Despite being pretty helpful for Lazio in plenty matches, Giuseppe Sculli looks set for a return to Genoa this winter, as it was confirmed by the Biancocelesti’s director of Sport, Igli Tare.

Speaking to the press, Tare revealed that Sculli’s departure to the Marassi outfit is very close although there’s still some details that both parties must settle before making everything official.

Without getting into much details in reasoning why Lazio decided to offload Sculli this winter, Tare only explained that the capital club’s good relationship with Genoa’s patron, Enrico Preziosi, are the thing that smoothened the deal. Looking at the clear situation, it obviously won’t take long before both clubs announced the deal which see the striker moving back again from the club that pretty much made his name in Serie A.

“The good rapport between Presidents Claudio Lotito and Enrico Preziosi make everything easier, but it’s not finalised yet. We still need to sign the paperwork and check a few details, so we’ll see,” Tare stated.

Sculli’s return to Genoa was a bit of surprise especially since it kinda happened rather to fast as the striker was just sold in January 2011, which is halfway into last season. It seems that not being the main part of Lazio’s coach, Edy Reja, plan simply encouraged the ex-Juventus youth player to get back into his previous club and help them improving their current position in Serie A.

Meanwhile, beside talking about Sculli’s future, Tare also shared news about two other Lazio strikers, Libor Kozak and Emiliano Alfaro, who were also being heavily linked with a move away from the capital this January. According to the Sporting director, those two players will be staying with the Biancocelestin until this season ends as both are not being considered to be given away this January.

Kozak is a fantastic player and his departure has never even been considered. Cesena and other clubs requested him, but he is staying with us. The same goes for Alfaro, who is training well.” Tare added.

photo credit: ViolaChannel

After facing disappointment in the hands of As Roma last weekend, Napoli run rampant in the midweek as Walter Mazzarri’s team completely demolished Genoa 6-1 at San Paolo.

Meanwhile, at Olympico an uninspiring performance from Lazio earned them only a point against Chievo, something that should be cherished by Edy Reja’s men as they were outplayed by their opponent for the most part of the match.

Six Star Napoli Demolished Genoa.

Napoli players already looking really eager to redeem their previous defeat against Roma at San Paolo and apparently lady luck was not going away from Mazzarri’s team as Edinson Cavani opened the scoring only after 12 minutes. Four minutes later, Marek Hamsik shown his class by netting the home team’s second goal in the match after a fine classic counter attacking move by the Partenopei, which is simply to quick for Genoa’s back line.

Cavani added his tally again in the 24th minute as the striker once again managed to sprung the offside trap and eventually chipped the ball pass Sebastian Frey on Genoa’s goal, to give his side a 3-0 lead. The visitor did managed to pull a goal back though, as few minutes after the Uruguayan star grabbed his double, Jorquera scored a wonderful goal for Alberto Malesani’s team. However, Goran Pandev restored Napoli’s three goals advantage with a fine drilled shot which once again came from a fine counter attack.

Leading 4-1 in the first half, Napoli didn’t simply rest their laurels in the second period as Mazzarri’s boys added two more goals from Walter Gargano’s long range shot and followed by a similar kind of effort from Juan Zuniga. The result obviously gave the Partenopei fans some delight just before the Serie A went into a short break and re-start again sometime in early January.

Disappointing Lazio Held at Olympico

Meanwhile, Lazio failed to get themselves closer with the top three teams as they picked up another draw at home and this time they can consider themselves a little bit lucky in having it since their opponent, Chievo, played much better. Eying to give a present for their fans before the short break, Lazio tried to take the game on their hands but apparently things didn’t really happened the way it was planned for the home team.

The Flying Donkey, who were playing without any sort of pressure managed to dominate the match and created tons of great goal scoring chances, notably from Alberto Paloschi and Sergio Pellisier. The Capital club should really be thanking their keeper, Albano Bizzarri, as he was practically the one who managed to keep Lazio in the match after making several wonderful saves.

Lazio tried to change things a bit in the second period and did create a bit more chances compared to their completely dull first half, but still it was the away team that looked more dangerous. Having Bizzarri continuing to be the Biancocelesti’s best performer on the pitch pretty much said everything about Edy Reja’s side performance, who eventually got booed by their fans after the match end in a 0-0 draw.

Match Reports:

Napoli v Genoa 6-1

Goals: Cavani 12, 24, Hamsik 16, Pandev 45, Gargano 49, Zuniga 80 (Napoli); Jorquera 28 (Genoa)

Napoli: De Sanctis; Campagnaro, Cannavaro (Fernandez 66), Aronica; Maggio, Inler, Gargano (Dzemaili 59), Zuniga; Hamsik, Pandev (Lucarelli 77); Cavani
Genoa: Frey; Mesto, Granqvist, Dainelli, Kaladze (Marchiori 58), Rossi, Veloso, Seymour (Merkel 50), Jorquera, Pratto, Caracciololo (Jankovic 46)

Lazio v Chievo 0-0

Lazio: Bizzarri; Konko (Kozak 84), Biava, Dias, Radu; Cana, Ledesma, Lulic; Hernanes (Gonzalez 46); Klose, Cissé (Rocchi 64)
Chievo: Sorrentino; Sardo, Andreolli, Cesar, Jokic; Luciano (Sammarco 74), Bradley, Hetemaj; Thereau (Morero 80); Pellissier, Paloschi (Moscardelli 71)

photo credit: Tanzen80

Genoa’s activity in the transfer market never seems to stop as this January, the Rossoblu are very keen to make some more important signings especially since tactician, Alberto Malesani, has already requested the management for reinforcements.

Not mentioning the potential candidates, Malesani only confirmed that the club needs several additional to fix several problems which occurred at his team during the course of this new season.

“The club needs to step in and make changes in January on the transfer market to fix those issues we have already discussed. We will make some signings that can help us out,” Malesani stated.

Answering the tactician’s request, Genoa’s president, Enrico Preziosi, also hinted at a new signing, stating that As Roma’s wantaway striker, Marco Borriello, could be one of the potential January arrival. However, should they missed out on Borriello, Preziosi also confirmed that the Rossoblu will be looking elsewhere in the market as getting reinforcement is pretty much a confirmed idea for the Marassi outfit.

“I hope he(Borriello) arrives. He did very well with Genoa in the past. If the opportunity to get him back is possible then we’ll have a go, otherwise we’ll do something else. If he does leave then Genoa would be his priority,” Preziosi revealed.

Aside from confirming the potential arrival at Genoa this January, Preziosi once again also confirmed that the club won’t be returning Alexander Merkel back to Milan this winter. The German under 21 midfielder has been one of the Rossoblu important players this season so they’re not keen in letting him walk away that soon, despite rumors claimed that the Rossoneri are offering a loan exchange with Stephan El Shaarawy.

“Merkel is staying here, he’s untouchable,” Preziosi stated. “El Shaarawy won’t come back either. If he moves then Milan and us could agree to loan him to a different club for six months.”

photo credit: kkola917

An interesting statement arrives from Genoa’s new goal keeper, Sebastian Frey, who revealed that his club have a pretty high ambition in the near future which is reaching Champions League football.

Frey even stated that it was the thing which ensured him in choosing the Griffonne, as the club’s president, Enrico Preziosi, convinced the keeper that the Marassi outfit are heading into that direction.

However, Frey does admit that reaching that Champions League goal wouldn’t be the club’s main target this season as they must first build a much more stable and competitive squad before eventually belong in that zone. The French keeper does believe that in the future, Genoa will eventually able to be one of the challengers in grabbing at least the final spot for Champions football, although it won’t be easy since this season until probably few seasons to come, there will only be three places in qualifying for that competition.

“I joined Genoa because President Enrico Preziosi made me understand that they have big ambitions. I’m 31, but he offered me a five-year deal and that shows that he believes in me and the possibility of reaching the Champions League,” said Frey. “I tasted that competition with Fiorentina and I’m convinced that Genoa are just shy of reaching that level.We have to start building thi

It remains to see whether Frey’s words can actually come true in the future as in terms of transfer strategy, Genoa usually always makes some significant breakthrough in acquiring new players each summer. However, there’s always some doubts about the club’s high ambition, since they normally sold their top talents to bigger clubs, notably two Milan teams, Ac Milan and Inter Milan, in the last few seasons.

photo credit: fabbio

Inter Milan’s ambition to immediately get their spirit and position up in Serie A must be halted this weekend as their scheduled match against Genoa, set for lunch time Sunday kick off, is being called off due to a flood.

The tragic disaster has been happening in Genoa over the weekend and several victims occurred from the incident, fueling the decision from both teams to cancel the match in respect of the current tragedy.

Inter Milan’s general manager, Ernesto Paolilo, confirmed that the decision in calling of the match was definitely the right thing as football should not be a priority when such a tragic disaster is happening. Reports from Italy suggested that a new date for the Genoa-Inter fixture will be set up again on Monday, confirming that the Nerazzurri and Griffone players are having an early international break.

Clearly the situation is tragic, so right now the match is the last of our concerns. It is impossible to even think about sport in this context. Some children died in the floods and our thoughts go out to all those who are suffering at this time.It was simply a moral imperative to call off the game,” Palolilo said.

Meanwhile, Genoa’s midfielder, Miguel Veloso, shared a bit of his eye-witness story about the recent flood, which the player managed to spot directly from where he is currently staying. The Portuguese international pretty much confirmed that the condition at Genoa at the moment isn’t conducive or appropriate for a football match as there’s so many destruction happening.

“The city centre is turned upside down. I live in the centre of Genoa and the main road is full of rubble. There is so much destruction. I was afraid, because I’ve never seen anything like it.” Veloso stated.

 

photo credit: .a_dit.

Genoa have signed striker Rodrigo Palacio to a one-year contract extension, the day after he almost joined Inter Milan.

Palacio looked all set to join the Nerazzurri at the transfer deadline, but Inter at the last moment decided to sign Mauro Zarate on loan from Lazio instead.

“We have extended Rodrigo’s contract for another year and have increased his wages,” said Genoa president Enrico Preziosi. “It is a sacrifice that we have done willingly because the player had been approached by many important teams throughout the transfer market.”

Palacio, who joined Genoa two years ago from Boca Juniors, will now remain with the Grifoni until June 2014.

Another interesting twist occurred in Serie A transfer market, notably known as”calciomercato’, after the latest report suggested that Cesare Bovo, who supposedly only a medical away from signing with Fiorentina, was hijacked by Genoa.

The Griffone have even confirmed that the currently still Palermo player will be joining the Marassi’s side training program ahead of the new season as the Sicilian club already allowed Bovo to join Alberto Malesani’s team

This news is simply a bit surprising as few days ago, as Bovo is all be set to join Fiorentina, with only medical check up left but apparently Genoa managed to steal the player from the Viola’ grasps. The former As Roma youth is set to be officially announced as the new Griffone player on Thursday once he finished his medical check up with the Marassi outfit, which will also be held sometime tomorrow.

Bovo is actually an important figure for Palermo, as he is also being given the captain armband after Fabrizio Micolli, however, the signing of talented Catania defender, Mattias Silvestre apparently gave the Sicilian side a confidence that they are more than covered at the back. Genoa’s action in hijacking Bovo in front of Fiorentina’s nose could make things very interesting as the Marassi outfit is reportedly very keen in purchasing the Viola’s top striker, Alberto Gillardino, who until now is still being kept away from outside offers.

Moreover, reports from Italy also stated that Bovo is expected to sign a three years deal with Genoa and join the likes of Kakha Kaladze, in leading the ambitious mid table Italian side, who are eagerly trying to enter the European stage once again. The Griffone has been pretty active in the transfer market especially starting from last season, although that haven’t been that successful as just yet. This season, the Marassi outfit is very eager to sign some top names in Italian football because their fans are a little bit upset with the club’s decision in selling their star players such as Domenico Criscito to Zenit St. Petersburg and Stephane El Shaarawy to Ac Milan this summer.

Meanwhile, the latest report from Italy revealed that Palermo have confirmed Bovo’s move to Genoa and it’s to be said as a season loan deal with rights of redemption after the season ends in 2012. Unfortunately, there haven’t been any new details regarding the cash supposedly involved for the deal, but more reports might be unveiled once the player finished his scheduled medical check up.

photo credit: mediagol

Alberto Gilardino’s future with Fiorentina looking to reach its end as reports from Italy suggested that Genoa are really close in concluding a deal to prize up the striker from Artemio Franchi.

Confirming about the negotiation process, Genoa’s president, Enrico Preziosi, stated that everything is looking positive and an important meeting regarding the transfer is set to happen next week.

Preziosi himself revealed that he is confident that his club can seal the deal with Fiorentina especially since Gilardino himself is reportedly keen on playing for the Griffone this summer. Genoa’s high ambition in the market in the last few seasons seems to be something that turned the former Ac Milan striker’s interest as the Viola seems heading into the opposite track.

“There are negotiations for Gilardino. Nothing has been finalised yet, but next week will be decisive, as there is an important meeting planned. Am I optimistic? I’m always optimistic. We will do everything we can to bring Gilardino to Genoa,” Preziosi said. “As far as I know, the player wants to make the transfer and join us, so… With Gilardino, we would further raise the bar.”

Genoa’s good relationship with Fiorentina seems to be the main reason that makes the Griffone very optimistic with their chance in acquiring Gilardino’s signature, especially since the Viola are also looking to buy a player from Preziosi’s team. Also being confirmed by the Genoa’s president, Fiorentina are close to capture, Hosseine Kharja from the Marrasi oufit, with only personal details missing from concluding that deal.

Genoa’s high ambition in trying to acquire local big name player such as Gilardino seems to be part of Preziosi’s bid to redeem the fans’ anger for the president’s policy in selling their stars and potential talents to big clubs, especially the two Milan giants. The latest selling that reportedly infuriated the Griffone’s die hards were the sale of young talent, Stephan El Shaarawy to Ac Milan early in the summer, although the deal being made currently a co-ownership it’s believed that in the end the 18 years-old trequartista’s full ownership will be acquired by the Rossoneri.

photo credit: loop_oh

Already missing out on one of their new goal keeper targets, Salvatore Sirigu, who moved to Paris Saint-Germain, Genoa, move fast in securing their other candidate, Sebastian Frey from Fiorentina.

Without making any more delays, the Grifone announced an official statement stating that an agreement have been reached between the club and the French goalie and next week after completing his medical.

Frey, who has been cast away by his club from pretty much most of last season due to injury, showed his willingness in joining Genoa by agreeing to cut his wage. A pretty bold decision made by the French keeper but it’s understandable as he is being promised a first team spot at the Grifone, something that he is looking for at the moment considering he hasn’t played much last season.

“President Enrico Preziosi has reached an agreement with Fiorentina over the signing of the French goalkeeper. The transfer will be ratified next week after Frey has completed his medical.Frey, who seemed very motivated in his meeting with the Preziosi family, strongly wanted the Grifone by also accepting a pay cut,” read an official note from Genoa.

The quick decision made by Genoa is pretty much an obvious one since not long ago the club’s president, Enrico Preziosi, has confirmed that there are only two main targets to fill the goal keeper position in his club, Frey and Sirigu. Unfortunately, just as the Grifone are still weighing up their choice, PSG suddenly snapped up the young Italian keeper, leaving Genoa with only one option left and obviously isn’t willing to lose anymore ground, they acted swiftly in landing Frey.

Genoa’s need for keeper arrives after the club decided to sent away their number one goalie last season, Ricardo, after a rather disappointing season, where the Portuguese was highly inconsistent and making several costly blunders. The choice of Frey itself is being made simply because the French keeper is someone who is very experienced in Serie A and not only that, the ex-Parma keeper used to be rated highly among top clubs but major injury last season dropped the interest on the goalie.

photo credit: fabbio

Genoa’s interest on Palermo’s keeper, Salvatore Sirigu, might not materialized at all after latest reports from Italy suggested that newly rich French outfit, Paris Saint-Germain, have already made an interesting offer for the Italian international keeper.

Reports from TMW claimed that PSG sent a 3,5 million Euro offer for Sirigu to the Sicilian and ready to give the keeper a four year deal, worth about 1,5 million Euro per-season.
The French team’s offer is definitely an interesting proposal that would attract Palermo and also the player, and with former Ac Milan director, Leonardo, being the man behind PSG’s transfer move, things might get easier for them. The Ligue 1 team previously have already snapped Jeremy Menez from As Roma and reportedly also eying several other Serie A based players such as Mommo Sissoko from Juventus along with another Palermo player, Javier Pastore.
Considering the fact that Sirigu’s contract will end in 2012 and he haven’t agree to extend with the Sicilian, the probability of Palermo accepting PSG’s offer is very big as their owner, Mauro Zamparini would probably opted to sell his players abroad anyway. The next question would now rely on the young keeper himself as whether he still wants to play in Serie A or not, should he decide to stick around in the league than Genoa might have another shot but if his convinced with Leonardo’s project then Ligue 1 seems to be the Italian international destination.

Sirigu, who has been considered as one of the most talented young keeper in Serie A, suddenly becomes available in this summer transfer market after the goalie refused Palermo’s extension as both parties failed to agree on the wages numbers. The young keeper only netted around 250,000 Euro per-year at the moment and was asking for massive improvement should the Sicilian wants to renew the deal, however, the player reportedly asking more than what Palermo is willing to offer, hence making him a market prospect this summer.