid.”

The Bianconeri are currently leading Serie A after an unbeaten campaign which has also seen them reach the Coppa Italia Final.

“Boss Antonio Conte has superbly managed the situation because he is now backed by the club and everyone is on his side,” Tacchinardi continued.

Juve are one point clear of Milan in the standings and will face Roma at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday evening.

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:
 
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Would be disgrace if that would turn true, and we'll not improve.

But i doubt it.
 

acm55

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Marchisio: Unbeaten only good if…
By Football Italia staff

Claudio Marchisio admits that finishing the season unbeaten will mean nothing for Juventus if they don’t win the Scudetto.

Currently a point ahead of title rivals Milan with six games to play, the Bianconeri face arguably their toughest remaining test this weekend with Roma’s visit to Turin.

However, midfielder Marchisio is aware that more than the weekend matters for the club in a tight title race.

“The Scudetto race is absolutely not over, we will remain focused until the end,” he told Sky Sport 24 on Friday.

“Allegri says that whoever wins the title will be the team with the surest nerves, this is true, but it is not the only component. We must stay focused as we have proven to be up to this point. We’ll also need a little luck to get to the end.

“We’ll need to be alert and show desire in every game, not just in Sunday’s clash. On paper we have easier games ahead of us after Roma, but we’re fully aware it’s not like that and we must always be at our maximum. It’s an even tussle with Milan.

“We attach great importance to the unbeaten record, but it will mean nothing if we fail to win the Scudetto. At this point, we want it very strongly.”

The midfielder was asked about the potential last meeting this weekend between Francesco Totti and Alessandro Del Piero, and if he and Daniele De Rossi were ready to take their place as their team’s flag bearers.

“The final showdown between Totti and Del Piero? They’ve gifted extraordinary moments to Italian football, both with the World Cup win in 2006 and throughout their careers as a whole.

“They’ll have the desire to play a key role once again.

“It is up to us to deserve this ‘handover’. Daniele has so much experience and is not only a great midfielder but also a good defender, as we see him playing that role recently.

“He stopped me when I tried to break forward in the first meeting, fingers crossed he won’t be so successful come this Sunday evening.”

Marchisio was also asked of comparisons between this Juventus side and previous versions of the team that have fought for the title.

“Surely, the fact that in the past two seasons Juve have struggled and finished seventh twice and not played in the Champions League can have an impact on the perception of our great players.

“However, Juve still retains its charm, has always had its appeal, more so now that we are getting such great results and it is easier to see these great players again at Juve.

“This is an important team, whilst it is also clear that next year we will improve again when reinforced for future objectives.”

The Italy international also had a word for former Under-21 teammate Piermario Morosini, who died last weekend.

“I felt great sadness at the death of Piermario. I remember the two years I spent alongside him with the Under-21s, along with the youth team games against Atalanta, where he played alongside Marco Motta...

“He was a wonderful guy, always relaxed and helpful.”
 

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18:00 Chievo - Udinese
18:00 Parma - Cagliari
20:45 Catania - Atalanta
20:45 Napoli - Novara
 

acm55

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Lippi: 'My Balotelli theory'
By Football Italia staff

Former Italy Coach Marcello Lippi confirms he will “get back to work soon,” and has a new theory on Mario Balotelli’s problems.

The tactician has been linked with a series of benches at both club and international level around the world.

“I will not train in Italy again, but I will get back to work soon. Where? In a place where I can build something, whether it is Oman, Qatar or China. I haven’t decided yet,” he said.

Lippi was asked about Balotelli’s continual bad behaviour, which is causing problems both at Manchester City and with the Azzurri.

“He is a talent, but is also at risk. I listening to the radio and someone wondered whether he continued doing these Balotelli-style antics because he liked himself that way. Well, maybe that really is the truth of the situation.

“As for Serie A, Juventus have a slight advantage due to their point in the League and they are in front of Milan in direct confrontations too. In the race for third, I’d go for Lazio.

“Last season I saw myself in Massimiliano Allegri, because he is Tuscan like me, had never played or trained with a big club before and invented something new, like Thiago Silva in front of the defence.

“I like that Antonio Conte is Juventus through and through. He was already one of the leaders of my Juve side.”

Lippi discussed an often controversial subject of medicine in sport, particularly decades ago when rules were more lax.

“When I was playing for Sampdoria, it was ordinary procedure for the physio to give you injections. We were told they were vitamins. He’d turn up in the locker room joking with syringes in his hands to let us know it was innocuous. If we said no, he’d do them to himself.

“One year I was suffering from lumbago and took anti-inflammatory drugs to make sure I could play every game. It was dumb, especially as on the Monday I couldn’t walk, from Wednesday onwards I’d start training and on Saturday took the anti-inflammatory drugs.

“In March I collapsed during training due to the pains in my stomach. I decided at that point to stop until the end of the season, then in the summer I went on a detox course.

“It was an exaggerated use of medication, but everyone did it. We didn’t act that way to cheat our opponents, as we thought it was only to help recover quickly rather than improve performance.”
 

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Conte 'trebles' Juve-Roma efforts
By Football Italia staff

Antonio Conte trusts Sunday evening’s clash with Roma will be “tough and entertaining,” but reveals Fabio Quagliarella could miss out.

Juventus need a victory to be sure of holding on to the Serie A leadership, as Milan welcome Bologna tomorrow afternoon.

“It’s going to be a tough and entertaining game. We know we’re facing a side that is in good shape and can hurt anyone if in the right mood. We are ready to step on to the field, aware of our potential and good form,” said the Coach in his press conference.

“If you work at Juve or Milan, then you are always obliged to win from the first game to the last. If you are at the end of the season with two teams so close in the table, it’s even more important not to slip up. We will certainly be highly motivated.”

Quagliarella had been tipped to start the match, but Conte revealed he might not be able to feature at all.

“He had a problem with his upper thigh and I’m not sure if he will even be there tomorrow. He could be left at home.”

Roma are traditionally not a club with much patience, but they and the fans have stuck by Luis Enrique despite some very disappointing results.

“He always had the total support of the club and the city. This is thanks to him, because he brought a new mentality that everyone at Roma married without hesitation. It is difficult to work at Roma, so the club did a great job protecting him in difficult moments. I really respect Luis Enrique.”

Conte was in the headlines this week when reports emerged of his name being mentioned in the match-fixing investigation into his time at Siena.

“I read about that, but there is an investigation and I have faith in the authorities. Nobody has called me to testify, but if that happens then I will be happy to respond to all questions.

“Is it an attempt to destabilise Juve? If they try that, then they’ll find a brick wall. In fact, it would only increase our hunger and determination, trebling our desire to achieve something extraordinary.

“It is a dream to be six rounds from the end of the season with the Scudetto and Coppa Italia within our grasp.”
 
G

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my god- handanovic must think- "fuck it I'll give away a pk just to pad my save stats." What this 40% pk save avg I'm hearing about and how the fuck has he not been grabbed away from udinese?
 

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decent perform by acerbi, but i will say Asamoah yes we can!:tongue:
 

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12:30 Fiorentina - Inter
15:00 Milan - Bologna
15:00 Cesena - Palermo
15:00 Genoa - Siena
15:00 Lazio - Lecce
20:45 Juventus - Roma
 

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Fiorentina - Inter
Stadio Artemio Franchi
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At this late stage it is must-win time for both Fiorentina and Inter when they meet at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Sunday.

Fiorentina steered their survival bid back on the right path with their ‘perfect’ win at Milan, a result followed by a goalless home draw against Palermo. Delio Rossi concedes they will need more displays like in Milan in their upcoming fixtures, with a trip to Roma also around the corner.

Three points ahead of 18th placed Lecce, Rossi has noted this week that fate is still in Fiorentina’s hands, but any slip-ups could be detrimental. The Viola have claimed seven of their nine season victories in front of their home fans and despite the protests in recent fixtures, the tactician insists this is not a distraction.

Fiorentina are without the suspended Amauri, plus injured trio Per Kroldrup, Juan Vargas and crucially, Stevan Jovetic. Reports suggest Riccardo Montolivo could be dropped after a poor run of form.

Inter remain undefeated under Andrea Stramaccioni, having taken their tally to two wins and a draw after overcoming Siena 2-1. However, they will be concerned with conceding seven goals in the three matches, which results in Inter holding the worst defensive record in the top half (45 goals conceded).

The revival has sparked a late bid towards the Champions League, especially since main rivals Lazio, Udinese and Napoli continue to drop points. This puts Roma and the Nerazzurri back in the hunt, with the Milan giants six points behind third with six matches remaining.

Wesley Sneijder is back in training and could play a part, but Maicon and Luc Castaignos are injured and Walter Samuel suspended.

There have been 31 draws between the pair and despite not winning at home since 2005-06, Fiorentina hold the edge with 25 wins to Inter’s 17. That Nerazzurri tally includes last term’s 2-1 win, when Giampaolo Pazzini struck against his former club.

Keep an eye on: Diego Milito (Inter) – The Argentine has scored six goals during Stramaccioni’s reign, reaching the 20-goal mark for the second time at Inter. Always a threat inside the penalty area, he is looking close to his predatory best.

Form guide: Fiorentina (L D L W D) Inter (D L W D W)

Last season: Fiorentina 1-2 Inter

Stat fact: Fiorentina’s 4-3 win in 1988-89 saw the most amount of goals in the fixture’s history. Stefano Borgonovo scored a winning double for the hosts after season capocannoniere Aldo Serena put Inter ahead.

Fiorentina (probable): Boruc; Gamberini, Natali, Nastasic; Cassani, Behrami, Montolivo, Lazzari, Pasqual; Cerci; Ljajic

Inter (probable): Julio Cesar; Zanetti, Lucio, Chivu, Nagatomo; Cambiasso, Stankovic, Obi; Forlan, Milito, Zarate
 

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Fiorentina: 1 Boruc; 31 Camporese, 14 Natali, 15 Nastasic; 16 Cassani, 13 Kharja, 85 Behrami, 21 Lazzari, 23 Pasqual; 7 Cerci; 22 Ljajic.
A disposizione: 89 Neto, 5 Gamberini, 10 Olivera, 17 Salifu, 18 Montolivo, 29 De Silvestri, 37 Acosty.
Allenatore: Delio Rossi.

Inter: 1 Julio Cesar; 13 Maicon, 6 Lucio, 26 Chivu, 4 Zanetti; 18 Poli, 19 Cambiasso; 9 Forlan, 11 Alvarez, 28 Zarate; 22 Milito
A disposizione: 12 Castellazzi, 23 Ranocchia, 55 Nagatomo, 5 Stankovic, 10 Sneijder, 14 Guarin, 7 Pazzini.
Allenatore: Andrea Stramaccioni.

Arbitro: Paolo Valeri (sez. arbitrale di Roma)
 
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