Serie B Wk 5: Juve on a roll...

Friday 29 September
Arezzo 0-1 Bari
Arezzo are still looking for their first win of the season, but lose their unbeaten record thanks to a series of disastrous mistakes. Gervasoni pushed Floro Flores and the referee pointed to the spot, but Gillet saved Bondi’s penalty. This is incredibly the third spot-kick missed by Arezzo with three different players this season. To make matters worse, five minutes later Terra accidentally turned a cross into his own net to give Bari the lead. Arezzo were unable to get back into the game and remain at –2 points following their Calciopoli punishment.

Saturday 30 September
Piacenza 0-2 Juventus
David Trezeguet continued his remarkable form in Serie B as Juventus cruised to a fourth straight win. Piacenza had made their name as giant-killers this season, but had no answer to the Bianconeri.

Alessandro Del Piero, Cristiano Zanetti, Cacia and a Padalino counter-attack were the best early chances before Trezeguet nodded in a Del Piero cross from the left. Just before the break Pavel Nedved was brought down and Trezeguet met the resulting Del Piero free kick to double their lead. Piace tried to fight back with Gianluigi Buffon blocking a Padalino low drive, but Nedved also tested Coppola’s reflexes with a snapshot and Juve controlled the second half comfortably.

Bologna 1-1 Cesena
The points were shared in this local battle for a promotion place. Zauli, Bellucci and Manfredini had opportunities in the first half, Bellucci hitting the woodwork for Bologna, but the deadlock wasn’t broken until Papa Waigo lashed in Salvetti’s assist. Pestrin brought down Amoroso for Bellucci to convert the decisive penalty.

Brescia 1-1 Albinoleffe
Brescia are held in the local derby, but hold on to the Serie B leadership. Serafini converted an early penalty to give the Rondinelle the lead, but Zoboli was unable to make the result safe with a promising header. They paid for that mistake, as on the hour mark Caremi spun round to snatch the equaliser for Leffe. Brescia’s hopes of victory were negated at the death when Possanzini’s effort thumped the crossbar.

Crotone 0-2 Treviso
Treviso confirmed their positive form and the dreadful shape Crotone are in right now. Beghetto opened the scoring with a fine solo effort and, although Sedivec went close to an equaliser, Fava made the win safe with a right-foot finish.

Lecce 3-2 Genoa
The big showdown at the Stadio Via del Mare certainly lived up to expectations. Genoa had taken control through Rossi’s delightful lob, although it was almost immediately cancelled out by a header from Diamoutene. The turning point came when Sculli saw red for a second bookable offence after just 33 minutes of play. Nonetheless, 10-man Genoa restored their lead, again through Rossi’s goal. Lecce made it into the break on 2-2 with Petras nodding in from close range. It remained an open game until stoppages, when youngster Juliano made his name with a diving header to give Zdenek Zeman’s men the points and another crucial push towards promotion.

Pescara 0-0 Verona
There were few highlights in this goalless draw at the Adriatico, as both teams are struggling for form. Rigoni had the only real chance of the first half, testing Pegolo’s reflexes in the Verona goal, while Turati had an effort disallowed for offside. Luci hit the woodwork for Pescara before Moscardi saw red for a second bookable offence.

Rimini 1-1 Modena
The Emilia-Romagna derby ends in a draw. Ricchiuti opened the scoring by making the most of Jeda’s assist after 22 minutes, but Rimini ran out of steam after the break and allowed Modena back into it with Sforzini’s strike. Barusso and Luisi had the best opportunities, but nothing could separate the two sides.

Spezia 0-1 Napoli
Napoli get back on track with their first away win of the campaign, ending Spezia’s unbeaten home run that stretched back to February 2005. Bogliacino started behind front two Bucchi and Calaio, impressing by hitting the woodwork and setting up Paolo Cannavaro’s winning header. Spezia wasted a good opportunity to earn a point with Rossi, but Dalla Bona also missed for the visitors.

Vicenza 1-2 Frosinone
Frosinone register their first ever Serie B victory, but it’s a result that cost Vicenza Coach Giancarlo Camolese his job. Cavalli had converted an early penalty to put the Biancorossi on the right track, but Di Nardo neutralised it with his second goal of the season. Rigoni and Cavalli went close with a couple of headers and an angled drive, but it was ex-Vicenza hero Margiotta who secured the victory with a left-foot strike.

Monday 2 October
Triestina 0-0 Mantova
Triestina and Mantova failed to notably improve their League positions after a 0-0 draw in the Monday night game. The away side did have the chance to join Lecce in second place on 10 points with a win, but failed to break down a Triestina defence which has just conceded three goals this term – only Arezzo and Juventus have let in fewer. Mantova move on to eight points, while the Trieste side – who had goals from Kyriazas and Abruzzese disallowed – now have five points from five games.


Source: C4 Football Italia

UEFA Cup: First Round, 2nd Leg

Daniele Paponi scores Parma's winning goal.

Thursday 28 September
FC Superfund Pasching 0-1 Livorno
Livorno win 3-0 on aggregate.
Livorno earned an historic qualification to the UEFA Cup group stage with a comfortable 3-0 aggregate win over Superfund Pasching, after recording a 1-0 away win in the second leg. After a poor first half, Livorno broke through on 55 minutes, with Ibrahima Bakayoko sending the ball in to the net with a precise strike after a good solo run. Even though the home side had a go late on, the Amaranto fans can now look forward to the group stage, which will start on October 19.

Parma 1-0 Rubin Kazan
Parma win 2-0 on aggregate.
Parma booked their place in the group stage of the UEFA Cup after edging past Rubin Kazan at the Stadio Tardini. The first half was dominated by the Russians, but during the second half the home side seemed more confident and took the lead in the 49th minute through 18-year old striker Daniele Paponi. The Gialloblu can count themselves lucky to still be in the competition, but ultimately they took their chances and held their nerve to win through.

Palermo 3-0 West Ham United
Palermo win 4-0 on aggregate.
Palermo made light work of Premiership outfit West Ham United, as Fabio Simplicio’s double helped seal their passage into the UEFA Cup group stage. Simplicio's first was a low shot that skidded past Roy Carroll, his second a cool lob over the keeper from David Di Michele's pass. Di Michele completed the scoring with a powerful shot from close-range. Earlier this week President Maurizio Zamparini insisted that the UEFA Cup was merely a distraction to his side, so he would have not enjoyed it, but it was a highly-impressive victory for his Sicilian outfit.

Chievo 2-1 Sporting Braga (AET)
Sporting Braga win 3-2 on aggregate.
Chievo became Italy's only casualty after a brave fightback against Sporting Braga. The Flying Donkeys were made to pay for their poor showing in Portugal, as they netted twice through Simone Tiribocchi in the first half and Denis Godeas in the second to send the tie into extra time. But the side from Verona eventually ran out of gas. Both teams were reduced to 10 men inside 90 minutes after Paolo Sammarco and Rinaldo Nem were sent off. In extra-time Braga went ahead through Wenderson Wender to stake their claim for a place in the group stage. Andrea Zanchetta was also sent off for two yellows, leaving Chievo with just nine men – as in the first leg. The Flying Donkeys therefore end their European adventure early, following their Champions League elimination to Levski Sofia at the preliminary stage prior to this.

Other Results
Click here for all the rest of the results.
First Round, 1st Leg.


The Group Stage draw will be made on Tuesday October 3.

CL: Inter are in tatters; Roma unlucky & Milan held

Tuesday 26 September
Group H - Matchday 2
AC Milan dropped their first points of the Champions League campaign, drawing 0-0 away at French outfit Lille. The game was played at Lens' Stade Felix Bolaert, as the home stadium of Lille is too small for European competition. Milan dominated before the break with Kaka going close several times. In the second half, Clarence Seedorf hit the back of the net but the goal was disallowed for an offside position. However, replays showed that the Dutchman was kept in play by the last defender. The home side improved and Dida had to make some fine saves to earn a draw for the visitors.

In the group's other game, AEK Athens and Anderlecht shared the spoils after a 1-1 draw in Greece. The Belgian champions took the lead when Nicolas Frutos struck, but Julio Cesar levelled the score three minutes later.

Other Results - Matchday 2
Group E: Real Madrid 5-1 Dynamo Kiev, Steaua Bucharest 0-3 Lyon.
Group F: Benfica 0-1 Manchester United, Celtic 1-0 FC Copenhagen.
Group G: Arsenal 2-0 FC Porto, CSKA Moscow 1-0 Hamburg.

Wednesday 27 September
Group B - Matchday 2
A fiery encounter at the San Siro saw Inter's Champions League hopes go into tatters as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Fabio Grosso were sent off in a 2-0 home defeat to Bayern Munich. Second-half goals from Claudio Pizarro and Lucas Podolski sealed the three points for the German champions.

In the early kick-off in Russia, Spartak Moscow were denied a win by a neat finish from Sporting Lisbon's Luis Nani. Denis Boyarintsev's swivelled strike put the Russians in control but the hosts failed to kill off the game and subsequently remain rooted to the bottom of the group.

Bayern's win and Sporting's draw mean they occupy first and second spots respectively, while Inter have yet to gain a point after two successive defeats.

Group D - Matchday 2
Valencia top the group with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Roma. David Villa scored their decisive goal in the 28th minute after Francesco Totti's penalty had cancelled out Miguel Angulo's opener. The Roman club remain in second place.

Shakhtar Donetsk and Olympiacos fought out a 2-2 draw in Ukraine. The Greeks led twice with goals in each half from Michalis Konstantinou and Neri Alberto Castillo but Donetsk responded quickly each time. Francelino Matuzalem claimed their first equaliser with Ciprian Marica securing the point.

Other Results - Matchday 2
Group A: Levski Sofia 1-3 Chelsea, Werder Bremen 1-1 FC Barcelona.
Group C: Bordeaux 0-1 PSV Eindhoven, Liverpool 3-2 Galatasaray.

Blatter: Italy WC win "a tragedy"

FIFA President Sepp Blatter said it was “a tragedy” that Italy won the 2006 World Cup on penalties and that the system will be changed.

The Final ended 1-1 with France after extra time and the Azzurri buried all five of their spot-kicks to lift the trophy in Berlin on July 9.

"When it comes to the World Cup final it is passion, and when it goes to extra time it is a drama,” said Blatter. "But when it comes to penalty kicks it is a tragedy. Football is a team sport and penalties is not a team, it is the individual."

The FIFA chief suggested a replay – which would cause massive organisational problems – or gradually taking players off the field in extra time until a Golden Goal is scored.

"We have four years or so before South Africa 2010, so I think we have time," he told a Swiss Chamber of Commerce event in Zurich.

The World Cup Final has been decided twice on penalties – both involving Italy. In 1994 the match ended 0-0 before Brazil emerged victorious. In 2006 the Azzurri saw off France from the spot.

Blatter has already courted controversy from Italian football after he failed to hand over the World Cup trophy in Berlin this summer. UEFA President Lennart Johannson took charge of the ceremony while Blatter watched from the stands.

Catania earn crowd trouble ban

Crowd trouble following the Sicilian derby has earned Catania a two-match ban on playing in front of their home fans.

There were incidents both before and after Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Messina at the Stadio Massimino, resulting in a dozen injuries among the police and six arrested supporters. Catania were already on a warning after crowd trouble in the previous local clash with Palermo last Wednesday evening.

The behaviour of the fans was “unjustifiable” and “inflicted damage on people in the area and evidently raised the danger for the public’s safety.”

Catania will now play their next two home games against Lazio (Week 7) and Torino (Week 9) behind closed doors. “The ban was inflicted considering how inefficient the warning proved to be for problems in a game just days earlier.”

Inter under FIGC investigation

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) are set to launch an investigation after referee Massimo De Santis accused Internazionale and their owner Massimo Moratti of spying on him.

De Santis, who was banned for four years by the FIGC in the match-fixing scandal this summer, claimed Moratti had illegally recorded his telephone conversations. These allegations came after another scandal broke out in the past few days revealing hundreds of cases of phone interceptions by telecommunication giants Telecom Italia.

“When I first learned about this operation by Massimo Moratti I was disgusted, even if I know that can be a strong word to use,” said De Santis in a television interview. “I am paying for something that I didn’t do, I have always stated my innocence and to know today what was happening a few years ago really makes me sick. Why were they following me? I think they maybe wanted to blackmail me.”

The complaint relates to the 2002/03 season when former Inter vice-president, the late Giacinto Facchetti, held a conversation with former referee Danilo Nucini. Nucini told Facchetti he feared De Santis had an extraordinary relationship with the then Juventus general manager Luciano Moggi and other Juve directors.

Facchetti passed on Nucini's remarks to Moratti, who hired a team of investigators, 'Polis d'Istinto', to record De Santis' telephone conversations, to follow and film him and his wife and take secret photographs.

The investigation however brought to no firm results and the file was closed seeing as “there were no anomalies in De Santis’ way of life.”

After the state investigation was last week opened up into the illegal monitoring of telephone calls by Telecom Italia, details of Moratti's private investigation were revealed.

If the accusations prove to be true, Inter could receive a fine, although a points deduction is not a possibility since they have, at worst, broken article one of the sport’s code of justice and not articles two or six, which were infringed upon by Juve, who were consequently relegated to Serie B this summer.

The Inter owner also faces the prospect of a suspension for breaking the game's code of justice relating to fairness and honesty.

Moratti reacted immediately, saying that his club has nothing to do with the interceptions despite Telecom Italia being one of its shareholders. “He’s got some cheek to say this kind of things – Inter has no involvement in this issue,” said the oil tycoon to La Gazzetta dello Sport. “I think De Santis’ words are very serious, he cannot ignore the damage he is causing us by making these statements.”

This latest disturbance comes at a time when the FIGC are attempting to put all the problems from this summer behind them.

Serie A Wk 4: Inter regain top spot

Saturday 23 September
Livorno 0-0 Milan
AC Milan's 100% start to the Serie A campaign came to an end on Saturday when they were held to a goalless draw by Livorno. Carlo Ancelotti's side picked up three wins in their first three games to quickly wipe out the eight-point deficit incurred following the match-fixing scandal, but could not keep up that pace in Leghorn. And there was more bad news for the Rossoneri just four minutes into the encounter, when inspirational skipper Paolo Maldini had to leave the field with an apparent knee problem.

Catania 2-2 Messina
The Sicilian derby between Catania and Messina ended in an action-packed 2-2 draw. Sergio Floccari gave Messina a first-half lead but then Catania turned the match on its head with two goals in three second-half minutes. Giuseppe Mascara was dismissed for taking his shirt off in celebration after equalising and then Gionatha Spinesi drilled Catania ahead with a well-worked free-kick. However, Messina quickly restored parity when Nicolas Andres Cordova levelled the match. Next Messina's former Italian international defender Mark Iuliano got his marching orders to leave both sides with 10 men.

Sunday 24 September
Inter 4-3 Chievo
Inter regained top spot in Serie A after a thrilling victory over Chievo at the San Siro on Sunday afternoon. Roberto Mancini's side were 4-0 up against the visitors and cruising to their third win of the season thanks to a brace from Hernan Crespo and a goal apiece from Walter Samuel and Dejan Stankovic. But a penalty from Sergio Pellissier and goals from Simone Tiribocchi and Matteo Brighi in the final 12 minutes meant that Inter had to hang on for a nervous victory.

Parma 0-4 Roma
Roma bounced back in emphatic fashion from their midweek defeat against Internazionale by securing a thumping victory on the road against struggling Parma. Vincenzo Montella got the ball rolling for the visitors to the Stadio Ennio Tardini with a goal inside the first 10 minutes, an advantage that was doubled on the stroke of half time by Simone Perrotta. Aleandro Rosi's first ever goal for the club made it three nine minutes into the second period, while Alberto Aquilani's injury time strike added insult to injury for Parma, who, with just one point from four games, avoid sitting bottom of the Serie A pile thanks only to the points penalties incurred by the clubs in the bottom three.

Empoli 2-0 Palermo
Palermo's stay at the top of Serie A is over after the Sicilians fell to a defeat at Empoli, who are putting together a solid start to the season themselves. After Palermo missed an early penalty, Luca Saudati opened the scoring for the Tuscan team in the first-half and victory was sealed by Sergio Almiron in the second half. Roberto Guana was sent off in the closing stages for Palermo.

Lazio 1-0 Atalanta
Lazio won their second game of the season thanks to a strike from former defender Sebastiano Siviglia against his former club Atalanta.They followed up the midweek win over Chievo by overcoming a resilient Atalanta, for whom defeat was their first since being promoted from Serie B last season.

Ascoli 1-1 Sampdoria
Sampdoria came from behind to claim a point against Ascoli and leave both teams still searching for their first Serie A win of the season. Marco Delvecchio's 15th minute strike was cancelled out by a Gennaro Delvecchio strike in the second-half of a fiery encounter, which saw six players booked and Samp's Giulio Falcone sent off.

Reggina 1-1 Torino
Reggina's unproductive start to the new Serie A season continued with a home draw against newly-promoted Torino. Having been handed a 15-point penalty after the recent match-fixing scandal, a good start was vital to the side from Reggio de Calabria. But it has not panned out that way. Walter Mazzarri's men have shaved just four points off their deficit and are already 12 points adrift of safety. Hopes were raised that they might register their second win of the campaign when Francesco Modesto put them in front 10 minutes into the second half. But Gianluca Comotto's leveller 10 minutes later enabled the visitors to escape with their second point of the campaign.

Siena 0-0 Cagliari
Ten-man Siena held on for a home draw with Cagliari to maintain their solid start to the season. The team from Tuscany now have a haul of seven points from their first four matches and, helped by points deductions for other clubs, that is a good start in their objective to secure another season with the elite. They shut out the Cagliari attack even after Daniele Portanova was dismissed after 64 minutes.

Udinese 1-0 Fiorentina
Fiorentina could not manage back-to-back wins as they attempt to overcome their early-season points handicap after being downed by Udinese. The Viola's 1-0 win over Parma in midweek made only a small dent in the 19-point penalty imposed for their part in the match-fixing scandal and Vincenzo Iaquinta's first-half goal ensured they remain firmly rooted to the foot of Serie A. While defeat was Fiorentina's third in their four games so far this season, Udinese's second win of the campaign moves them up to sixth, three points off the summit.

Serie B Wk 4: Four-star Juve

Alessandro Del Piero celebrates his 199th Bianconeri goal.

Saturday 23 September
Juventus 4-0 Modena
Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet returned to the starting 11 and made an immediate impact in Juve’s third straight victory. Modena were unlucky in the first minute when Abate was stopped clear on goal for an incorrect offside decision. Jonathan Zebina and Mauro Camoranesi are also fit again and the ex-Roma defender’s cross was nodded over by Trezeguet. The French hitman opened the scoring soon after, redirecting Federico Balzaretti’s wayward header from a corner kick. Abate curled over, but Juve made it 2-0 with Del Piero completing a high-speed combination with Trezeguet for his 199th Bianconeri goal. Modena’s best opportunity of the half was an Alex Pinardi strike pushed off target by Gigi Buffon.

Didier Deschamps’ men were always in control in the second half, Trezeguet chesting down the ball with his back to goal and spinning wide, then Perna diving in for a goalline clearance after Del Piero had gone past the goalkeeper. Trezeguet rounded out the scoreline by pouncing on a scuffed Marco Marchionni volley for a simple tap-in from six yards, one of his traditional poachers’ goals. Modena had all but disappeared from the Olimpico and Pavel Nedved rose for a late header at the back post from Matteo Paro’s free kick.

Albinoleffe 0-0 Arezzo
It was a disappointing stalemate at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri D’Italia. Arezzo notch up their fourth draw in a row and are still on -2 in the table, while Albinoleffe still haven’t conceded any goals on home turf. There were few scoring opportunities, but Arezzo went closest when Roselli struck the upright.

Bari 0-0 Vicenza
It’s the first point of the season for Vicenza, as Giancarlo Camolese’s men managed to run away with an important draw at the San Nicola. Bari seemed more hungry for victory, but were unable to penetrate Biancorossi’s suddenly solid defence. After attacking during all the first half, Bari found themselves lacking in stamina and Vicenza’s striker Cavalli nearly scored a winning goal in the last few minutes of play, but incredibly he missed the chance just in front of the Bari goalkeeper Gillet. Ganci, Sgrigna and Santoruvo also had shots well saved.

Cesena 3-3 Pescara
A spectacular draw at the Stadio Manuzzi between Cesena and Pescara. Carozza was definitely man of the match with a key role in all of Pescara’s moves. The first goal after 12 minutes was his invention from a free-kick. At the 25th minute Pelle’ equalised with a close-range header. Luci - who was served a corner kick from Carozza - brought Pescara back in front at the end of the first half. Then again Carozza, with a tricky free-kick which bounced next to Turci, made it 3-1. The match seemed closed, but Piccoli and then Virdis – with a little help from Papa Waigo - brought Cesena back on track to prevent a shock defeat.

Frosinone 2-2 Spezia
Once again newcomers Frosinone failed to celebrate their first win of the season, but the fans were certainly kept entertained. The home side opened the scoring with Lodi’s wonderful curving left shoot. Chiodini brought down Varricchio for Saverino’s spot-kick, almost immediately wiped out by Ischia acrobatically diving on to Lodi’s free kick. Spezia didn’t give up and, after missing a good chance with Varricchio, it was Gorzegno’s stunning 25-metre lob that evened the score.

Genoa 2-0 Piacenza
It took one minute for the home side to break the deadlock at Marassi, as Martins Adailton’s free kick flew in despite Fernando Coppola getting a hand to it. Zeytulaev’s diving header almost made it 2-0 moments later, then at the other end Rantier’s rasping shot smashed against the upright in a fiery first half. Coppola kept out Adailton from close range, but both Stamilla and Gobatto failed to finalise a Piacenza counter-attack. Both sides had goals disallowed for offside by Stamilla and Giuseppe Sculli, with Biancorossi boss Beppe Iachini earning a red card for dissent.

Genoa doubled their lead after the break when Coppola was brought down for an Adailton penalty kick, but Piacenza didn’t give in and Rantier forced Barasso into a spectacular save. Adailton was denied a late hat-trick by the woodwork.

Mantova 3-0 Crotone
It was a comfortable win for Mantova at the Stadio Braglia, as Coach Mimmo Di Carlo’s men recovered well after losing at Lecce last week. The Crotone defence has conceded 11 goals in four games and will need a rapid improvement to avoid relegation. Bernacci was the key, earning a penalty converted by Caridi and then combining with his teammate for the second. At the 57th minute there was also glory for Noselli, who scored a diving header.

Napoli 1-1 Triestina
Napoli stuttered again and had to do without Roberto De Zerbi, who suffered an injury in the warm-up. Sam Dalla Bona nodded an early corner over the bar before Cristian Bucchi broke through. Rossi parried his first shot, but could do nothing on the follow-up. Triestina fought back with a series of Allegretti set-pieces and a wasteful Mignani header.

After the break Gennaro Iezzo had to rush out and close down Eliakwu’s counter-attack, while substitute Piovaccari blasted over from close range for a lively Triestina. Bucchi turned a couple of efforts off target, but the visitors had the better of the second half and snatched a deserved equaliser through a Kyriazis header five minutes from time, although there were protests for a potential offside position. The drama wasn’t over, as Napoli poured forward and Bucchi’s header was only kept out by an acrobatic Lima goalline clearance, then Rossi flapped out Paolo Cannavaro’s attempt.

Verona 0-1 Brescia
Brescia temporarily go clear at the top of the table with this confident victory at the Bentegodi. Mannini netted the winner with an impressive long-range screamer that dipped into the top corner after 33 minutes. Verona tried to fight back, but the Rondinelle had the best chances with Jadid, Serafini and Mannini all unable to add to their tally.


Monday 25 September
Treviso 1-0 Lecce
A late penalty from Giuliatto ensured that 10-man Treviso ran out deserved winners against Lecce to net their first victory of the season. Last term this was a top-flight clash, and the Giallorossi made a decent start, with Giacomazzi missing a great opportunity in the 27th minute. But the Veneti also had their chances in the first half. Russotto’s curling shot from outside the box went just wide on the half hour mark, then a few minutes later Acquafresca missed the target after a delightful Russotto cross. Lecce rarely threatened after the break and they were grateful to Benussi after he kept out Vascak in the 70th minute. However, the deadlock was broken shortly after as Diamoutene brought down Beghetto in the box and Gialliatti converted the penalty. Baseggio saw red for two bookings in stoppage time.

Bologna 1-3 Rimini
Rimini stunned the Stadio Dall’Ara with a 3-1 win over Bologna in an entertaining clash. Manfredini nearly handed the Rossoblu the lead only to see his header hit the post. In the second half the match was spectacular, with Jeda getting the ball rolling just minutes after the interval. Mingazzini equalised when his shot was deflected by Peccarisi shortly after, but Ricchiuti put Rimini ahead with a wonderful volley, although Antonioli should have done better. Barusso sealed the win with a free kick to give his side a memorable result.


Source: C4 Football Italia

Euro 2012 Visit: Day 6

The official site visits of the UEFA delegation in Italy for the appointment to host the 2012 European Championship finals concluded in Florence today.

After site visits in Rome, Naples, Palermo, Bari, Udine, Turin and Milan this week, the UEFA delegation conducted a site visit this morning of the Stadio Artemio Franchi and some of the hotel facilities.

The inspections ended at the Italian Football Federation’s technical centre in Coverciano in the presence of the Mayor of Florence Leonardo Domenici, FIGC Deputy Commissioner Massimo Coccia and the Bid Manager of the Euro 2012 Project Francesco Ghirelli. The World Cup trophy won by the Azzurri in Germany last July was in display as the "Guest of Honour".

Mayor Domenica pointed out how important football is in Italy and the passion of the people of Florence for this sport. "I feel committed in this bid, both as Mayor of the City of Florence and as President of ANCI (National Association of Italian Cities). In Italy's bid to host Euro 2012 there are differences in the roles and functions [of all involved in the bid], but all of us feel committed at the football and institutional level just like a team."

In his address, the Deputy Commissioner of the FIGC Massimo Coccia thanked everyone present and offered his support. "The Italian Football Federation is ready to support the bid project at all levels and to meet all UEFA requirements and expectations."

The head of the UEFA delegation, Horst R. Schmidt, ended his address with: "I must say that during these six days we have observed that not only the football world, but the whole nation is committed in support of the idea of Euro 2012."

There are two other candidatures competing against Italy to host the 2012 European Championships, the joint bids of Poland/Ukraine and Croatia/Hungary. The final decision will be made on 8 December 2006 in Nyon, Switzerland.


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Euro 2012 Visit: Day 5

Following site visits to Juve’s Stadio Delle’ Alpi and Torino’s Stadio Olympico, the delegation travelled to Milan in the early afternoon.

The first site visit was conducted at the Stadio Meazza. Milan City Councillor for Sports and Leisure, Giovanni Terzi, welcomed and guided the UEFA executives throughout the visit. After the stadia visit, UEFA conducted visits of the Arcimboldi Theatre (the proposed site for the group draws for the Euro 2012 finals), local hotel facilities and the La Scala Theatre (one of the most famous international symbols of Milan).

The city Councillor welcomed the UEFA executives by assuring them that, "Milan is ready to host the 2012 European Championship. San Siro is about to become a five-star stadium. For Milan, the hosting of an event such as one of the Euro 2012 semi-finals, means becoming part of the international scene, and not only in sports. Our city has been selected together with Rome, Naples and other important capitals of the nation to represent Italy in Europe and in the rest of the world. Milan has also submitted its candidature to host the 2013 World University Games and World Expo 2015. We want to win all of these competitions."

Project Manager of Euro 2012 Italy, Francesco Ghirelli, has been accompanying the UEFA delegation since the first day of its site visits. In the capital of Lombardy, Ghirelli wished to point out the importance of a series of events that are essential for the success of the great sporting event. “Milan is a city that lends itself perfectly to sports also because it can be the stage for side events, before and during the sporting events. In this tour of candidate cities to host the Euro 2012 matches, we have received assurances from all the cities of their utmost collaboration to examine and organize – in case Italy is appointed by the European Championship by 8 December – a series of initiatives already from January 2007 in order to be prepared in the best way possible for the continental championship in the summer of 2012."


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Betting duo banned!

The Disciplinary Commission has handed Francesco Flachi of Sampdoria and Atalanta’s Moris Carrozzieri two-month bans as the result of a betting enquiry.

The two players were indicted in October 2005 and August 2006, and were accused of “trying to obtain information on the final result of some football matches, in order to allow third parties to place their bets and be sure to win.”

The matches in question were Roma-Lazio in Serie A and Pisa-Frosinone in Serie C1, both dating back to 2004-05, when Flachi (pictured) and Carrozzieri played for Samp.

Flachi was accused of trying to obtain information on the Rome derby by contacting his former teammate Fabio Bazzani on behalf of a group of gamblers in Liguria, while Carrozzieri called Gian Luca De Angelis of Frosinone to see if his team “would be content with a draw.”

The Commission based their investigation on telephone interceptions and decided to ban the players because of their behaviour, which proved to be “against the duties of loyalty, integrity and honesty.”

Sampdoria were also deemed guilty of objective responsibility in this case and were sentenced to pay a €20,000 fine to Lega Calcio.

Pancalli lands FIGC post

Luca Pancalli has been appointed as the new Commissioner of the Italian Football Federation in place of Guido Rossi.

Pancalli is the head of the Italian Paralympic Committee and was voted unanimously by the Italian Olympic Commitee (CONI) council, who were called on Thursday to find a new chief for the Italian football governing body after Rossi was forced to leave on Monday. The former Commissioner became the head of Telecom Italia last week and it immediately became clear that he could not hold both posts, thus choosing to resign along with his assistants.

CONI President Gianni Petrucci confirmed that Pancalli’s mandate will end on February 28, 2007 in order to give him the time to rewrite the regulation and proceed to new elections.

Meanwhile Gigi Riva, who is currently the team manager of the Italian national team, was appointed as Federal Vice-Commissioner as was Massimo Coccia, who was chosen by Rossi to rewrite the game’s regulations.

Read More here >>>

Euro 2012 Visit: Day 4

Following the site visit of Bari’s Stadio San Nicola this morning, the delegation flew to Udine.

Before conducting the site visits of the Stadio Friuli and the Pasian di Prato training centre, the UEFA delegation were welcomed at the Palazzo d'Aronco by the Mayor of Udine, Sergio Cecotti; the regional Councillor for Economic Affairs, Enrico Bertossi; the President of the provincial Council of Udine, and by two exceptional personalities, Olympic champion, Gabriella Paruzzi, and scientist, Pietro Enrico di Pampero, who both endorsed Udine's candidature.

Mayor Cecotti stressed how Udine's candidature is supported by the whole region and how the city has past experience of hosting sporting events. "Udine's candidature is unanimously supported by all of the region's institutional forces, both economic and cultural, which, as shown by their presence here today, have united in a true teamwork spirit. Udine and the Friuli Region can count on not only a team that for years has achieved successes in Serie A and that often participates in European Cups, but also on an organisational capability that after having staged the 1990 World Cup, the 2003 World University Games, the 2005 European Youth Olympic Festival and Champions League, today it is about to host the 2007 World Road Running Championships. We are a well-oiled machine for international events, and added to the unanimous concurrence of all sectors of Friuli's society, there is also a solid popular support as shown from thousands of cards that citizens sent in support of Udine's and Italy's bid."

Upon arrival in the Piedmont capital Turin, the delegation met with city authorities accompanied by the city's Sports Councillor, Renato Montabone, representatives of the Region and Province and with the presence of the managing directors of Torino FC and Juventus.

Councillor Montabone pointed out that "Turin is a city that lives on great events. After the Olympic Games, shortly we will host the World Fencing Championship. We always work to offer the best."

Horst Schmidt (UEFA Advisor National Teams Committee) also recognized that Turin has the capability to manage international events. "The capital of Piedmont has staged a great Olympics. The city has shown to be able to host great events and to also involve the public in a remarkable way."


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Serie A Wk 3: Inter win Scudetto showdown

Wesnesday 20 September
Roma 0-1 Inter
Hernan Crespo was the star of the show as ten-man Internazionale silenced their critics with a stunning win against the league leaders Roma in the capital on Wednesday night. Crespo scored a fine solo effort on the stroke of half time before winning a penalty nine minutes into the second period as Inter dominated Luciano Spalletti's side in a pulsating encounter. It could have been better for Inter, whose coach Roberto Mancini has been under increasing media pressure after a recent disappointing results, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic had a penalty saved and Patrick Vieira was sent off in injury time. But while the protracted protestations at the Frenchman's dismissal will mar the result, the Inter performance - which sees the Nerazzurri climb to third in Serie A - was scintillating throughout.

Palermo 5-3 Catania
Palermo opened up a two-point lead at the top of Serie A after winning a thrilling Sicilian derby 5-3 against Catania. The game was level at the break - Palermo's Giovanni Tedesco equalising Giorgio Corona's opener - but the second half belonged to the hosts. Fabio Henrique Simplico, who was later sent off, restored Palermo's lead only for Guiseppe Mascara to level matters after 64 minutes. A Eugenio Corini penalty put Palermo 3-2 ahead and further goals from Carvalho de Oliveira Amauri and Andrea Barzagli effectively settled the contest before Gionatha Spinesi grabbed a late consolation for the visitors.

Milan 1-0 Ascoli
AC Milan are finally in the black points-wise after registering their third successive win this season with a hard-fought defeat of Ascoli at the San Siro. Having started the campaign on minus eight, it was always going to be a long road back for Carlo Ancelotti's men but their perfect start has rekindled hope of a title challenge. Marek Jankulovski was the goal hero, netting after 68 minutes as Ascoli's winless start continued.

Fiorentina 1-0 Parma
Adrian Mutu put one over his former employers as Fiorentina managed to pick up their first three points of the season and reduce their arrears at the foot of the Serie A table. The evening ended on a sour note however, as Luca Toni was sent-off in the final minute of the game after a senseless off-the-ball altercation with Massimo Paci. The victory was crucial for Fiorentina whose prospects of survival - after beginning the season with a 19 point deficit - were looking increasingly slim following two defeats in the opening two fixtures.

Chievo 0-1 Lazio
Massimo Oddo's 62nd-minute penalty was enough for Lazio to clinch their first win of the Serie A campaign and start their bid of clawing back deducted points. Having started the season on minus 11 points, the Biancoceleste had so far failed to make inroads on quashing their penalty, losing both of their opening two games of the campaign, most recently Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Palermo. Chievo coach Beppe Pillon has already attempted to rest players in a cramped fixture calendar, but a red card for De Oliveira Luciano at the weekend reduced his options against Lazio. The strains of the season have certainly started to show on his side, who are yet to win a competitive game and are already close to going out of the UEFA Cup following a 2-0 loss to Braga.

Messina 2-0 Reggina
Messina's strong start to the season continued as a Christian Rigano brace gave them victory over local rivals Reggina in the Derby dello Stretto. Messina had expected to start this season in Serie B, but Juve's demotion gave them a reprieve and they are taking full advantage as this victory moves them to second in the table. Even if this season does turn into the relegation battle most pundits were predicting, the early points they have collected are likely to prove invaluable. Messina and Reggio de Calabria are separated by the Strait of Messina which cuts between Sicily and mainland Italy, but despite the small distance involved, it is likely to be a long ferry ride home for Reggina. They were on the other end of the match-fixing scandal, and were deducted 15 points for their own actions. This is their second defeat of the season already, leaving them one place off the bottom of the table on -12 points.

Torino 1-2 Siena
Mario Frick scored twice in the first half to down struggling Torino 2-1 and earn Siena their second league win of the season. The Liechtenstein striker got the visitors off to a flying start, capitalising on some suspect defending to open the scoring after just four minutes, before assuring victory with his second of the game 10 minutes before half time. Former Lazio striker Roberto Muzzi got one back for the hosts five minutes later, but despite a desperate late surge on the Siena goal, Alberto Zaccheroni's side slumped to their second defeat in three games and are now just five places off the bottom of the table.

Sampdoria 3-3 Udinese
Sampdoria and Udinese shared the spoils in a dramatic 3-3 draw in Genoa. The visitors raced into a three-goal lead in the first half but the home side showed great resilience to come back into the game and salvage a point. Antonio Di Natale opened the scoring after just four minutes, and a dominant Udinese were three up at the interval thanks to further goals from Vincenzo Iaquinta (16) and Gyan Asamoah (43). A goal from Gennaro Delvecchio just a minute before the break altered the complexion of the game completely, however. The home side had a renewed desire about them in the second half and Sergio Volpi's 68th-minute strike gave them hope of completing a remarkable comeback. That hope was realised as Francesco Flachi pulled Samp level in the 78th minute, but there was to be no fairytale winner as fatigue set in..

Cagliari 2-2 Livorno
Cagliari earned their first point of the season after a breathless 2-2 draw with Livorno as former coach Daniele Arrigoni returned to haunt the Isolani. After guiding the Sardinians to a more than respectable 10th-place finish in 2005, Arrigoni left for Torino, but was back in Cagliari for the second game of the season after Torino went bankrupt. He lasted just 90 minutes before being given the chop, however, due to the fans' protests over his walking out on the club months earlier. Now with Livorno, it was Arrigoni who was celebrating after just seven minutes of his return to the Stadio Sant'Elia. Ibrahima Bakayoko sweeped home from close range to give the visiotors the lead, but the home side fought back to level through defender Michele Ferri. Cagliari started the second half better and were rewarded after 56 minutes when David Suazo gave them the lead for the first time. However, Arrigoni was not to be denied on his return and his side clawed themselves level just four minutes later after a scramble in the penalty area. Tomas Danilevicius was adjudged to have been pushed and the Lithuanian picked himself up to calmly convert the penalty and give both sides a share of the points.

Atalanta 0-0 Empoli
Nicola Ventola missed a late penalty as Atalanta and Empoli continued their unbeaten starts to the new Serie A season with a goalless draw at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia. Ventola returned from injury to lead the line for the home side but failed to continue his superb scoring record as the Nerazzurri were held to their second consecutive 0-0 draw thanks to a heroic performance from Empoli goalkeeper Daniele Balli. Luca Ariatti was brought down by Nicola Ascoli in the 85th minute and despite protestations that the foul was outside the referee gave the penalty. Atalanta had won each of the four games they had played this season with Ventola in their ranks - including Coppa Italia ties - and the former Inter man had netted in each. However, faced with the prospect of hitting the club's 1,000th goal on home soil in Serie A, Ventola saw his placed spot-kick well saved by Balli in the Empoli goal.

Serie B Wk 3: Juve crush Crotone

Tuesday 20 September
Crotone 0-3 Juventus
Juventus picked up their first Serie B win at the weekend and, despite missing the injured Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet, continued to climb out of their 17-point Calciopoli ditch with victory at Crotone.

The home side had the expected aggressive start, but couldn’t create any real chances and paid the price. Valeri Bojinov broke through after half an hour, spinning round his marker to turn in a Marcelo Zalayeta pass from six yards. Jean-Alain Boumsong has been criticised so far this season for costly errors in defence, but the former Newcastle United man scored a rare goal at the other end of the field, rising to nod in a Mauro Camoranesi corner kick. Crotone didn’t give in and Veron’s strike skimmed the crossbar before half-time.

Juve have repeatedly allowed opponents back into the game this season, but remained humble and worked hard to prevent any Crotone counter-attacks in the second period. Camoranesi went off after a knock to his ankle. Bojinov put the result beyond doubt when slotted home Federico Balzaretti’s pass, but it was a controversial goal as the Bulgarian was offside when his teammate received and came back into play to score.

Arezzo 0-0 Napoli
Both sides failed to get the answers they needed from this game. Napoli suffered their first defeat since February at the weekend and needed to prove they were just as effective away from home as at the San Paolo, while Arezzo were looking for their opening victory. Unfortunately, the game was preceded by crowd trouble caused by Napoli fans without tickets. Cristian Bucchi’s early penalty appeals for a clash with Mirko Conte were waved away, then Croce pounced on a Grava error to test the Napoli goalkeeper’s reflexes. Sam Dalla Bona and Bricca wasted good opportunities.

Edy Reja’s men were more lively after the break, as Bonomi rattled the bar, albeit after he had been flagged for offside, and Emanuele Calaiò had a goal disallowed for the same reason. Bondi skimmed the woodwork and Calaio fired just wide before ex-Napoli starlet Antonio Floro Flores had a shot charged down by Paolo Cannavaro. Roberto Sosa replaced Bucchi, but it was Dalla Bona who almost gave the Azzurri the lead, breaking through the defence and bringing a great save out of Bremec. The pace picked up considerably in the second half with Gennaro Iezzo keeping out a bouncing long-range Floro Flores strike, tipping Vigna’s effort over the bar and Di Donato shaving the upright.

Brescia 2-1 Treviso
Brescia left it very late indeed to turn this game around, but two goals in the final stages put them joint top of the standings with Lecce. Treviso had been close to their first win of the season with Fava’s early goal, but Jadid’s deflected free kick drew the Rondinelle level and deep into stoppages Hamsik converted a controversial penalty.

Lecce 2-0 Mantova
Zdenek Zeman’s Lecce leap to the top of the table with a prestigious victory over promotion rivals Mantova. Osvaldo was only kept out by the upright early on, but Guillermo Giacomazzi’s piledriver from the edge of the area gave the home side a deserved lead. The result was never really in doubt and Jaime Valdes had time for a cheeky lobbed penalty. It was saved by Pierluigi Brivio, but he could only parry it back into the path of the blushing Chilean.

Modena 2-0 Genoa
Modena have had a poor start to the season, but they shocked the Serie B leaders at the Stadio Braglia. Sforzini put the Canarini ahead with a splendid effort from the edge of the box and Genoa poured forward in the second half, Rossi’s missile well saved, but Alex Pinardi scored against the run of play with an angled drive. Rossoblu goalkeeper Rubinho was stretchered off unconscious after an accidental clash with Sforzini and, as all the substitutions had been completed, Giuseppe Sculli went between the posts for the final 12 minutes.

Pescara 0-1 Bari
Pescara cruelly fell to a third straight defeat at the Stadio Adriatico, as a last-gasp strike from Giorgio Di Vicino saw Bari steal the points. An even encounter seemed to be destined for a stalemate before Di Vicino’s header in the dying moments clinched the win for Rolando Maran’s side.

Piacenza 1-0 Bologna
The Stadio Garilli is fast becoming the home of the giant-killers, as last week Napoli fell and leaders Bologna followed suit in this local derby. Mourad Meghni brought a tough save out of Coppola and struck the woodwork, while Christian Amoroso wasted a golden opportunity. However, it was Piacenza who grabbed the winner when Francesco Antonioli misjudged a cross and allowed Nef to nod into an empty net.

Rimini 2-1 Frosinone
Frosinone scored their first Serie B goal, but fell victim to a second half comeback from a spirited 10-man Rimini side in an exciting encounter. Di Nardo opened the Canarini’s Cadetti account early in the second half, but despite the dismissal of Digao – Kaka’s younger brother – Rimini fought back spectacularly with a great shot on the turn from Davide Moscardelli and a winner from Brazilian hit man Jeda. With five minutes to go Frosinone’s Fabio De Venanzio also walked.

Triestina 1-2 Albinoleffe
Albinoleffe shocked Triestina and grabbed maximum points at the Stadio Nereo Rocco. The visitors had led through midfielder Marco Gori before summer signing Nicola Ferrari missed a chance to double the advantage with a twice-taken penalty before half time. Piovaccari’s header equalised after the break before Ferrari showed true guts to make amends from the penalty spot. Joelson also hit the woodwork for the visitors.


Wednesday 21 September
Vicenza 0-1 Cesena
Cesena leapt to the top of the table, but Vicenza are rock bottom with a third straight defeat. Papa Waigo ran down the right flank to set up Pelle’s winning goal just after the break with the simplest of tap-ins. Schwoch and Salvetti had chances to add to the tally, while the Biancorossi’s potential equaliser rattled the crossbar from Padoin’s free kick.

Spezia 1-0 Verona
Spezia have their first Serie B win, but had to dig deep to resist long periods of Verona pressure in a hot-blooded affair. The visitors arrived on a high after an encouraging start to the campaign, but looked disjointed in the first period and Spezia took full advantage when Massimiliano Varricchio broke through a static defence. Verona dominated the game after the interval, but their closest effort saw Vincenzo Italiano’s goal-bound shot deflected wide off Spezia right-back Giovanni Rossi. Hopes of an equaliser faded with the dismissal of Iunco for a rash second bookable offence and the fans at the Alberto Picco were left to celebrate an historic three points. There was some controversy as referee Maurizio Ciampi appeared to show Spezia man Rossi two yellow cards without brandishing a red during the second half.


Source: C4 Football Italia

Euro 2012 Visit: Day 3

Following the site visit of Napoli’s Stadio San Paolo this morning, the delegation transferred to the third of the eight stops - Palermo.

The visit began with a meeting at the Villa Niscemi with Lorenzo Ceraulo (Infrastructure Councillor), Salvatore Cordaro (President of the Town Council) and Stefano Santoro (Sports Councillor).

It was followed by a visit to the Stadio Renzo Barbera and then the Paolo Borsellino training facility.

Before travelling to the fourth stop of the tour Bari, Horst Schmidt (Advisor to the National Teams Committee) expressed his interest for plans for the city. "I would like to thank Palermo for its welcome. The development of the city and the plans for new infrastructure are without doubt very interesting."

In the capital of the Puglia region Bari, Mayor Michele Emiliano and city authorities welcomed the UEFA delegates. "I would like to thank the UEFA delegation and the FIGC Organising Committee for having selected our city as one of the eight possible locations to host the competition. I would like to assure you of Bari's great passion for football and the importance of such an event for the city."


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Euro 2012 Visit: Day 2

The proposals for the tournament to be held in Italy were laid out in a meeting at the Italian Olympic Committee today.

The event was attended by Azzurri coach Roberto Donadoni and assistant coach to the Under-21’s team Gianfranco Zola, who is also an ambassador for UNICEF. They were joined by all of the national authorities that support the bid including the Sports Minister Giovanna Melandri, CONI President Giovanni Petrucci and Lega Calcio President Antonio Matarrese.

In his speech, CONI President Petrucci underlined the great organising tradition of Italian sports. "Everybody recognises the high level of organisation in our sports. We just experienced the exhilarating Winter Olympic Games in Turin. And then the World Cup victory in Germany has shown what football means in Italy. We are here in front of you today with the support of the Italian Government and of the whole nation. We want Italy to have all of the necessary requirements to host the 2012 European Championship. This will show the high level of organisational ability of Italian sports and the whole Italian sports world will back the candidature. Good luck, Italy!"

Italian Sports Minister Melandri confirmed the full and unconditional support for the bid on behalf of the government. "This candidature is both in the heart and aspirations of the government's actions. It is the candidature of the nation as a whole. It is a strategic opportunity to rethink the system of the facilities for hosting sports attractions: stadia as meeting places just like piazzas. The government stands ready to do its part; we are ready to face the complex organisational aims to reach the goals through legislative measures. Let's meet on 8 December, on the day of the appointment of the European Championship, with the hope of having the advantage of an organisation that is important to the government and for which it is willing to actively commit itself."

Deputy Commissioner Vito Gamberale spoke on behalf of the Italian Football Federation guaranteeing the commitment, both concrete and moral, in the bid to host Euro 2012. "To be here at CONI, underlines the authority and commitment of Italian sports towards reaching this goal. The presence of Minister Melandri witnesses the fact that the Euro 2012 organising project is the nation's project. All of us hope that this visit will satisfy and reassure the UEFA Committee; stadia and infrastructure will be able to host the 2012 European Championship within the planned schedule. Just as it has been pointed out in the statement that accompanies the project, the stadia are the natural evolution of the piazza as a meeting place; and along these lines we would like to guarantee sports ethics, regulations, transparency and sportsmanship.”

The visit in Rome ended with inspections of the Stadio Olympico, the hotel facilities in the area, the Auditorium Parco della Musica (which is the proposed site for the group draws), the Acqua Acetosa Doping Control Centre and the Stadio Flaminio.

In the afternoon the delegation arrived in Naples where Mayor Rosa Russa Iervolino and Sports Councillor Alfredo Ponticelli welcomed them at the Palazzo San Giacomo (City Hall). At the City Hall a meeting was held between the Mayor and Horst Schmidt (Advisor to the National Teams Committee) and Francesco Ghirelli (Italy’s Euro 2012 Project Manager).

Mayor Iervolino explained why Naples was one of the main cities at the heart of the bid. "I'm told that football without Naples is not football. This is why we are ready to organise and host Euro 2012. As mayor of Naples I look at the European Championship not only as a great sporting event, but also as a rendezvous with a strong social and educational value."


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Euro 2012 Visit: Day 1

The first official visit was conducted at the Saxa Rubra production centre of Italian state broadcaster RAI. The UEFA team were presented with the projects on the new facilities that will be built for the international media organisations.

In the evening, the members of the UEFA committee were dinner guests of Mayor Walter Veltroni who welcomed them on behalf of the city of Rome at the city hall. The dinner was also attended by the four FIGC Deputy Commissioners, Demetrio Albertini, Massimo Coccia, Vito Gamberale and Paolo Nicoletti as well as the Federation's Director General, Virginia Filippi.

In welcoming the guests, Veltroni highlighted some aspects of the great passion that Italians have for football, without forgetting the suggestive backdrop that Rome and Italy can offer. "Our country is crazy about football, just as in the healthy passion shown for the recent World Cup victory. If the 2012 European Championship is held in Italy, you will discover an incredible passion."

The Mayor then dwelled on Rome’s sporting tradition. "It’s a city immersed in sports. It can offer modern and avant-garde facilities such as the Auditorium, or evocative theatres such as Circo Massimo. Moreover, Rome has proven over the years to be able to guarantee top security standards.”


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Serie A Wk 2: Roma, Palermo & Milan win

Saturday 16 September
Inter 1-1 Sampdoria
Inter Milan temporarily climbed to the top of the Serie A table despite being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by visitors Sampdoria at the San Siro. After a quiet opening 45 minutes, the game sprung into life when the visitors took a surprise lead as Francesco Flachi converted from the spot just three minutes into the second half after being upended by Ivan Cordoba in the Inter area. Flachi's goal seemed to spur the home side into action and they eventually found a breakthrough as Massimo Bonanni diverted the ball into his own net 10 minutes from time before Inter had goals from Patrick Vieira and Adriano disallowed as they searched for a winner.

Reggina 2-1 Cagliari
In the day's first game, Reggina made the first dent into their 15-point deduction as they beat Cagliari in their first home match of the season. The Stadio Oreste Granillo made for a strange sight with the Curva Nord area where the Reggina fans normally congregate deserted by the fans who were protesting against their team's punishment. In-form striker Rolando Bianchi grabbed the winner deep into stoppage time. Earlier Cagliari's David Suazo had netted an equaliser from the penalty spot after Alessandro Lucarelli's opener.

Sunday 17 September
Siena 1-3 Roma
Roma followed up their midweek goalscoring exploits with an impressive 3-1 victory over 10-man Siena at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. Having demolished Shakhtar Donetsk 4-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday, Luciano Spalletti's men also proved too strong for Siena as second-half goals from Rodrigo Taddei, David Pizarro and Stefano Okaka ensured a second Serie A win of the season for the capital club. Roma's cause was helped, however, by the early dismissal of Ezio Brevi until Mario Frick's late strike spared some blushes for the hosts.

Lazio 1-2 Palermo
David Di Michele's first-half double fired Palermo to second in Serie A as Lazio slumped to their second defeat of the new season despite Tommaso Rocchi's late strike. Palermo, who beat West Ham 1-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Cup first-round clash on Thursday, share the early lead with Roma after both sides recorded unbeaten starts to the new campaign. Lazio are still looking to reduce their 11-point deduction for their part in the match-fixing scandal after suffering a 2-1 defeat by Milan on the opening day.

Livorno 1-0 Fiorentina
Livorno heaped more misery on Tuscan rivals Fiorentina as Cristiano Lucarelli opened his Serie A account with the solitary goal at the Stadio Armando Picchi. Lucarelli, the 2005 leading goalscorer with 24 goals in 35 matches for Livorno, claimed the headlines as last season's leading marksman Luca Toni failed to add to the two goals he scored in last week's 3-2 defeat by Internazionale. Fiorentina are still reeling from their 19-point deduction for their part in the match-fixing scandal, which also robbed them of European football, and sees them rooted to the foot of the league table after failing to reduce the deficit this season.

Parma 0-2 Milan
Milan continued to shave points off their eight-point deduction with victory at Parma on Sunday evening. Carlo Ancelotti's men are now just two points from breaking even after goals from Clarence Seedorf and Kaka, the latter a late penalty, gave the Rossoneri their second Serie A win in as many games. Seedorf curled in a beautiful 30-yard free-kick to give Milan a 25th-minute lead and substitute Kaka made sure of the points by winning and converting a spot-kick with five minutes to go. The hosts, who had rested most of their first-team regulars for the midweek UEFA Cup clash against Rubin Kazan which they won 1-0 in Russia, are still on one point which they earned in Turin last week.

Catania 0-0 Atalanta
Catania and Atalanta maintained their unbeaten starts to life back in Serie A with a bad-tempered goalless draw in Sicily. There was a feeling of euphoria around the ground at kick-off after both sides registered impressive wins on the opening weekend but that slowly evaporated as the game stumbled to a dull stalemate. Both sides had chances to win it but a draw was about right.

Empoli 1-1 Chievo
Empoli will be disappointed only to have managed a draw against 10-man Chievo. Davide Mandelli put the visitors from Verona ahead early on but their celebrations were cut short soon afterwards when Luciano was dismissed after receiving his second yellow card. However, Igli Vannucchi strike was enough to ensure his side grabbed a valuable if a disappointing point.

Udinese 2-0 Torino
Udinese picked up their first win of the season, 2-0 against promoted Torino. Giovanni Galeone's side had got off to a losing start last week at the expense of Messina. However, goals from Antonio Di Natale and Felipe ensured Galeone and his men are up and running while Torino have only a point in the bank from their first two matches.

Ascoli 1-1 Messina
Ascoli picked up their first point of the season thanks to an injury time equaliser against Messina at the Stadio Del Duca. Giampietro Perrulli was the hero for the home side, scoring his first goal in Serie A deep into time added on against a Messina team that had been depleted minutes earlier by the sending-off of Alessandro Parisi. Christian Rigano had given the away side the lead midway through the second half.

UEFA to examine Euro 2012 sites

Italy’s candidacy to host Euro 2012 entered another stage today as a UEFA delegation team arrived in the country to visit the proposed venues.

The peninsula is among the front-runners in the race to stage the European Championships and the six inspectors arrived in Rome this morning to see the eight cities where the games would be played. They will examine the stadium infrastructure, training grounds, travel arrangements and hotel facilities.

A visit to the Saxa Rubra headquarters of Italian state broadcaster RAI, is scheduled in the afternoon while in the evening, the delegation will enjoy a welcome dinner at Campidoglio with Mayor of Rome Walter Veltroni.

Then on Monday the proposals will be laid out in a meeting that’ll include Azzurri coach Roberto Donadoni and assistant coach to the Under-21’s team Gianfranco Zola, who is also an ambassador for UNICEF. Also in attendance at the Italian Olympic Committee hall will be all of the national authorities that support the bid as well as Italian Sports Minister Giovanna Melandri and CONI President Giovanni Petrucci.

UEFA’s delegation will examine the stadium infrastructure, training grounds, travel arrangements and hotel facilities in the eight cities that are penciled down to host the tournament matches. The bid plans to host matches in Bari, Florence, Milan, Naples, Palermo, Rome, Turin and Udine. Four other cities have been named as possible substitutes - Bologna, Cagliari, Genoa and Verona.

The delegation that has just visited Poland and Ukraine’s joint bid, consists of Giorgio Marchetti (Director of Professional Football), Mikael Selzer (Head of National Team Competitions), Christoph Jung (EURO Competition Manager), Jurgen Muller (Head of Event management/EURO 2008 SA), Horst Schmidt (Advisor National Teams Committee), and Sabine Fux (Accommodation Manager).

The third candidate in the running to host the tournament is also a joint bid from Croatia and Hungary. A final selection of the host country will be made at UEFA headquarters on December 8.

This blog post will be updated with the day-by-day events of the six-day visit…

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS:
17 September 2006 – Day 1 (Rome)
18 September 2006 – Day 2 (Rome & Naples)
19 September 2006 – Day 3 (Naples, Palermo & Bari)
20 September 2006 – Day 4 (Bari, Udine & Turin)
21 September 2006 – Day 5 (Turin & Milan)
22 September 2006 – Day 6 (Florence)

Euro 2012 Host City Selection - Timeline:
17 September: UEFA delagates inspect Italy.
October: UEFA carries out public opinion surveys in Italy.
31 October: The final deadline for the 3 bidders to submit the Staging Agreement, Stadium Agreement, the Host City Agreement and the Airports Agreement to UEFA.
29 Novembrer: Meeting with the UEFA National Team Commission (NTC) - approval of the Evaluation Report Phase II and submission to the Chief Executive.
November/December: The UEFA Chief Executive submits the Evaluation Report Phase II to the Executive Committee.
7 December: Final Presentation by Bidders to the Executive Committee.
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Serie B Wk 2: Juve secure win

Friday 15 September
Albinoleffe 0-0 Modena
These two sides are still looking for their first wins of the season after a disappointing goalless draw. Alex Pinardi’s low drive skimmed the woodwork and Tisci’s free kick was parried, but Modena goalkeeper Frezzolini needed fine saves to keep out Ferrari. Antonazzo saw red for insulting the linesman in the final stages.

Bari 1-1 Brescia
Brescia continue their march on the top of the table, fighting back to earn a point at the Stadio San Nicola. Tabbiani had given Bari the lead early on with a right-foot strike under the crossbar, but they were made to pay for wasting other opportunities in the first half. The Rondinelle snatched a draw 10 minutes from time when Possanzini tapped in at the near post. Jadid almost turned the game around completely, but Gillet performed a crucial save on his header.

Saturday 16 September
Juventus 2-1 Vicenza
Juventus played their first match at the newly reconstructed Stadio Comunale and marked it with their opening victory, but it was once again a struggle. David Trezeguet made his Serie B debut and had an immediate impact, at full stretch to volley home a Giorgio Chiellini cross from the left. Vicenza goalkeeper Matteo Guardalben performed heroics on Trezeguet and Pavel Nedved. Alessandro Del Piero slalomed through three defenders and earned a free kick, which he then curled into the top corner.

However, Vicenza got back into the game when Raimondi was left unmarked to fire in at the back post from a tight angle. It really should’ve been 2-2 moments later, as Jean-Alain Boumsong’s mistake allowed Sgrigna to roll across for Cavalli, who incredibly pushed wide with only Gianluigi Buffon to beat. As at Rimini last week, Juve lost their way in the closing stages and Buffon parried Raimondi’s strike while Schwoch fired wide, but the Bianconeri clung on for their first ever Serie B victory.

Bologna 2-1 Spezia
Claudio Bellucci struck twice to secure a hard-fought win for Bologa. Bellucci broke the deadlock on 54 minutes with a precise header, taking advantage of the goalkeeper’s error. Bologna seemed to be going towards a comfortable victory, but in the final minutes Varricchio rose to nod in a corner kick. Stoppages were dramatic at the Dall’Ara, as Nicola was sent off and 10-man Spezia rattled the crossbar with Dionigi’s looping shot, but on the counter-attack Belluci’s delicate lob sealed the victory for the Rossoblu.

Cesena 3-1 Crotone
Cesena put last week’s fortunate draw with Spezia behind them with a comfortable win over Crotone. Fabrizio Castori’s men had to fight from behind after Roberto Nanni redirected a Galardo free kick with his chest, but seemed to grow in confidence after a Ficagna header on the stroke of half-time. Senegalese marksman Papa Waigo put the home side in front after the interval when he converted a Lazzari cross and the visitors fell apart when Sebastien Piocelle was controversially dismissed. Papa Waigo capped a fine performance when he turned provider for Emiliano Salvetti’s volley to put the game beyond doubt.

Frosinone 0-0 Arezzo
Arezzo Coach Antonio Conte will see this as two points dropped rather than a point gained. Newly-promoted Frosinone had ‘keeper Mauro Chiodini to thank for their share of the spoils after he saved an early penalty from Antonio Floro Flores. The home side rarely threatened and were also saved by the woodwork on Bondi’s effort just before half-time.

Genoa 2-1 Rimini
Genoa maintain their 100 per cent record after two games with another impressive display. Sculli rattled the crossbar before Greco scored with a fantastic solo effort, dribbling past three players and placing an angled drive past Handanovic. Sculli tapped in Rossi’s centre, but Rimini proved they have character by holding Juventus last week and fought back. Peccarisi hit the woodwork, as did Jeda, but in the latter’s case Moscardelli was ready to meet the rebound. However, Greco also shook the frame of the goal and Handanovic kept the scoreline down against a rampant Genoa.

Mantova 2-1 Pescara
Mantova took the points in this Stadio Martelli clash, but were made to sweat by a stubborn Pescara side. Summer signing Marco Ferrante was in the right place at the right time to slot the visitors ahead after a quarter of an hour and it took the Mantovani until the 54th minute to level when Noselli was brought down by Daniele Delli Carri for a spot-kick that Caridi coolly dispatched. Graziani sparked jubilant scenes when he sealed maximum points with just eight minutes remaining, flicking the ball over his marker and burying the angled drive.

Piacenza 2-1 Napoli
Napoli fall at the Garilli thanks to goals from two Naples-born players. The Serie B leaders had a disappointing start in their first away game of the season, as Simon went close to an opener before Nocerino’s splendid volley under the bar. The Piacenza midfielder is from Naples, so he refused to celebrate. The Azzurri fought back soon after when De Zerbi threaded through for Calaio to spring the offside trap and slot home. Napoli weren’t the same side as at the San Paolo, though, and Iezzo used his feet to clear Simon’s point-blank effort. Piacenza restored their lead 10 minutes from time with another Neapolitan, as the ball bounced into the air and Riccio did well to co-ordinate his volley with his weaker left foot.

Treviso 0-0 Triestina
This dour clash at the Stadio Omobono Tenni was a stark reminder to Treviso’s faithful that they are now in Serie B. With Gissi sent off before half-time, the home side clung on for a point and Triestina seemed happy to share the spoils, although Graffiedi forced a great save out of Avramov in stoppages.

Verona 1-1 Lecce
Verona were held on home turf by Zdenek Zeman's Lecce. They took the lead within the opening two minutes with Pedrelli’s fierce drive from the edge of the box and looked like doubling that tally several times, but Lecce came out fighting for the second half and Angelo turned in a Jaime Valdes assist to equalise. Giacomazzi could even have won it for the visitors were it not for Pegolo’s late save.


Source: C4 Football Italia