Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro is unconcerned about the reaction of Juventus fans if his move back to the Serie A club goes through.
The Real Madrid defender, whose contract at the Bernabeu runs out at the end of the season, is in talks about returning to Juve despite angering fans by leaving in 2006 when the team were demoted in a match-fixing scandal.
"Everyone knows I would return to Juve with joy in my heart because I had two beautiful seasons in Turin," said the 35-year-old.
"People expected me to stay (in 2006) but I've already explained a thousand times what happened. I am not worried, I will definitely talk with the fans," Cannavaro told Tuesday's edition of the Turin daily Tuttosport.
He had wanted to end his career at hometown club Napoli but president Aurelio De Laurentiis said the 2006 world player of the year was too old for a centre back.
Juve coach Claudio Ranieri, preparing for Wednesday's Italian Cup semi-final second leg at home to Lazio, denied media reports he was lukewarm about the move.
"We asked ourselves about Cannavaro's age but we couldn't miss the opportunity to sign an international who could re-form Italy's central defensive partnership with (Giorgio) Chiellini and could come for free," he told a news conference.
"For this reason I gave the OK when I was asked."
Juve were ordered to play their next home league game behind closed doors on Monday after fans racially abused Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli in Saturday's 1-1 Serie A draw.
David Trezeguet looks set to leave Juventus in the summer after his agent, Antonio Caliendo claimed that he does not understand why boss Claudio Ranieri keeps overlooking him.
The striker has missed five months of the campaign following double knee surgery and was benched for the 1-1 draw against Inter on Saturday, despite being back to full fitness.
"I was sitting in the stands and I saw him on the bench and my heart was crying," Caliendo told Tuttosport. "And then Juve were trailing 1-0 and David, the best European goal scorer over the past ten years, was unused. A world and European champion, who has netted goals every season.
"We are not talking about a 38-year-old at the end of his career. His 161 goals for Juve speak volumes."
Trezeguet reacted angrily to being substituted during a Champions League match with Chelsea and has been playing a part-time role since.
"He is fine physically and is dying to play a full match," continued the representative. "He is acting as a great professional and is ready to give his all - even it is for just ten or 15 minutes."
Trezeguet has a contract with the Old Lady until 2011, but Caliendo admitted that his client is not willing to stand this situation any longer.
"When you get married, it is usually for the entire life, but sometimes people divorce," he concluded.
Meanwhile, Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon said he would welcome Fabio Cannavaro's return to Turin this summer.
The Italy captain and Real Madrid defender has been linked with a move back to Juve, having failed to extend his contract with the Spanish giants when his current deal ends in June.
"Someone of Cannavaro's experience would be good for any team," said Buffon. "He would be important on and off the pitch.
"It's clear he cannot be a part of the team's long-term project but then again neither would I as I'm 31."
The 35-year-old Cannavaro played two years at Juventus before moving to Real Madrid in the summer of 2006, shortly after lifting the World Cup with Italy.
Cannavaro has made 22 Primera Division appearances for Madrid this season.
Source : soccernet.espn.go.com
Two players sent off, two missed penalties and two goals by Floro Flores allowed Udinese to beat the Amaranti in an exciting encounter which probably spells the end of the home team's survival hopes in Serie A.
Apr 12, 2009 11:51:47 AM
The final game of matchday 31 saw Reggina and Udinese clashing at the Granillo stadium on Sunday afternoon and it was a strange game, full of incident, which ended 2-0 in favour of the visitors.Reggina were without influential players Francesco Cozza and Bernardo Corradi, whereas Udinese coach Pasquale Marino opted to rest his best players ahead of the second leg of the UEFA Cup second leg clash against Werder Bremen.
This resulted in a very balanced first half with both teams creating some very good goal scoring opportunities, but the game remained at nil-nil when the teams returned to their dressing rooms.
The second half was more entertaining and full of emotions. First, Maurizio Lanzaro was sent off for the Amaranti and the referee awarded a penalty to the Bianconeri, only for Maurizio Domizzi to shoot over the bar from the resuling spot-kick.
In the 62nd minute, Reggina had their second player of day sent off when Antonino Barilla was shown a red card by referee De Marco.
Then, with just nine minutes of normal time remaining, nine men Reggina were awarded a penalty of their own. But they failed to convert it when Samir Handanovic saved Franco Brienza's shot.
Reggina, however, crumbled in the final minutes and Antonio Floro Flores scored a brace in the 85th and 87th minute to leave them in bottom position with just 20 points from 31 games played, seven points away from the survival zone.
Udinese climbed a few places as they now have 39 points, along with Napoli in 12th place.
Glenn Debattista / Goal.com
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A thrilling encounter at the Stadio Marassi saw Genoa maintain their fourth place in the table with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Juventus, who probably blew their last chance to trouble Inter in the Scudetto race.
Genoa 3-2 Juventus
Apr 11, 2009 4:28:10 PM
Juventus travelled to face fourth-placed Genoa in an effort to reduce the distance from Inter, who drew against Palermo in the afternoon, ahead of next week’s Derby d’Italia.
The Bianconeri played in their usual 4-4-2 formation with captain Alessandro Del Piero alongside Vincenzo Iaquinta in attack, while Genoa played in a 3-4-3 with Giuseppe Sculli, Bosko Jankovic, and Raffaele Palladino up front.
First Half
Genoa put great pressure on the visitors at the start, and had their first chance in the 7th minute. Giandomenico Mesto found space for a cross from the right that found Juve youth product Palladino, who controlled the ball and fired a shot that was cleared off the line by Nicola Legrottaglie with Gianluigi Buffon beaten.
At the other end, Iaquinta had the ball in the net on an assist by Christian Poulsen, but the play had been stopped for an offside position. Replays showed it was a very dubious call by the linesman.
The home side made themselves dangerous twice around the 13th minute, when first Palladino played in a dangerous cross that was cleared by Giorgio Chiellini, and then Legrottaglie seemed to touch the ball with his arm, but the referee waved play on.
A minute later, Del Piero threatened with one of his trademark moves, cutting inside from the left after some nice dribbles, but Ivan Juric managed to clear the ball away for a corner.
In the 16th minute, Buffon had to stretch out to block a precise long-range shot by Sculli that was heading for the bottom corner.
On the half hour mark, the home side managed to take a deserved lead. Mesto cut inside from the right and went down after being fouled, however the ball came to Thiago Motta who hit the ball first time towards the bottom corner to make it 1-0 Genoa. While there was obviously a foul, the referee did well to give Genoa the advantage, although Juve’s defenders complained that they heard the ref whistle.
Just before the break, the official made a huge blunder by awarding Juve a penalty that was clearly not deserved. Del Piero made a run into the area from the right and lost the ball to Matteo Ferrari, who made a fine sliding tackle, but the referee inexplicably pointed to the spot. Del Piero himself stepped up to make it all square again in the 44th minute.
However, justice was done in the third minute of injury time, as Motta restored Genoa’s lead. On a corner kick by Juric, Jonathan Zebina lost sight of the midfielder, who fired a great shot from inside the area that hit the top corner of the net.
An eventful first half thus finished on a deserved 2-1 lead for the home side.
Second Half
In the second half Genoa continued to control the match, despite being in front. However, the first chances came for Juventus around the hour mark, as Del Piero played in a cross in the 58th minute that was headed on by Iaquinta for Nedved, who fired a shot on goal that was cleared off the line by Giuseppe Biava. As the move continued, the Czech star tried a right footed volley that went just wide.
A turning point in the match came in the 65th minute, when Mauro Camoranesi was sent off for Juve after a bad foul on Sculli. However, Juve did not get discouraged initially, and in the 71st minute they had the next chance through their best player Del Piero, who received the ball on a long pass by Giorgio Chiellini, dribbled past Salvatore Bocchetti but Rubinho did well to come out and clear the ball away as he was about to shoot.
A minute later, Buffon came up with a great save to keep Genoa from scoring a third, as he slapped the ball away on a header by Sculli on a cross by Domenico Criscito. In the 73rd minute, there was another big chance for the home side as Juric sent in a corner that found Jankovic, whose header toward the far post hit the woodwork.
Juve found a surprising equaliser in the 84th minute, when Nedved dribbled his way past three defenders through the middle and touched the ball to Iaquinta, who beat Rubinho with a nice lob to make it 2-2.
However, the visitors’ joy did not last long as just four minutes later Genoa restored their lead. Substitute Marco Rossi beat the offside trap and played the ball into the area for Palladino, who easily slotted the ball into the net.
Four minutes of injury time were not enough for Juve to find another equaliser. This huge victory allowed Genoa to maintain their fourth place in the standings, while for Juve this was definitely the very last chance to trouble Inter in their run toward the Scudetto.
Teams
Genoa (3-4-3): Rubinho; Biava, Ferrari, Bocchetti; Mesto (42’ Rossi), Motta, Juric, Criscito; Sculli (80’ Papastathopoulos), Jankovic (80’ Jankovic), Palladino. Coach: Gasperini.
Juventus (4-4-2): Buffon; Zebina (74’ Grygera), Legrottaglie (74’ Marchionni), Chiellini, Molinaro; Camoranesi, Marchisio, Poulsen, Nedved; Iaquinta, Del Piero. Coach: Ranieri.
Goals: 29’ Motta (G), 44’ Del Piero pen. (J), 48’ Motta (G), 84’ Iaquinta (J), 88’ Palladino (G)
Booked: Ferrari, Bocchetti (G); Zebina, Marchisio, Grygera (J)
Sent off: Camoranesi (J) 65’
Danilo Pochini / Goal.com
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The Giallorossi captain had some extremely kind words for victims of the recent earthquake that struck Abruzzo.
Roma and Francesco Totti are gearing up for another Derby della Capitale this weekend, as they will square off with Lazio on Saturday at 15:00 CET.The match will be one of the most significant derbies in recent times, as anything but a victory for the Giallorossi will all but end their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season.Despite the significance of the fixture though, Totti believes that there are other important issues that the country of Italy should be concerned with at present, of course referring to the recent earthquake in Abruzzo.“We must stay close together and help the people that have been affected by the terrible earthquake in Abruzzo,” Totti stressed in an interview with Sky TG24.“For now, we must put football aside, as it is a very difficult period in time for those involved. It’s not easy to find the right words to say, but the country as a whole must be united and help those in need.“Right now we must think more outside the world of football, because it is much more important, as there are some people who have been left with nothing as a result of the disaster.”Totti is facing a race against time in order to be fit for the weekend, as he is still struggling with a knee injury. If it were a “normal” game, according to ‘Il Capitano’, then he would certainly sit out the match; however, due to the significance of the derby, he is giving himself every chance to play.
Adrian Del Monte / Goal.com
Many of Italy's top flight sides have began initiatives and submitted donations in the aftermath of the natural disaster in Abruzzo...
The Italian town of L'Aquila was rocked by an earthquake on Wednesday morning, reportedly resulting in over 180 deaths. The devastating event has also caused many to lose their homes and many Serie A teams have begun to lend their support, according to Goal.it"In these situations it is right that football and the world of sport give a hand," said Fiorentina defender and Abruzzo native Luciano Zauri. "I am ready to promote fund raising with my team-mates."Other clubs have joined in the relief effort as well. Inter have set up a 'Coordination Centre' that will be available for any volunteers. Their neighbours, AC Milan, will donate a portion of the funds from their recent Gulf Tour.Meanwhile, Roma have teamed up with a local radio station to sell off some team merchandise in an effort to raise money for the victims. President's Giampaolo Pozzo of Udinese and Andrea Della Valle of Fiorentina have both pledged their support as well.Napoli, Catania, Siena, Atalanta, Chievo, and Sampdoria have all agreed that ticket sales from their next match will be donated to the families affected.These gestures from the Calcio community will hopefully inspire many others to do the same.Adam Scime, Goal.com
Inter Milan director Ernesto Paolillo has called for an end to the media frenzy surrounding Adriano.
The Brazilian's failure to return from international duty led to rumours about his whereabouts until it was confirmed that he was still in his homeland with his family.
Adriano is attempting to overcome a 'delicate' personal situation but agent Gilmar Rinaldi has said he will come back to Italy next week.
Paolillo now hopes Inter and Adriano will be left alone to resolve the issue privately.
"We will first of all try and handle the matter from a human point of view and the rest will follow," he told Mediagol.it.
"However, for the good of the lad it would be best if the problem were solved internally and calmly without talking about it in public."
Mourinho
Meanwhile, Paolillo feels manager Jose Mourinho is beginning to become more popular after a controversial start to his reign.
The Portuguese tactician's outspoken nature has meant he has rarely been out of the headlines since arriving at the club last summer.
"I can only say that Mourinho is a great coach who shows great professionalism, works hard and does a lot for the team, using the best possible formation," he said.
"Jose likes to call things are they are - some people may not like it, but he does it well.
"We aren't used to that trait in Italy, but I have noticed that some people are starting to warm to it."
Source :skysports.com
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Barcelona president Joan Laporta has advised Kaka to stay with AC Milan rather than join Real Madrid.
The Brazilian playmaker was strongly linked with a move to Manchester City in the winter transfer window and his future continues to be a subject of speculation.
Real Madrid are understood to be interested in securing his services this summer but Laporta believes he would be better off remaining where he is.
"I would be happier if Kaka stayed at Milan," Laporta told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"He is a world-class player who would do well anywhere, but I would advise him not to leave Milan because they are a great club."
Rijkaard
Former Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard has been tipped to take charge at Milan if Carlo Ancelotti leaves and Laporta thinks such an appointment would benefit the Italian club.
"Frank is one of the best coaches in the world," said Laporta.
"He would do great things at any club, especially at his former side Milan.
"Severing our ties with him was the hardest decision I have made during my tenure and I almost cried when we said our goodbyes." Source : skysports.com
Switzerland international Dzemaili joined the Serie A outfit in September on a season-long loan from Bolton after injury problems reduced his Wanderers career to a single cameo in the FA Cup after joining from FC Zurich. He has enjoyed a better time at Torino and they are now keen to make the deal permanent. "I have already prepared the letter in which I will announce to Bolton my wish to buy Dzemaili's sporting rights," said Cairo to Turin-based sports newspaper Tuttosport. "I have until the end of the month to exercise the right to buy the player. "I will definitely acquire Dzemaili and I would like to do it as soon as possible. "The letter has been written and my wish is to send it on Sunday, on the same day as Dzemaili turns 23." Dzemaili has impressed at Torino, making 22 league starts for the Granata side so far this season. Source : sportinglife.com
Torino president Urbano Cairo has confirmed they will take up their option to buy Bolton midfielder Blerim Dzemaili at the end of his current loan deal.
The comments of Ranieri after the home 3-3 draw against Chievo: «Today’s Juventus was double-faced a bit like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde» said the coach at the end of the match.
«Chievo was very well organized and created problems for us on the counter-attack. It took us long to get into the match and after we did we created a great number of chances but we did not succeed to maintain the advantage till the 90th minute. It’s a pity that it ended the way it did. In the second half we managed to do what seemed to be most difficult that is turn round the score in our favour and go on 3-2. We were coming from 5 consecutive victories and we hoped to continue with the same pace after the break for international matches. It was not possible but football is like that. There are difficulties in every match. Today, Chievo had four shots on goal and scored three. We must accept the result and move on». Juventus.com
Last Juventus victory
09.03.2008 Serie A 2007/08 – Day 27
GENOA-JUVENTUS 0-2
Goals: Grygera 25 mins, Trezeguet 32 mins
Referee: Morganti
Last draw
23.11.2002 Serie B 2006/07 – Day 14
GENOA-JUVENTUS 1-1
Goals: Nedved 71 mins, Juric (G) 74 mins
Referee: Farina
Last Genoa victory
06.10.1991 Serie A 1991/92 – Day 6
GENOA-JUVENTUS 2-1
Marcatori: Corini (pen) 7 mins, Aguilera (G) 60 mins, Bortolazzi (G) 68 mins
Referee: Sguizzato
Source : Juventus.com
