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║ Serie A Season 2014-15 ║

F.Inzaghi

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Sampdoria 1 Genoa 1: Honours even in derby


24 February 2015

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Eder cancelled out Iago Falque's goal as Sampdoria and Genoa had to settle for a 1-1 derby draw in Serie A at Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

Eder took advantage of a defensive error from Facundo Roncaglia to ensure Sampdoria held Genoa to a 1-1 Derby della Lanterna draw at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Wednesday.

Iago Falque arrived at the back post to turn in M'Baye Niang's cross at the back post and put Genoa in front 17 minutes into a Serie A game that should have been played on Saturday, only to be postponed due to torrential rain.

Genoa, the away side playing on a ground they share with their big rivals, were eyeing a third consecutive win, but stayed in front for just two minutes as Roncaglia's poor touch gifted possession to Eder and the Brazilian's measured finish found the far corner of the net.

Stefano Okaka should have put out-of-sorts Samp in front after 26 minutes, but somehow fired over the crossbar from close range with the goal gaping.

Genoa almost won it right at the death when Juraj Kucka headed against the crossbar in the final minute of stoppage time and Andrea Bertolacci was denied by Emiliano Viviano following up before Kucka fired the loose ball over the crossbar in an almighty scramble.

Samp are now without a win in six games and remain level on points with Genoa.


 

Rossi

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Rami to miss Chievo clash


25 February 2015

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Milan have suffered another blow to their backline with an injury to France defender Adil Rami.

Milan have confirmed that defender Adil Rami will miss Saturday's visit to Chievo.

Filippo Inzaghi's men travel to Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi aiming to build on last weekend's victory over Cesena and push towards the European places.

But they will have to do so without former Valencia man Rami in a blow to a Milan defence already without Cristian Zapata and Mattia De Sciglio.

A brief Milan statement read: "Adil Rami is suffering from an injury to his right calf. He will be assessed again in a week."

However, there was some good news for Inzaghi, with central defender Gabriel Paletta returning to training following a thigh problem.



 

Ranocchia

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Icardi can be world's best striker - Mancini

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Matthew Rogerson
Feb 25, 2015 19:39:10

The 22-year-old already has 19 goals to his name this season and his coach believes he is destined for big things

Inter coach Roberto Mancini has backed in-form striker Mauro Icardi to become one of the world's best strikers over the next 10 years.

The Argentine has 19 goals to his name in all competitions this term, with seven of those coming since the turn of the year.

Ahead of the second leg of Inter's last-32 Uefa Europa League clash with Celtic on Thursday, Mancini feels Icardi still has even more to offer.

"He can still improve a great deal because he's so young," the former Manchester City boss told reporters.

"No 22-year-old knows everything about being a striker – he can definitely get better in all areas of his game.

"He can be one of the top strikers around for the next 10 years."

Last week's 3-3 thriller in the first leg at Celtic Park leaves Inter in the driving seat heading into the return match at San Siro.

Inter can also boast a three-match winning run in Serie A, though Mancini dismissed suggestions his side may be fatigued following a hectic schedule.

"When I was a player, I always preferred playing as many matches as possible," he added.

"We've found a tactical system that we feel comfortable with and it’s not easy to change quickly. The three wins give us that extra bit of confidence.

"They're testament to our hard work, but the league table still isn't right for a club like Inter. Our aim is to keep growing."


 

DeSanctis

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El Shaarawy: Inzaghi just needs time


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By Mark Doyle
Feb 25, 2015 18:34:00

The attacker says AC Milan's coach was always going to find things tough in his first major job, but wants him to be shown some patience

Stephan El Shaarawy has conceded that Filippo Inzaghi is finding life difficult at AC Milan but feels the under-fire coach can turn things around if he is just given a little more time at the helm.

As the man who fired the Rossoneri to Champions League glory in 2007, Inzaghi was a popular choice to succeed Clarence Seedorf as boss last summer - despite the fact that his only previous coaching experience was two years in charge of the club's Primavera squad.

However, despite a relatively encouraging first half of the season, Milan experienced a dreadful dip in form after the winter break, thus turning up the heat on the former Italy striker.

The pressure has been alleviated somewhat by a 2-0 win over Cesena at the weekend and El Shaarawy is in no doubt that Inzaghi is the right man for the job.

"This is his first year with a big team and I think that it is a difficult experience for him," the Rossoneri attacker told Sky Sport Italia.

"He needs a little time but he is a coach with clear ideas and he is a great person."

El Shaarawy also believes that if Inzaghi can address Milan's inconsistency, a side currently sitting 10th in the Serie A standings can finish in the top five.

“We go from great performances against the big teams, to disappointing ones against the smaller sides,” the Italy international added.

“We have to build from the game we played on Sunday against Cesena and try to pick up as many points as we can because the Europa League is still an attainable goal."

El Shaarawy is currently out of action with a broken metatarsal but the injury-plagued forward says he is just as optimstic about his own recovery as Milan's.

"I'm better," said the 22-year-old. "I'm recovering well. I'm dealing with this injury in a calmer and more serene manner because I have already gone through an experience like this in the past.

"I'm very much in love with Milan. I always have been and my goal is to help Milan become great again.

"From my own perspective, I'm also going through difficult moments but my aim to get better and become a key player again."

 

Klose

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Cannavaro handed 10-month prison term


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By Kris Voakes
Feb 25, 2015 15:57:00

The former World Cup winner has been given a custodial sentence after breaching police directions during a tax investigation

Fabio Cannavaro has been handed a 10-month prison sentence after breaching orders to keep out of his property during a police investigation.

The World Cup-winning former Italy captain was the centre of a tax probe which saw over €1 million in his property being seized, but Cannavaro was caught swimming in his luxurious house’s swimming pool with his wife.

The 41-year-old, his wife Daniela and brother Paolo – who plays for Sassuolo in Serie A – were all given custodial sentences, but all three verdicts have been suspended after the trio appealed.

Cannavaro is reported to owe over €1m in unpaid taxes, with the Italian Revenue Agency claiming that the former defender’s company unpaid on VAT, corporation tax and regional tax throughout a five-year period between 2005 and 2010.

During that time, Cannavaro served both Juventus and Real Madrid and also lifted the World Cup in Germany in 2006.

The former Parma and Inter star is now coach of Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande, where he succeeded his former Italy boss, Marcello Lippi, at the helm.

 

Vidal

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Serie A Preview: Roma in crucial clash with Juve, resurgent Inter at home


26 February 2015

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Roma coach Rudi Garcia wants to see his players take more risks as they prepare to face Juventus in a blockbuster clash.

With their grip on second spot slipping away, Rudi Garcia has called on Roma to be more effective in the final third heading into Monday's showdown with Serie A leaders Juventus.

Roma have drawn six of their past seven league matches to see their buffer ahead of high-flying Napoli reduced to just three points after 24 rounds.

The Romans were held to a 1-1 draw at lowly Hellas Verona last time out, presenting Napoli with an opportunity to claim second place by the end of the round depending on results.

With Napoli within touching distance, Garcia knows Roma must improve if they want to consolidate their position against Juve, who boast a nine-point lead atop the table ahead of Monday's trip to the Stadio Olimpico.

"We need to maintain possession because that allows you to score. We needed to be more effective in front of goal against Hellas," said Garcia, who spoke prior to Roma's UEFA Europa League second-leg fixture against Feyenoord.

"Our opponents scored with their only chance of the match, but that's football – when you get a chance, you must score."

Garcia added: "We just need to work hard and get the win on the field. I want to see a compact side.

"Lately, we've been trying to protect the result too much, because the guys have been desperate to win. As it happens, we've ended up dropping off our opponents too much."

In-form Juve, who have won the past two meetings between the teams, are favourites to extend their lead following Tuesday's 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League last-16 tie.

Napoli, who are in action in the Europa League midweek, could leapfrog Roma on Sunday should they beat hosts Torino by a big margin in Turin.

A resurgent Inter outfit play host to fifth-placed Fiorentina - both contesting Europa League fixtures midweek - on the same day.

Inter are in the midst of a three-match winning run in Serie A since losing back-to-back games to Sassuolo and Torino.

Roberto Mancini's men have scored a total of nine goals in victories over Palermo (3-0), Atalanta (4-1) and Cagliari (2-1), with Mauro Icardi and Fredy Guarin leading the way with three apiece, to rise up to eighth in the standings.

Lazio - five points adrift of Napoli in third - are also in action on Sunday as they travel to Sassuolo.

Embattled Parma, who are rock bottom and on the brink of bankruptcy, are on the road against high-flying Genoa.

Sampdoria will be out to snap a six-game winless streak when they tackle Atalanta, second-bottom Cesena host Udinese, Palermo go head-to-head with Empoli and Hellas Verona face relegation-threatened Cagliari.

Meanwhile, Milan kick-off the round on Saturday as they do battle with Chievo.


 

Vidal

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Chievo v Milan: Abbiati wants consistency from Inzaghi´s men

26 February 2015

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Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati has called for consistency as the lowly giants attempt to climb up the table.

Milan must approach their visit to Chievo on Saturday in the same manner in which saw Filippo Inzaghi's side defeat Cesena last week, according to veteran goalkeeper Christian Abbiati.

Goals from Giacomo Bonaventura and Giampaolo Pazzini saw Milan emerge 2-0 winners at home to Cesena at San Siro - ending a run of two games without victory in Serie A.

Despite the three points, Milan still remain six points adrift of the European places in 10th position after 24 rounds.

Abbiati knows only a repeat performance will do against relegation-threatened Chievo at Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi.

"It will be a difficult game," Abbiati told Milan Channel.

"Every team raises their game when they play Milan. We'll have to find the spirit that we had on Sunday against Cesena.

"We moved well in the first half, in the second half we weren't as good but [overall] I think we had a good game.

"That said, we haven't achieved anything, we're still low-down in the table. We need to be consistent in results and performances like Sunday to move up the table."

Milan, who are set to welcome back French defender Philippe Mexes from suspension but lose Adil Rami to injury on a list that already includes Stephan El Shaarawy, Mattia De Sciglio and Cristian Zapata, must improve their away form if they are claim back-to-back league wins.

The 18-time Italian champions are seven matches without a win on the road in the league, having lost to leaders Juventus, plus Lazio and Genoa.

They have also drawn with Torino, Roma, Sampdoria and Cagliari since overcoming Hellas Verona 3-1 in October.

Chievo come into the match on the back of a resounding 3-0 loss at fellow strugglers Empoli.

A Massimo Maccarone brace inspired Empoli as Chievo's two-game winning streak came to an end.

Chievo boss Rolando Maran will be hoping for improved concentration against Milan.

"In the first half we had our chances to score too but Massimo Maccarone's goal finished us off," Moran told Rai Sport after last week's match.

"Perhaps today for the first time we lacked concentration and didn't focus the way we usually do.

"Now we have to roll our sleeves up and get going again. We had been coming off some positive results."


 

Vidal

Alfrescian
Loyal

Arsenal & Manchester City monitoring Donsah, claims Cagliari president

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By Chris Davie
Feb 24, 2015 21:30:00

The 18-year-old has attracted Premier League interest but the Italian club's chief insists he is keen to keep the midfielder for another year

Cagliari president Thomas Giulini claims Arsenal and Manchester City are both monitoring Godfred Donsah.

The 18-year-old only made his Serie A debut last April before joining Cagliari from Palermo in the summer.

Donsah has made 16 appearances this term and the Italian club’s president says he is keen to keep the Ghanaian central midfielder for another year, but admits he has attracted a lot of attention from other clubs already.

"Manchester City are interested, but Arsenal scouts were at the game against Inter to watch him,” Giulini told Sky Sports.

"My intention is to keep him for at least one more year. Cagliari need to stay in Serie A so we can continue to help these young players grow.

"It would be beneficial for Donsah's development to remain at Cagliari for another season."

 

Vidal

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Loyal

Ancelotti has no intention to re-sign Morata

26 February 2015

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Carlo Ancelotti does not see Real Madrid exercising their right to re-sign Alvaro Morata from Juventus.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has backed Alvaro Morata to stay at Juventus for the forseeable future.

Striker Morata swapped Madrid for Turin for a reported €20million during the close-season, although Real retained the option to buy him back in future.

Morata has scored six goals in 19 league appearances since arriving at Juve, and was on target against Borussia Dortmund this week in the UEFA Champions League, but Ancelotti does not foresee a situation where Real would exercise their right to return him to the Santiago Bernabeu.

"Alvaro needed to play," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "He is a young guy and he was looking to go somewhere he could find opportunities and consistency.

"He had a lot of offers, but he was the one who chose Juventus.

"Last year with me, even though he did not play much, he did well.

"He is a modern striker - he can run, has pace and intensity, is cool in front of goal and is a hard worker.

"But we have no regrets. His departure was a well-considered decision.

"In Morata's contract there is a right of redemption for Real, but I think he will stay at Juve."

 

Vidal

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Loyal

Parma GM compares club to the Titanic


26 February 2015

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Parma's general manager Sandro Melli has likened the club's dismal plight to the sinking of the Titanic.

Parma general manager Sandro Melli has compared the club's woeful financial position to the sinking of the Titanic.

The Tardini club 1are currently bottom of Serie A, with just 10 points from 23 matches, while their last home game with Udinese was postponed due to their financial difficulties.

They were denied a UEFA licence last year, meaning they were unable to compete in the Europa League despite securing a spot via their league finish at the end of the season.

The club have been unable to pay players, and suffered a one-point deduction as punishment.

"I've realised that we were on the Titanic," Melli told Corriere dello Sport.

"Above deck it's all first-class, beautiful, shiny, with people dancing, like [former president Tommaso] Ghirardi and [CEO Pietro] Leonardi. But then there's the second level, the third.

"I thought we'd sink with the first obstacle we hit. The iceberg was the UEFA licence. Do you remember what happened to the Titanic?

"Those in first class were saved, those below were left to die.

"And obviously the captain, the one with the beard, goes down with his ship. Who's the captain here? Donadoni of course."

 

LAZIO

Alfrescian (Inf)
Asset


Pirlo faces three weeks out with calf strain

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By Joe Wright
Feb 26, 2015 14:25:52

The veteran Juventus midfielder will aim to be fit for the return leg against Dortmund, but will definitely miss the crucial Serie A contest with Roma

Juventus have confirmed Andrea Pirlo is likely to be out for close to three weeks with a calf strain.

The veteran playmaker was withdrawn in the 2-1 Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday and has since undergone tests on the problem.

The Serie A champions have now stated that Pirlo has suffered a first-degree strain of his right calf and is likely to be sidelined for 20 days.

He is therefore expected to miss Juve's next four matches, including the top-of-the-table clash with Roma and the Coppa Italia semi-final with Fiorentina on March 5.

However, the 35-year-old should be in contention to feature in the last-16 second leg in Dortmund on March 18.

Goals from Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata gave Juventus their slender advantage to take to Germany, although Marco Reus' away goal means the outcome of the tie remains in the balance.



 

Alessandro Matri

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Asset

Serie A games to start late in show of support for Parma


26 February 2015

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The Italian Footballers' Association have decided to start Serie A games 15 minutes late this weekend as a show of solidarity for Parma.

This weekend's Serie A matches will kick off 15 minutes late after a decision from the Italian Footballers' Association (AIC) to show their support for Parma.

Parma lie bottom of the table with 10 points as they continue to experience serious financial difficulty.

The Tardini club were deducted a point after failing to pay their players, and further sanctions could follow should their situation not improve.

"In reference to the serious situation of the company Parma FC, the Italian Footballers' Association, in agreement with all the players in the top flight who intend to give a sign of solidarity with their colleagues and employees of the club, has decided that the teams will take the field with 15 minutes of delay," a statement from the AIC read on Thursday.

"The initiative aims to raise awareness of the federation, the league, the other components of the football world, the institutions and the public on the current situation of Parma FC, where there are not the necessary conditions to perform properly the professional activity.

"It is clear that you need to open a serious reflection on the adequacy of the rules in order to avoid in the future, in any professional category, the recurrence of similar situations."


 

Ranocchia

Alfrescian
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Montella: Hard to keep Salah

27 February 2015

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Mohamed Salah appears unlikely to stay at Fiorentina beyond the end of the season.

Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella admits keeping Mohamed Salah at the club beyond the end of his loan will be tough.

On loan at the Serie A club from Chelsea, Salah scored in the second half of his side's 2-0 win over Tottenham in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday.

The victory at the Stadio Artemio Franchi completed a 3-1 aggregate victory for Fiorentina.

But Montella believes Chelsea still want the 22-year-old Egypt international, whose loan expires at season's end.

"Given how much [Chelsea] are asking for him, I think they have high hopes in him," the coach said.

Mario Gomez's goal had put Fiorentina ahead before Salah gave his side completed control.

Montella lauded his team for their performance, but he is quickly turning his focus to Sunday's league clash at Inter.

"What does this win mean? We're very happy with it, the lads and the fans all deserve huge credit," he said.

"We don't have much time to celebrate though because we have another crunch match coming up on Sunday."

Speaking of Inter, Montella said it was a team he wanted to avoid drawing in the round of 16.

"Inter and the next round? I hope we don't get drawn against an Italian side," he said.

"Inter are in great form at the moment and they're brimming with confidence."


 

Klose

Alfrescian
Loyal

Mancini: I tried to take Guarin to Galatasaray


27 February 2015

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Inter midfielder Fredy Guarin may now be a Galatasaray player if Roberto Mancini had managed to sign him last season.

Roberto Mancini has revealed that he tried to lure Fredy Guarin to Galatasaray last season but was snubbed by the Inter midfielder.

Guarin's stunning late strike at San Siro on Thursday ensured Inter beat 10-man Celtic 1-0 in the UEFA Europa League to progress to the round of 16.

The Colombia international has now scored four goals in his last five games, but he may now be plying his trade in Turkey if Mancini had his way during his short reign at Galatasaray.

"I called him because I knew that he was a good player and I thought he could be very useful for us," the Inter coach said.

"He wanted to stay at Inter and I'm happy about that now – he is playing very well here."

Guarin won the Europa League with Porto four years ago, but the 28-year-old will now put thoughts of European success to one side as Inter attempt to secure a fourth successive Serie A win at Fiorentina on Sunday.

He said: "We have to take it one game at a time, starting with our next outing in the league, which is very important,

"Things are changing [at Inter] – and most of all, the results are changing too."


 

Vidal

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Inter finalise Felipe swoop

27 February 2015

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Inter have boosted their defensive ranks for the rest of the season by signing former Parma and Fiorentina man Felipe on a short-term deal.

Brazilian defender Felipe has signed a contract until the end of the season with Inter after a year without a club.

The 30-year-old left Parma in February last year after a dispute over unpaid wages – an issue that continues to plague the crisis-struck Tardini club.

Felipe joins an Inter side that have registered clean sheets in a third of their Serie A fixtures this term, but have also made a habit of conceding late goals in recent weeks.

Inter face one of Felipe's former clubs, Fiorentina, on Sunday in a fixture crucial to their hopes of securing a European spot in Serie A.

He will be unavailable to play in Inter's UEFA Europa League campaign.


 

Vidal

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Inter v Fiorentina: Both sides on a high after Europa League success

27 February 2015

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Inter meet Fiorentina in Serie A on Sunday with both sides boosted by progression in the UEFA Europa League this week.

After both sides reached the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, Inter and Fiorentina meet in Serie A on Sunday.

Inter, after a 3-3 draw at Celtic in the first leg, sealed their place in the next round with a 1-0 home win courtesy of Fredy Guarin's stunning late strike.

Fiorentina, meanwhile, overcame Tottenham 2-0 to seal a 3-1 aggregate success.

Inter will now face Wolfsburg in the round of 16, and Fiorentina come up against familiar foes in Roma.

For now, the two clubs turn their attention back to the league, where both have been in strong form in recent weeks.

Eighth-placed Inter have won three successive games in Serie A and their opponents, three places higher, are on a seven-match unbeaten run.

"We knew things would change. We need joy and enthusiasm, and of course results help a lot too," match-winner Guarin told Inter's official website after the victory over Celtic.

"We've got a tough match now and are already focusing on Fiorentina on Sunday. We need to take each match as it comes and try to do our best every time we play."

"I think we're on the right track to becoming an important team," added Hernanes.

"We performed poorly in the first part of the season and now we need to give everything we have to make up for that."

Defender Juan Jesus, meanwhile, enjoyed the atmosphere at San Siro on Thursday and hopes for a repeat when Vincenzo Montella's men visit this weekend.

"It was great to see all the fans here, but we need them in the league too," he said. "We need to rest up now and prepare for the next match. Let's keep focused."

The reverse fixture back in October ended in a resounding win for Fiorentina, who prevailed 3-0 thanks to Khouma Babacar, Juan Cuadrado - now departed for Chelsea - and Nenad Tomovic.

Then-Inter coach Walter Mazzarri only lasted another month in the job after that, before being swiftly replaced by former Fiorentina boss Roberto Mancini.

After an inconsistent start to his second reign at San Siro, it appears Mancini has Inter moving in the right direction again, and opposite number Montella is wary of the threat posed by Sunday's hosts.

"Inter are in great form at the moment and they're brimming with confidence," he said.


 

DeSanctis

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AC Milan boss Inzaghi denies bust-up with Cerci


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By Joe Wright
Feb 27, 2015 16:19:09

The former striker says he explained to the forward why he played so little against Cesena and admits he is desperate to help save Parma

AC Milan head coach has denied claims of a bust-up with forward Alessio Cerci.

Reports suggested the Italy international had been furious at only being given just over four minutes of action in the 2-0 victory over Cesena last Sunday.

"Things have come out that aren't true," Inzaghi told a press conference.

"Things that need to be resolved are resolved in the dressing room. If that had happened, Cerci wouldn't be in the squad.

"After the game, Alessio was disappointed he'd only played a few minutes. I explained to him that [Riccardo] Montolivo had asked to be taken off, and [Andrea] Poli was tired.

"I couldn't have made the change sooner. He asked for an explanation, I gave him one, and he accepted it.

"I wanted him at Milan, and there's no problem. When he came on his attitude was positive. He's played a lot since he came here."

Inzaghi also remains confident Cerci can play alongside Jeremy Menez - whom he replaced against Genoa - but hinted that further attacking options are needed to accommodate a system using them both.

"I think he and Menez can play well together, but we still don't have the physical conditions to back an attack in that way," he said.

"Choosing between Cerci and Menez is difficult. If one of them doesn't play from the beginning, he has to prove to me that he should be starting the next game."

Inzaghi went on to defend the form of Mattia Destro, however, after he struggled to make an impact against Cesena.

"I don't see any problems. I tell him to play freely and be in the box for crosses. I'm happy with what he's doing and what [Giampaolo] Pazzini is doing," Inzaghi said.

"We expect a lot from him but it's not easy to score a goal every game. He played a normal game against Cesena, then I put Pazzini on. But Destro didn't have a bad game."

The former Italy striker added he is desperate to help Parma escape their financial peril after club captain Alessandro Lucarelli confirmed they would not play their scheduled game against Genoa.
"It saddens me greatly. Milan and I are ready to do anything to help the situation. I know tomorrow we'll have a 15 minute delay before kick-off," he said.

"Everyone has an interest in making sure Parma can sort this out. We're all ready to save the glorious club they are, and the people who are there."

 

DeSanctis

Alfrescian
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Serie A not as strong as when I was young, says Gomez


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By Tom Webber
Feb 28, 2015 09:33:53

The German striker has been buoyed by the fact that Fiorentina are one of five Italian teams through to the last 16 of the Europa League

Mario Gomez feels that while Serie A is not as strong as it used to be, the Italian game is on the rise again.

The former Bayern Munich striker has struggled with injury during his time at Fiorentina, but finally looks to be finding his feet with important goals in February's Coppa Italia quarter-final win over Roma and Thursday's 2-0 Europa League triumph over Tottenham.

The latter victory saw the Viola progress to the last 16, where they will be joined by four other domestic rivals: Roma - whom they will face next - Napoli, Inter and Torino.

However, Gomez says that the target must be for Italian sides to start reasserting themselves in the Champions League, with only Juventus having reached the last 16 of this year's tournament.

"Something is starting to change; the teams still in the Europa League certifies that," Gomez told the Gazzetta dello Sport. "But Italian football must have many teams in the Champions League, not in the Europa League. That's the Italy I knew as a child."

The Viola have plenty of difficult fixtures still to come this season, but Gomez is insistent that they will give their all in the latter stages of the campaign, starting in Sunday's meeting with Inter at San Siro.

"Winning is why we play football. Still to come we have Roma [in the Europa League], Juventus [in the Coppa Italia] and Napoli [to fight for third place]. They are the top three teams in Italy, but we will try," he added.

"Roma are very strong, but so were Tottenham. If we want to win the trophy it is good to challenge the best. However, I would have liked to have been drawn against Wolfsburg. They did well last year and are doing even better this season.

"It will be tough [against Inter]. They needed time to settle after the change of coach and they are doing well now. We hope to keep getting better."

Having shown signs of returning to his best form the 29-year-old offered support to compatriot and former team-mate Lukas Podolski, who has endured a difficult start to his time with the Nerazzurri.

"It is not always easy to change country. He gives his best, but Inter have gone through a difficult time and not just Podolski.

"Lukas is a great guy, I hope he does well - maybe in the next game. I'm his friend, as is Miroslav Klose," Gomez concluded.


 

LAZIO

Alfrescian (Inf)
Asset

Serie A Review: Napoli suffer defeat at Torino, Lazio lurking

1 March 2015

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Napoli's loss was a gain for three UEFA Champions League challengers - Lazio, Fiorentina and Sampdoria - in Sunday's Serie A action.

Lazio and Fiorentina won to consolidate prospective European spots in Serie A, while Sampdoria ended a winless run on Sunday.

Capital club Lazio were 3-0 winners at Sassuolo, Fiorentina defeated Inter 1-0 at San Siro and Sampdoria were 2-1 victors at Atalanta - the three sides heaping pressure on faltering third-placed Napoli, who lost for a second time in their past three league outings.

Napoli remain in the UEFA Champions League places on 45 points, but Lazio (43), Fiorentina (42) and Sampdoria (39) would all have been smiling after Rafael Benitez's men slipped up at Torino 1-0.

Polish defender Kamil Glik's second-half goal proved the difference for Torino, denting Napoli's hopes of climbing to second - they remain three points behind Roma, who host leaders Juventus on Monday.

Torino remain unbeaten after 12 Serie A matches, a streak that has seen them climb to eighth on 36 points.

Felipe Anderson scored Lazio's opener on the stroke of half-time against Sassuolo and set up Miroslav Klose to double their lead before Marco Parolo added a third in the 77th minute.

Fiorentina are unbeaten in 12 in all competitions after Mohamed Salah's goal 10 minutes after the interval decided their fixture in Milan.

Sampdoria came from behind to end their winning drought and inflict a fourth straight defeat on Atalanta. Stefano Okaka assisted Luis Muriel for Sampdoria's second-half equaliser before Okaka's first goal since December got them back to winning ways.

Second-bottom Cesena recorded a 1-0 victory at home to faltering Udinese, Empoli and Palermo played out a 0-0 stalemate and Verona won 2-1 away at Cagliari, putting eight points between themselves and their 18th-placed opponents to improve their survival prospects.


 

Ranocchia

Alfrescian
Loyal

Mancini frustrated by ´hesitant´ Inter


1 March 2015

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Roberto Mancini was left frustrated by his "hesitant" Inter side, after they slipped to a 1-0 Serie A home defeat against Fiorentina.

A frustrated Roberto Mancini lamented Inter's lack of attacking intent after they suffered a 1-0 Serie A defeat at home against Fiorentina on Sunday.

On-loan Chelsea attacker Mohamed Salah came off the bench to score the only goal of the game for Vincenzo Montella's men 10 minutes into the second half.

It was Fiorentina's first away win at Inter in Serie A since May 2000 and ended Inter's recent run of three consecutive league wins.

Mancini was frustrated by his team's passive first-half performance, but still felt they could have taken something from the game.

"We were generous, we know they are a good team and it was in my opinion a very balanced game," he told the club's official website.

"Had we found the equaliser immediately, maybe we could try to bring home a victory.

"The problem was that at first we were hesitant. Fiorentina are a team that dribbles well. In the first half we had to be bolder, more determined."

Inter looked a different team following the introduction of Xherdan Shaqiri midway through the second half, and the Swiss midfielder laid on a couple of great chances for Mauro Icardi and Fredy Guarin to level.

Lukas Podolski and Mateo Kovacic were less impressive in Mancini's eyes, however.

"Shaqiri did well but had played [on] Thursday, so it was right to give him rest," Mancini added.

"Podolski must give more, so it is not enough, he is the first to know that. Even from Mateo I expect more."

Inter will certainly require more from their star men when they travel to third-placed Napoli in their next league match.



 
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