║║ Serie A Season 2012-13 ║║

[Buffon]

Serie A - Balotelli says game not doing enough to combat racism

Italy striker Mario Balotelli, a high profile victim of racist abuse from the stands, says world soccer is not doing enough to combat the problem.

Reuters – Sun, Mar 24, 2013 16:36 GMT

Eurosport - Genoa were fined for racist chanting at Mario Balotelli, seen celebrating scoring for Milan in the match (AFP)

The 22-year-old was born in Italy to Ghanaian parents and has long had to deal with insults from fans of Juventus, who were forced to play a game behind closed doors in 2009 after supporters sang "a black Italian does not exist".

Juve fans still chant "jump up and down and Balotelli will die" but the song is deemed not to be racist by Italy's Serie A, who did fine his former club Inter Milan after monkey chants were heard in the derby with his new club AC Milan last month.

"It annoys me, it makes me angry and I don't like it. However, we're are making too little progress on this issue," Balotelli saidon Sunday ahead of Tuesday's World Cup qualifier in Malta.

A 30,000 euro sanction was also dished out by Serie A to Genoa after fans sang racist chants against Milan this month and Croatia were hit with an 80,000 euro fine by UEFA at Euro 2012 for racist abuse towards Balotelli.

Anti-racism campaigners slammed UEFA as the Croatia fine was 20,000 euros less than the punishment handed out to Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner for revealing the logo of a betting company on his underpants while celebrating a goal at the Euros.

UEFA and FIFA have since started cracking down harder on racist incidents after gauging the public mood.

Milan's Kevin-Prince Boateng drew widespread praise after storming off the pitch and forcing a match to be abandoned in January when he was racially abused from the stands in a friendly at Italian lower-division side Pro Patria.

Ghana's Boateng has since joined FIFA's anti-discrimination task force and even spoke at the United Nations on the issue.

"I agree with him, to stop racism we all need to contribute, together," Balotelli said.

 

[Bolocks]

Inter job changed my life - Stramaccioni
The 37-year-old has been in the post for a year and has revealed that coaching the club remains a surreal feeling

 

[F.Inzaghi]

Serie A preview: Juve, Napoli hit the road

29 March 2013

Serie A table-toppers Juventus face a tricky trip to Inter on Sunday while second-placed Napoli travel to Torino.

Juventus sit nine points clear of Napoli and look well-placed to claim their second successive title.

But with the club still involved in the UEFA Champions League and facing a difficult run home in the league, they can ill-afford to keep the Naples-based club involved in the title race with a defeat at the San Siro.

Juventus will head to the San Siro in sensational form, having won seven of their last nine matches in all competitions.

They have conceded just three goals in that period and although they have not been able to rely on one prolific striker this campaign, eight players have scored five league goals or more.

Inter have struggled in the Serie A this season and sit fifth, 18 points behind Juventus.

And while they are firmly in the top half, Inter are involved in a battle for European places and must finish the season strongly.

Andrea Stramaccioni's side beat Tottenham 4-1 in their last fixture, but the second-leg Europa League win was not enough to see them progress into the last eight of the competition.

They lost their two matches before that and have only won three of their last 12 Serie A fixtures.

The three-pronged attack of Rodrigo Palacio, Diego Milito and Antonio Cassano has served Inter relatively well this season but they are not getting enough goals from midfield.

Stramaccioni will be hopeful of rectifying that before the season's end.

If Inter can topple Juve at home, Napoli have a chance to cut their lead to six points in the evening kick-off at Torino.

Torino sit 15th on the table but beat Lazio 1-0 in their last Serie A match while Napoli finally returned to the winners' list in their last outing.

After seven games without a triumph in all competitions, they beat Atalanta 3-2 thanks to Edinson Cavani's double.

The Uruguayan forward had not scored in eight matches for Napoli before his brace and coach Walter Mazzarri badly needs the Serie A's top scorer to return to form.

AC Milan have been in magnificent form recently and are unbeaten in their last 11 Serie A matches.

The arrival of Mario Balotelli from Manchester City in the January transfer window has significantly boosted the club, while prodigy Stephan El Shaarawy continues to impress.

They are at 14th-placed Chievo, who have won their last two league fixtures.

Elsewhere, fourth-placed Fiorentina are in action at Cagliari while Lazio welcome the visit of Catania.

Bottom-placed Palermo have a difficult home match against Roma while fellow strugglers Pescara and Siena travel to Parma and Genoa respectively.

Atalanta battle Sampdoria while the day's other match sees Udinese welcome the visit of Bologna.

 

[F.Inzaghi]

Cambiasso: Consistency key difference between Inter and Juve
Speaking ahead of the Derby d'Italia, the veteran midfielder has admitted that the Nerazzurri have struggled to maintain a high level of performance from game-to-game

Cavani has 50/50 chance of Madrid move, says father
The much-coveted striker has a buy-out clause of €70 million but it is now being claimed that Partenopei president Aurelio De Laurentiis would be willing to accept a smaller fee

Agent: Damiao open to Napoli move
The Brazil international seems almost certain to join a top European side this season, with the Partenopei, Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham Hotspur all seemingly interested

Determined Anelka eyes new Juventus deal
The veteran forward is actively trying to persuade coach Antonio Conte to keep him on for next season

Inter tracking Taider, Quintero and van Ginkel
The Nerazzurri are desperate to inject some youth into their side this summer and have set their sights on signing at least one of three precociously-gifted players

I would never coach Juventus, claims Stramaccioni
The 37-year-old has refuted the notion he could take over at Juventus Stadium, despite opposite number Antonio Conte hinting at interest in the Nerazzurri post

Conte hints at future role with Inter
The 43-year-old has refused to rule out taking charge at the Nerazzurri in future, and insists his side are not distracted by the looming Bayern Munich clash

Balotelli just like Ibrahimovic, says Allegri
The AC Milan boss believes the Italian is a match for the Swede in terms of physicality and technique, but has stressed he must continue to improve

Handanovic: It's third or nothing for Inter
The Slovenian goalkeeper has called on the Nerazzurri to beat Serie A leaders Juventus in their quest for the Champions League places

Zanetti: I thought Inter could win Scudetto
The Argentine defender was optimistic about his side's title chances earlier this term, but has stated they are now gunning for a Champions League place instead

Juventus must reclaim Scudetto and keep Champions League dream alive, says Conte
The successful coach has warned his side they cannot afford to lose focus at this crucial stage, and has urged them to take things one step at a time

Vucinic: Juventus must not underestimate Inter
The Montenegro international is eagerly anticipating this weekend's league game and has warned that the Nerazzurri will not be pushovers

Anelka ridicules 'stupid' Juve exit reports
The Bianconeri striker has hit back against a report from France suggesting that he was planning on calling time on his Serie A stint already

Totti has deserved Ballon d'Or, says Roma legend Falcao
The former Giallorossi midfielder has hailed the Italy veteran "an extraordinary player" as he nears the 20th anniversary of his Serie A debut

Alexis agent set for Juventus talks
The Barcelona winger has been linked with a move back to Serie A in recent weeks, but the Bianconeri could face competition from Inter for his signature

Marchisio: Juventus gunning for Inter revenge
The midfielder is desperate to make amends for the Bianconeri's home defeat earlier this season when both sides lock horns again at the weekend

Inter can beat anyone, says Kuzmanovic
The Serbia international is eagerly anticipating the Derby d'Italia and is confident his side can grab a good result

De Sciglio flattered by Maldini comparisons
The defender has been tipped for stardom and he feels honoured that people have likened him to the Italy great

Totti: Only Messi is better than me
The veteran forward sees himself as one of the best ever, while he believes Mario Balotelli is not a phenomenon just yet

Moratti: I admire Balotelli's maturity
The 67-year-old has no regrets over his decision not to re-sign the forward in January, but has been impressed with his performances since returning to Italy

Ranocchia aims for Juventus double
Inter thwarted the Bianconeri's attempts to go 50 games unbeaten in November, and the centre-back is hoping they can slow down their title charge on Saturday

Santon won't return to Italy, claims agent
The Italy international had been linked with a return to his homeland with AC Milan, but interest waned and his representative Renzo Contratto believes he will stay at the club

Chiellini: Bayern & Inter clashes will need concentration
The Bianconeri defender believes the two crunch matches will be especially tough as they come so close together

Mourinho contact out of courtesy, says Moratti
The Nerazzurri chief shrugged off rumours the former San Siro boss could be making a comeback any time soon, and admits he did contact him but only with casual texts

Juventus keen to take up €9 million Asamoah option
The Serie A leaders plan to take permanent ownership of the Ghana midfielder, and want another campaign of co-ownership with Mauricio Isla

No Milan talks for Zaza, says agent
The on-loan forward’s representative has denied that he has held a meeting with the Rossoneri about a potential move to San Siro

Schelotto: Inter ready for Juventus clash
The 23-year-old is confident that his side will be up for the challenge when the Nerazzurri host the reigning champions on Saturday

 

[F.Inzaghi]

AC Milan: Cagliari stadium controversy has 'altered' championship

By Mark Doyle
Mar 29, 2013 8:05:00 PM

The Rossoneri are bemused by the various different rulings on the Rossoblu's home ground, which remains the subject of serious public safety concerns

AC Milan have reacted angrily to the latest decision regarding Cagliari’s Is Arenas, claiming that the varying nature of the rulings regarding the availability of the controversial stadium for Serie A games has “altered” the course of this season’s championship.

On Friday afternoon, it was announced that this weekend’s clash between the Isolani and Fiorentina would be played behind closed doors because of ongoing concerns over the safety of the Sardinians’ home ground.

Milan, who played Cagliari at a fully open IS Arenas in February, wasted little time in expressing their outrage at the decision, issuing the following statement on their website:

"The league has announced that the Cagliari-Fiorentina match will be played behind closed doors.

"On February 10, 2013, Milan played before a full stadium, like six other teams. Three teams played in front of only season-ticket holders, three behind closed doors.

"Only one, Juventus, [played] at a neutral ground. In one instance, a 0-3 was awarded (to Roma), and nobody knows what will happen in the next few days...

"In light of decisions that any person of good sense would judge incomprehensible on account of the different rulings in essentially identical cases, it's clear that the normal course of the Serie A championship has been altered.”

Cagliari moved into their new temporary home at the Is Arenas last summer following a falling out with the local council over their previous residence, the Stadio Sant’Elia, but their new stadium has been plagued by controversy over the legality of its construction and public safety concerns.

 

[Buffon]

Totti goes down in history as Italy great - Buffon

By Barney Cullum
Mar 27, 2013 11:25:00 PM

The Azzurri captain has written to his compatriot to congratulate the Giallorossi star on completing two decades of Italian top-flight football

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has penned a personal note to friend and former Italy colleague Francesco Totti to recognise the 20th anniversary of his first Serie A appearance.

The creative attacker, known for his flair as well as a prolific goals tally, has spent his whole career at Roma, his hometown club.

Buffon's career has dovetailed with that of Totti's and the former Parma goalkeeper showed his respect for the marksman.

"Dear Francesco, you have made history in Italian football," began the letter published by ANSA.

“Twenty years in Serie A, what an achievement … I still have the image of your first goal in my mind, it was a Roma-Foggia tie.

“We’re friends, you know how much I care about you. We started together with the Under-15 side, we had some splendid years together in the national team and we continue to meet as opponents in Serie A.

“You often score against me (10 times to be precise, that’s how many goals you have netted) like a champion who has forgotten our friendship …

“Then, at the final whistle, there are smiles between us again, like when I saved a penalty that I feared you would chip – it saddened me that was you.

"You not only wrote football history, you are writing its present and its near future."

The pair won the World Cup with Italy in 2006 and Totti retired from international football a year later.

The 36-year-old is Roma's record goalscorer and the second most lethal in Italian football history.

"The two of us are lucky," added 35-year-old Buffon.

"Once you get past 30, every season is worth seven."

Totti made his Serie A debut back in 1993 as a substitute against Brescia.

 

[Bolocks]

Buffon: Juventus desperate for revenge against Inter
The Old Lady's 49-match unbeaten run was ended by their bitter rivals in November, a fact not forgotten by the Bianconeri captain

 

[Edinson Cavani]

Serie A wrap: Juve edge Inter as Milan sink Chievo

31 March 2013

Juventus took revenge on Inter Milan for ending their unbeaten streak earlier this season with a 2-1 win at San Siro on Saturday.

In a spiteful Derby d'Italia, Juventus earned a narrow victory thanks to Alessandro Matri's somewhat controversial winning goal, although the Serie A leaders should consider themselves lucky after Inter missed out on a second-half penalty.

Juventus forward Fabio Quagliarella stunned the home crowd in the third minute on Saturday when he picked up the ball just outside the penalty area and thumped it into the top corner.

Inter had to wait until nine minutes after half-time to equalise when Antonio Cassano released Rodrigo Palacio in behind Juventus' defence and the Argentine midfielder beat goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon one-on-one.

But Inter's joy was short-lived, with Quagliarella setting up Matri for the winner on the hour mark.

The home side were fervent in their protests as the ball appeared to go out of play before the goal.

But replays showed Quagliarella was fast enough to get to the ball before it rolled over the byline, cutting it back to Matri, who finished from close range.

Inter were complaining again later in the second half when the referee denied Cassano a penalty after he appeared to be brought down by Giorgio Chiellini, while in the final minute, the hosts lost Esteban Cambiasso to a red card for a studs up challenge on Sebastian Giovinco.

Riccardo Montolivo's close-range strike midway through the first half was enough for AC Milan to stretch their winning record in Serie A to four matches at the expense of 10-man Chievo.

The Italy midfielder took advantage of a goalkeeper error to net a 25th-minute goal, and despite Mario Balotelli's best efforts, Milan had to settle for a single-goal win.

Centre-back Dario Dainelli saw red for the home side late on and his dismissal put to bed any chance of Chievo getting back into the match.

Despite the victory, Milan remains in third position, two points adrift of Napoli following their 5-3 triumph away to Torino, which saw Blerim Dzemaili score a hat-trick and Edinson Cavani a brace.

Meanwhile, Lazio moved into fifth place above Inter after the capital city club defeated Catania 2-1.

Catania opened the scoring in the 50th minute at the Stadio Olimpico but Lazio picked up the three points after two goals in three minutes through a Nicola Legrottaglie own goal and Antonio Candreva's spot-kick.

The victory has taken Lazio to 50 points and into fifth position - a Europa League qualification berth - in Serie A, although Inter (47 points) have a game in hand.

Parma handed Pescara their ninth defeat in 10 Serie A matches when they thumped the bottom club 3-0, while Palermo beat Roma 2-0 and Genoa drew 2-2 with Siena.

In other Serie A results, Cagliari overcame Fiorentina 2-1 and Atalanta played out a goalless draw with Sampdoria.

 

[Edinson Cavani]

Amelia: Win over Fiorentina is key to Champions League qualification
The Italy international believes a win over their rivals in Florence would put them in a great position to secure a place in Europe's premier club competition

'Pirlo is a class above the rest' - Buffon
The 36-year-old says the midfielder is one of the best players he has had the privilege of playing alongside

Zanetti determined to play beyond 40
The Nerazzurri legend has refuted claims that he is set to retire, instead stating his desire to prolong his playing career even further

Inter lack the quality to aim for the Scudetto, believes Materazzi
The retired Italy star feels the Nerazzurri need to add more signings in order to become a contender for the domestic title, but hailed the decision to hold on to the club's coach

One-match ban for Cambiasso after Giovinco foul
The experienced midfielder will be forced to serve a single-game suspension following his red card in the Derby d'Italia

Moratti: Inter deserved a point
The Nerazzurri chief believes his team had done enough over the course of the 90 minutes to earn a draw against the reigning champions

'Balotelli is the cherry on top' - Abate
The 26-year-old praised the impact the striker has had following his January move from Manchester City, and says the team are "in good shape" ahead of the showdown with Fiorentina

Zanetti: What is the point in extra officials?
The Argentine is unhappy after the Nerazzurri were denied a spot-kick following a tackle on Esteban Cambiasso on Saturday

Quagliarella 'perfectly relaxed' about Juventus striker rotation
The forward has struggled to command a regular place in the Old Lady's attack this term, but says he is not frustrated by his lack of appearances after scoring on Saturday

Baldini urges derby redemption for Roma
The Giallorossi director believes that his side must use next week's Rome derby as an opportunity to pay back their supporters after a shock defeat against Palermo

Allegri hails Milan's free-kick specialist Balotelli
The winter arrival has immediately become a permanent fixture in his trainer's plans after his latest set-piece proved decisive in helping Milan earn a win against Chievo

Stramaccioni rues 'sinful' Derby d'Italia defeat
The Inter boss has expressed his frustration following his side's 2-1 defeat at the hands of Juventus, but hailed Mateo Kovacic for his showing in the San Siro loss

Cambiasso: I did not have the intention to hurt Giovinco
The Argentine was dismissed after a late lunge on the Bianconeri attacker, but has stressed it was an unfortunate accident rather than a deliberate foul

Conte: Inter victory shows Juventus have grown
The 43-year-old was very pleased with the Old Lady's display at San Siro and is eagerly anticipating the match against Bayern Munich

Stramaccioni: Mourinho will not replace me as Inter coach
The 37-year-old does not fear that the former Chelsea boss will take his job in the wake of recent speculation linking the Blancos coach with a return to San Siro

Osvaldo: Playing for Real Madrid would be a dream
The Italy international would be open to a move to the Primera Division champions, but is focused on his current club for now

 

[Edinson Cavani]

Sampdoria - Inter Preview: Nerazzurri desperate to bounce back from Juve defeat in rearranged clash

Struggling Nerazzurri can rise to fifth in Serie A with a win while mid-table Sampdoria would move into the top half with three points

By Jerrad Peters

Inter will still be feeling the effects of Saturday’s emotional Derby d’Italia defeat to Juventus when they visit Sampdoria in a mid-week match at the Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris.

Although Juan Jesus is back from suspension - which means coach Andrea Stramaccioni can return to his preferred three-man defence - Esteban Cambiasso is unavailable after being shown a red card for a nasty challenge on Sebastian Giovinco as time expired against the Bianconeri.

Striker Diego Milito is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury while midfielder Joel Obi, sidelined since February, revealed on Monday that he would be able to play later this month or early next following successful surgery on his quadriceps muscle.

On the other side of the ball Sampdoria forward Eder misses out through suspension and will be replaced by Gianluca Sansone.

Manager Dellio Rossi will also go into Wednesday’s match without a pair of full-backs as both Simon Poulsen and Andrea Costa are unavailable due to muscle problems.

 

[Buffon]

The curious case of Nicolas Anelka

By Eurosport | Pitchside Europe

When Fabio Quagliarella opened the scoring in the Derby d'Italia with a trademark spectacular strike on Saturday, he made a point of running over to the Juventus dugout at San Siro to celebrate with one of his team-mates. It was Nicolas Anelka. More acknowledgment was to come later in the game too.

After restoring Juventus' lead in the second half, Alessandro Matri also sought Anelka out. They embraced. It was as if he had played a part in another Juventus goal and their 2-1 victory. And yet, how could he have done? He was on the bench as is nearly always the case.

"I prefer a difficult assist to an easy goal," Anelka told Hurrà Juventus shortly after joining the club. Managing two without even being on the pitch is certainly difficult, an unprecedented accomplishment perhaps. After the game, the assembled journalists were understandably curious to know why Quagliarella and Matri had credited their goals to Anelka.

"He told us that we would score," Quagliarella revealed. "We're only too happy to dedicate them to him." Earlier in the week France Football had asked on their front page: "What is [Anelka] doing [at Juventus]?" Bringing them powers of prediction maybe? Seriously, though, Anelka has played just 23 minutes since his arrival in Turin at the end of the January transfer window.

Whether the situation suits him or not has been a matter of some debate. Judging by his post on Twitter last Thursday denying a report that he was considering rescinding his contract, one can assume that it does. Anelka was under no illusion about what his role at Juventus would be. General manager Beppe Marotta laid it out in no uncertain terms.

"Anelka is a stop-gap reinforcement," he said. "We have to patch up an emergency situation." The emergency Marotta was referring to arguably wasn't really worthy of the status. True, Juventus were experiencing difficulty scoring at the time Anelka's private jet landed at Caselle airport on January 26.

Frustratingly, they had drawn three of their last four games 1-1 and would be knocked out of the Coppa Italia by Lazio the following evening. This led some to labour under the misapprehension that Anelka was signed to solve that problem. He wasn't. Until Fernando Llorente completes his move from Athletic Bilbao in the summer, Juventus are prepared to make do in the meantime.

Far from being identified as a possible number one striker, Anelka was brought in as their number five. Unlikely though it is that it was sold to him in these terms, he was simply a replacement for the injured on loan Arsenal forward Nicklas Bendtner.

As you can maybe imagine the response to Anelka's arrival was pretty underwhelming, particularly when it looked at one point like Juventus would be signing his former Chelsea and Shanghai teammate Didier Drogba. A poll in La Gazzetta dello Sport showed that 76% of readers thought Juventus didn't need him. Two months later, they probably feel justified.

But as became apparent in the Derby d'Italia, Anelka has brought something to Juventus and that believe it or not is peace of mind, both, and I jest, in his predictions and, above all, in knowing that they're covered should anything happen to Quagliarella, Matri, Mirko Vucinic and Sebastian Giovinco. Saturday's opponents Inter don't have that.

When Diego Milito suffered a horrific season-ending injury in February, they were caught short. The purchase of Tommaso Rocchi as a deputy had been a token gesture and so unconvinced were Inter by him that they even gave a brief and unsuccessful trial to John Carew. He hadn't played in nearly a year.

"His present physical condition would need a lengthy period of fitness work not compatible with the needs of the club," a statement read. Anelka wasn't exactly fit and raring to go for Juventus after a year in Shanghai either. Marotta admitted as much at his official unveiling: "We know that at the moment [his] physical condition isn't excellent."

The difference was that Juventus had greater depth in the position than Inter. They could afford Anelka the time to get in shape and in sync to be ready should he ever be called upon.

Even taking that into account, it still beggared belief, though. Anelka had signed a five-month contract. What was the point of it if he were to spend much of that time working on his fitness?

His last goal of any note in a major league was on August 20, 2011. In a worst case scenario, would he have been in a state to help Juventus? Fortunately for them, it hasn't come to that. But at least in the event that it does they have an option.

That Anelka is happy to be that guy has led some to question his motives. He's 34 and could still contribute on a regular basis somewhere if he wanted to. Does not doing so make him a mercenary? To some, yes. Juventus legend Zibi Boniek is one of them.

"To me, he stopped being a footballer two years ago," he told France Football, "but he's very smart and very good. "He always finds a club. He succeeds in finding what he wants. It's amazing how you can manage a career, still earning money when you're no longer a footballer. "Too bad I'm not Anelka's agent, who I always liked as a footballer. Because you're selling a product you don't see. It's beautiful, is it not?"

Behind the cynicism, Boniek makes a good point, even if Anelka is earning approximately seven times less at Juventus what he was at Shanghai Shenhua, his monthly wages dropping from €920,000 net to a reported €120-140,000 net. It's still not bad, though, is it?

In fairness to Anelka, he presumably could have gone to play in Qatar and made more money if he'd instructed his agents to find a club there. Instead he told them to look for one in Italy.

When Juventus were offered his services and replied that they'd be interested, why wouldn't he want to go to the champions of Italy, play in a new stadium in a new country and in one of the best leagues in the world?

"I wanted to be at all the teams that I've played for," Anelka told Hurrà Juventus. In this case, you get the feeling he's being sincere. "I haven't come to take anyone's place," Anelka insisted. That's not a lack of ambition but the sort of selflessness that Juventus coach Antonio Conte demands of his players.

To his credit, by all accounts he has been a consummate professional, a team player too. He trains, goes home and keeps his head down. A leader of one of Juventus' fan clubs likes how he's never seen out at night. He has been respectful and hasn't taken the mickey like someone who was there simply for the money might be.

He even lives in Turin, not outside the city like the other players, instead choosing an apartment in via Filadelfia of all places, the street where Torino's hallowed old ground resides. It's a working class part of town. Not exclusive by any means.

It has led to the impression that Anelka is human, humble even despite his wealth. It's all rather bizarre. Anelka is in Juventus' squad for tonight's Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich. One wonders what his prediction is.

 

[Edinson Cavani]

Serie A wrap: Juve edge past Pescara

7 April 2013

Juventus increased their lead at the top of Serie A to 12 points with a 2-1 home victory over bottom side Pescara on Saturday.

Antonio Conte's team were beaten 2-0 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday, and they started the clash in a positive fashion against the struggling visitors.

But they had to wait until the 72nd minute to take the lead, and it came from a Mirko Vucinic penalty.

A short free-kick resulted in Arturo Vidal being roughly thrown to the ground by Guiseppe Rizzo, and Vucinic slammed the resulting spot-kick home.

The Montenegrin made it 2-0 just six minutes later, with a nice curled finish, before Emmanuel Cascione scored a 30-yard screamer in the 83rd minute to give Pescara some hope.

But Juve held on for the three points, taking them 12 clear of second-placed Napoli, who can bridge the gap when they host Genoa on Sunday.

In Saturday's other match, a 94th-minute goal from Rolando Bianchi salvaged a 2-2 draw for Torino in Bologna.

Torino had gone ahead in the 25th minute through a Barreto strike, but second-half goals from Panagiotis Kone and Tiberio Guarente had the Bologna faithful singing at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara.

The home side looked like holding on for all three points until Bianchi's late intervention secured a point for Giampiero Ventura's side.

 

[Edinson Cavani]

Serie A wrap: Atalanta stun Inter, Napoli increase advantage

7 April 2013

German Denis has scored a stunning late hat-trick to lead Atalanta to a 4-3 win over Inter Milan, while Napoli extended their lead on AC Milan.

Atalanta striker Denis scored three times in 12 minutes, with his first goal coming from the spot after the hour mark, as the Bergamo-based club came from two goals behind to hand Inter their third defeat in four Serie A matches.

Inter opened the scoring just before half-time on Sunday at the San Siro when Tommaso Rocchi headed a corner home at the near post.

The visitors hit back 11 minutes into the second half when Giacomo Bonaventura showed impressive skill to dink the ball over Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic, but the home side regained the lead immediately afterwards through Ricardo Alvarez.

Alvarez notched his second goal in the 61st minute after cutting inside from the right and beating Atalanta goalkeeper Ciro Polito at the near post to give Inter a 3-1 lead.

The goals continued to flow in Milan, however, with Atalanta pulling off a brilliant comeback.

Atalanta substitute Marko Livaja helped Denis to his first goal, earning a 65th-minute penalty, which his Argentine teammate smashed home.

Just six minutes later and Denis brought Atalanta level with a shot from the edge of the area and in the 77th minute the 31-year-old striker put the visitors in front, tapping home from Bonaventura's cutback.

The result leaves Inter in fifth place with 50 points, 21 behind leaders Juventus - increasing the pressure on manager Andrea Stramaccioni - while Atalanta moved up to 13th with 37 points.

Meanwhile, Napoli survived a missed second-half penalty from Edinson Cavani to overcome Genoa 2-0.

Goran Pandev and Blerim Dzemaili both scored for Napoli in the first half, sending the Neapolitans four points clear of third-placed Milan, who squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Fiorentina.

Former Fiorentina captain Riccardo Montolivo started with the perfect return to Florence, scoring the opener for Milan before setting Mathieu Flamini up for the second.

Milan looked set to ease to victory over their fourth-placed hosts, who had been reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Nenad Tomovic, but the visitors fell to pieces in the final half-hour, gifting Fiorentina a share of the spoils courtesy of two penalties, which were converted by Adem Ljajic and David Pizarro.

Elsewhere on Sunday, Italian striker Antonio Di Natale bagged a brace as Udinese consolidated ninth place thanks to a 3-1 victory over Chievo.

Palermo, who sit second from bottom, boosted their survival hopes with an impressive 3-1 win away to Sampdoria, moving them level on points with 17th-placed Siena following their goalless draw against Parma.

Meanwhile, Catania and Cagliari could not find the back of the net and had to settle for a point apiece at the Stadio Angelo Massimino.

 

[Edinson Cavani]

Serie A: Roma 1 Lazio 1

9 April 2013

A second half penalty from Francesco Totti earned Roma a share of the spoils in the Rome derby on Monday.

The successful spot kick in the 57th minute cancelled out a fine 17th minute strike from Lazio striker Hernanes in what was an eventful clash between the two arch rivals who were both looking to maintain their European aspirations.

Roma began the stronger as Erik Lamela tested Federico Marchetti in the first minute with a close range header having been picked out at the back post by Totti, only for the Lazio goalkeeper to comfortably hold on.

However, the hosts failed to capitalise on their early pressure and allowed Lazio back into the encounter, Antonio Candreva being picked out in space on the right before smashing an effort towards Maarten Stekelenburg, which the Dutchman palmed away for a corner.

The Biancocelesti made their dominance count on the 17-minute mark as Senad Lulic countered from a Roma corner.

He picked out the unmarked Hernanes in space in the middle of the pitch, and the Brazilian cut onto his left foot before launching an unstoppable effort past Stekelenburg from 25 yards.

Roma struggled to muster any real clear cut opportunities as Vasilis Torosidis fired from distance, with Marchetti untroubled by the effort from the Greek defender, while Candreva blasted his long-range free-kick over the bar as the visitors continued to press for a second.

Lazio held firm against their city rivals, but Marchetti was forced again into action in the last minute of the first half as Totti tested his compatriot from distance having been played in by Alessandro Florenzi following some good work by the Roma midfielder on the left.

Vladimir Petkovic's side had the opportunity to double their advantage just after the interval after Paulo Mazzoleni pointed to the spot following Marquinhos' handball. However, Hernanes failed to hit the target and saw his penalty go wide.

The Brazilian midfielder then conceded a penalty at the other end having brought down Miralem Pjanic as Totti stepped up and nestled his spot kick into the bottom corner just out of reach of Marchetti.

The visitors' task was made that much harder with 20 minutes remaining as Giuseppe Biava was handed his marching orders for a second yellow card.

Roma looked to make their numerical advantage count and perhaps should have gone in front with 10 minutes remaining, but Erik Lamela somehow turned Totti's corner over the bar from two yards.

The hosts pressed late on to secure the winner, Marchetti holding Totti's free kick five minutes from time, as the scores remained level and Lazio fail to close the gap on third placed AC Milan.

The draw means Lazio leapfrog Inter into fifth as Roma stay seventh.

 

[Edinson Cavani]

AC Milan closing in on Julio Cesar
The Brazil international is close to agreeing a two-year contract with the Italian giants having impressed for Harry Redknapp's Premier League strugglers this season

El Shaarawy: No problem playing with Balotelli
The young attacker is enjoying playing alongside the former Manchester City attacker and believes they complement each other

Inter face Palacio injury blow
The Serie A side are set to be without their striker for three weeks after he suffered a muscle strain against Sampdoria on Wednesday

Inter must push on from Sampdoria win, insists Moratti
The Nerazzurri president has urged his side to maintain such form for the final stretch of the season, while general manager Marco Fassone believes they can still finish third

I can do a lot better, says Kovacic
The promising midfielder has stressed that he will only get better over time, and was pleased with the hard-fought win over Sampdoria

Afellay on radar for Lazio & Inter
The former PSV star is widely expected to leave Barcelona this summer and could well be on his way to Serie A

Palacio is extraordinary, says Zanetti
The Argentine defender had nothing but positive words for the former Genoa star, while he also praised Mateo Kovacic

Sampdoria win can inspire Inter run, says Palacio
The Argentine striker was the key man in the Nerazzurri’s 2-0 victory against Sampdoria, which helps keeps his side in reach of city rivals AC Milan

Rossi: Inter had different level of quality to Sampdoria
The Blucerchiati coach felt his team failed to take advantage of their opportunities, and admitted a gulf in quality between the two sides

Consistency key for Inter, says Stramaccioni
The Inter boss was delighted with his side's 2-0 Serie A win away to Sampdoria, a result which keeps their faint Champions League hopes alive

Milito loss has hurt Inter, admits Palacio
The Argentine striker has rued his side's physical problems this term, while praising Mateo Kovacic and Mauro Icardi

Roma president Pallotta seeking €75 million investment
The Giallorossi could be back winning titles inside five seasons, according to the Italian-American, who arrived at the Stadio Olimpico in August of last year

 

[Edinson Cavani]

Result more important than record, says Totti
The Roma captain admits his new derby goalscoring record may be his best, but he would have rather his team won the game

Champions League goal still attainable, says Petkovic
The Lazio boss says he believes his side are still capable of a top-three finish after their 1-1 draw with Roma and praised his players for their display

We have the best defence in the league, says Cannavaro
Napoli’s captain was very pleased with his team's defence after his side claimed a 2-0 Serie A victory over Genoa on Sunday

Inter's Cassano ruled out for a month
The club have suffered another blow to their already depleted strike-force following the news of the 30-year's hamstring injury which is likely to keep him out for a month

'Nonexistent' penalty cost us, blasts Moratti
The 67-year-old slammed referee Andrea Gervasoni's judgement in awarding a 'non-existent' penalty, and believes Inter's lack of penalties this season is not a case of bad luck

Boban: Cavani not worth €63 million
The retired Croatia international has given praise to the Serie A star, but feels the release clause connected with his deal at the Partenopei is unjustified

Antonio Carlos Zago: I'd pay to play in the Derby della Capitale
The Roma assistant coach says he is desperate to triumph over Lazio in Monday's clash as he is not particular fond of the Biancocelesti

Balotelli hoping for Man City return
The AC Milan striker wants the Rossoneri and his former club to be drawn against one another in the group stage of the Champions League

Montolivo: Milan's approach against Fiorentina was wrong
The Italy international believes that the Rossoneri did not show the right attitude on Sunday and has set his sights on victory against Napoli next weekend

Zanetti slams 'shameful' referee
The Argentine wing-back has voiced his dismay with the official's performance at the Giuseppe Meazza on Sunday as the Nerazzurri were defeated on home turf

'I'm only doing what I'm told' - Denis plays down San Siro hat-trick
The Atalanta star is delighted with how much he has learned since moving to Serie A but does not hold much hope of an Argentina call-up

Stramaccioni fumes at 'non-existent' penalty
The Inter coach is disgusted with the referee's decision to award Atalanta a spot kick which triggered a comeback that saw the visitors win 4-3

Galliani nearly tangled with a child, say Fiorentina
The Viola have apologised for their fans' part in unsavoury scenes during Sunday's clash with AC Milan, but feel the Rossoneri CEO is not blameless

It's an honour to be in charge for the derby - Andreazzoli
The Roma boss says he wants to enjoy his first clash with Lazio in charge of the Giallorossi and warned his side not to make mistakes

Allegri: We played better before Fiorentina's red card
Following his side’s 2-2 draw with the Viola, the Rossoneri coach has spoken of his disappointment in his team’s inability to hold onto their lead against 10 men

Montella: Milan referee owes me dinner
After watching his side come back with with 10 men, the Viola's coach has revealed what he said to the referee at half-time about the red card handed out

Allegri: Only Messi scores 50 goals a season
The coach has advised Stephan El Shaarawy not to become obsessed with scoring goals as the Rossoneri prepare to play Fiorentina in a showdown for Champions League qualification

Pogba aims to emulate Pirlo's career
The Bianconeri midfielder has listed his senior team-mate as a personal figure of reference and expressed his confidence of progressing in the Champions League

Conte: Pescara win seemed cursed!
The coach shared his relief at collecting three precious points against the Italian minnows, while inevitably casting his eye on the European blockbuster with Bayern Munich

Stramaccioni still focused on Champions League
The young trainer is adamant Inter's Champions League hopes have not yet been dashed, and says Tomasso Rocchi will step up to the challenge of scoring goals in Palacio's absence

Viviano: Balotelli can be best ever
The 27-year-old shot-stopper has backed the former Inter striker to fulfil his potential and says Montolivo's reception will be linked to past love

Liverpool and Milan interested in Dede, says agent
The defender's agent revealed the Italian giants and the Premier League side are interested in the player, but says neither side have put in firm offers yet

Kuzmanovic: I want to repeat 2010 treble success with Inter
The former Stuttgart midfielder is keen to win silverware with the Giuseppe Meazza side, and has stated that German football is more physical than the Italian game

Pereira: Palacio injury is a huge blow
The Uruguayan believes it will be difficult to replace his Argentine team-mate, and that the team will need to work a little harder in his absence

Abate: I had offers, but AC Milan are my priority
The defender revealed that Adriano Galliani made it clear he wanted him to stay at San Siro, despite competition for places from the emerging Mattia de Sciglio

Inter beat Juventus & Roma to Ruben Botta
The Tigre midfielder will continue his career in Serie A having agreed terms with the 2010 Champions League winners

 

[Buffon]

Balotelli caught smoking on train to Fiorentina match

By Miles Chambers & Chris Myson
Apr 7, 2013 9:58:00 AM

The striker is set to receive a fine from AC Milan after his involvement in another bizarre incident, having initially let his football do the talking since returning to Italy

AC Milan are set to fine Mario Balotelli after the striker was caught smoking in a train toilet on Saturday en route to Florence for the club's clash with Fiorentina on Sunday morning.

The striker has been hitting the headlines for all the right reasons since moving from Manchester City at the end of January and has scored seven goals in as many Serie A games.

However, several reports in Italy said the club were ready to crack down on the 22-year-old after a conductor caught him red-handed smoking on the train this weekend, something which is prohibited by Italian law.

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani was also on the train and had initially been having fun during the journey, trying on a hat belonging to one of the guards and joking with members of the squad.

That was until he was told of Balotelli's indiscretion by the train's most senior guard, who according to La Gazzetta dello Sport said: "Maybe you have to pull Balotelli's ears, because he was smoking in the toilet."

As a result, Galliani informed the teenage winger M'Baye Niang, who was in the group of players he was with, to feedback to his team-mate that he would be fined. He then rang the player's agent Mino Raiola to report his client.

The Italy international was regularly snapped by photographers with a cigarette in hand during his two-and-a-half year spell with Roberto Mancini's men - a pastime that is frowned upon by many coaches for obvious health reasons.

Balotelli was in the headlines more often for his mischief and disobedience than his goalscoring during his time in England, which played a part in the Premier League champions selling the striker on deadline day in January.

The Rossoneri squad were taking the Frecciarossa service ahead of their clash with the fourth-placed Viola with the chance to extend the gap between the top three to nine points with a win or see it crumble to three points if they lose.

Despite being in Galliani's bad books, Balotelli was selected to lead the line from the start for Massimiliano Allegri's men.

 

[Edinson Cavani]

Genoa interested in Immobile swap deal - Preziosi
The Genoa striker could be in line for a return to his hometown club ahead of next season, according to the Rossoblu's chief executive

Inter scout Barcelona duo Alexis & Montoya
The Giuseppe Meazza outfit are looking to add some fresh blood to their squad this summer and have earmarked the Barca players as possible reinforcements

Juventus turn attention to Jackson Martinez
The prolific attacker has caught the attention of the reigning Serie A champions and his current club could decide to sell for €24 million

El Shaarawy focused on table not goals
The Italy international has only struck once for club and country since the end of January, but insists that his primary focus is on helping the Rossoneri finish second

Balotelli handed three-game ban
The Milan striker had already received a one-match suspension, but has been given an additional two following abusive comments he made to an official in the Fiorentina encounter

'I'm still an Interista at heart' - QPR's Julio Cesar rules out AC Milan move
The Brazilian could leave Loftus Road if Harry Redknapp's side are relegated from the Premier League, but has refuted talk of a move to Rossoneri due to his loyalty to Inter

Totti rolls back the years with timeless derby showing
The 36-year-old captain dragged his side up by the boot straps to earn a point after Hernanes and Lazio wasted their superiority

Result more important than record, says Totti
The Roma captain admits his new derby goalscoring record may be his best, but he would have rather his team won the game

Champions League goal still attainable, says Petkovic
The Lazio boss says he believes his side are still capable of a top-three finish after their 1-1 draw with Roma and praised his players for their display

We have the best defence in the league, says Cannavaro
Napoli’s captain was very pleased with his team's defence after his side claimed a 2-0 Serie A victory over Genoa on Sunday

 

[Edinson Cavani]

Money, money, money: Bayern earned €128m more than Juventus in the last year

Apr 10, 2013 9:00:00 AM

The gap that divides the Italian champions and FC Hollywood on the football pitch is reflected on the balance sheet, with the German side making massive amounts in comparison

By Andrea Ghislandi

The massive hit-single 'Money Money Money' by Abba included a lyric which suggested it is a rich man's world and that certainly seemed to be borne out last week as Bayern Munich overcame Juventus 2-0 in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.

Juve coach Antonio Conte was quick to point out the difference between the two clubs economically after the game as the media asked him to explain why there had been such a gulf displayed over the 90 minutes.

"Bayern spent €48 million on one player, Javi Martinez, and there ends every conversation..." said the Bianconeri boss. "They spend money, and we see the difference it makes. There are not enough buckets and spades to build a squad like that."

Such words will have made president Andrea Agnelli and director general Giuseppe Marotta somewhat twitchy, but they have really taken the right road in their bid to stand the Old Lady back on her feet. Still, they remain a long way from being a top club like Bayern, who have become a model of virtuosity, ending the last 12 financial years in profit. Juve, therefore, were not just beaten over 90 minutes. Instead it was a defeat that had been a long time in coming thanks to the comparative balance sheets.

Let us compare the financial statements of the two clubs for season 2011-12.

 

[Edinson Cavani]

Moratti hints at anti-Inter conspiracy

By Stefan Coerts
Apr 9, 2013 12:00:00 PM

The 67-year-old believes Italian arbiters are deliberately hindering the Giuseppe Meazza side following Sunday's refereeing controversy

Inter president Massimo Moratti has suggested that there is a conspiracy against the Nerazzurri in the wake of their 4-3 Serie A loss against Atalanta.

The Giuseppe Meazza side had a questionable penalty awarded against them in Sunday's encounter, while referee Andrea Gervasoni waved play on after Inter felt they deserved a spot kick of their own, much to the dismay of Moratti.

He stated on Monday that he felt the referee's decisions were 'not in good faith' and he has now suggested that referees are deliberately hindering his team when he was asked to explain his comments.

"I really don't think I need to explain anything better. You only have to look at the way this season has gone, especially regarding us," Moratti told reporters.

"When people want to hit you, they do it anyway...

"When there's a doubt, the penalty on Rocchi doesn't get given. When there's nothing to doubt – because there was nothing there – the penalty against us does get given.

"We haven't had a penalty for 21 games..."

As a result of their latest defeat, Inter have now dropped to sixth spot in the Serie A table.