tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315555422024-03-23T10:13:36.687+00:00Italian Calcio BlogLatest Calcio News and Views As They Happen!italian calcio bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18004038557750711623noreply@blogger.comBlogger3074125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31555542.post-29641975321040714082015-02-20T17:02:00.000+00:002015-02-21T02:03:45.869+00:00Financial problems force Parma-Udinese postponement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Financial problems at Parma has forced the postponement of Sunday's Serie A game with Udinese.</b><br />
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Parma have not paid wages to players or staff since the summer and new owner Giampietro Manenti has failed to make the minimum payments against debt due on 16 February.<br />
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With cash levels at the Stadio Ennio Tardini reportedly dipping below €40,000 this week, Parma were unable to fund matchday stewards for Sunday's game and therefore requested it be held behind closed doors.
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<br />
<a name='more'></a>But players and coaches from both clubs have "expressed discomfort" over that proposition, leading the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) to order a postponement following a meeting held in Parma on Friday.<br />
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A FIGC statement read: "The president has taken note of Parma's request that Parma-Udinese, originally scheduled for February 22, take place exclusively behind closed doors.<br />
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"He has heard from the Italian Footballers' Association (AIC) and the Italian Association of Coaches (AIAC) who have expressed discomfort of players and coaches from both teams about playing behind closed doors.<br />
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"Decision: the re-arrangement of the game to another date which will be decided by the Lega Serie A."<br />
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Manenti's Slovenian-based company Mapi Group are Parma's third owners this season.<br />
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After team coaches and club vehicles were seized from the Collecchio training base earlier in the week, the first team's training session on Friday was cancelled with players growing increasingly frustrated.<br />
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Parma captain Alessandro Lucarelli said: "We've had a meeting with the president [Manenti] and what has emerged is the difficulty in bringing the money to Italy. He has reiterated that he will try to give us some guarantees in the next 24 hours.<br />
<br />
"But our patience has a limit. We are a united group and we have given the club an ultimatum. The time is running out. We need action, not words."<br />
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Parma have won only three games all season and sit at the foot of the table, 13 points shy of safety following last weekend's goalless draw at second-placed Roma. Roberto Donadoni's side have collected one point from their last six league games.<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.italian-calcio.blogspot.com</div>italian calcio bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18004038557750711623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31555542.post-52887176315158766592015-02-18T20:00:00.000+00:002015-02-18T20:00:07.665+00:00Italy U17s win ahead of Euro Qualifiers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzilmA0COv24Ok_xW8s_ljsZdKS4Ki-rl3D3jqJQjfpcgxXHwX1b320abKIosWTZzRQ234OiJ-19gxfuxA_MBWdkZS_q1uDkeTOL_jX9vQMV_2nrW_rhvE1qYJmqEWUEoWRlrUDQ/s1600/Italyu17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzilmA0COv24Ok_xW8s_ljsZdKS4Ki-rl3D3jqJQjfpcgxXHwX1b320abKIosWTZzRQ234OiJ-19gxfuxA_MBWdkZS_q1uDkeTOL_jX9vQMV_2nrW_rhvE1qYJmqEWUEoWRlrUDQ/s1600/Italyu17.jpg" height="220" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Italy Under-17s have beaten Austria 1-0 in a friendly in Fontanafredda today.</b><br />
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The Azzurrini hit the post twice in the first half before former Roma striker Gianluca Scamacca, who made a controversial move to PSV Eindhoven recently, found the net to score the winner after coming on as a substitute.<br />
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This is a second consecutive win this year following the excellent victory over Spain in Ibiza last month ahead of the Elite Qualifying Round for the UEFA European Under-17 Championships.
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<a name='more'></a>Coach Bruno Tedino commented: "Ahead of the Elite stage of the Euros, we got all the answers we were looking for. Austria proved to be a tough opponent, mostly defensively. They caused our midfield and strikers a lot of trouble."<br />
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Italy face Ukraine, Slovakia & hosts Germany in the Elite Round, which is scheduled to start on 21 March, as they aim to qualify for the Finals in Bulgaria in May.<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.italian-calcio.blogspot.com</div>italian calcio bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18004038557750711623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31555542.post-72064490859802882542015-02-17T21:13:00.000+00:002015-02-19T02:44:54.904+00:00Tavecchio to lead reforms, Lotito dropped<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>The President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) Carlo Tavecchio will be personally responsible for the reforms in Italian football.</b><br />
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The news follows Lazio President Claudio Lotito's disparaging remarks last week about small clubs gaining promotion to Serie A and declaring that league presidents "decide nothing", creating a storm in the Italian media.<br />
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Lotito, elected one of Serie A's Federal Councillor's on the FIGC board, was appointed to lead the discussions on reforms of the Italian football system by Tavecchio last year.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>This evening, the Italian Secretary for Sport Graziano Delrio summoned Tavecchio and the chief of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) Giovanni Malagò for a meeting to evaluate the current crisis.<br />
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While Lotito's name wasn't mentioned on the official statement after the summit, he seems to have paid the price for the controversial comments.<br />
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The FIGC statement read: "Giovanni Malagò, President of the Italian National Olympic Committee, and Carlo Tavecchio, FIGC President, were welcomed at the Palazzo Chigi by Graziano Delrio, Member of Parliament and state secretary to the Prime Minister with a mandate for sport.<br />
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"The goal of the meeting was to evaluate the current situation in the football world. Tavecchio explained what was going on before explaining what will be discussed at the next meeting of the Federal Council, which takes place at the end of the month.<br />
<br />
"The meeting will focus on measures to add impetus to the reforms put in place by FIGC, which will be personally overseen by Tavecchio."<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.italian-calcio.blogspot.com</div>italian calcio bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18004038557750711623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31555542.post-54795897195576601722015-02-09T09:00:00.000+00:002015-02-19T02:45:16.173+00:00Italian-Calcio Blog is Back!<b><span style="color: red;">The title says it all.</span></b><br />
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The blog all about the Italian football world is back after an absence of over 4 years.<br />
<br />
I'll be posting here news and background details of all things calcio that can't be done in 140 characters on Twitter.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Please note, posts before this are over 4 years old. Other articles and links are out of date, but will be updated as soon as possible.<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.italian-calcio.blogspot.com</div>italian calcio bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18004038557750711623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31555542.post-56285574195323371262010-09-08T11:47:00.003+01:002010-09-09T02:51:30.342+01:00Prandelli welcomes back the smiles<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Italy coach Cesare Prandelli is relieved his side have brought smiles back to the faces of their fans after their dismal FIFA World Cup showing.</span></b><br />
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However, after wins over Estonia and the Faroe Islands in their first two qualifiers for UEFA Euro 2012, the former Fiorentina boss has warned of tougher tests to come.<br />
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Goals from Alberto Gilardino, Daniele De Rossi, Antonio Cassano, Fabio Quagliarella and Andrea Pirlo sunk the Faroes, the group minnows, at Prandelli's former Florence stomping ground of the Stadio Artemio Franchi.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>And the coach said: "We wanted to bring a smile and the enthusiasm back to people, we are working on that.<br />
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"It was strange to see the national team go out in Italian stadiums without being applauded. We are creating excitement with these victories. In the future we can play good football, with attacking intent. The philosophy of play is important and we had the right attitude, the desire to play the ball on the ground."<br />
<br />
A trip to Northern Ireland - who opened their campaign with an impressive win in Slovenia at the weekend - and a home clash to Serbia follow next month, and Prandelli said: "We expect the most important games of the year. We should be more of a team, more organised."<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Source: PA</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.italian-calcio.blogspot.com</div>italian calcio bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18004038557750711623noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31555542.post-37063480654885267522010-09-07T21:54:00.017+01:002010-09-09T02:46:28.175+01:00[Azzurri] Italy make Prandelli feel at home<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Italy won for the second match in succession as Cesare Prandelli enjoyed a five-star return to the Stadio Artemio Franchi and a convincing win in UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying group Group C against the Faroe Islands.</span></b><br />
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Prandelli, back at the stadium that was his home as Fiorentina coach for five years until this summer, made five changes to the side that beat Estonia 2-1 on Friday, including Alberto Gilardino, who headed the hosts in front on 11 minutes.<br />
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Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Cassano added further first-half strikes before Fabio Quagliarella pounced nine minutes from time and Andrea Pirlo curled in a late free-kick to send the Azzurri top of Group C.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Italy hit the ground running and could have twice taken the lead before Gilardino's opener. First the lively Cassano shot wide after a neat one-two on the edge of the area with Gilardino, and then the influential Pirlo sent a free-kick narrowly beyond the far post.<br />
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As in Estonia, it was a set piece from the Italy captain that produced the first goal, Gilardino rising to glance his 17th international goal past Gunnar Nielsen in front of his delighted home fans.<br />
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The next two strikes owed much to Luca Antonelli, the Parma full-back beginning by embarking on a forceful run before cutting the ball back to De Rossi, who rifled a deflected shot in off Atli Gregersen at the second attempt.<br />
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Following further sterling approach play down the left by Antonelli, Cassano then picked up possession 22 metres out and scored with a powerful strike.<br />
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But for the intervention of Nielsen, the visitors, whose only threat before half-time was a tame free-kick by Christian Mouritsen, could have been worse off. In fact, it was a surprise that the hosts had to wait until nine minutes from time to make it 4-0, Juventus striker Quagliarella finally poking in from close range after Giampaolo Pazzini's shot had been blocked on the line.<br />
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After Cassano was again thwarted by Nielsen, Pirlo capped a polished performance with a curling effort that cemented Italy's place atop the section, two points clear of Serbia, who drew 1-1 with Slovenia in the other match in the group. <br />
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Prandelli's charges will next be tested in Northern Ireland on 8 October, before they welcome Serbia to Genoa four days later.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Group C Results</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Tuesday 7 September</span><br />
Italy 5-0 Faroe Islands<br />
Serbia 1-1 Slovenia<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;"><b>Group C Standings</b></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">[1]</span> ITA - PLD: 02 - PTS: 06</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">---------------------------</span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">[2]</span> SER - PLD: 02 - PTS: 04</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">---------------------------</span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">[3]</span> NIR - PLD: 01 - PTS: 03</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">[4]</span> EST - PLD: 02 - PTS: 03</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">[5]</span> SLO - PLD: 02 - PTS: 01</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">[6]</span> FIS - PLD: 03 - PTS: 00</span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Next Group C Fixtures</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Friday 8 October</span><br />
Northern Ireland v Italy<br />
Serbia v Estonia<br />
Slovenia v Faroe Islands<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Tuesday 12 October</span><br />
Estonia v Slovenia<br />
Faroe Islands v Northern Ireland<br />
Italy v Serbia<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Source: UEFA</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.italian-calcio.blogspot.com</div>italian calcio bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18004038557750711623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31555542.post-47859794686884897022010-09-07T18:19:00.022+01:002010-09-09T02:31:47.521+01:00[U21] Italy reach Euro play-offs<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Italy took top spot in Group 3 and a place in the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship play-offs with a narrow win against nearest rivals Wales.</span></b><br />
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Mattia Mustacchio's strike handed the three points to Pierluigi Casiraghi's side, who had to secure a 1-0 scoreline or a win by a two-goal margin in Pescara to go into Friday's draw. <br />
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The only goal of the game came after just 14 minutes, with a fine cross from Luca Marrone picking out winger Mustacchio to score his first international goal at this level via a finish into the far corner.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>It was a relief for coach Casiraghi, whose side also held their nerve to win another crucial qualifier in Bosnia and Herzegovina by the same margin on Friday.<br />
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As for Wales, who finish behind the Azzurrini on the head-to-head record, they have not qualified for the play-offs as one of the four best runners-up.<br />
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Romania, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Sweden, Croatia, Ukraine, Greece and Scotland clinched the other places in the play-off draw as group winners with Spain, England, Belarus and Iceland completing the line-up as best runners-up.<br />
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The play-offs will take place between 9 and 13 October, with the seven winners joining hosts Denmark in the final tournament next June.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Group 3 Results</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Saturday 4 September</span><br />
Hungary 0-1 Wales<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Tuesday 7 September</span><br />
Hungary 0-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina<br />
Italy 1-0 Wales<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Group 3 Standings</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">[1] ITA - PLD: 08 - PTS: 16</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">---------------------------</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">[2] WAL - PLD: 08 - PTS: 16</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">---------------------------</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">[3] HUN - PLD: 08 - PTS: 13</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">[4] BOS - PLD: 08 - PTS: 08</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">[5] LUX - PLD: 08 - PTS: 04</span></b></span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">Play-offs</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Group winners:</span></b> Romania (Group 1), Switzerland (Group 2), Italy (Group 3), Netherlands (Group 4), Czech Republic (Group 5), Sweden (Group 6), Croatia (Group 7), Ukraine (Group 8), Greece (Group 9), Scotland (Group 10).<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Four best runners-up:</span></b> Spain (Group 4), England (Group 9), Belarus (Group 10), Iceland (Group 5).<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Source: UEFA</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.italian-calcio.blogspot.com</div>italian calcio bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18004038557750711623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31555542.post-69493670441703925212010-09-06T18:21:00.001+01:002010-09-06T22:29:23.612+01:00Prandelli expecting to dominate possession<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Italy coach Cesare Prandelli is expecting his team to dominate possession against the Faroe Islands at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence on Tuesday evening.</span></b><br />
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And the former Fiorentina coach, who spent the last five years guiding La Viola, believes that this should help his reconstructed team to develop more quickly.<br />
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Prandelli has completely overhauled the team and squad that his predecessor Marcello Lippi had faith in, bringing players like Antonio Cassano back in from the cold and promoting a host of new names to the international set-up.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>And he believes that beginning his UEFA Euro 2012 qualification campaign against some of the continent's minnows can only help. On Friday, Italy, 11th in the FIFA World Rankings, beat the world 94th ranked Estonia 2-1 in Tallinn and tomorrow they host a team considered the 118th best in the world.<br />
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"In Tallin we had 75 percent of possession and in theory we should also have this amount of the ball tomorrow, hence having a lot of the ball allows you to construct your game and make things happen and that's important," Prandelli said today.<br />
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"The more time we can spend together and work together on the pitch, the more we will develop our pride and desire to win and with that the desire to collaborate will grow."<br />
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Prandelli also believes it will be an emotional experience for him to be back so soon at the stadium he called home for so many years, although he said he won't know just how emotional it will be until he gets out onto the pitch.<br />
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"Emotions are spontaneous, it's impossible to know now what I will feel, I won't know that until tomorrow night," he added before dismissing any concerns that some local fans embittered by his choice to leave the club will jeer him or the team.<br />
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"Absolutely not, I've no fear of that because I'm convinced that everyone will come to the stadium to watch the team and celebrate a great night of sport, I have faith in the Fiorentina fans."<br />
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Prandelli has announced several changes to the team from the one that lined up in Tallinn, most notably in goal where Emiliano Viviano of Bologna will get the nod over Palermo's Salvatore Sirigu.<br />
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But Prandelli denied that was because Sirigu was at fault for Estonia's goal in Tallinn. "From the beginning we always wanted to give both goalkeepers a chance because we felt they're at the same level so (Viviano) will play," he said.<br />
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The other changes will be at full-back where Luca Antonelli and Fiorentina's Lorenzo De Silvestri replace Cristian Molinaro and Mattia Cassani.<br />
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There will be some turnover as well up front with Alberto Gilardino coming in for Giampaolo Pazzini and Giuseppe Rossi, if fit, replacing Simone Pepe.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Source: AFP</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.italian-calcio.blogspot.com</div>italian calcio bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18004038557750711623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31555542.post-60656219819150000092010-09-04T11:26:00.001+01:002010-09-04T21:30:11.346+01:00Prandelli believes Italy are becoming a team<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Cesare Prandelli praised his fledgling Italy team and claimed they were on the right path following their 2-1 win against Estonia.</span></b><br />
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Italy were far from impressive in their UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying Group C opener but they did grind out the victory despite falling behind to Sergei Zenjov's surprise first half goal.<br />
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Antonio Cassano and Leonardo Bonucci hit back after the break to give Italy their first win in eight matches and first of this calendar year.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Prandelli said that his players are slowly developing into a cohesive unit. "Without a good footing you can't go very far but it was more than just (Andrea) Pirlo and Cassano that pleased me, we're becomming a team," he said.<br />
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Prandelli has made sweeping changes since taking over from Marcello Lippi following Italy's hugely disappointing FIFA World Cup campaign - only 10 of his squad travelled to South Africa and he has already given six players their debut.<br />
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He knows that the team will take time to gel but even so he was dismayed with some of their defending. "Frankly I thought the mistakes we made on dead balls and counter-attacks were absurd," he moaned.<br />
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That lack of concentration was most evident with Estonia's goal as goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu spilled Konstantin Vassiljev's 35-yard free-kick and all but Mattia Cassani in the Italy defence stood ball-watching as Zenjov drove home the rebound.<br />
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"I thought someone's having a laugh," said Prandelli. "I wasn't afraid but I told the players in the dressing room (at half-time) to ditch any negative thoughts because we were playing well in general.<br />
<br />
"We've rediscovered the ability to play football with courage. These are three points but they're worth a lot more."<br />
<br />
Prandelli reserved special praise for Cassano, scorer of the first and architect of their second with a cheeky backheel.<br />
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"He's an example for anyone who wants to play for the national team," Prandelli said of the Sampdoria forward whose last Italy goal was at UEFA Euro 2004 and who had not been part of a squad for two years before Prandelli took over.<br />
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"He fought to get back in the squad and this week he's shown how much the shirt means to him."<br />
<br />
Midfielder Daniele De Rossi, who generally had a quiet game, described Cassano as the brightest player in the squad.<br />
<br />
"Cassano is important, he's the most talented player. He made the difference and that's what we expect from someone like him," he said. "I like playing with good players and there's many of them in the national team."<br />
<br />
Bonucci said his goal was down to Cassano's invention. From a Pirlo corner to the near post, Cassano let the ball run between his legs and backheeled it into the danger area where the unmarked Bonucci tapped in from three yards out.<br />
<br />
"Cassano did really well to get the ball in the middle on my goal," said Bonucci. "As for the rest, Antonio's a superstar and he can do these things."<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Source: AFP</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.italian-calcio.blogspot.com</div>italian calcio bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18004038557750711623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31555542.post-26955214015370939262010-09-03T21:39:00.019+01:002010-09-04T18:06:08.044+01:00[Azzurri] Italy scrape comeback success in Estonia<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Two second-half goals in quick succession allowed Italy to come from behind to start UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying Group C with a 2-1 win in Tallinn against Estonia, their first victory in 2010.</span></b><br />
<br />
Overseeing his first competitive game since replacing Marcello Lippi following the FIFA World Cup, Cesare Prandelli watched his charges head into the interval 1-0 down after Sergei Zenjov punished a mistake by visiting goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu.<br />
<br />
A pair of Andrea Pirlo corners nonetheless spared the Azzurri's blushes as Antonio Cassano finished on the hour mark and Leonardo Bonucci struck three minutes later, earning their side three points ahead of Tuesday's home meeting with the Faroe Islands in Florence.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Estonia, who already had three points secured thanks to their 2-1 win over the Faroe Islands in August, caused much of the early danger and they threatened with just 13 minutes gone when a headed pass from Sergei Zenjov released Konstantin Vassiljev with only Sirigu to beat. The midfielder fired over, but after Sergei Pareiko saved well from Giampaolo Pazzini's close-range effort, Sirigu failed to deal with a long-range Vassilijev free-kick and Zenjov converted the rebound.<br />
<br />
The hosts nearly doubled their lead three minutes into the second half when Sander Puri's powerful shot from distance hit the bar with Sirigu beaten.<br />
<br />
Italy were struggling to find space in attack, but Cassano eventually levelled the scores by heading in a Pirlo corner from the right. The AC Milan playmaker then helped Italy take the lead when he delivered from the opposite corner, with Cassano's back-heel at the near post allowing Bonucci to finish.<br />
<br />
Elsewhere in Group C today, Serbia thumped Faroe Islands 3-0 in Torshavn and Northern Ireland recorded a surprise 1-0 win against Slovenia in Maribor.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Group C Results</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Friday 3 September</span><br />
Estonia 1-2 Italy<br />
Faroe Island 0-3 Serbia<br />
Slovenia 0-1 Northern Ireland<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Group C Standings</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">[1]</span> SER - PLD: 01 - PTS: 03</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">---------------------------</span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">[2]</span> ITA - PLD: 01 - PTS: 03</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">---------------------------</span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">[3]</span> NIR - PLD: 01 - PTS: 03</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">[4]</span> EST - PLD: 02 - PTS: 03</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">[5]</span> SLO - PLD: 01 - PTS: 00</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">[6]</span> FIS - PLD: 02 - PTS: 00</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Next Group C Fixtures</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Tuesday 7 September</span><br />
Italy v Faroe Islands (1950)<br />
Serbia v Slovenia (1930)<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Source: UEFA</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.italian-calcio.blogspot.com</div>italian calcio bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18004038557750711623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31555542.post-11808032420518309252010-09-03T18:21:00.021+01:002010-09-03T19:29:01.449+01:00[U21] Nervy Italy keep Euro hopes alive<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Italy drew level on points with Group 3 leaders Wales to remain in the play-off hunt thanks to a nervy 1-0 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their penultimate UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying fixture.</span></b><br />
<br />
Wales can reclaim top spot in the section with a win against Hungary on Saturday but now know that anything less than three points will open the door for Pierluigi Casiraghi's side in the race for an automatic play-off berth.<br />
<br />
The Azzurrini, who welcome Wales to Pescara on Tuesday, prevailed against Bosnia-Herzegovina thanks to Roberto Soriano's goal 15 minutes from time, reward for their first-half superiority.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Cristian Pasquato's free-kicks proved particularly threatening in Sarajevo but it was Stefano Okaka who spurned the best chance when he shot wide after Soriano's clever pass.<br />
<br />
The visitors were equally dominant in possession after the break but again struggled to find a way through, Ibrahim Sehic smothering Guido Marilungo when the substitute appeared to be in on goal.<br />
<br />
The deadlock was finally broken courtesy of an sharp Italy counterattack, Marilungo providing the incisive pass and Soriano the emphatic finish.<br />
<br />
Ahead of the Hungary-Wales clash on Saturday, the Welsh lead Italy on goal difference in the Group 3 standings, on 13 points, with Hungary one point behind in third spot.<br />
<br />
Casiraghi will hope Wales avoid defeat in Hungary ahead of next Tuesday's final games, to keep play-off qualification in their own hands.<br />
<br />
The 10 group winners and four best runners-up will qualify for the play-off stage, with the seven winners joining hosts Denmark in the finals in June 2011.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Group 3 Results</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Wednesday 11 August</span><br />
Bosnia-Herzegovina 0-2 Hungary<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Friday 3 September</span><br />
Bosnia-Herzegovina 0-1 Italy<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Group 3 Standings</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">[1]</span> WAL - PLD: 06 - PTS: 13</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">---------------------------</span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">[2]</span> ITA - PLD: 07 - PTS: 13</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">---------------------------</span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">[3]</span> HUN - PLD: 06 - PTS: 12</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">[4] BOS - PLD: 07 - PTS: 07</span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">[5] LUX - PLD: 08 - PTS: 04</span></span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Remaining Group 3 Fixtures</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Saturday 4 September</span><br />
Hungary v Wales (1630)<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Tuesday 7 September</span><br />
Hungary v Bosnia-Herzegovina (1600)<br />
Italy v Wales (1600)<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Source: UEFA</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.italian-calcio.blogspot.com</div>italian calcio bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18004038557750711623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31555542.post-50845647545150809942010-09-02T19:00:00.000+01:002010-09-02T19:00:53.534+01:00Azzurri turn focus to Euro 2012<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Italy are eager to banish memories of their nightmare FIFA World Cup as they head into Friday's opening UEFA Euro 2012 qualifier against Estonia in Tallinn.</span></b><br />
<br />
The Azzurri were knocked out of the competition in South Africa after finishing bottom of their group with two points.<br />
<br />
Under new coach Cesare Prandelli, who replaced Marcello Lippi at the helm in July, the Italians will be looking for their first win of the year in Estonia.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>"We have to leave behind these negative thoughts," said Prandelli. "The thought of not having won a game this year could have a psychological weight on the team."<br />
<br />
The Azzurri expect to clinch six points from their opening games, in Estonia and then at home to the Faroe Islands next Tuesday.<br />
<br />
"If we lose these two games it would be almost a disaster," said Prandelli. "But there are no easy games and that's the truth."<br />
<br />
Prandelli's first game in charge was a 1-0 friendly defeat by Ivory Coast in London last month.<br />
<br />
"I'm calm," he said. "If I already felt the pressure you would have to probably take me tomorrow to hospital!"<br />
<br />
Prandelli will be boosted by the news Antonio Cassano appears to have overcome a back problem after he sat out of training earlier this week.<br />
<br />
Cassano is set to be included in the starting XI playing alongside Simone Pepe and Giampaolo Pazzini in attack.<br />
<br />
"From a psychological point of view, Cassano is 100%," said Prandelli. "We will just evaluate during the game if he can play for 90 minutes."<br />
<br />
Fiorentina striker Alberto Gilardino, who has not scored for the Azzurri since last October, will be relegated to the bench.<br />
<br />
With goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon sidelined until December with a back injury, Palermo's Salvatore Sirigu will be between the posts.<br />
<br />
Prandelli has warned his players to be ready for a battle.<br />
<br />
"Estonia have four good players," said Prandelli. "They play in a small stadium and they will have a good atmosphere."<br />
<br />
Tarmo Ruutli's side go into the encounter looking for their second straight win in qualifying after winning 2-1 at home to the Faroe Islands last month in the opening game of the group.<br />
<br />
As well as Estonia and the Faroe Islands, Italy will also face Serbia, Northern Ireland and Slovenia in Group C.<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.italian-calcio.blogspot.com</div>italian calcio bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18004038557750711623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31555542.post-69703227452160945292010-09-01T16:31:00.001+01:002010-09-02T17:21:13.028+01:00Malesani replaces Colomba at Bologna<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Bologna have appointed Alberto Malesani as coach in place of Franco Colomba, who was sacked on the eve of the club's opening Serie A game of the season.</span></b><br />
<br />
Malesani has been out of work since leaving relegated Siena at the end of last term. The 56-year-old has signed a one-year deal with the Rossoblu, who drew 0-0 against champions Inter on Monday with youth team coach Paolo Magnani at the helm.<br />
<br />
Malesani made his name at Chievo in the early 1990s before joining Fiorentina and Parma, with whom he won a Coppa Italia, the Italian Super Cup and the 1999 UEFA Cup.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>"I had the chance to coach Bologna a few times during my career but it never happened," said Malesani, who had a spell in charge of Panathinaikos in 2005-06. "I'm very happy to be able to do it now as this is a very prestigious club."<br />
<br />
His opening match in charge will be a trip to Rome to play Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico after the international break.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Source: UEFA</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.italian-calcio.blogspot.com</div>italian calcio bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18004038557750711623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31555542.post-82741306766118834382010-08-31T18:19:00.008+01:002010-09-02T17:42:16.712+01:00[Mercato] Cesena switch for Jimenez<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Former Inter player Luis Jimenez has joined newly-promoted Cesena on a season-long loan deal.</span></b><br />
<br />
Jimenez had been facing an uncertain future after third tier side Ternana secured his rights at an auction earlier in the summer.<br />
<br />
Ternana had previously co-owned his rights along with Inter, who loaned the 26-year-old out to West Ham United last June.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Jimenez struggled to make an impact during his time in the English Premier League and endured a similarly frustrating spell with Parma during the second half of the campaign.<br />
<br />
The Chilean forward will now be looking to resurrect his career after a difficult 12 months and help Cesena stay in Serie A.<br />
<br />
Cesena have also snapped up Croatian striker Igor Budan on a season-long loan deal from Palermo.<br />
Budan has fallen down the pecking order in Sicily and has been allowed to go out in an effort to get more regular football.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Source: Sky Sports</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.italian-calcio.blogspot.com</div>italian calcio bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18004038557750711623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31555542.post-30823109600424988202010-08-31T17:51:00.008+01:002010-09-02T17:48:23.630+01:00[Mercato] Bologna snap up Perez<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Bologna have bolstered their midfield with the signing of Uruguayan international Diego Perez and the arrival of Serbian Ivan Radovanovic on loan.</span></b><br />
<br />
Perez who has signed a four-year deal, arrives from Monaco where he has played for the past six seasons.<br />
<br />
The 30-year-old was one of Uruguay's standout players at the 2010 FIFA World Cup where they reached the semi-finals.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>He joins several compatriots at Bologna including defender Miguel Britos and midfielders Henry Gimenez and Gaston Ramirez.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Serie B club Atalanta have loaned out Radovanovic for a year with an option to buy.<br />
<br />
Bologna, without a coach, opened their Serie A campaign with a solid 0-0 draw with champions Inter on Monday.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Source: AFP</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.italian-calcio.blogspot.com</div>italian calcio bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18004038557750711623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31555542.post-57267384968808294002010-08-31T17:39:00.004+01:002010-09-02T17:30:48.977+01:00[Mercato] Roma snatch Borriello<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Marco Borriello secured a late switch to Roma on deadline day after a deal with Juventus could not be agreed.</span></b><br />
<br />
Borriello has joined Claudio Ranieri's side on loan from AC Milan with a view to a permanent move next summer.<br />
<br />
Roma only stepped up their pursuit with hours remaining of the transfer window as the striker had looked set to link up with Juve.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Juve ultimately abandoned their bid to sign Borriello because they were only interested in a loan spell.<br />
<br />
The 28-year-old has now opted to go to Roma, with the prospect of UEFA Champions League football thought to be a key factor in his decision.<br />
<br />
Ranieri will be delighted to have recruited a player with international experience for Italy as Roma look forward to a packed schedule of domestic and European games.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Source: Sky Sports</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.italian-calcio.blogspot.com</div>italian calcio bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18004038557750711623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31555542.post-35483907569167550892010-08-31T16:54:00.011+01:002010-09-02T17:29:09.745+01:00[Mercato] Robinho joins Milan<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">AC Milan have signed Brazil forward Robinho on a permanent basis from Manchester City.</span></b><br />
<br />
The Brazil international was initially thought to have been heading to the San Siro on loan, but he has now agreed a four-year contract with the Serie A giants.<br />
<br />
Robinho will now link up with fellow new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic and international team-mates Ronaldinho and Alexandre Pato in a star-studded strike force.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>The 26-year-old moved to Manchester City exactly two years ago on transfer deadline day in an astonishing £32.5million deal from Real Madrid.<br />
<br />
But despite the move being seen as a statement of intent from the Premier League outfit on the same day they were taken over by the mega-rich Sheikh Mansour, he failed to settle.<br />
<br />
A decent first season was followed by criticisms over his commitment and Robinho was sent out to Santos in January for the remainder of the season.<br />
<br />
With plenty of competition in Roberto Mancini's squad, Robinho was not a guaranteed starter and has now moved on for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £22million.<br />
<br />
A statement from AC Milan read: "AC Milan announces it has acquired player Robinho on a permanent deal from Manchester City.<br />
<br />
"The Brazilian player has signed a four-year contract with the Rossoneri club."<br />
<br />
Earlier in the day, Robinho expressed his satisfaction about joining the Rossoneri.<br />
<br />
"I am very happy," he said. "Milan is an excellent club."<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Source: Sky Sports</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.italian-calcio.blogspot.com</div>italian calcio bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18004038557750711623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31555542.post-22463477828003796612010-08-31T16:33:00.000+01:002010-09-02T17:52:09.204+01:00[Mercato] Kaladze joins Genoa<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Genoa have signed Kakha Kaladze on a permanent deal from AC Milan.</span></b><br />
<br />
The 32-year-old Georgia captain joins Genoa after nine seasons with Milan, and has signed a two-year contract.<br />
<br />
A statement from Genoa read: "Genoa announces the signing of Georgian international Kakhaber Kaladze on a permanent transfer from AC Milan.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>"In the next few days the defender will join Giampiero Gasperini's side in training."<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Source: PA</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.italian-calcio.blogspot.com</div>italian calcio bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18004038557750711623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31555542.post-66468667303815565962010-08-31T16:19:00.001+01:002010-09-02T17:37:09.584+01:00[Mercato] Juve take Traore, Rinaudo on loan<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Juventus continued their massive recruitment drive by taking Arsenal's French left back Armand Traore and Napoli defender Leandro Rinaudo on season-long loans on transfer deadline day.</span></b><br />
<br />
"Freshness, physical strength and technique in abundance: the left side of Juventus has been enriched with quality thanks to the arrival of Armand Traore from Arsenal," a Juve statement said about the 20-year-old. A second statement announced 27-year-old Rinaudo's arrival.<br />
<br />
Twice European champions Juve brought in 10 players during the transfer window as they look to recover from last term's dismal seventh-place finish in Serie A, although efforts to offload left back Fabio Grosso look to have been unsuccessful.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>French defender Jonathan Zebina left for Brescia and Mauro Camoranesi joined Stuttgart.<br />
<br />
Juve's new-look squad negotiated the Europa League qualifiers to make the competition proper but lost 1-0 at Bari in their opening Serie A game on Sunday.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Source: Reuters</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.italian-calcio.blogspot.com</div>italian calcio bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18004038557750711623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31555542.post-50414886047806191022010-08-31T15:44:00.005+01:002010-09-02T17:45:48.870+01:00[Mercato] Double deal for Lecce<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Lecce have strengthened their squad with the signings of David Di Michele and Jeda.</span></b><br />
<br />
Di Michele spent the second half of last season on loan with Lecce and was an instrumental figure in their promotion-winning campaign.<br />
<br />
He has now joined on a permanent basis after officially leaving Torino earlier in the summer.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>The 34-year-old will be joined at Lecce by fellow striker Jeda, who arrives for an undisclosed fee from Serie A rivals Cagliari.<br />
<br />
The Brazilian, 31, provides Lecce manager Luigi De Canio with another experienced option up front.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Source: Sky Sports</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.italian-calcio.blogspot.com</div>italian calcio bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18004038557750711623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31555542.post-49043119561535377892010-08-31T12:42:00.002+01:002010-09-02T17:44:05.041+01:00[Mercato] Cesena sign Benalouane<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Yohan Benalouane has joined newly-promoted Serie A side Cesena from Saint-Etienne, the French club has announced.</span></b><br />
<br />
The fee for the 23-year-old centre-back, who was thought to be close to a move to Juventus, was reportedly 1million euros.<br />
<br />
Benalouane came through the youth ranks at Saint-Etienne and has played for France's U-21 team, but he recently announced that he wishes to represent Tunisia at senior international level.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Source: AFP</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.italian-calcio.blogspot.com</div>italian calcio bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18004038557750711623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31555542.post-84344985629777608512010-08-30T17:03:00.007+01:002010-09-02T17:04:56.482+01:00[Mercato] Palermo pick up Joao Pedro<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Palermo have confirmed the signing of highly-rated Brazilian teenager Joao Pedro from Atletico Mineiro.</span></b><br />
<br />
Reports in the Italian press suggest that Palermo have paid around 6million euros to sign the 18-year-old, whose full name is Joao Pedro Geraldino dos Santos Galvao.<br />
<br />
"I don't remember his name, I only know that he cost me a lot of money, yes I've signed him," joked Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Pedro caught the eye of Palermo after progressing quickly through the youth ranks with homeland club Mineiro.<br />
<br />
He began to establish himself as a regular starter for Mineiro earlier this year, while he has previously represented Brazil at Under 17 level.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Source: Sky Sports</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.italian-calcio.blogspot.com</div>italian calcio bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18004038557750711623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31555542.post-87198600732595907712010-08-30T15:58:00.002+01:002010-09-02T17:02:35.217+01:00[Mercato] Camoranesi and Zebina leave Juve<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Italy international Mauro Camoranesi has joined Stuttgart from Juventus, while defender Jonathan Zebina has also left.</span></b><br />
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Camoranesi has signed a one-year contract with the Bundesliga side on the final day of the transfer window having parted company with the Turin giants.<br />
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A World Cup winner with Italy in 2006, the 33-year-old Camoranesi scored 32 goals in 288 appearances for the Juve after joining the club in 2002 from Verona.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Juve also confirmed they had parted company with veteran defender Zebina. The French right-back has joined newly-promoted side Brescia.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Source: ESPN</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.italian-calcio.blogspot.com</div>italian calcio bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18004038557750711623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31555542.post-37380691224746608712010-08-30T14:54:00.002+01:002010-09-02T16:56:24.320+01:00[Mercato] Chievo capture Fernandes<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Chievo have bolstered their ranks with the loan signing of Gelson Fernandes from French outfit St Etienne.</span></b><br />
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The Switzerland international only made the move to St Etienne 12 months ago after a two-year spell with Manchester City when he showed promise but failed to establish himself as a regular starter.<br />
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He is now embarking on a fresh challenge in Italy after joining Chievo on a season-long deal with the option for a permanent transfer next summer.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Chievo made a winning start to the new Serie A campaign with a 2-1 victory over Catania at the weekend and will be delighted to add Fernandes to their squad.<br />
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The 23-year-old midfielder scored the only goal of the game in Switzerland's shock victory over eventual champions Spain at the World Cup.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Source: Sky Sports</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.italian-calcio.blogspot.com</div>italian calcio bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18004038557750711623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31555542.post-48531970836324163392010-08-30T12:39:00.002+01:002010-09-02T16:53:14.219+01:00[Mercato] Napoli snap up Sosa<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Argentina midfielder Jose Ernesto Sosa has joined Serie A club Napoli on a four-year deal from Bayern Munich.</span></b><br />
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The 25-year-old has terminated his contract with the Bundesliga champions a year early to link up with the Italian outfit.<br />
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Sosa, who arrived in Munich from native club Estudiantes three years ago, has failed to establish himself at Bayern, scoring two goals in 35 league appearances.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>The midfielder, who spent time on loan at his former Argentine club last season, joins Napoli for an undisclosed fee.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Source: Sky Sports</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.italian-calcio.blogspot.com</div>italian calcio bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18004038557750711623noreply@blogger.com0