Money isn’t everything in football, that’s what probably Inter Milan’s defender Nicolas Burdisso had in mind after reports stated that he would only choose Roma as his destination despite having bigger offer from Juventus.

Burdisso who was loan by Roma last season, look set to stay at the capital club permanently this season and leave his current owner, Inter, that doesn’t really have any intention in keeping him. However, the negotiation hasn’t had any breakthrough as there’s a huge numerical margin between the two clubs.

During that difficult negotiation time, Italian press stated that Juventus have just place a bid higher than what the Giallorosi manage to provide. The move certainly brings a big concern for Roma  as should Inter decide to accept the Bianconeri offer, there will be nothing that the capital club can do to outbid the Turin giant.

Fortunately for last season serie A runners up, it seems that the player has his heart set only for them as according to his agent, Fernando Hidalgo, Burdisso only wanted to play for Claudio Ranieri side and hoping that Inter would allow him to move to the capital. Despite the economical gap that stands between Roma’s offer and Inter’s asking price, the agent is confident that both clubs can sort things out and fulfill his client’s wish.

“The player has also made his choice, which is Roma. At this point, I hope that tomorrow’s meeting between the two clubs is decisive, even if I know that there is an important gap between them.” Hidalgo stated, “I hope that Inter understand the situation. I want to be optimistic.”

It would be interesting in witnessing the end of this transfer process as the negotiation has actually started a while ago, with Inter keep on playing hard ball and won’t soften things up for Roma. On the other hand, the capital club, which has been publicly sold, doesn’t really have enough cash to pay the ransom for Burdisso as the Giallorosi’s effort in raising money by planning to sell some of their players isn’t going well either.

photo credit: batrax

Despite being the most active serie A team in the transfer market so far, Juventus management’s work doesn’t seem to please their fans yet as the Bianconeri’s devotees reportedly still questioning the team’s inability to off load some of the unwanted players.

Juve’s fans who are being known for their harsh treatment on their team’s performance, players and managerial staff, reportedly have voiced out their anger towards some unwanted players who still refuses to leave their beloved team despite being transfer listed. This devotees were seen putting a banner at the Bianconeri’s training camp saying their rejection to those unwanted players, threatening to make things difficult for them.

“We will make those players who have to leave, but want to stay go through a year of hell.” The banner’s read.

According from the reports from Italian press, the players that were being targeted by the banner are the likes of Mauro Camoranesi, Fabio Grosso and Christian Poulsen, however there could possibly other players that the Ultras wanted out. Those three players have been offered to some clubs but they doesn’t have any intention to leave unless there is a good offer that comes in their way, this kind of attitude seems to be one that upset some of the Bianconeri’s fierce supporters.

With the Ultras already making their voice, it could pretty much makes the management’s plan to sell those three players gets easier as it would be disappointing for a player to play with an enormous pressure and hate from your own team’s devotees. However, in truth those three players mentioned above aren’t the only ones that Juventus are planning to ship out, there are more names left in the squad that pretty much halted the Italian giant’s movement in the transfer market.

This kind of treatment is actually a common thing done by the Turin based club’s fans as last season they also did the same thing to the players that they dislike such as Fabio Cannacaro and Felipe Melo. Not only that, the Bianconeri’s Ultras have also made an abuse towards players from other team, most notably is Inter Milan’s starlet Mario Balotelli, who has been a constant mocking target for those fans.

photo credit: batrax

After facing a stumbling block in their attempt to acquire Edin Dzeko’s signature, Juventus reportedly are considering an alternative should they fail to land the Bosnian striker.

The press in Italy claims that the Turin giant are eying Manchester City’s striker, Emanuel Adebayor, as their new target for next summer.

Adebayor’s status in City is reportedly in serious doubt after the club’s  manager, Roberto Mancini, seems eager to look for new strikers, such as Inter’s Mario Ballotelli and Barcelona’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic. With reports claiming that the deal for Balo is almost done, there’s a big possibility that the EPL side are willing to part ways with the former Arsenal striker considering they still have plenty of fire powers at their disposal.

Another factor that can also help Adebayor’s move possible is that his bad relationship with Mancini which pretty an important factor to make the 26-years-old striker consider a new experience outside England. However, should City does decide to put Ade on the transfer list Juventus would probably face a tough competition as the Togo international striker does have lots of admirers, including the likes of Marseille and Ac Milan.

Despite their constant chase for a new target man, one thing that Juve’s management should be thinking before acquiring new strikers is that they really need to off load some of their players first, especially attackers. The Old Lady currently still have plenty of forwards on their roosters, such as David Trezeguet, Vincenzo Iaquinta, Carvalho Amauri, Alessandro Del Piero, Davide Lanzafame, that doesn’t count other attacking minded players like Diego or Sebastian Giovinco that can also be played up front.

Surely getting Adebayor as an target man won’t be a set back for Juve in fact it could be a coup for them as although he isn’t their main target for the upcoming season, the ex-Arsenal striker’s technical qualities are on par with Dzeko. Not only that, the Togo international has already performed in the highest level of football longer that the Bosnian talent, so the 26-years-old player actually have more experience than the Wolfsburg striker.

photo credit: :: Suwaif ::

Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Juventus captain and club icon Alessandro Del Piero inspired the Bianconeri to a 2-1 friendly win over French champions Lyon on Saturday. The Turin outfit went down early in the first half when Giorgio Chiellini unfair play in the 6 yard box resulted in a penalty for Lyon.

Ederson successfully converted to put the visitors in the lead. In similar fashion, on the 26th minute, Juventus were handed a penalty after a Amauri was brought down in the penalty area. Del Piero stepped up to score his 199th goal for the Bianconeri.

Contrary to what many people thought, Juve’s forward line of Diego, Del Piero and Simone Pepe linked up exceptionally well. If this is a foretaste of what we can expect from Juventus in the new season, then i can hardly wait for the games to kick-off.

Apparently, Inter and Roma have worthy competition for the scudetto next season. Until Milan moves to acquire some new players, then they do no stand any chance of posing a real threat for the title.

Juve’s win albeit be in a friendly is significant nonetheless. Coming off a bad 09/2010 campaign that saw the finish the league in 7th place, the Bianconeri failed to secure qualification for Europe’s elite club competition- the UEFA Champions League.

Saturday’s win also helped to prepare them for next week’s third round Europa League third qualifying round against Irish side Shamrock Rovers. Like i mentioned earlier last week, Juventus might just be the surprise of the season.

With such a convincing win over one of Europe’s big club’s, Juventus no doubt sent out a strong message to all their opposition in the Serie A in the new season.

Photo credit: from salvatoregiambelluca

The serie A’s new season hasn’t started yet but two big rivals on the league, Ac Milan and Juventus seems set to start an early war as the two reportedly are working hard to acquire the signature of Wolfsburg’s striker Edin Dzeko. Despite the latest statement from the Germany club’s management saying that they would not sell Dzeko this season, I can assure you the rumors won’t rest until the transfer window ends on August 31.

Before Wolfsburg’s latest hands off warning, the media reported that both Milan and Juve are trying out all possibilities to get their hands on the highly rated young Bosnian striker, scared off by the price tag both Italian giants are lining up another scenario by using their players as trade. The Rossoneri reportedly are ready to insert Gennaro Gattusso as part of the deal while Juve are set to include Diego or Iaquinta as their bargaining chip, however seeing from the German club’s latest statement it seems that those offers haven’t pleased them at all.

The fact that previously the Bundesliga keeps changing their attitude towards Dzeko’s possible sale, you won’t bet that the rumors regarding the 24-years-old player’s future will end soon, especially the player reportedly is keen to move in search of bigger challenge. This weekend, the press was filled with news of the Bosnian talent’s flirts with both Milan and Juve, as there were rumors of his appreciation and hopes to play for either of those Italian top clubs.

Surely in many interviews, Dzeko has stated that the club he supported since kids was Ac Milan and should there be a chance he wants to play there, but if Juve can provide him the opportunity to step up his career the striker would probably accept it. Personally, should Dzeko leaves Milan might be the best target for him as not only he will fulfill his boyhood dream but the fact that the Rossoneri is playing at the Champions League certainly gives them a point more than Juve that will only compete in Europe League.

With more than a month before the transfer market close, Dzeko’s future will definitely be an interesting act to witness for many football fans as the talented striker have been attracting many big and rich clubs in the past two seasons. Moreover, how long will Milan and Juve plan to chase their target as both team, especially Juve certainly want to set their team as soon as possible so they can be ready when their footballing season kicks off again.

photo credit: epicharmus

Contrary to what many people think, Juventus might be the surprise of the new season. I do not know why but i have this strong feeling that the Bianconeri will be serious contenders for the scudetto. Having spent 27.5 million Euros on Leonardo Bonucci and Jorge Martinez, Juventus are still in the market trying to sign at least two more attackers with Edin Dzeko and Milos Krasic being their main targets.

New coach Luigi Del Neri has made it his major aim to ensure the 28 time league champions finish the season in a top four position. The only big surprise, is that out of form striker  David Trezeguet might be remaining at the club.

Now Trezeguet is a good player although of late, the former French international has failed to maintain the form that made him one of Europe’s most sort out strikers.

According to his agent Antonio Caliendo, Juventus are not prepared to sell their striker.

“Napoli? Those doors were open by the club, not by us. We waited for a meeting between the directors of both clubs, but that never happened,” Caliendo told Calciomercato.it.

“They don’t want to sell. Like I said before, we are seeing the same things that happened in previous years.”

Another of the club’s players Claudio Marchisio, has reiterated that the Turin outfit has learned its lesson and that they are prepared not to let last seasons pitfalls hinder them in the new season.

“The first part of 2010 was not good. We have to do everything we can to restart. Everyone has the will to do better and prevent the same mistakes from last season.

“Juventus are a strong team, and we have to be aware of that.”

Marchisio’s last statement speaks volumes. Juventus have to be aware that they are not only a strong team but also giant in the sport. Its that sort of belief that could give them the confidence they need to improve  their fortunes.

Watching  Juventus play towards the end of the season was a pity. It was almost as if the life had been sucked right out of them. Lack of belief and teamwork were the main causes. Hopefully, Del Neri has put measures in place to rectify those problems.

Photo credit: from Juventus Calcio

For all the problems Luciano Moggi has caused in Italian Football, he really is one outspoken critic. Apparently, according to Moggi, Italian football is dead. Now, just to refresh your memory, Moggi was the former Juventus managing director who was dishonourably sacked after investigations revealed that he was one of the architect’s behind the 2006 match fixing scandal.

As punishment for his crimes, Moggi has been banned from participating in all footballing activities for life! Yes you read that right.

“Italian football is rebelling against absurd decisions from one man that is slowly killing our football

“Italian football has had enough of Abete, not me who is in the past, but the football league and its 20 presidents. Someone please save us.”

Well, i do not agree with Moggi that Italian football is dead on the contrary, i think its on an upward curve. Inter Milan’s Champions League victory and trooping of international stars like Ronaldinho, Sneijder, Adriano and Samuel Eto’o has helped the league boost its image and appeal.

Sure may be in the past few years, the league suffered from poor policies heavy debt and numerous  scandals, however, which league has not had its share of problems?

In all aspects of life football included, there is a cylce. There are times when everything is rosy and there are times when things just don’t go right. The Serie A back in the 90s, was the dream destination for many players. Hosting some of the games biggest players and having the strong financial foundations to keep them there, it was not hard to see why the league flourished.

In the early years of this century, Spain emerged and inherited the mantle from Italy dominating for a good 5 years before the EPL finally overshadowed both Italy and Spain to become the most popular league.

Hopefully, Inter’s European success can return the limelight to a league that is in desperate need of some good publicity.  This, should definitely signal  the re-emergence of Italian football.

Photo credit: from fellata d’agnino

AS Roma midfielder Simone Perotta claims that the Giallorosso are second only to Inter in the league. Well, with all that is happening in the transfer market, that could be true. Apart from major Signings Adriano and Fabio Simplicio, Roma has largely remained in tact with most of their players who featured in their campaign last season staying with the club.

As you would probably guess, one of the major keys to achieving success is remaining consistent and maintaining the status quo (that is if it is working) Roma have done just that. The Giallorosso are the only top four team to have not changed their coach. Inter, Milan and Juventus will all start the season with  new coaches.

A new coach means change in tactics and coaching style. This eventually means that the players will need time to adapt to the new strategies used by the coach. This can prove to be costly especially in the early days of the new season. We all know what a good start can do to a team’s confidence and campaign.

So in that respect, i agree with Perrotta’s assertion. Speaking to Romanews, a confident Perrotta talked about the Giallorosso’s scudetto ambitions.

“The group is united and we are very relaxed at this early stage of pre-season,” Perrotta declared toRomanews.eu.

“The objective now is to continue improving. After pushing Inter to the wire last term we must try not to gift the opposition a head start next season.

“Inter are still one step above us, but after the Nerazzurri we are right up there.”

With Milan looking less and less serious about bolstering their squad for the new season, Inter and Roma are still the favourites for the scudetto. However, the Bianconeri under Luigi Del Neri can not be underestimated.

Photo credit: from .SVT.

It looks like Juventus’ plan in revamping their squad stuttered a bit as the latest news stated that some of their transfer listed players may not be leaving the club. One of the latest that shows his intend to stay in Turin is former French international striker, David Trezeguet, who looks determined to keep his place at the club.

The 32-years-old, who has been linked with many clubs such as Ac Milan, Valencia and Napoli, voiced out his intention to stay and fight for a place at Juventus on an interview with Italian press right after finishing his training session with the Bianconeri. Trezeguet seems certain that he can still give something for his club next season despite of his age and the management’s plan, the striker probably believes that if he can convince the new coach that he is still useful he might keep his place at the team.

“I don’t want to leave at all.” Trezeguet said to the press

The positive thing for the Frenchman is that according to the media, Juve’s new tactician, Gigi Del Neri, has been quite impressed with Trezeguet’s commitment and showing in the pre-season training camp. This what possibly gives the veteran striker more confidence in believing that he can still give something for the Italian giant, now the problem would solely lies on the club’s management that have made the striker available for other clubs.

Should Trezeguet decide to stay, that would add more uncertainty regarding Juventus’ transfer plan next summer as previously the club have also starting to re-think their plan of selling their Brazilian midfielder Diego Ribas. Not only those two players, recently their Danish midfielder, Christian Poulsen also stated that he doesn’t want to move from the club despite also being listed as transferable players alongside the Frenchman and Diego.

This would certainly jeopardize, the Old Lady’s future plan as they previously have already planned to revamp the squad by replacing some of their veteran and unused players with new and fresher talents. However, in order to get some of their targets, the team will need to sell first because not only they need more money for their transfer budget, the Turin club also have a huge squad that needs to be trimmed.

So far Juventus have already signed 5 new players, such as Marco Storari, Simone Pepe, Leonardo Bonucci, Marco Motta and Jorge Martinez. Reports said that the Bianconeri still have some more targets on their list, which includes the likes of Edin Dzeko, Milos Krasic, Philipe Mexes, Andrea Barzagli, Bastian Schweinsteigger and Vedad Ibisevic. Those names are pretty much the ones that fans and football expert expect from the Italian giant as their previous 5 early signing isn’t being considered as high profile players.

photo credit: :: Suwaif ::

A change of idea could be on the card for Juventus’ management as their previous plan to cash in on their Brazilian playmaker, Diego Ribas, might take a U-turn after their new coach Luigi Del Neri was impressed with the player’s showing on their training camp. The former Sampdoria coach who has been trying out the ex-Werder Bremen star playing as a support striker in the team’s training sessions, stated that he likes what he seen from Deigo so far.

“He is working hard and can do very well. I think he can play an important part for Juventus this season.” Del Neri said,“ Diego must be free to roam the final third, as he can play easily as a support for a lone centre-forward or as a trequartista behind two strikers.”

It seems that Diego’s versatility in playing as support striker, playmaker and trequartista behind two forwards have been the ultimate reason that Del Neri want the Brazilian to stay this summer. It’s obvious that the former Fc Porto midfielder does have an exquisite talent to compete in serie A, the problem is to integrate that talent into Juve’s system and Italian football style.

That is what Ciro Ferarra and Alberto Zacheroni aren’t able to do last season making the playmaker fail to find consistency in his playing and with the huge expectation given to him, Diego just unable to lift himself up after critics starts to hammer his performances. Now, if Del Neri decide to keep the Brazilian international, the coach must be able to bring out all of the player’s potential or it would be a waste of money and time for Juve.

Should Diego do stay next summer, Juventus’ management would definitely set another move for their transfer market as their plan to get cash from the Brazilian player’s sale surely won’t be happening. Not only that, other ideas in trading the 28-years-old for Wolfsburg striker, Edin Dzeko, would also need a re-adjustment. Now the Bianconeri’s board might try to force getting the deal for other players that they have listed to get the money needed for purchasing their targets as the ex- Porto player is actually a player that still has a very high value in the market.

photo credit: Shawn M. Smith