Inter's search for a player capable of complementing the creative talent of Wesley Sneijder has accelerated so much they now want Antonio Candreva in January.
The Livorno trequartista has been a revelation this season, making his full international debut for Marcello Lippi's Italy squad against Holland last month.
Il Corriere dello Sport understands Inter President Massimo Moratti will buy Candreva as a reward should Jose Mourinho qualify the Nerazzurri for the next stage of the Champions League.
It has been reported that a deal had already been put in place for Candreva next summer, but Inter's lack of an alternative for Sneijder has forced them into action sooner.
Mourinho has often spoken of his desire to add more Italian elements to his team, as Inter are now infamous for fielding a starting XI solely comprised of foreign players.
Candreva is the subject of an ownership dispute between Livorno and his parent club Udinese.
Livorno claim to part-own the 22-year-old while Udinese believe he is still only on loan after spending last season in Tuscany.[www.football-italia.net]
Juventus qualify for the knockout phase with a draw. Bayern need a win to qualify for the Last 16.
Head-to-head
Juventus and Bayern drew 0-0 in their first encounter in this season’s CL.
They met each other before this match on four previous occasions. Juventus won three times, Bayern once.
In 2004/2005, Juventus beat Bayern in both group stage matches. Both matches ended in 1-0.
In 2005/2006, Bayern and Juventus met in the group stage again. Bayern won at home (2-1). Martín Demichelis was one of the goalscorers, he is still part of the German club.
Juventus won the match in Turin (2-1). David Trézéguet scored the winner in the 85th minute. The Frenchman is still part of the Juve squad.
Bayern have won three of 12 away matches against Italian clubs. They have not lost in their last three visits to Italy.
Fabio Cannavaro is the testimonial of the “Lace Up. Save Lives” initiative, launched by Nike as part of the RED project to promote the fight against AIDS in Africa. The presentation took place in London in the presence of stars from the football and entertainment world, such as U2 vocalist Bono. Fabio Cannavaro filmed an advert publicizing the initiative.
The Juve defender, will wear red laces, a product created by Nike to contribute to the funds, during the match against Inter. The idea of Nike and RED is simple and is expressed in the slogan “lace Up. Save Lives”. By purchasing a pair of laces (NIKE)RED, 100% of the profits derived from the sale will go to the World Fund for the Fight against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria – which finances the programmes and guarantees medicinal for the people suffering of these illnesses – and the initiatives linked to football directed to the community to increase education and prevention.
The laces (NIKE)RED are available from Nike Store and the main resellers worldwide and can be purchased also on-line from the website www.nike.com. [www.juventus.com]
Reports from English newspaper Daily Mail suggest that Mourinho is far from happy in Italy and that the Portuguese tactician will return to the Premier League to coach Manchester United once Alex Ferguson announces his retirement. But Inter shouldn't think about Mou's replacement yet because Ferguson in one occasion said that he will stay put in United until his health permits it .
It is also mentioned about bad relations between the coach and Inter president Masimo Moratti so Mourinho could be sacked if he is not able to win clash against Rubin Kazan.
His record of just one win in nine Champions League games has tested Moratti's patience especially given the investment he made in the summer both in renewing Mourinho's contract and reinforcing his squad.
Mourinho and Moratti also disagree over Mario Balotelli, who Moratti would like in the squad, as he broke into the first team through the club's youth ranks. Last reports suggest that Arsenal has offered 30 milions for Italian striker but Mourinho want an exchange with Cesc Fabregas.
Turin, 30 November - It is true if the guard in the hunt for Juventus scudetto. But that did not discourage fans Bianconerri to remain in the field to support his favorite team ahead of the Italian derby against Inter on 5 December. Inter are currently top the standings with a difference of 8 points from Juventus.
Ticket sales for this 15 giornata to be bought sold out since opening this morning, just a few hours ago, the ticket is no longer available. "There is no one place left in the entire area of the stadium, all sold out within hours." Closing one official in Olympico.
Diego Milito has claimed that Inter have a good chance to win at the Nou Camp when they travel to face Barcelona in the Champions League.
The Argentine is hoping the Nerazzurri will end the group stages at the top of the table and book their place in the next round.
“We come here to Spain following a good run,” noted the former Real Zaragoza man.
“We are hoping to win this and qualify for the next stage. Our victory over Dynamo Kiev gave us confidence and spirit to approach this match.
“If we will beat Barca it will be a further boost to our morale.”
After a not so perfect start Inter are now flying high and Milito has been one of their key men this season.
Their first leg against the Catalan side was far from impressive though, as the Blaugrana left San Siro with a point after a 0-0 draw.
“I believe we played a great game against Barcelona in the first half. We must remember that on the night we faced the Champions of Europe and managed to cause them troubles.”[www.football-italia.net]
Francesco Totti used his hat-trick to take revenge on critics. “Go on, say I'm finished as a player!”
The Roma captain was out for over a month following knee surgery and some claimed he did not deserve a planned contract extension until 2014.
“Now I hope they keep on saying I'm past it, as it brings me luck. Go on, say I'm finished as a player!” he grinned after the 3-1 win over Bari.
“That is all I'm saying today, as it would be too easy for me to give interviews after a hat-trick. I'd rather go home.”
Totti hadn't played since the victory over Napoli on October 4, when he also scored a brace.
In all he has netted nine Serie A goals in eight games and has caught Antonio Di Natale at the top of the Capocannoniere charts.
Di Natale cannot add to his tally this weekend, as the Udinese striker is suspended for the trip to Juventus this evening.[www.football-italia.net]
